‘Our icon here is Jackie Kennedy, on holiday in Cape Cod circa 1961. Worn this way, gingham is relaxed and summery, but polished. It’s a look that still works’
Gingham has an image problem – it is too squeaky clean for its own good. Homemade jam, Dorothy’s pinafore in The Wizard Of Oz, pigtail ribbons and picnic baskets. This is all very appealing, but the thought process when I see gingham in a shop goes something like: 1) “Oooh, that’s pretty.” 2) “That would be a perfect dress for days when I’m… um, skipping through meadows?” 3) “On second thoughts, maybe I need another pair of grey trousers instead.”
But gingham can be grown up. Our icon here is Jackie Kennedy, on holiday in Cape Cod circa 1961. (She had an excellent gingham set of capri pants and matching shell top; also, a full-skirted sundress.) Worn this way, gingham is relaxed and summery, but polished. It’s a look that still works: Taylor Swift, in gingham shirt with high-waisted shorts, tennis shoes and red lipstick, is a modern version.
Continue reading...