Gingham for grown-ups: How to wear it without looking like a table cloth

Gingham is back again as a major fashion trend this summer, conjuring up two images that most women don't want to look like - table cloths and little girls at birthday parties.

It's a print of juxtaposing meanings - on one hand, it's very Stepford Wives, on the other it speaks of rockabilly attutude. It's wholesome on some (Taylor Swift and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz) and sexy as hell on others (Brigitte Bardot and Gigi Hadid). Those looking for a middle ground should look to J Crew's Jenna Lyons, who makes it look cool in a fresh, office-appropriate way.

This season, gingham has evolved under the eyes of Stella McCartney (think bold, asymmetric prints), Victoria Beckham ( Sienna Miller has already worn her bright contrasting check midi dress) and Miu Miu, whose ballet pumps came with gingham ribbon.

They don't have to be overly cutesy depending on how you style them. Crisp shirts that nonchalently fall off your shoulder are a good bet, especially paired with tailored trousers. Wear a pencil or full skirt with a simple jumper or tunic; or toughen up a sweet gingham dress with a leather jacket. Keep your hair and makeup stripped back to avoid looking like Bo Peep, but for more inspiration just look to these high-profile gingham fans.

See our edit of the gingham pieces suitable for grown-ups below: