Gingham Dresses Are a Gen-Z Approved Summer 2025 Trend

Dressing like a picnic blanket is the cutesy summer trend that’s been embraced by Sarah Jessica Parker, 60, and Jennifer Lopez, 55. And just last week, it got Gen Z’s stamp of approval.

At Wimbledon, Olivia Rodrigo, 22, arrived in a sweet-yet-classy red gingham dress. The midi style was buttoned to the top and featured a crisp collar and perfectly tailored fit. While gingham tends to lean cutesy, Rodrigo’s approach to summer’s ‘It’ print was actually kind of chic. It made me realize that, while I love a classic flowy style á la SJP, there’s also a more refined way to wear the picnic-coded trend. So, I found nine gingham dresses that range from comfy and breezy to cool and polished, from $30.

9 Trending Gingham Dresses 

Make Me Chic Button-Up Shirt Dress

To get Rodrigo’s look for less, grab Make Me Chic’s $36 button-up mini dress. It has that same polished collar, red gingham print, and an adjustable tie at the back so that you can cinch in the waist.

Dôen Ischia Dress

If you prefer SJP’s breezy style, her exact Dôen dress is on rare discount during the brand’s online warehouse sale. The dress has big puff sleeves, a scooped neck that’s finished in a bow, and stretchy smocking at the bodice; it’s very cute, a little whimsical, and incredibly comfortable.

Zesica Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress

Zesica’s puff-sleeve mini dress is like a short version of Parker’s—and it’s just $30 right now. While you can snag this in a more classic red or black gingham, I’m really loving this subdued beige. Gingham is a statement print, but this neutral hue makes the eye-catching trend a little more low-key.

Avec Les Filles Smocked Sleeveless Maxi Dress

A fellow editor recently fell in love with Avec Les Filles smocked maxi dress, which is available in a navy and white gingham. She raved that the dress is “surprisingly soft [and] stretchy,” and that the “flattering smocked bodice fit like a glove.” Plus, she said the drop-waist silhouette “adds an elegant touch.” Sold.

French Connection Sleeveless Button Mini Dress

French Connection’s button-front dress is another great option for anyone who prefers Rodrigo’s chic approach. The dress is really simple and clean, and has darting at the waist, giving it that tailored (expensive!) look.  

Wayf x Styled by Coco Nina Smocked Dress

This seersucker midi dress finds the perfect balance of cute and comfortable. That seersucker is light and breathable and the smocked details at the waist add a nice stretch. But the tied bow at the neck, scooped back, and tiered design elevate this to be more than just comfy.

Damson Madder Becca Organic Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress

Damson Madder’s Becca mini dress is going to get lots of compliments and, thanks to the removable puff-sleeves, lots of wear. But it’s not just those statement sleeves and giant bows that make this a stand-out style; dainty bows and flowers are incorporated into the gingham design. 

Gap Bubble-Hem Midi Dress

Bubble hems, a fun, outfit-making detail, continue to trend—and this Gap dress combines that voluminous hem with summer’s ‘It’ print. It also features removable spaghetti straps, which can take this dress from day to night.

Reformation Valetta Two-Piece Set

While not technically a dress, I had to include Reformation’s Valetta set. When the button-up top and lace-trim skirt are worn together, it creates the illusion of a sweet and flirty mini dress. But what makes this a must grab is that those pieces work just as well on their own.