The 18 Best Gingham Dresses for Every Occasion
The quintessential summertime print isn't just for picnics.
![Girl wearing green checked gingham dress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zn7aRtvYSXxMzaSKEdNfiP-415-80.jpg)
A staple summer print wildly popularized by Bridget Bardot in the '40s, the best gingham dresses provide a bit of sweetness and smart sophistication in one fell swoop. For summer 2023, designers are reviving the gingham print— evolving dresses for much more than just beach excursions and park picnics.
Tory Burch has mastered the gingham print with the office-appropriate Claire McCardell dress. Designers like Carolina Herrera and Brandon Maxwell give the checked pattern elevated appeal, abbreviating hemlines and injecting unexpected sequins. Others are designing the perfect weekend-geared gingham dresses that seamlessly pair with slides and sneakers.
Give your summer florals a break for just a moment; there's a statement-making gingham dress for you. These are our 18 tried-and-true picks of the best gingham dresses for any occasion.
For Daytime
Lightweight but durable by nature, a gingham check dress, often made from a cotton blend, is the ideal piece for a bevy of summer's daytime activities—from picnics to farmer's markets to beach excursions. Maximalists can experiment with floral or striped accessories, while others can compliment a cheery gingham print with versatile straw bags and fisherman sandals.
For the Office
Sophisticated silhouettes, embellishments, and details like built-in belts and convenient side pockets make the newest iterations of gingham print dresses perfect for office days and lunch meetings. Go for a long-sleeve variety that's the perfect anecdote to chilly office AC. Smartly style yours alongside a pair of kitten heels and your favorite laptop bag or briefcase.
For Special Occasions
A gingham dress fits your busy summer social calendar– from showers to weddings. With designer details like fringe, sequins, and ruffles, the humble gingham print transforms into an outfit that wows. Style your party-appropriate ensemble with a sleek handheld bag and a pair of stilettos.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Sara Holzman is the Style Director for Marie Claire, where she's worked alongside the publication for eight years in various roles, ensuring the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation about fashion's ever-evolving landscape. With a degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is responsible for overseeing a diverse fashion content mix, from emerging and legacy designer profiles to reported features on the influence of social media on style and seasonal and micro trends across the world's fashion epicenters in New York, Milan, and Paris. Before joining Marie Claire, Sara held fashion roles at Conde Nast's Lucky Magazine and Self Magazine and was a style and travel contributor to Equinox's Furthermore website. Over her decade of experience in the fashion industry, Sara has helped guide each brand's style point of view, working alongside veteran photographers and stylists to bring editorial and celebrity photo shoots to fruition from start to finish. Sara currently lives in New York City. When she's not penning about fashion or travel, she’s at the farmer’s market, on a run, working to perfect her roasted chicken recipe, or spending time with her husband, dog, and cat. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork
-
Taylor Swift Trolls "Godkids' Sperm Donor" Ryan Reynolds Amid 'Deadpool' Release
Proof that they're besties.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published