trends
Five Summer Trends Fashion Editors Are Quietly Buying Before Everyone Else
Polka dots have dominated street style and runway coverage for nearly two years now, and dots aren't disappearing anytime soon. But street style out of Paris and London has been pointing to a different print altogether.
Rhea Kapoor
August 11, 2026 • 5 MIN READ
Checks, in the form of gingham, plaid and tartan, have overtaken dots as the print showing up most across collections and closets this season.
Designers have leaned into checks that don’t stick to one silhouette, the same pattern turning up on a tailored blazer one week and a mini skirt the next. It’s also not the version of plaid associated with winter and heavy layering. This season’s checks are lighter, worn in summer fabrics with bare legs and strappy sandals, which is what’s making the print feel new again.
Sister Says
Start small, with an accessory. A gingham scarf or a checked headband works as a low-stakes entry point before you commit to a full look. Once you’re ready to go further, a checked co-ord set is a smarter buy than separates bought at different times, since the matching automatically looks more considered. A checked playsuit does similar work for anyone who wants the print without committing to two pieces, and it’s an easy one to wear straight through the day into evening. For a genuinely current styling move, mix prints instead of choosing between them. A polka dot top layered under a checked blazer sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does.
On colour, skip the classic black-and-white check if you want the look to feel current rather than nostalgic. Unexpected pairings, like cherry red with baby pink or sage green with cream, are what set this season’s checks apart from the winter version most people already own. A checked mini dress in one of these colourways is probably the single easiest way to wear the trend without overthinking it.
Checked trousers are also worth the investment. They’re stepping into the role your wide-leg jeans have played for the last few seasons, but with more presence.
Sister Rules
Keep the fabric light. Cotton and linen checks read as current; wool and flannel read as last season.
Structured pieces hold the print better than soft, flowy ones. Tailored shorts or a blazer will outperform a loose sundress.
Unexpected colour pairings, like cherry red with baby pink or sage green with cream, signal you’re ahead of the trend rather than pulling out an old winter piece.
If you’re buying one investment item, make it trousers with a bit of flare or width. The print reads better with movement.
TL;DR
Polka dots remain relevant, but checks, in gingham, plaid and tartan, have become the print gaining the most ground this season. This print works best when worn in summer fabrics with bold, unexpected colour pairings rather than the traditional winter version of plaid. Ease in with an accessory, then move to a co-ord set or a pair of checked trousers.
Sister Shops
Superdry Gingham Cami Playsuit
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