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Gingham never goes out of style — it’s classy, charming, and laced with spring’s good vibes. What’s not to love? That said, the print — unlike anything-goes stripes — gives off a somewhat preppy vibe that doesn’t always jive with girbosses who identify more with minimalist, fashion-forward, or bohemian aesthetics. Fear not, because the timeless pattern has undergone a major transformation for spring 2017 with a crop of new silhouettes and embellishments (think: bold bows, peekaboo cutouts, etc.) that read trend-right, not tired. This week, Three Ways to Wear is helping you unlock gingham’s hidden style potential with three Instababe-approved ensembles.
The Buy: A checked statement piece for spring that reads runway-approved.
How to Wear Gingham for Work
Leave it to Alexa Chung to put a seriously cool twist on a pair of retro chic gingham trousers. With a boho updo and a graphic button-up, an otherwise snoozy ensemble becomes street style gold. (Photo via Tristan Fewings/Getty)
Gingham at work? It goes a little something like this. Ruffle-trimmed crop trousers decked out in the charming check print offer a solid base for your on-the-job style that’s both sweet and sophisticated. Paired with a corset-inspired button-down and don’t-mess stiletto booties, these pants get instantly upgraded to cool-girl status. Sculptural earrings and a dramatic berry lip further up the ante, while the addition of a classic timepiece — and potentially an oversized blazer — ensure your look doesn’t go in the direction of OTT.
Zara Gingham Trousers ($70) + Pixie Market Hook and Eye Corset Shirt ($119), By Boe Triple Curved Earrings ($115), Charles & Keith Peep Toe Caged Stilettos ($79), Zara Contrasting Details Bucket Bag ($30), The Horse D-Series in Gold/Navy ($205), Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Nighthawk ($17)
How to Wear Gingham for a Night Out
Actress Kiernan Shipka knows that all you need is a little gingham to give bold, graphic pieces a flirty, feminine edge. Her ethereal crop top effortlessly balances out the look-at-me vibes of her tiered skirt for a sweet-yet-sassy after-dark ensemble. (Photo via Jason Kempin/Getty)
An upcoming GNO or a rooftop cocktail party seems like the last place gingham would fit in, but in fact, it’s the perfect finishing touch to a dance-floor-ready look. Take style cues from the FROW set and rock a shimmery slip style dress over a simple satin tee for a fanciful — not fussy — ensemble. Round out the after-dark #OOTD with glitzy drop earrings and a statement box clutch FTW.
Topshop Gingham Crop Frill Jacket ($95) + & Other Stories Gilded Pleat Dress ($65), H&M Short Sleeved Top ($25), Nocturne Regina Earrings ($101), Jeffrey Campbell Minari Sandal ($125), Karl Lagerfeld K Postcard Minaudiere ($165), Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc’er Precision Pen Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($30), Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet in Military Red ($34)
How to Wear Gingham for the Weekend
The perfect time to pull out the gingham? When you’re throwin’ down beats. Rihanna put a laid-back ’90s twist on the timeless print with an oversized gingham button-down, relaxed fit jeans, and a classic white tee for a recording sesh.
Gingham takes on a luxe, lazy-girl ‘tude off the clock with of-the-moment embroidered denim and studded ballet flats. Tap into the print’s warm-weather vibes by accessorizing with an embellished straw bag, bold turquoise bib, and a playfully pink mani for brunch dates, boutique hopping, and low-key stints in the park.
Mango Bow Poplin Blouse ($50) + Madewell Embroidered High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($150), Ash Iggy Nude Black Satin Flat ($215), Sam Edelman Sierra Straw Tote ($198), Sonix Lodi Revo Mirror ($79), BaubleBar Marina Collar ($48), Amore Pacific Sun Protection Stick Broad Spectrum SPF50+ ($40), Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Psycho Candy ($18)
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