‘Check’ mate for a date - Gingham pattern rules your wardrobe this season

Bangalore: Plaid may rule the runways but its checkered mate, gingham, is the king this season. Whether you wear a button-down shirt teamed with a chic blazer to work, or a pleated frock in classic checks to brunch – there’s always a place for gingham!

From monochromatic wonders to pastel perfection, this retro-picnic pattern has a certain wit and frivolity to it to lighten any mood. “With winter fast approaching, these whimsical patterns have me thinking of breezy dresses, county fairs and a picture perfect picnic,” says Sayantan Sarkar, whose bold patterns have often made a splash on the ramps of Lakme Fashion Week. “This modern print can be styled in as many ways as possible,” he says. Since the famed checks are a very busy trend visually, it’s important to pair it up with a solid colour to add balance. “If you’re not sure, then add a peck of gingham printed shoes or bag,” says Razzle Dazzle Pickle’s fashion blogger, Ritu Arya.

The easiest way to dip your toe into the trend is a gingham crop top with a high-waisted trouser or a tea length skirt in solid colour. If you feel a little more daring, gingham trousers are plentiful and eye catchy. A well-cut blazer in gingham is for those who’d like to go all out with this trend. “Try sheer or a denim shirt with gingham trousers and accessorise with statement earrings,” suggests Ritu. “A gingham shirt with cigarette pants, paired with the wavy hair-do, bright lip and handcuffs looks chic too,” she adds. While jumbo checks look less school girl-like, candy floss or smaller checks look trendy when splashed with spring’s slickest shapes as seen on Tamannaah Bhatia. However it’s important to keep the size of checks in mind. “Smaller checks are easier to pull off and the level of difficulty rises with bigger checks as they make certain areas of the body look bigger,” says Ritu.

Gingham is not just for girls! With Bollywood boys Imran, Saif, Akshay and Hrithik playing it up with the checks, the trend is catching up with the male fraternity too. “Whether it’s a formal do or a beach party, this print is the safest to wear. I’ve been wearing it since those uniform days and one can’t go wrong with it,” says Sandalwood actor, Sri Murali, who is a gingham loyal.