Checkmate​

I never thought I’d say this but I’m getting bored of leopard print.

Gasp!

It’s true. I have been a loyal leopard print lover for a long time. When I was 17, I wore a leopard print top to Berties Nightclub in an attempt to look older. It worked – I got in. Since then, I’ve worn ballet pumps, scarves, leggings and coats adorned in the fabulously brash print.

In the jungle, a leopard’s coat helps it blend into its surroundings for survival but in the city, it helps you to disassociate yourself with the sea of suits. It brightens up a dreary day and injects kitsch glamour into an otherwise quiet outfit. But what was once a statement print has become oversaturated and is now as common as a top knot in Shoreditch.

Last winter, I added another Topshop leopard print coat to my collection. This one was a darker shade than my others and a more sophisticated affair. Every time I wore it I saw at least five other people wearing it. I even found myself standing next to two women wearing it on the tube. Nightmare.

Now, I don’t want to be the only leopard in the city. I do, however, want to retain a certain amount of individuality. So for that reason, I am having a break from leopard print. I am not giving up on it; I’m just pressing pause. Thankfully, there are oodles of brilliant prints around to fill the gap. There’s tropical, stripes and of course gingham.

Gingham has enjoyed various moments of fame, creeping into the limelight before quietly disappearing again. We’ve seen the classic gingham capri pants (thank you, Marilyn), the mods Fred Perry shirts and Bridget Bardot’s wedding dress.

Today’s gingham is edgier and sexier than before. In his SS17 collection, Peter Pilotto mixed asymmetrical two-tone gingham tops with busy culottes while Wanda Nylon opted for oversized suits and matching tiny bralettes while high waists and ruffles have made it to the highstreet.

I love this midi skirt from Marks and Spencer. It comes in two lengths and will go with so many things in my wardrobe.

These high-waisted trousers from Topshop scream Marilyn Monroe, perfect for sashaying around London with delusions of grandeur.

Gingham Mensy Ruffle Waist Trousers, Topshop, £36

My final gingham garment of lust is this top from Miss Selfridge. It’s cute, versatile and easy to wear.

Poplin Gingham Ruffle Blouse, Miss Selfridge, £25

All images (excluding product images): Pinterest.