I definitely didn’t need any more gingham in my wardrobe but I simply couldn’t resist this pretty pair of checkered pumps
These vintage-style flats have fast become my favourite summer shoe


As soon as the sun starts to make a proper appearance, I will reach inside my wardrobe and grab something covered in gingham. For me, the vintage-style checks are always the perfect print for a sunny day and I have many dresses, shirts and bags covered in the timeless squares.
In fact, I own so many gingham pieces that I had actually made a pact with myself not to buy any more this year, as I really didn’t need anything new. I was doing well with my self-imposed ban until I saw this beautiful pair of red and white Mary-Jane pumps by River Island. The preppy gingham flats complete with wide cross-strap and faux buckle were just too pretty to resist, so I ordered a pair immediately and in all honesty, I have zero regrets. I love them.
The vintage-inspired shoe adds a fun yet polished footnote to my outfit, and I have found them to be the perfect finishing touch to a pair of barrel leg jeans and a white shirt. I’ve also worn them with a plain pink sun dress and love how the checkerboard effect adds a hint of print to any outfit with very minimal effort. They have fast become my favourite summer shoes and I find myself reaching for them most days.
Great for pairing with everything from dresses to jumpsuits and even stylish linen staples, I'm convinced that there is very little these shoes won't team well with.
Perfect for what to wear in the heat, thanks to the open and airy front, these are certainly going to get a lot of mileage from me in the coming months.
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Gingham is one of those prints that comes into the style spotlight year after year but manages to feel very fresh and cheerful each season. I love wearing it from top to toe, but I have also found that these shoes inject some pattern to even the simplest of outfits and I think they will make a great choice for anybody wanting to try the trend but feels less confident about wearing a dress or shirt covered in the retro squares.
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For a bolder statement opt for these bright blue heels. The small platform helps to support the foot a little more than stiletto heels, making them one of the most comfortable wedding guest shoes of the season.
As well as looking good, the River Island flats feel good to wear too. I can do the school run and dash to the shops without having to think about them, and the felted material inside is very soft against my feet. They really are both practical and pretty.
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The flats have ticked all my boxes when it comes to warm-weather shoes, and I will be stepping out in these playful pumps again and again over the coming months.
Matilda Stanley is a freelance style editor covering all things fashion, beauty and interiors. She writes and styles for both print and online and covers everything from the latest catwalk trends to bargain skincare buys. With over fifteen years of experience in the industry, Matilda has worked on TV shows including 'Gok's Fashion Fix', and written and styled for publications including Closer, Heat, Bella, Look, Woman, Good Housekeeping, Now, and The Daily Mail.