This summer fashion is taking cues from one of our favorite girls from Kansas, who wore a memorable gingham dress on her journey along the yellow brick road. The modern day interpretation? Checked fabric made into everything from skirts to scarves.

Checked fabric is similar to the ever popular plaid, though, in my opinion, a much more summery version. There’s just something so light and airy about checked fabric, no matter which way you wear it. And, contrary to what you might think, it’s quite versatile. If you opt for a small check, from a distance your piece will look like a solid color, but have a lot more visual interest up close. (Which means you can also mix it up with other prints!) If you’re looking to make a bigger statement, a larger check will be more obvious and add a pop of fun to any spring or summer look.

Got ya sold on checks? Here are 15 items to get you thinking about how to incorporate the pattern into your no-more-school! wardrobe.

So that’s how Jennifer Aniston looks so young.

Taylor Momsen does the rock thing.

Who thinks Kim Kardashian is a fame whore? (Besides me.)

Would you wear gingham?

Cameron Diaz and A-Rod are all hot and bothered.

Mean students target young professors.

2008 was an interesting year for fashion. Gone (thankfully) were the maternity tops of 2007, replaced by blasts from the past inspirations from the 20s through the days of our best pals on Beverly Hills 90210. We saw everything from the mom-jean to the 90s flannel button down. Some of it was fab, and some of it… not so much. So, let’s take a look at this year’s fashion highs and fashion oh-hell-no’s.

Because without the crap we can’t appreciate the couture.

Here are my top 5 fashion must-haves from 2008:

The High Waist

Sure we spent years trying to get people to stop wearing them only to bring them right back in, but let’s face it: we should be thankful that we don’t have to look at butt cracks and muffin tops a day longer. These pants look good on just about everyone… as long as they aren’t acid washed…or paired with a denim jacket.

The Vintage Scarf

There is something about Hollywood starting trends of cold-weather wear in warm weather regions that seems to catch on like hot fire. First we saw Uggs popularity soar back in 2003 with stars in shorts and boots trudging around LA. This year it was the scarf that made its way to the West Coast. Everywhere you turned, there was Jessica Alba in another fabulously printed scarf. These colorful scarves spruced up wardrobes, covered hickies (for those of you who still get them), and made any drab outfit instantly chic.

The Plaid or Gingham T

I was admittedly resistant to this trend at first. After all, my brothers wore these with hiking boots and Cavariccis to high school back in 1996. I didn’t like them then and I didn’t think I would like them now. Until designers – from the Couture to Forever 21 – made them tailored and colorful and so. freakin. cute, especially when tucked into a pair of those mom jeans I’ve come to love so much.

The Belt

Whereas 2007 was all about hiding that belly under too-big tops, 2008 brought us the cinched waist. Thank you, fashion peeps of the world! Now everything – jackets, dresses, tops – come paired with a belt for an instantly chic and flattering look. The best part: you can take all those maternity shirts from last year and glam ‘em up instantly with this year’s hottest accessory. And if by chance you get knocked up? Just remove that belt and, Viola!

Bright Colors

The little black dress was obsolete this year with the addition of bright colors and jewel tones. Seriously, everywhere you walked looked like a gay pride parade! You name your favorite Crayola crayon color and I will find you a shirt, dress and pair of skinny jeans in that hue.

The Oh-Hell-No Looks of 2008:

One-Piece Jumpers

I don’t care if Rhianna rocked them; they look good on no one. Unless, of course, you are a fan of the camel toe.

Leather Leggings

Leggings as pants can be tricky when not worn in a flattering way. Add the fact that they are leather and you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Leather leggings make women look like they are walking on lumpy sausages. Does that sound even remotely sexy to you? I didn’t think so. These bad boys are never flattering. Not ever. Not even for a second.

First we did plaid – now we’re going gaga for gingham. I feel like I should be back in an episode of Saved by the Bell when all of these 90′s styles were splashed across the pages of magazines and donned by our favorite celebs.

“For REALZ?” I thought when I saw this print again, running down to the basement to pull out my platform gym shoes, pogs and devil sticks.

But then I looked again. And I started to get used to it.

And I looked again. And I sorta fell in love.

Sure, the print is a little early 90′s, but the updated version is tailored and flattering, which is still light years better than that maternity crap we were stuck wearing for 2 years.

So this week I, your personal shopper, bring you:

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Gaga for Gingham – 10 years later!

This dress, only $48 at Urban Outfitters is a really simple way to rock this pattern. And don’t let the summery look fool you; throw a sweater over this (or even a shirt under it!) and you could sport this frock right into winter. (Click on the pic to buy it!)

For a completely different look, there is also this dress from Forever 21. You can wear this one to class or work, or take the buttons down a bit for a sexy evening alternative. The cut is ultra flattering on all body shapes and totally versatile. You could wear this dress with anything! It is a more-fun version of the little black dress.

The best thing about this look is you can dress it up or down: pair with tights and pumps for the party scene, like these adorable and affordable Mary Janes. Or follow LC’s lead and throw on some flats for class. These wedged flats in black would go perfectly.

It’s an all around dress – work, school, out to dinner… So, forget that gingham made its original appearance on Little House on the Prairie; this new take on the old pattern is fresh and fabulous.