The gingham pattern reminds me of a shabby chic style. It seems like the type of pattern you may choose for a couch in a tiny cottage home or for a top you wear on a big camping trip. Well, what is gingham exactly? Gingham is known to be a checked pattern, always designed with white and one other color. The classic picnic blanket is a white and red gingham print. The truth is, anything is what you make it. It’s all in the way you style it! Here’s how to style gingham as a sophisticated work-wear piece.

In the above set, I featured a black and white J.Crew silk gingham sleeveless top. A special thanks to J.Crew because they made this task easy on me; this top is already beautiful! This top has a few characteristics that despite the gingham, make it a sophisticated top; silk and color. The silk fabric gives the top a richer appeal and makes it seem less camp-worthy. The colors, black and white, are classic. It tones the pattern down a bit. I paired this top with a bright cobalt J.Crew pencil skirt and a light grey blazer. I love this color palette because white, black, and grey are gorgeous classic neutrals that will give any look an ounce of elegance. The blue gives the palette a little color pop and looks so regal. I accessorized with a light and dark grey ASOS quilted bag and black crystal embellished Dolce and Gabbana peep-toe heels. For jewelry, I chose bright blue J.Crew flower drop earrings and a black Nordstrom bow bracelet.

Do you like the gingham print? How would you style it for the workplace?