Once the pretty Pollyanna trend utilised for picnics and barn-raisings, this season gingham has come over all glamorous. Roe McDermott shows you how to transform this feminine fabric into high fashion.

While winter’s check and houndstooth prints made us all rediscover our latent Lady of the Manor, this spring is all about releasing your country girl, as the light and breezy weaves of gingham return to the catwalk. Cowgirl check oozes frivolity, but the naiveté implicit can be carefully offset to elevate the look into high fashion. This time out, it’s more about exaggerated prints than afternoon picnics: gingham, you might say, is getting in touch with its glamorous side.

The fabris and its deviates were all over the Spring/Summer catwalks, and the myriad of striking looks proved that this cowgirl look is no one trick pony. For one, Just Cavalli embraced this season’s love of pink, keeping their gingham looks flirty and ultra feminine, with swinging skirts and fuscia tones, all accented by floral highlights and peep-toe shoes. Marni went for a more earthy, rustic feel, grounding their gingham in earth tones and adding thick woollen socks, wide brown leather belts and chunky jewellery for a look that was more fashionista farm girl.

Max Mara and Burberry went for a more classic contemporary look, keeping their palette to a minimum of monochromes and blue hues, while Balmain went for full-on modern glamour, contrasting their bold monochrome gingham with chunky gold jewellery for a punkish flair.

To translate this look from catwalk to wardrobe, look for pieces that will blend seamlessly into your repertoire. If you're sticking with this season’s candy pastels, look for bigger prints, and team lightly shaded garments with black gladiator heels or boots, to keep it from being too Pollyanna-ish. Or look for monochrome shades and boyfriend-fit gingham shirts, which look effortlessly cool when teamed with wetlook skinny jeans and high heels. Likewise, cute and short summer dresses can be toughened up by adding statement jewellery and a classic leather jacket. If you feel like coming over all modern '50s, then pair a high-waisted gingham midi skirt with a graphic top and an edgy heel, which should keep the look from getting twee.

If gingham is a little busy for you, keep an eye out for its classic cousins, tartan and houndstooth. Oversized boyfriend overcoats are huge this season, and look wonderful in basic check, while tartan adds a '90s punk vibe to any ensemble. Team tartan minis with chunky socks and high heels for a classic rebel look, or come over sophisticated in full-length, figure hugging check dresses. Check you out!