Rockabye Bucktown

Gingham - the ultimate summer pattern!

Did you know that it was originally striped (from the French word “guingan”)?  It wasn’t until the mid-18th century that the checkered pattern was manufactured in England and the southern U.S. to boost the economies of the respective countries. 

The design often gets a bum rap because of its abundance in picnic tablecloths, and I admit, I’m always a bit reluctant to try it out, but as with anything else, the key to pulling it off is moderation.  Just a splash at your neck (demonstrated by the Marc Jacobs scarf pictured) or a faint design on your favorite jeans (as seen in the Current/Elliott pair).  Of course, if you want to go full-blown (insert your favorite color) and white checks, make sure you accessorize simply. 

Not into wearing gingham?  Adorn table tops with checkered bowls for summer entertaining (fill with homemade pita chips or a refreshing Greek salad - the juxtaposition of the colors will be very appealing to your guests). 

Do take proper precautions and check (pun intended) with your sig other before publicly stepping out in your favorite gingham attire…two checks don’t make a right.

• Gingham dress: Gap
• Gingham scarf: Marc Jacobs
• Gingham denim: Current/Elliott
• Gingham bathing suit: J Crew
• Checkered bowl: MacKenzie-Childs

[Images via Gap, Net-a-porter, J Crew and MacKenzie-Childs]