Image: Calvin Klein / Showbit
How do I pull off gingham prints?
Gingham can be a tricky print for anyone older than 10 to pull off. If not used for a kindergarten uniform, it is printed on polyester fabric and spread across the grass as a picnic mat.
But fashion designers love to surprise us with the unexpected – Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham designed figure-hugging maxi dresses in the print. American supermodel Gigi Hadid appeared in this month’s Vogue wearing a gingham bikini. Suddenly, gingham is less sweet and more grown-up.
Click through for some tips on how to style this print, and some of the top picks.
A version of this story was originally published in The Straits Times on May 19, 2016. For more stories like this, head to www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle.
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For a lady-like take on the trend, pick styles such as wrap dresses, pencil skirts or silk blouses that show a bit of skin. For a sportier look, go for a rockabilly bowling shirt or slim-fit trousers.
Gingham and jeans go together like bread and butter, but avoid the cliche of wearing a knotted gingham shirt with blue jeans. A denim shirt, with a gingham-print pair of pants or shorts, or skirt, looks more modern.
A medium-sized check is ideal if you are wearing the print from top to toe (such as a dress), but if you are wearing the print on your bottom, stick to small checks as the pattern has a slimming effect.
For the more adventurous, pair gingham with other prints, such as florals and stripes, or textures such as lace.
A breezy dress is suitable for hot weekends. Wear it with a straw bag and strappy sandals.
Pair this with a navy blue or white Panama hat and a denim jacket.
If the top is too risque for you, wear a white crew-necked T-shirt underneath.
If wearing jeans with this rock ‘n’ roll top is too predictable, pair it with a pencil or A-line skirt for a more feminine look.
Wear a belt to accentuate your waist, sling a small crossbody bag and finish with sneakers or flats for a sweet and sexy look.