Shirts for the Gingham Guy
Make This Classic Look Your Own
Gingham, like a classic tick stripe shirt, is a classic that will never go out of style. The pattern is not overwhelming, it's easy to style, and it's a chic alternative to a solid-color shirt with its subtle pattern that gives the illusion of depth and texture.
— George Kotsiopoulos, celebrity stylist and co-host of "Fashion Police" (E! Entertainment Television)
Gingham shirts certainly have legs. The fabric from which these shirts derive their name has been around since the 17th century, and, while the shirt itself may suffer the occasional, slight ebb in popularity, it's repeatedly proven itself to be a capable and stylish staple to every man's wardrobe.
As a go-to for mods, hipsters, preppies, techies and cowboys alike, a gingham shirt is that rare and beloved fashion crossover that is as likely to be found on Rodeo Drive as it is at a rodeo. Despite the fact that its name seems more appropriate for something you might order from a deli counter, the gingham shirt is always fresh. It's currently riding yet another resurgence of popularity that makes it the fashion-forward man's must-have.
A Straightforward Style Icon
From its relatively humble origins as an inexpensive, utilitarian fabric first imported into Europe and later churned out by mills in both England and a nascent United States, the gingham shirt has exhibited remarkable staying power. It never had to strive for greatness, achieving it instead through consistency, simplicity and an immunity to the fickle nature of fashion.
"Gingham, like a classic tick stripe shirt, is a classic that will never go out of style," said George Kotsiopoulos, celebrity stylist and co-host of E!'s "Fashion Police." "The pattern is not overwhelming, it's easy to style, and it's a chic alternative to a solid-color shirt with its subtle pattern that gives the illusion of depth and texture."
It is a shirt that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms, as if a calm, calculated confidence was woven right into the simple checked pattern. Unlike its cousin plaid, which was adopted as the de facto flag of an apathetic grunge movement, or the more pattern-intensive madras, gingham done right is fashionable, with a straightforward ease.
"It's the fresh and simple response to the multicolor Northwest plaid shirt, which has been the dominant trend for the last two years," Kotsiopoulos said. "And at the same time, it's visually more interesting than a plain solid shirt. It says you care about your appearance and are looking to present yourself beyond the norm."
Trend It Like Gingham
While it will never be the male equivalent of the "little black dress," the gingham shirt echoes that same versatility. Dressing it up takes equal amounts of personal panache and restraint. "The great thing about gingham is that it works well with any type of solid or pinstripe suit," advised Kotsiopoulos. "More adventurous types can mix the shirts with checked patterns from suits to ties as long as the size of the check varies drastically."
As for the tie, solid's an option, but not the only option. "Solid ties will always work with gingham, but a repp tie will also work," said Kotsiopoulos, referring to the colorful, diagonally striped classic neckties. "When mixing patterns, be sure the colors are complementary. While I encourage the mix of different gingham plaids with stripes and prints, keep the mix to a maximum of two to avoid looking clownish."
When choosing pants, it's best to eschew our old friend denim, or you run the risk of going from clownish to cowhand. "Avoid jeans at all costs, because denim cheapens the look," said Los Angeles fashion editor and stylist Charles Adesanya. "The best way to dress gingham up is to wear a smart, fitted, tailored pant in black, and wear dress shoes. The only statement sneakers are going to make is that you're slovenly. A nice pair of black or tan leather brogues is tasteful and chic."
Casual Chic: Gingham in Repose
The great thing about a classic piece of fashion residing in your wardrobe is that it's there for you every day. You don't want to lean on it too mightily, or you'll just be known as "that gingham guy," but casual and everyday is where this shirt got started. "Lose the blazer and the tie, roll up the sleeves, and throw on a pair of skinny or fitted dark fade jeans," said Adesanya.
Another advantage of our checkered friend is that it's a shirt that plays well with others, especially when you're out to play. "Gingham goes with virtually everything," said Kotsiopoulos, "from khakis and cords as well as worn under sweaters and jackets to provide an understated print pattern. You can work it as a layering piece worn under a V-neck sweater to provide an understated pop of color and print."
- Photo Credit Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
