gingham

It is, of course, gingham - that cheap and cheerful check fabric that seems to have been around forever, but never quite in fashion.

This summer, gingham stands side-by-side with stripes and Pucci prints as the hottest look to wear.

99 per bag' gingham ribbon, from 39p per metre' spray paint, from pounds 2.

GO for the Shaker look with tree decorations made from red felt, hessian and gingham.

Not to be outdone, Erica was quick off the mark in Top Shop and made a dash for the changing room with a gingham shirt - with Amber hot on her heels.

AMBER: Blue gingham shirt, pounds 25 from Top Shop.

99 for the twin sheet; and Coordinates, a line of solids, eyelets and ginghams designed to mix and match with the prints.

The Classics collection consists of Provencale, a blue and yellow floral and gingham ensemble with a coordinating eyelet; and two recolorations of previously successful patterns.

So keep an eye out for hot hues and unusual prints, and team them with pretty ginghams, florals and broderie anglaise.

Left: Gingham dress, pounds 55, Kookai: 020 7368 6903.