How to wear gingham this summer: Top picks from the trend

No longer associated with dowdy picnic blankets, this print has had a revamp – here's how to style it

Much like florals and polka dots, this check print is everywhere (iStock/The Independent)

No longer a twee peppy print associated with your primary school summer dress or your dowdy picnic blanket, gingham has had a revamp. It's officially reached cult fashion status this summer, and we're here for it.

The spring/summer 20 catwalks were awash with different takes on the trend, with various designers giving it an updated look by elevating beyond childish summer dresses to grown-up offerings.

Victoria Beckham, for example, opted for a sophisticated black and white midi skirt, that's suitable for both work and play. While Michael Kors went classic with tailoring – Bermuda shorts, blazers and crop tops emblazoned with red and white.

Kendall Jenner even got on board with the look – putting her supermodel spin on pair of summer-perfect gingham cropped capris trouser – very Audrey Hepburn.

When tackling what to wear for picnic season, modern takes on this recognisable summer print is a great place to start.

But, as you may have noticed, much like polka dots and florals, gingham is everywhere, meaning it can be tricky to navigate the various styles and ways to wear it.

The easiest starting point is with a dress – high-street and designers alike have gone big with their offerings this season, so just add a basket bag and your favourite pair of sandals.

Gingham works equally well on tailored suits – offering a timeless way to tap into the trend. But, if you're not ready to go head to toe, add a pop of the print to your wardrobe with a blouse.

As for colour combinations, pastels and neons are a fun and vibrant way to play with this classic print.

But, monochrome is always safe – and black and white iterations of the print made an appearance on the autumn/winter 20 catwalks from Christian Dior to Lanvin, proving gingham is for life, not just summer.

Our one piece of advice, keep accessories to a minimum, and let the print do the talking.

If you're overwhelmed by the amount of clothing on offer, we've rounded up the best pieces you should invest in now, that you can wear summer after summer, and even in autumn/winter, too.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Ganni seersucker midi dress: £215, Harrods

You will have most likely have seen this instantly recognisable dress on your Instagram feed. Owing to the ruched bodice and playful ruffled straps, this lightweight, flouncy midi is a great way to tap into the trend. When styling for your next trip to the pub or picnic, keep accessories to a minimum and pair with a pair of white trainers (Topshop, £19.20) or Birkenstocks (Arket, £85). When the sun goes down and the rosé runs out, this staple dress would look just as great with a chunky knit thrown over the top. Should this multi-coloured option be a little OTT for you, it also comes in a green and black iteration, which we think would make a great transitional piece, especially when paired with a polo neck jumper underneath. You'll certainly get a lot of wears for your buck with this one.

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Whistles gingham linen short: £63.20, Whistles

Thanks to their classic shape, these shorts give a tomboy touch to a playful pattern – wear with the co-ordinating bralette (Whistles, £63.20), or a blush pink T-shirt (H&M, £3.99).

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Glamourous oversized mini smock dress in neon check: £35, Asos

Avoid a Dorothy-inspired look with this mini smock dress. We're big fans of the neon yellow – a colour that is everywhere this season. What's more, you'll be thankful for its oversized fit when the sun is at its highest.

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Zara gingham blouse: £29.99, Zara

If you're not quite ready for a head to toe gingham look just yet, inject the print into your wardrobe with this tie-front top. Team it with a black denim skirt (Levi's, £50) and a pair of trainers (Axel Arigato, £165) for an off-duty look. It's even got puff-sleeves, too – a real crowd-pleaser.

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Mango gingham check suit: £129.98, Mango

Not for the faint-hearted, a gingham suit is best worn in monotone shades and paired with your plain wardrobe pieces. This Mango suit packs a punch when worn together with a black halter neck bodysuit (Zara, £12.99) and a pair of simple gold hoop earrings (& Other Stories, £17). But, it works equally well when worn separately as stand-alone pieces. Throw the blazer on over a black slip dress, and wear the trousers with a chunky knit jumper in autumn/winter.

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Topshop pink check tiered midi skirt: £35, Topshop

With pink being the key colour of the season, this tierred midi is a great way to add a bright hue to your summer wardrobe. Keep things simple here and pair it with a box-cut plain white T-shirt (Everlane, £14), loosely tucked in.

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H&M lyocell-blend dress: £24.99, H&M

This Ganni inspired dress is the perfect piece if you're looking to make an investment that will not only see you through summer, but also autumn/winter. In summer months, wear with a pair of Converse high tops (Debenhams, £55) for a chilled day time look, or dress it up with a pair of strappy sandal heels (& Other Stories, £85) and a leather jacket. In autumn, wear with a pair of tights and black boots (Arket, £150). And the puff-sleeve trend isn't going away any time soon.

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Sew Alice Studio gingham face mask and scrunchie: £11.17, Etsy

Face masks are mandatory in all shops, supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks, post offices and transport hubs in England – so, if you've not made your face covering fashionable yet, it's about time you do so. Matching your face mask to your other accessories is an easy way to get on the trend, and we think there's no better way to do it than with this gingham set.

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