Gingham for Grown-Ups – 12 Ways to Wear It

Do you hesitate to wear gingham because it conjures up images of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz skipping down the yellow brick road in her blue and white gingham pinafore? How exactly is a grown-up gal supposed to wear this wholesome print and still look chic?

Here are 12 ways to wear gingham, so you look more sophisticated than sweet.

1. Choose Modern Shapes

Boxy checkered tops with big, short puffy sleeves may have looked cute when you were five, but won’t at fifty! Thank goodness that as we’ve matured, so has gingham. This spring there are many interesting, sophisticated, and even sexy gingham pieces for grown-up gals.

Gingham clothing with clean lines and structured shapes is easiest to wear over 40 and always looks chic.  Try cropped gingham pants, sleek pencil skirts, crisp reimagined gingham shirts, and flattering tie-front tops. Or try a moto-style jacket like this one that gives gingham a cool edge.

Flowy gingham pieces are also an option, although too much frou-frou or frills can make you look a little girly when you are “north of 40”.

2. Slip on a Pair of Gingham Shoes

Another way to step into this trend is with a pair of gingham stilettos, flats, or slingbacks. What great conversation starters, and a fabulous way to punctuate an outfit! 

3. Wear a Sexy Cold Shoulder

Gingham, sexy? A  gingham top or dress with an off-the-shoulder or cold shoulder neckline puts a sexy spin on this classic summer favorite. 

4. Mix Gingham with Another Print

Mixing prints is modern and hip. Wear gingham mixed with florals, a gingham skirt with a graphic print, or mix two ginghams of different colors and sizes.

5. Try Colored Gingham

Instead of the classic black or red gingham, try yellow or turquoise.

6. Buy a Gingham Swimsuit

Make a splash in a cute gingham swimsuit. They’re everywhere this summer, and I guarantee you’ll be surprised at how fab they look!

7. Get A Gingham Trench

Bored of your khaki trench? Pep things up with one of the many gingham trench coats out there that look classic but perky.

8. Pair Chambray with Gingham

Chambray shirts are being worn with everything, so why not gingham. Try one of them tucked into a pair of gingham pants or a feminine gingham skirt.

9. Combine Lace with Gingham

A gingham and lace top is very 2018, especially ones with interesting details on the sleeves.

10. Get Ruffled

Ruffled gingham tops are making waves this spring, and are nice if you want a very feminine look.  For example, a crisp gingham blouse with ruffled bells and sleeves worn with a classy pair of plain pants can be elegant and statement-making.

11. Wear It in Small Doses 

If you’re afraid that gingham will wear you instead of the other way around, try it in small doses. The pretty gingham ruffle on the sleeves of this gorgeous red t-shirt is all you need to own this trend. Doesn’t it look fantastic in these white jeans and slides?

12. Add Gingham Accessories

Still not sure if gingham is really for you, but want some of that fresh summer feel? Try a gingham hat, belt, clutch purse, or a chic scarf.

Do you get the idea?

Will you be wearing gingham this spring or do you think it’s too junior? Let me know if you have been shopping yet and what you have found.