Latest trend: Gingham

Gingham is something that most British girls have worn at least once in their lifetimes. From the 1900s onwards, Gingham was commonly used as a material for young girls' dresses and school uniforms. I can remember absolutely loving my school summer dresses, I had both Blue Gingham and Red Gingham Summer dresses and I adored them all so much. Gingham frilled socks, gingham scrunchy hair bands, gingham dresses and gingham ribbon - Summer school uniform was mainly gingham! As I grew up, I dismissed gingham as it just reminded me of school uniform, but in recent years, gingham is becoming a trend and a trend that I for one am absolutely besotted with.

Originating from Europe in the 17th century, Gingham was originally a striped fabric that was imported from Europe. In the mid-18th century, Gingham was being produced in the mills of Manchester, England and it was here that it's distinguished checkered pattern was born.

Gingham has been worn amongst women for hundreds of years. Thought of as a youthful and young fabric, gingham is usually worn through the summer months. When you think of gingham, what do you think of? The majority of us will think of either school uniform or Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. But this is all set to change for SS17.

Henry Holland's 'House of Holland' SS17 collection, which was showcased during London Fashion Week last September, featured an array of gingham gems. Frilly gingham dresses, oversized gingham overcoats and gingham neck ties adorned the runway and filled every fashionista's mind with thoughts of Spring and Summer of 2017. Naturally, the high-street has interpreted Henry's collection; Topshop, Primark and River Island being the most successful clothing stores to have released gingham clothing ranges. 

Topshop's take on gingham

Topshop's take on gingham is chic, laid-back and incredibly bohemian. Comprising of smock dresses, frilly wrap skirts, pinafores and floaty blouses, Topshop are achieving all of our wildest gingham dreams. I really love the smock dresses, mini skirts, floaty blouses and long-line jackets that Topshop have in stock at the moment. I feel that Topshop's gingham ranges are definitely the most authentic and on-trend; with a vintage feel to each piece, I just adore the 1960s feel to this collection.

1. Gingham Frill Wrap Mini Skirt: £39
2. Gingham Mutton Sleeve Blouse: £29
3. Gingham Trench Coat: £79
4. Gingham Smock Dress: £39
5. Gingham Frill Hem Trousers: £39
6. Gingham Ruffle Midi Skirt: £39
7. MOTO Gingham Pinafore Dress: £39
8. Gingham Crinkle Shorts: £29
9. Gingham Mix Match Skirt Dress: £42

River Island's take on gingham

River Island's take on gingham is slightly edgier than Topshop. With cold-shoulder smock dresses, bardot style tops and embroidered shirts, River Island have nailed gingham this year! With a modern feel, this range combines a 1960s vibe with the bardot style tops with a modern edge shown in the appliqué detailing and peplum style. My favourite picks would have to be the Mix Match Gingham Shirt and the Frill Pencil Skirt.

1. Black Gingham Frill Front Pencil Skirt: £30
2. Navy Gingham Frill Bardot Top: £35
3. Black Gingham Cami Playsuit: £35
4. Black Gingham Cold Shoulder Frill Shirt Dress: £45
5. Black and White Gingham Frill Top: £28
6. Black Gingham Crochet Hem Cropped Trousers: £40
7. Black Mixed Gingham Print Oversized Shirt: £35
8. Black Gingham Button Through Midi Skirt: £32
9. Black Gingham Floral Appliqué Bardot Top: £35

Primark's take on gingham

Simplistic, affordable gingham that nobody can refuse, Primark have really upped their game this Spring/Summer! Basic shirts, peplum style blouses and highly sought after dresses, Primark have really improved their clothing in comparison to a few years ago. The long Primark blue dress, pictured below at £15, is predicted to be a complete sell-out this season! With a long/midi style, subtle flute sleeves and a flattering fit, this dress is predicted to be HUGE! At just £15, if you see this in your local Primark, snap it up quick!

1. Gingham Cotton Casual Shirt: £7
2. Gingham Peplum Blouse: £10
3. Gingham Cold Shoulder Dress: £6
4. Gingham Tie-Front Shirt: £10
5. Gingham Midi Dress: £15
6. Gingham Jacket: £20, Gingham Cropped Top: £10

The high-street stores really have nailed this seasons' trends. By taking inspiration from one of Britain's talented fashion designers, Henry Holland, our high-street stores have produced some of the best collections at incredible prices. Gingham is available from just £7, which means that everybody can afford to be on-trend this Spring/Summer!

Do you own any gingham? If so, what items? Let me know in the comments below. Also, let me know which from the above picks are your favourites.