Grab Your Gingham! The Picnic Core Aesthetic Is This Summer's Most Fun Fashion Trend
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If someone told me months ago that one of the summer's hottest trends would be inspired by a picnic blanket, I wouldn't believe it. But leave it to a flock of fashionistas (from Jennifer Lopez to Sarah Jessica Parker) to make me want to add gingham-print styles—from one-and-done dresses like this BDG Juliana dress from Urban Outfitters to pull-on shorts like this Seersucker pair from Free People—to my regular rotation.
Yep, it's official: The picnic core aesthetic has arrived, and it's your perfect excuse to not just host a produce-packed park day, but dress like one, too. Because who could resist a flowy frock in a fun fruity print or posh pants dotted with tantalizing tomatoes? I certainly can't, and neither should you, so here's everything you need to know—and shop.
Think of it as the Americana answer to the Euro Girl Summer vibe. While the niche-but-growing trend (born of TikTok, of course) is inspired by traditional picnic blankets (and, no doubt, a touch of 1950s nostalgia), it's not just about wearing feminine silhouettes and checkered patterns.
In addition to mixing gingham pieces into your regular rotation, leaning into food-inspired fashion with fruity designs and edible motifs is *highly* encouraged. It's playful, flirty and fit for anyone who wants to look and feel like a snack this summer.
Whether you want to go full picnic core in head-to-toe gingham or prefer to ease your way into the most fun trend since the horse girl aesthetic, all you have to do is add some check-print and food-themed styles to your wardrobe. You know, like a mini dress that looks like a picnic spread, or a checked midi skirt and blouse that you can effortlessly pair with other pieces in your closet. That said, I hope you're ready to get picnic-perfect this season, because I've rounded up 12 styles that'll whet your style appetite (all for less than $200, I might add).
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Urban Outfitters
Why settle for a basic gingham look when you can go for a full picnic spread? I'll wait, but trust me when I say that this picnic-themed dress (featuring an array of fruits, flowers and even vino) won't stay in stock for long. So, here's what you need to know: The smocked, strapless style has an empire waist and the most adorable bow-tie back. It's also made of 100 percent cooling cotton that's perfect for hot days But perhaps even more important is the fact that the machine-washable mini is said to stay up on small and large chests alike—no, really, just peep the reviews!
$59 at Urban Outfitters
Anthropologie
Buyers are obsessed with this snack-inspired shift dress, and it's not just because the fruit-and-floral pattern looks good enough to eat. As one reviewer raves, "It flatters anyone's body shape." Between its stretchy blend of polyester and elastane and its figure-skimming fit, I don't doubt it for a minute. Of course, there's one way to find out, so I suggest adding this picnic- *and* vacation-ready style to your cart, stat.
$148 at Anthropologie
Anthropologie
This tiered skirt will give you a taste of what this trend brings to the table—pun intended. Just don't be surprised if you start wearing it on repeat thanks to the flattering fitted waist, convenient side pockets and breezy blend of cotton and polyester. It can even be dressed up for the office, vacation or your Valentine's date next year! Who knew gingham could be so versatile?
$80 at Anthropologie
Tuckernuck
Ever since Jennifer Lopez signed off on gingham, fashionistas have been lining up to buy dresses in the trendy pattern. Little do they know, one of the prettiest picks is hiding at Tuckernuck for less than $150. With its effortless elastic bodice and gorgeous gathered skirt, this timeless sundress is bound to become one of your go-to pieces this summer—and the one after that, and the one after that. Want to take it to the next level? Pair it with a straw hat and raffia bag à la J.Lo and you'll be ready for a picnic in no time.
$148 at Tuckernuck
Mark & Graham
You can't have a picnic (or a picnic-inspired outfit) without a classic basket to go with it. I'm swooning over this scallop-trimmed beauty from Mark & Graham, which is made of solid and structured woven wicker and comes complete with an insertable insulated bag that'll keep all of your al fresco bites fresh on the go. The zip cooler is totally removable, though, so you can ditch it for the day if you just want to carry the basket as your handbag like French icon Jane Birkin. Très fabuleux!
$129 at mark & graham
Reformation
Fact: Tomato girl summer walked so the picnic core aesthetic can run. And these tomato-printed pants—made of lightweight linen—are proof. You can don 'em as a singular statement or complete the outfit with the matching top, especially if you want to look picnic perfect at your next summer gathering.
$198 at Reformation
Free People
These "perfectly patterned" pull-on shorts deserve a spot in your summer capsule wardrobe. Why? The real question is, why not? Not only are the cute cotton boxers great for lounging thanks to their effortless and easy fit, but you can wear them for almost any outdoor occasion, whether you're actually going on a picnic or running errands around town. They're also machine-washable, so you can wear them again and again and again (and trust me, you will).
$58 at Free People
Revolve
As perfect for wine tastings in Europe as it is for brunch dates in NYC, this flowy cotton and viscose midi has high potential to become a summer fave, especially for all my maximalist girlies. Obviously, the fruity print is the main attraction, but that's not the only reason you should buy this beautifully bold style. One reviewer said that she didn't even need to wear a bra with it because the bust kept her so supported (shout-out to those adjustable crisscross straps!). In other words, this picnic-approved pick is fruit, flirty and functional.
$159 at Revolve
Zappos
Whether you go gingham from head to toe, or simply want to add a touch of the trend to your ensemble, you'll be glad to have these Steve Madden slides at the ready. They have a low heel that should be plenty walkable for a stroll through the park, along with the most adorable brown gingham pattern that's versatile enough to match with other neutrals. Just slip them on and go!
$100 at zappos
Target
Yes, Target is coming through with affordable styles that nail the aesthetic, including this blue gingham blouse that can be yours for less than $25. Featuring a V-neckline, flutter sleeves, a smocked back *and* a peplum hem, it's hard not to fall in love with at first sight. I'll let one buyer tell it: "I absolutely love this shirt. The fabric is textured, and it feels really nice...I think this blouse looks elevated and more expensive than what it really costs." Want to complete the look for less than $50? Say no more. Add the matching skirt to your cart and prepare to wear this trendy fit on repeat.
$22 at Target
J.Crew
You'll be feeling peachy keen and ready for a sunny soirée in this best-selling J.Crew midi that buyers can't stop talking about. It's made of a "crisp, customer-favorite cotton poplin that's airy and lightweight with just the right amount of structure," according to the brand. It also has a square neckline, flowy skirt and smocking in the back so you can bet you'll look snatched but stay comfy. With that in mind, what more can you really ask for? (Well, besides an actual peach to snack on.)
$148; $84 at J.Crew
Quince
You can never go wrong with a linen pants during the summertime, and these lightweight bottoms hit the picnic core aesthetic out of the park with their retro look and classic gingham print. The best part? A comfy, relaxed fit is practically guaranteed thanks to their pull-on styling via an elastic waistband. Add to that the fact that they have two front pockets and one back pocket, and how can you resist? (Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that they're only $40!)
$40 at Quince
Later, Linen: Drapey Silk Pants Are All the Rage This Summer
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
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