This Classic Print Has Had a Cool-Girl Rebrand—Here’s How to Wear Gingham in 2025

Gingham's twee, playground-ready associations are a thing of the past

5 ways to wear gingham in autumn
(Image credit: Future/ Getty Images, @nlmarilyn)

Fashion trends move fast—especially in an era dominated by micro-trends and endless social media scrolling. And yet, some looks have a way of sticking around, quietly proving their staying power: animal print, capri pants, and peplum tops, to name but a few. Each subtly reinvented to feel just a touch more modern.

But then there are the truly timeless patterns that need little modification at all. Enter gingham: a clean, checked design that has remained a wardrobe staple for decades, effortlessly straddling the line between playful and polished.

A model walks the runway during the Louis Vuitton Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week

Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2025

(Image credit: Future/Getty Images)

For Autumn/Winter 2025, gingham (yet again) came through thick and fast. At Louis Vuitton, the print appeared across dresses; at Collina Strada and Burberry—both champions of a polished plaid—it took to outerwear, adding texture and interest to coats; and at Ami and Kent & Curwen, low-slung gingham skirts proved that even the most classic check can feel contemporary when worn in unexpected shapes or proportions.

And all of them took the design in different directions, proving there's no limit to the colours, cuts, and clothing categories, gingham can chicly slot in to.

So, if you think gingham isn't for you, it might be time to reconsider. If you need a little extra push, look to these chic women below for all the autumn styling inspiration you could possibly need.

5 Ways to Wear Gingham

A chic gingham coat

@nlmarilyn wears all-white outfit and gingham coat

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

With so many black, brown, and beige options, outerwear can easily feel a little predictable. So, if you’re debating whether to invest in another camel-coloured coat or opt for something a bit more striking—but still effortlessly wearable—the latter is the way to go. Very few prints are as easy to style as gingham.

A gingham skirt

A guest wears a dark olive green short-sleeved knit polo shirt with a ribbed collar and button placket. The hair is styled in a sleek bob with hairpins. Black rectangular sunglasses are worn. Hoop earrings are visible. The outfit includes a high-waisted, ankle-length skirt in a brown and gray plaid pattern. A black leather clutch bag is carried. Black leather ballet flats complete the ensemble, outside The Garment, during Copenhagen Fashion Week

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A classic kilt is one of the first items that springs to mind when picturing the timeless check, so embrace the style by taking it back to the heritage design. A classic polo shirt and ballet pumps are enough to look polished while keeping the skirt as the key styling element.

Gingham capri pants

@greceghanem wears red gingham capri pants white T-shirt and coat

(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Capri pants have been cycling back into fashion for several seasons now—and they show no signs of losing momentum. Unsurprisingly, they’ve also had the gingham treatment. In fact, the print feels particularly fresh on this silhouette, with red checks proving especially popular for those who want a playful yet polished update on the classic cropped trouser.

Gingham shirt

@frannfyne wears gingham shirt white midi skirt

(Image credit: @frannfyne)

If you’re planning to invest in just one gingham piece, make it a shirt. Few items offer quite as many styling opportunities—whether tucked into jeans, paired with crisp white trousers, or balanced against a classic white midi skirt, it always delivers. It also has a handy knack of many any outfit feel more casual.

Gingham dress

woman wears Brown gingham dress and suede jacket

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A gingham dress is an undisputed summer staple, but it doesn’t have to be packed away when the weather cools. For those in-between days, a classic suede jacket layered on top offers just the right amount of warmth without taking away from the outfit’s easy charm. And when temperatures drop further, simply add knee-high boots to make it even more cosy.

Jazzria Harris
Freelance Fashion & Beauty Writer

Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.