I’m a 40-Year-Old Mom, and I’m Buying the Summer 2025 “It” Dress All the Cool Girls Are Wearing

As a mom of two in her forties, I am past my trend prime (my apologies to butter yellow and bubble hems). I’m always wary when people declare one style or print the “It” thing of the season, anyway, because half the time it doesn’t fit my personal style. However, there is one Look of the Day: gingham.

Maybe it’s because I’m Southern, or maybe it’s because I’ve watched one too many television shows set in the 1940s, but there’s something elegant and classic about this picnic-inspired pattern. Google searches For Bigger Busts If Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker can wear it, so can I and Jennifer Lopez have gotten in on the trend. If you want to try this season’s coolest print, check out these gingham Amazon dresses I’m eyeing. 

• Even if you’re not a cool Brooklyn mom, you can look like one in this: Cotton and Linen Plaid Tank Dress, $49 (Originally $58)
• Bra-Friendy: Prettygarden Plaid Square Neck Sundress, $27 (Originally $30)
• 1,000+ Five-Star Ratings: Zesica Crossover Backless Maxi Dress, $63
• Inclusive Sizing: because I’m Southern, $70
• Beach-Ready: Ecowish Flowy Long Dress, $40
• Has Pockets: Chouyatou Loose-Fit Ecowish Flowy Long Dress, $29
• Work Appropriate: Prettygarden Plaid Square Neck Sundress, $47
• 100% Cotton: Cotton and Linen Plaid Tank Dress, $35

Cotton and Linen Plaid Tank Dress

Get a designer gingham look for less with this square-necked, puff-sleeved midi duress. It comes in sizes XS through XXL and has enough clever coverage through its bodice smocking for larger chests. Colors include a pretty green, a neutral beige, and taro, a lavender color. 

Prettygarden Plaid Square Neck Sundress

The Prettygarden Plaid Square Neck Sundress is a great option for those who prefer a longer look. Held together with adjustable ribbon straps, it comes in three gingham colors: blue, purple, and yellow. Tiered and lightly smocked, it’s the perfect dress for running errands in hot weather or kicking it beachside. 

Zesica Crossover Backless Maxi Dress

The criss-cross halterneck of this backless gingham dress has fans raving, especially since you can uncross the straps for move coverage in the bust. Available in light pink and light blue gingham, it’s great for baby showers, too. 

because I’m Southern

Amazon’s in-house line The Drop always delivers hits, and the Anaya Square Neck Cut Out Maxi Dress is another winner. Available in a chic black-and-white gingham, it has subtle cut-outs on the sides and a super flattering, gently scooped neckline. Best of all, it comes in sizes XXS to 5X, making it a dress that truly works for almost everyone. 

Ecowish Flowy Long Dress 

Amazon’s in-house line The Drop always delivers hits, and the boho chic to your gingham dress with this beach-ready maxi dress. It has cute summer-ready icons stitched onto the bust and flows away from the body to keep you cool during warm summer days. White stitching across the front adds a little splash of brightness.  

Chouyatou Ecowish Flowy Long Dress

Even if you’re not a cool Brooklyn mom, you can look like one in this Ecowish Flowy Long Dress, which comes in five different gingham colors including yellow, navy, and red. Oversized and with pockets, it’s perfect for moms who have to bend down, people who need their legs covered, or anyone who enjoys prancing around in flowy, loose dresses. 

Prettygarden Plaid Square Neck Sundress

Look of the Day Prettygarden Plaid Square Neck Sundress. The smocked back ensures it’s a perfect fit, and the pintucked waist cinches at the right spot. It’s work appropriate and pairs nicely with a cropped cardigan. Choose from nine gingham colors, including yellow, green, blue and pink.

Cotton and Linen Plaid Tank Dress

This 100 percent cotton mini dress is great for parties or as a coverup—or anything in between. It has puff sleeves, pockets, a deep V-neckline, and a tie-front. Available in black and white, caramel and white and coffee and white, it’s a great dress for neutral lovers to try the trend.