Check it out: Gingham feels fresh for spring

All this glorious sunshine got me thinking about trading in my striped and plaid shirts for something lighter and brighter.

I instantly thought of Christopher Kane’s spring/summer 2010 runway collection, which was full of airy and feminine gingham check dresses that seemed to float as models walked.   

Since I’m not looking to invest in a Kane dress this week (plus netaporter.com is completely sold out of the beige-and-white version -- yes, I checked), there are plenty of other, less expensive, though not quite as elegant and floaty, items out there to replace your heavy winter plaids.

The classic gingham button-down gets a dye job with Patterson J. Kincaid’s ombre version, and J. Crew stays true to tradition but offers the print in a plethora of sunny shades.

If you just want a pop of the springtime plaid, Vans has oxfords, and Mosley Tribes makes a gingham check pair of sunglasses that add the right amount of preppiness to your look.

Melissa Magsaysay

Photos:
Top: Looks from Christopher Kane’s spring/summer 2010 runway collection. Photo: Christopher Kane
Middle, clockwise from top left: J. Crew shirt, $69.50, at www.jcrew.com. Photo: J. Crew
Mosley Tribes sunglasses, $180, at www.saksfifthavenue.com. Photo: Mosley Tribes
Sonoma Life and Style gingham roll tab shirt, $30, at www.kohls.com. Photo: Kohls
Vans gingham oxford, $52, at www.vans.com. Photo: Vans
Bottom: Patterson J. Kincaid gingham dip dye shirt, $128, at www.bloomingdales.com. Bloomingdales