As a “fashionably-challenged” millennial, I now spend most of my days (begrudgingly) crossing items off my list of what to wear:
Skinny Jeans
Ankle Socks
French Tucks
These things never actually leave my list (or my closet), but when it comes to summertime, I try to look and feel my best in trendy, colorful outfits. Imagine my surprise when my personal stylist (*cough* my sister) told me that the 2024 summer trend is Gingham.
Not to be confused with Gangnam style, I quickly learned.
What Is Gingham?
“The two-toned checkered pattern makes me think of grassy lunches and yellow brick roads and the fabric shops my grandma used to take me to as a child,” writes Ebony-Renee Baker for Refinery29. “But it’s this nostalgia, paired with its general versatility, that makes gingham such a timeless print.”
It’s a style that (most of us) grew up seeing on the big screen, from Dorothy in Wizard of Oz to the more recent Barbie movie. It’s bright. It’s classic. It screams summertime! And despite its mid-18th century origins, it’s making a major comeback in 2024.
We’re dipping our toes into the trend with the launch of a limited edition swim collection in collaboration with the Bird’s Papaya—because, let’s be honest, the girl knows her shades of pink.
So, if you’re ready to live your best Barbie’s pool house fantasy with the Seashell Gingham pattern, here’s a look at our favorite items from the collection.
Versatility is Top Priority
Our Scoop and Deep V bikini tops offer fuller coverage, and sizes range from XS to 4XL+ (the + is for a little extra chest room) while our Ruffle Triangle offers a classic cut (with RUFFLES!) with ties at the neck in sizes XS to 2XL.
All three options are silky soft with the scoop and ruffle triangle offering removable cups. Let’s be honest here: you could legit just wear these as tops and nobody would bat an eyelash.
Zhush Up A Plain Look With Patterned Bottoms
But hey, let’s say you’ve already got the perfect bikini top and you just need that perfect bikini bottom to pull the look together. Our Sculpt High Rise (a fan-favorite) will give you cheeky bum coverage from XS to 4XL, while our low rise Ruffle String bikini bottom (from XS to 2XL) will have you turning heads at the beach. Lounging by the water never looked cuter!
Don’t Forget to Accessorize
Sarah Landry, the Birds Papaya queen herself, debuted a couple looks at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami Beach on June 1 and absolutely wowed the crowd in her ruffle string combo and Cinch Shaper One-Piece Suit.
“I believe this checked combo will reign supreme this season because of its synchronous ability to amplify a neutral lover’s minimalist wardrobe,” wrote NYC stylist, Tinsley Crisp, in The EveryGirl, “while also being able to serve as a trendsetter’s ideal base for a pop of color.”
For those just looking for the perfect accessory for their swim attire, look no further than the gingham Sarong. It’s the perfect way to add some class to a low-key outfit and, like a few other pieces within the collection, it comes with UPF 50+ protection so you can stay protected AND stunning.
Bring Color to Your Summer
Just like Birds Papaya, her collection is all about feeling good in the body that you’re in. With this delicate and flirty pattern, you can mix and match with so many outfits that make you feel your best during the summer.
You’ll be trendy. You’ll be comfortable. And just like another gingham goddess, your new swim style will feel like it’s just walked into a world of technicolor.