Celebrity Stylist Erin Walsh’s Secret To Making Gingham Look Chic

E! Illustration/Lulus

Gingham has officially outgrown its picnic blanket reputation. Once associated with vintage tablecloths and retro summer dresses, the timeless checkered print has become one of the season's most polished wardrobe staples, showing up on everything from tailored skirts and breezy button-downs to effortless matching sets and chic dresses.

"The key to making gingham feel modern is treating it like a classic rather than a statement print," celebrity stylist Erin Walsh says. "I love it in more tailored or relaxed silhouettes—think a chic skirt, an easy button-down, or breezy pants. Styled this way, it feels timeless, effortless, and endlessly versatile."

That's exactly why the print is having such a strong fashion moment.

Best gingham dress deal: THIRTY THIRTY Baby Doll Short Sleeve Gingham Mini Dress

Viral gingham capri pants: Zinni Black and White Gingham Embroidered Capri Pants

Best Amazon gingham dress: Floerns Tie Shoulder A-Line Gingham Dress

Whether you gravitate toward classic black-and-white checks or fresh shades like butter yellow, chocolate brown, navy, and sage green, gingham feels surprisingly easy to wear when paired with elevated basics like crisp white separates, denim, and neutral accessories.

Ahead, Walsh, who styles Anne Hathway and Selena Gomez shares her favorite styling tricks for making the nostalgic print look sophisticated, the colors she's loving this season, and where to shop affordable gingham pieces that feel fresh, not fussy.

"One of the things I love most about gingham is how easy it is to style. Because the pattern is so structured, it automatically becomes the ‘moment,'" the Marshalls and TJ Maxx Fashion Style Expert said.

"While black-and-white gingham will always be a classic – with summer around the corner, I’m especially loving shades like chocolate brown, butter yellow, navy, and sage green right now," she shared. "If you’re looking to style a gingham piece with other pieces, you really can’t go wrong with denim, cream, camel, white, or black."

NIA Parker Brown Gingham Mini Skort

A playful look that is as cute as it is easy to style, this gingham skort by NIA is a pro at making flirty outfits that draw all the compliments in. The high-rise design features a smocked waistband with an adjustable drawstring tie and a gathered skater-style silhouette that boasts effortless volume, all atop a pair of attached shorts.

THIRTY THIRTY Baby Doll Short Sleeve Gingham Mini Dress

This super-sweet gingham dress comes in a celebrity stylist-approved color. Plus, it's short and flouncy so it will help keep you cool on hot days.

KATHERINE BARCLAY Super Stretch Pull On Skinny Leg Capris With Bottom Side Slits

Capris are all the rage right now. Set yourself apart with a stylist-approved gingham pair in a chic color.

Zinni Black and White Gingham Embroidered Capri Pants

A classic gingham pattern and adorable floral embroidery adorn lightweight woven fabric as it shapes these must-have capris. A high-rise waist sits atop slim-fitting pant legs that fall to ultra-cropped hems with side slits and black ribbon bow details.

Clementina Red Gingham Smocked Midi Dress

Designed to help you spend your day as a cutie eating charcuterie, this gingham midi makes summer days just better. Textured woven fabric shapes a strapless smocked bodice adorned with ruffled trim and a trio of bows, atop a breezy A-line skirt accented with side pockets for much-appreciated convenience.

FRENCH CONNECTION Gingham Print Top And Shorts

The casual gingham set will help you look instantly more put together.

Connoly Dark Brown Gingham Keyhole Cutout Mini Dress

With a cutesy gingham print and a sleeveless silhouette, this go-to summer dress captures hearts with its vintage-inspired aesthetic. An elegant boat neckline features a front button closure that secures atop a flirty keyhole cutout, while the fitted A-line skirt finishes with a sweet mini hem.

Natalia Green Gingham Pleated Mini Skirt

Lightweight woven fabric creates a high-rise waist and a drop waist-style silhouette with chic pleating along the hem. A decorative button placket at the front completes the look of this fun gingham skirt!

Floerns Tie Shoulder A-Line Gingham Dress

This chic mini dress features a gingham print in a variety of neutral and bright colors, with a tied shoulder, boat neckline, sleeveless, and a fitted and flared style.

Gap Boatneck Tank Top

Made of stretchy knit cotton, this tank top features a navy gingham pattern, a high boat neckline, a sleeveless design, and a slimming fit.

Halara High Waisted Baggy Plaid Casual Pants with Pockets

We're sure you've seen these black gingham pants on TikTok. These Halara pants feature a classic baggy fit, a wide elastic waistband, side pockets, and an ankle length.

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