H&M’s checked dress is an affordable dupe of Ganni’s Instagram-famous maxi

No longer a twee peppy print associated with school uniforms and dowdy picnic blankets, gingham has had a much-needed revamp – and we’re here for it.

With the print going hand in hand with the spring and summer months, it has been elevated beyond childish summer dresses to a cult favourite.

And chances are you saw a range of eye-catching checked clothing pieces last year, with a certain ruched busted maxi dress from Danish brand Ganni becoming the It-girl dress of summer.

With just about everyone sporting it, including the likes of Rochelle Hulmes on This Morning, it became an instant sell-out success, offering an effortless cool-girl look thanks to its flouncy design.

The £215 dress quickly became every park-dwellers uniform of choice, serving as the perfect versatile piece. Throw on a chunky cardigan over the top and style with a pair of chunky boots when there’s a chill in the air, but equally an ideal choice for wearing to the beach on a hot, sunny day.

But, at £215 a pop it’s not exactly the most pocket-friendly dress, which is why we were excited to see H&M’s iteration with its midi length and checked design, it’s giving us all the Scandi vibes and costs just £19.99.

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With our fashion choices seemingly a rotation of loungewear and activewear of late, if you’re looking for a new dress that is bound to get you excited for summer – here’s everything you need to know about H&M’s affordable checked midi.

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H&M smocked-bodice dress: £19.99, Hm.com

Looking to recreate the seersucker look for less? Enter H&M’s dupe of Ganni’s cult classic (£215, Ganni.com). Similarly to the Dutch brand’s design, it features a square neckline, a ruched bust, slightly frilly straps and an empire waist with a floaty skirt. While the high street iteration is cut slightly shorter than the designer’s, which is a maxi length, we’re just as obsessed. Plus, if you’re unsure about the checked design, it also comes in a floral design (£19.99, Hm.com).

With socialising fully set to be back in swing from 21 June, we don’t think there’s a better re-entry outfit. But, while pub gardens and alfresco dining remains the motive, for now, we’d throw on a denim jacket over the top and style with a pair of box-fresh white trainers.

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For more summer-ready fashion picks, read our guide to the new M&S x Ghost collection of swoon-worthy dresses