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Looks to Love: Gingham

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Gingham aka checkers has been updated with bright colors and modern cuts — meaning they’re no longer relegated to the farm. The trends been spotted on Reese Witherspoon, Ashlee Simpson and Lauren Conrad, and we have to say, they all look pretty cute and comfortable in their loose, button-down shirts and jeans.

How to Wear Gingham

Bright colors are on point in spring and summer, even when checkers are in play. If a pink and blue checker pattern gives you vertigo, though, you can still go with a simple black and white. There’s nothing wrong with keeping things classic and traditional.

Pair a gingham shirt with almost any bottom — jeans, shorts, skirts, twill pants and even khakis work. Running shorts and hot pants are about the only bottoms we can think of that wouldn’t work with a checkered top.

And, while checkers are easiest to find on a top, you can also work gingham in to your outfit on dresses, purses or socks. Just make sure to limit your checkers to one piece, or you’ll look like the tiled floor of a 1950’s diner.

5 Gingham Women’s Shirts We Love

Woman wearing sleeveless gingham shirt
Simplee Off Shoulder Gingham Print Peplum Top, $23, SHEIN

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An interesting, peplum shape plus pops of yellow earn this gingham top a spot on our list. The garment looks amazing paired with white bottoms as shown, but you could also choose a light denim skirt as the anchor.

This piece has a very simple shape, making it a nice candidate for work wear. Try it under a gray blazer, untucked, along with skinny pants for a contemporary corporate look.

A hot pink button-down with checkers and a tie-front is what we like to call an outfit maker. Pop this on over jeans or shorts and you have instant style. The v-neckline invites you to wear your favorite charm necklace, too.

I’m partial to an oversized menswear-inspired top that still manages to be feminine. This one does just that, and it has a subtle gingham pattern to keep things interesting. Style this with jeans or leggings. Or, tuck it in and wear to work with trousers.

Pink zipup women's gingham shirt

If you’re still thinking gingham is only for the countryside, this top should put your mind at ease. The fun zipper detail says “fashion girl” much more than “farm girl.”