If ever there was a perfect fabric for Spring, it has to be gingham. It’s fresh and cheery - and reminds us of picnic blankets... When I think of garments in gingham, I think of floaty dresses and swishy skirts but a full blown suit, now that’s something a bit cool. Both Mum and I love this two-piece. Rather than draw straws as to who wore it, we both decided to.

We actually haven’t styled it all that differently, mum with a t-shirt and more low-key leather slippers, me with chunky trainers and the obligatory coloured sock and over-sized shirt.

The jacket and trousers worn together definitely make a statement but worn separately, they would work equally well. The jacket would look superb with khaki trousers (like these) or white jeans (like these). As the gingham is such a bold pattern, whether worn as separates or together, I would keep the other colours in your outfit tonal with the khaki green and white (shades of green, cream and beige). We chose to pair the suit with this great olive mac from Uniqlo. Although the sun is streaming through the window as I write this (hallelujah!) it’s still pretty nippy outside which makes it the perfect weather for a mackintosh/trench coat, so if you have one in your cupboard, now is the time to dig it out!

It is the detail in a piece of clothing that takes it from run-of-the-mill to something special. I love the loosely structured shoulders of this jacket, coupled with the a-line shape in the lightweight cotton. What makes it particularly lovely though is the slanted pockets. It’s details like this that you don’t get on the high street and it’s details like this that elevate the look. It is why investing in pieces of clothing that stand out to you, and really capture your attention, is usually worth it.

A helpful tip when spending a bit more on a special piece is….walk away. If you see something that you love, walk away from it and see whether you keep thinking about it. Consider your wardrobe and all the other clothes that you have-what will your new item go with? If you can’t stop thinking about the piece and you can think of at least three outfits that you could make from your existing wardrobe with the garment, then go for it! Buy the investment piece, you won’t regret it….

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

Sue wears…

Gingham jacket, £279, Plumo

Gingham trousers, £179, Plumo

T-Shirt, £29, COS

Mac coat, £99.90, Uniqlo

Apple pip hoop earrings, £105, Little by Little

Shoes, old

Hannah wears…

Jacket and trousers, as above

Over-sized shirt, £59, Arket

Socks, old but these are good

Trainers, old but any trainer would work!

-STYLE EDIT-

-Gingham & Checks-