My obsession with gingham, or vichy if you’re chic and French (I am not), is well known. There is something so playful and “picnic in the park”-esque about the pattern that it makes me feel like summer personified every time I wear it. Whether you’re Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, or just a plain old joe, incorporating gingham into your life incorporates fun, sunshine, and a long history of vintage design into anyone’s’ wardrobe. Its enduring appeal spans centuries, offering a wealth of styles and uses to explore.

The Origin

The 1700’s is when our modern-day version of gingham that we have come to know and love was born. The versatility of gingham, with its easy-to-produce design, made it popular for use in dresses, cloths, aprons, curtains, shirts, and more in the laboring and farming classes. The pattern’s checkered look cleverly hides dirt, which explains its popularity for children’s clothing and picnic blankets even now. And although it started out as a simple pattern for “simple folk”, as seen in Dorothy’s dress in “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), reminiscent of a farmer’s daughter, gingham soon caught the eye of glamour icons.

In fact, Brigitte Bardot even wore a gingham wedding dress, designed by Jacques Esterel . Before that,  Marilyn Monroe’s iconic gingham trousers conjures the image of casual chic, and Jane Birkin’s blue vichy mini-dress evokes light-hearted, country-side summer fun. Vladimir Nobokov’s Lolita solidified the print as a playful and coquettish, yet innocent design which defines the pattern today. 

Today

Gingham surged in popularity after the pandemic, fueled by a craving for bright, joyful, and nostalgic fashion—an embrace of the carefree childhood years many felt had slipped away. With people confined indoors, they yearned for memories of playing outside and park picnics. Gingham shorts and bloomers emerged as a playful nod to the trend of wearing leisurewear in public. Checked patterns, reminiscent of men’s boxers, became a bold statement, yet influencers transformed them into something effortlessly stylish. The trend of a “European summer” also gained traction, reflecting a growing desire to escape America’s tense political and social climate. Gingham perfectly captured that idyllic French countryside dream, evoking Jane Birkin’s effortless charm. Meanwhile, others sought a return to tradition, drawn to the spirited, unfiltered self-expression of Americana style, recalling Lolita’s youthful allure.

Wear It Yourself

For me, gingham is a return to the simpler days, of running free outside, hanging my clothes up to dry, or lounging on a blanket in the park. Nothing makes me happier than putting on a gingham dress and feeling the summer sun on my skin. I typically style my gingham pieces with basics and a cute pair of heart sunglasses, although you’ll see me in a graphic crop-top with my gingham shorts which works just as well. Gingham is a great way to add a pop of color and a fun pattern without being too busy. You can also make it the star of the show and dress it up with simple accessories.

Whether you’re channeling your inner-child or manifesting a Marilyn moment, Gingham is the pattern to-do.