This ensemble was inspired by a street style outfit that made me fall in love with cognac footwear. I love the crisp integrity of the outfit despite the torn denim and earth tones. Gorgeous.
A gingham top is a classic. Much like a white or denim shirt, you can mould it into any style at all because it’s that versatile. A gingham top does NOT need to look preppy if you don’t want it to. Here are more looks with a gingham shirt that might inspire some of your own outfits.
- Boho fabness
- Tough edge
- Modern classic
- Tulle skirt and bling
- Black pants, animal print and pearls
- Paperbag waist skirt
- Casual olive
- Happy, bright and preppy
I’ve used neutral gingham tops here, but feel free to use coloured gingham. There are four outfits, each with a different vibe to showcase the versatility of the gingham top. Here are the components:
Gingham top: Choose a gingham top in a silhouette that tickles your fancy. It can be a shirt, blouse, drape front top or shell top. Any style at all.
Bottoms: Choose bottoms to create the mood of the outfit. I chose white jeans to create a simple and crisp look. A pair of olive harem pants for a funky, casual vibe. A pair of blue denim flares for a boho lite look. And a patterned tube skirt for some ladylike pattern mixing. Perhaps you like the colour or pattern of these bottoms but wish to change the silhouette. Go for it. Of course, you could have matched any of these tops with a pair of black ankle pants or pencil skirt.
Footwear: Choose a pair of shoes that works with the outfit. I chose cognac ankle strap pumps for the crisp outfit, which creates a cohesive look with the cognac belt. A pair of unexpected cheetah flats for the harem pants. Either black pumps or wedged sandals for the boho lite look. And a chunky pair of white ‘90s platforms for the skirted look (although any of the other styles of shoe would work too).
Accessories: Finish off the outfit with a belt if you’re tucking or partially tucking the top. Choose a bag that works with the look. Add jewellery eyewear and watch as desired.
This is the outfit combination I wore last year. I used my cow print Okala pumps at the time because they have light cognac ankle straps. But this year, I can wear the same outfit with my new cognac ankle strap pumps.
