How to wear stripes

So, in last week’s Fashion Friday post I mentioned that stripes are in style this coming spring, and then I walked through Target with Little yesterday and WOW! there are stripes everywhere! Here are a  few tips for wearing stripes.

This is me in stripes in the 70s. See the difference a diagonal stripe (vs a horizontal) makes?

Pick one striped item and keep the rest solid, or close to solid

Stripes may be everywhere in the stores, but they shouldn’t be everywhere on your body. Too many stripes and you’ll get a A Bad Case of Stripes [Paperback] …

Keep stripes slimming

For the longest time, I stayed away from stripes because they’re widening when worn wrong and, honestly, I didn’t want to accidentally wear them wrong. Here’s how to wear them right.

Look for stripes of varying width — a thin stripe mixed with a thick stripe is far better than 2 colors of stripes that are exactly the same width. But with stripes, be sure to always try before you buy — every striped top is definitely not made for everyone. Avoid wearing the thickest, boldest stripe across your widest part, as it will only accentuate it and make you look wider (unless, of course, you want to look wider.) I’ve found that a thick stripe across my chest makes me look wide and flat chested–neither of which are factors I’m looking for when I shop. (Tops: Clockwise from left: Sandtrap/Martin Red Striped t-shirt, Reverse Jacquard Stripe Popover, Colorblock Stripe Boatneck, Splendid Capri Stripe, V-Neck Pocket T, Wallis Stripe Sweater.)

Diagonal stripes can be very complimentary. Chevron is still in style for this reason, as are crashing stripes–where a sweep of stripes runs into another one, forming a perpendicular “crash” on an angle.

(Dresses: clockwise from bottom right Breton Stripe Dress, Louche Know Every Angle, Chevron Striped Maxi, Fashion Star Striped Dress, Chevron the Dance Floor)

Stripey Swim

Vacationing? Or maybe you live somewhere warm and summery… Swimwear is the perfect excuse to try some stripey fun. Look for angles that will complement your curves. (Swim: Clockwise from bottom left: Seafolly Stripe Bandeau (top) and bottom, Mossimo Bandeau and skirtini, Seafolly Seaview, JCrew Stripe Bandeau Tank.)

Accessorize with stripes

Tossing stripes over a solid outfit is a way to not go overboard with the stripes. Just like bold colors in accessories offer that punch of color, so do stripes. This spring, add stripes to your steps by pairing striped blazers with solids. Look for a strong contrasting cording, fitted cut and/or contrasting widths. (Blazers: clockwise from bottom left: Striped Ponte Academy,  Malibu Blazer, Corded Dobby, Variegated Striped Sweater Blazer)

Shoes are always a great way to accessorize a trend. You’ll see tons of options for stripes on shoes this spring and summer in all different heights and styles. (Shoes: Clockwise from left: Rocket Dog Spirit, Jessica Simpson Papaya Platforms, Flats, Sperry Katama Espadrille, Bank Suri Stripe Pump, Guiseppe Zanotti Satin Stripe Floral Pump.)

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© 2013, Julie Meyers Pron. All rights reserved.

About Julie Meyers Pron

Julie Meyers Pron has written 1188 post in this blog.

mom of 3 and wife, Julie is a former elementary school teacher and a Public Relations manager. She is the owner/editor of Julieverse and VlogMom, columnist for Rusty & Rosy, Home Made Simple and P&G Everyday, the Social Media and Child Development Specialist at PlayWow, and a team member of Splash Creative Media. Julie is a PTOer, volunteer, elementary educator and that's just the beginning of the list. A marketing strategist and freelance writer by trade, Julie attempts to carve out time to enjoy playing with her kids, cooking and exercise.

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