If I’m honest, I don’t know how this post happened. Suddenly I’m standing outside in March, bare-legged, wearing not just a dress (le gasp) but a dress with trainers. Normal Eire could never pull this off. Normal Eire looks kinda frumpy in most un-cinched dresses. Normal Eire always admires those street style stars who look oh-so-chic and cool in the dress-and-trainer combo, but knows that on her, it mostly makes her legs look squat. But lo and behold: legs! Dress! Trainers! There’s only one magical explanation for such rarities: the awe-inspiring power of this red gingham dress.
I’ve chatted before about how flowing, (purposefully) shapeless dresses tend to dwarf rather than enhance my top-heavy body shape. Like the Vila dress in that last post, this Zara dress really is much more flattering on than it looks in pictures, helped by the short (but not too short) length and tiered shape.
As it’s still early in the season, I’m wearing my gingham dress with classic white sneakers and my favourite Michael Kors satchel in buttery soft brown leather*. Once the weather gets a bit warmer, I can imagine this light-and-airy dress would just look just as amazing with a pair of tie-up sandals a straw bag and a fedora — perfect for beach days and summer trips.
Also, can we talk about how amazing this gingham trend is? I absolutely adore gingham (if you follow me on Pinterest you’re probably sick of it by now) and am so excited to see so many amazing gingham pieces in the shops. If you’re looking to look a little less ‘red table cloth’ than I do (who isn’t?!) then Next do a very similar dress in black.
I’m also loving this off-the-shoulder gingham dress by H&M, this co-ord piece by Native Youth, this gingham & ruffled bathing suit on ASOS and this classic shirt from J Crew (I own this one, bought in the sale a few years ago).
Further proof that gingham is the new florals for Spring: Alex over at The Frugality is rocking this amazing gingham trench by Next, and I’m convinced everything she wears should be bought immediately.
Outfit Details
GINGHAM DRESS | ZARA
BAG | MICHAEL KORS
SUNGLASSES | CHEAP MONDAY (SOLD OUT)
COAT | ASOS (LAST SEEN HERE)
TRAINERS | ADIDAS
Are you loving gingham as much as I am? What are you favourite gingham pieces that you’re coveting right now? Would love to see your picks!
*True story about that tote: I found it for £40 in a Selfridges sale. Don’t ask how, or why. I don’t even know. Miracles sometimes happen, and you just don’t question it.