The red-white color combo spells summer in powerful ways. I’ve seen it toted around in the form of stripes, polka dots, floral patterns, graphic patterns, check patterns, you name it. And, of course, in gingham, one of the materials most reminiscent of youth and the old, carefree school days.

Gingham is an exclusively cotton fabric commonly woven in a checkered pattern. I used to have a school uniform with a blue-and-white gingham pattern, why, didn’t everybody? No? The use of gingham fabrics for school uniforms was widespread at one point (especially in the first half of the 20th century) due to its strong, serviceable, and lightweight nature. (But no, I’m not that ancient!!!)

The word gingham is derived from the Malayan genggang meaning stripped. It was introduced into the English language by French (Breton) weavers who referred to is guingan a term they applied to indicate cloth made from stripped coloring. Gingham has become especially popular in summer dress wear for women and children–and lately, for women’s shoes. It evokes leisurely picnics, reclaimed innocence, idle idylls. Let take a look, shall we?

Poetic Licence ‘Starfish’ sandal, on sale for $60.

Stuart Weitzman ‘Safflower’ espadrilles, on sale for $144.

Charles David ‘Flirty’, $119 (ok, not realy gingham upper, but it’s in the lining!)

Jessica Simpson ‘Leve’, $63.

Jessica Simpson ‘Peers’ for $83.

Two Lips ‘Ceporah’ for $82.

Gabriella Rocha ‘Laney’ for $63.

Type Z ‘Karma’ for $110.

This is my personal favorite, Bruno Magli ‘Trolly’ for $302. I don’t think anyone would call this a true ‘gingham’ pattern, but it comes pretty close, and it’s quite elegant, no?

Madden Girl ‘G-Ginney’ flat, $46.

And finally, Christian Louboutin espadrilles, on sale for $185 at Barney’s. These also come in a blue-and-white check pattern, but as I said, the red-and-white combo is especially summery for me.

Do you like this pattern? What does it say to you?