Don’t like florals? 11 checked dresses to see you through summer and beyond

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Yes, checked dresses are in, and they’re nothing like your old school uniform. 

From lumberjack chic to the farm girl aesthetic, the checked print is steeped in stereotypes. But it’s one worth milking as it’s up there with summer’s hottest trends. Whether in the daring designs of Alexander McQueen’s Highland-themed A/W95 show or Ganni’s Copenhagen catwalk for summer, it’s a pattern that has been long been approved by the inner fashion circles,and this year it seems to be back with a bang.

Inspiration, after all, can come from anywhere, and whether it’s a royal Prince of Wales check, a pattern-heavy plaid or chic checkerboard, there are a number of different designs out there to try – and that’s just the start of the list.

Yes, it can be a bit reminiscent of that old school uniform – or worse, your nan’s old teatowel – but that all depends on what style you go for. Can we tempt you to see it as a retro throwback? Maybe not. But, there’s plenty of more modern styles to choose from that are sure to make that terrible tartan kilt a thing of the past.

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From glaring graphics to more muted monotones, we’ve rounded up a selection of minis, midis and maxis for every occasion. And, of course, our favourite retailers didn’t disappoint. Rixo combine American diner with Italian Riveria chic, Allsaints has brought the check to its classic 2-in-1 style, and Kitri’s Cheongsam-inspired number was something we never would’ve expected.

So, whether dressing up with a pair of platforms, down with a classic trainer or adding a bit of edge with a biker boot, these are our Stylist picks for the best checked dresses of the summer. Checkmate. 

• Jigsaw cotton gingham maxi dress

  Currently on sale at 50% off, this Jigsaw dress is at the top of our gingham wishlist. Made from a cotton elastane mix, it’s sure to be comfortable and cool no matter the weather, and the shirt, adjustable waist and long voluminous sleeves really pack a punch when it comes to the silhouette.

  Shop Jigsaw cotton gingham maxi dress, £82

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• Rixo Dallia checkerboard red midi dress

  Lady in red! We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, for bold patterns, prints and a little something out of the ordinary, Rixo is one of the first places we turn to. And, this Dallia dress is a perfect example of why. Giving American diner meets Italian Riveria chic, it’s a mix we never knew we needed.

  Shop Rixo Dallia checkerboard red midi dress, £265

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• Kitri Aisha shirred blue gingham maxi dress

  Kitri’s Aisha dress comes in many different patterns – it’s quite the classic, after all – but this blue gingham has really caught our eye. Cut from seersucker deadstock fabric (reuse, reduce, recycle at its finest) this maxi dress has frilled sleeves and a tiered skirt for summer-ready style.

  Shop Kitri Aisha shirred blue gingham maxi dress, £160

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• Warehouse petite embroidery gingham mix midi dress

  Eagle-eyed fans may recognise this from our mixed print dress round-up, and yet we’re featuring it again in an ode to how much we love it. If all-over check feels a bit too much, this is the perfect way to ease yourself in gently.

  Shop Warehouse petite embroidery gingham mix midi dress, £95.20

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• Nobody’s Child Jenine mini dress

  Pretty in pink, this dress has a hard edge to it – don’t we all. With a round neck, puff sleeves and mini length, we’re getting farm girl chic. Yet, add the biker boots, and it’s a whole new ball game.

  Shop Nobody’s Child Jenine mini dress, £49

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• People Tree Annabel checked dress in yellow

  Sustainable fashion leaders People Tree are bringing the sunshine into our wardrobes with this one. A vibrant yellow to lift the mood, it’s lightweight, luxurious and less damaging to our planet.

  Shop People Tree Annabel checked dress in yellow, £46

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• Dream Sister Jane maxi cami smock dress in shiny check

  Bringing all the drama in an effortlessly chic way, this mega-skirted maxi is certainly grabbing everyone’s attention. Whether dressed up with metallic platforms as pictured or paired back with a white trainer, you’ll be surprised at just how versatile this is.

  Shop Dream Sister Jane maxi cami smock dress in shiny check at Asos, £165

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• Maeve linen tie-back maxi dress

  Another savvy sale find, this Maeve dress just touches on the check trend. Floaty, flattering and divinely feminine, the pink-and-white colourway is soft, subtle and is sure to see you through many years to come.

  Shop Maeve linen tie-back maxi dress at Anthropologie, £44

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• Allsaints Penny 2-in-1 blur dress

  2-in-1 dresses are becoming a bit of a speciality for Allsaints, with the jumper dress combos leading the way. Experts in layering and transeasonal dressing, this one could work all year round. Just pull on some biker boots to complete the look.

  Shop Allsaints Penny 2-in-1 blur dress, £259

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• Kitri Harlow orange and pink check mini dress

  Mad for minis? This may be the one for you. A Cheongsam-inspired number in pink-and-orange check, there’s a lot going on, but somehow it just works.

  Shop Kitri Harlow orange and pink check mini dress, £135

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• Never Fully Dressed plus textured smock midi dress in green gingham

  Gorgeous in green, this NFD (Never Fully Dressed, for those in the know) dress is certainly striking. With a shirred top, puff sleeves and midi length, no design corners have been cut.

  Shop Never Fully Dressed plus textured smock midi dress in green gingham at Asos, £99

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Images: Courtesy of brands

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