How to wear stripes: 8 Style Panel tips for updating the trend this season
Spring 2013 may have been about bold thick stripes on jackets, crop tops and dresses, but this year, the perennial spring trend was refreshed with thinner and finer takes on the Spring 2014 runway. Cases in point: Altuzarra showed vertical stripes in pajama-esque lady-like attires while Proenza Schouler worked the lines into its crisscross bodices and metallic pleated skirts. So, as the least complicated trend to incorporate into our everyday outfits (one may argue), this week we asked our Style Panel to inspire us with updated versions of their take on stripes for this spring.
While it’s easy to stick to one striped piece per outfit, To Vogue or Bust’s Alex Grant played with a striped scarf and top in reverse colours adding an understated elegance to a casual day ensemble. Where stripes only existed on tops, blazers and dresses in her closet, Dainty Girl’s Nicole Wilson’s broke out of her comfort zone and worked a pair of vertical striped pants to a work-appropriate outfit. And if wearing stripes isn’t really your thing, Kayla Short of Short Presents works a striped weekend bag into a monochromatic look to prove that this spring trend isn’t exclusive to just clothes.
Question 102: How do you wear stripes this spring? Read the answers now! »
ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | SASHA XIAO, TORONTO
Nicole Wilson, 29
Toronto | Dainty Girl
The stripes trend never goes away so it’s important to attempt fresh takes on it season after season. In fall and winter, I like to wear classic black and white stripes, but for spring and summer, I try to work with a lighter colour palette. Most of the striped pieces in my wardrobe are tops, blazers or dresses – I realized this season that I hadn’t delved into the world of striped pants yet!
The first image that comes to mind when I think of striped pants is Beetlejuice circa 1988, but I was able to shake that image when I found these chic striped trousers at Ann Taylor. Shades of taupe, navy and ivory come together with various stripe widths in these lightweight and comfortable tapered pants. With an elasticized waistband, these pajama style pants are super versatile and perfect for tucked or un-tucked blouses. I styled them with spring’s hottest shade of powder blue and simple flat sandals. The perfect spring/summer office look that works for a Sunday brunch too!
Nicole’s wearing: Blouse, Ann Taylor. Pants, Ann Taylor. Shoes, Le Chateau. Clutch, Forever 21. Watch, Caravelle New York. Bracelets, Stella & Dot.
Alexandra Grant, 26
Vancouver | To Vogue or Bust
While I am usually drawn to more classic stripe-focused looks (i.e. black skinny jeans with a simple black and white top), I love channelling a more visually interesting and femme stripe-centred look for spring. Mixing two striped pieces together, I focused on keeping the tones in this outfit’s colour palette pretty similar and in the cool range, letting the print-on-print action stand out without overwhelming.
Alex’s wearing: Shirt, Obakki. Sweater, 424 Fifth. Scarf, Club Monaco. Heels, Michael Kors. Bag, vintage.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Stripes have become synonymous with spring dressing, and what better way to refresh the look than opting for a color blocking striped weekend bag? Don’t get me wrong I love me some striped dresses, and t-shirts, but I welcome the idea of my stripe obsession branching out to other pieces like trench coats, shoes, and bags. Currently I’ve been obsessed with coral and powder blue, so I opted for a monochrome look here, so the coral accent packs a punch.
Kayla’s wearing: Jeans, silk blouse and sunglasses, Joe Fresh. Shoes, Chucks. Trench, Jacob. Weekend bag, Old Navy.
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
When wearing stripes I like to play with the weight of them. I paired a thin striped t-shirt with a thick striped colour blocked blazer to create interest in an otherwise plain outfit.
Sandy’s wearing: T-shirt, vintage, Jacket, vintage. Purse, Betsey Johnson. Denim, American Apparel. Boots, Rag & Bone.
Sasha Xiao, 25
Toronto | Sasha’s Satisfashion
Although stripes are very classic, I don’t always feel comfortable wearing it because the pattern can play an optical illusion and make things appear larger than they actually are. However, over the years, I’ve been gradually stepping out of my comfort zone and trying to style stripes to complement my body. As stripes are in trend again this spring, instead of shying away from it, I decided to have some fun by picking up a different type of stripes- not horizontal, not vertical, but eclectic. In addition, I choose to wear this striped dress differently and more creatively. I added a skirt on top of the dress to create a more dimensional look. And by putting a belt to secure it, my waist line appear to be higher than where it actually is, so my legs seem longer.
Sasha’s wearing: Dress, Joe Fresh. Skirt, Club Monaco. Belt, American Apparel. Shoes, Kate Spade.
Kira Parn, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
I can’t get enough stripes any season and this spring is no exception. For this look I went stripes overboard; we doesn’t love stripes, on stripes, on stripes? Select one common color when combining different pieces.
Kira’s wearing: Hat, Rag and Bone. Boots, Hunter. Jacket, top and pants, Gap.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Each and every year, spring means two essential trends, stripes and pastels. Stripes are seen throughout the nautical trend each year, and is perfect for summers up-north, by a lake. So navy stripes are a key one for the season ahead. But this season, I’ve gone and added some colour to mix things up. Probably because of the crazy-long winter, I’ve been attracted to much more colour than usual. So the perfect way to add some charm to menswear pinstripe is by doing it in a rainbow of pastels. I’ve kept the look casual with wide legged trousers, and classic jewellery, and rolled-up a boyfriend-styled shirt.
Barbara’s wearing: Shirt, Hawkings McGill. Pants, Joe Fresh. Watch, Movado Bold. Glasses, Kate Spade New York. Earrings, Hortense.
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
Contrary to popular belief, stripes are flattering and super easy to wear…A striped tee with denim is an effortlessly chic look that you can style up or down with a quick shoe change.
Cara’s wearing: Leather Jacket, Muubaa. Top, J.Crew. Bag, Coach. Jeans, American Eagle. Sunglasses, House of Harlow 1960.
, this week we asked our Style Panel to inspire us with updated versions of their take on stripes for this spring.
While it’s easy to stick to one striped piece per outfit, To Vogue or Bust’s Alex Grant played with a striped scarf and top in reverse colours adding an understated elegance to a casual day ensemble. Where stripes only existed on tops, blazers and dresses in her closet, Dainty Girl’s Nicole Wilson’s broke out of her comfort zone and worked a pair of vertical striped pants to a work-appropriate outfit. And if wearing stripes isn’t really your thing, Kayla Short of Short Presents works a striped weekend bag into a monochromatic look to prove that this spring trend isn’t exclusive to just clothes.
Question 102: How do you wear stripes this spring? Read the answers now! »
ALEX GRANT, VANCOUVER | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | CARA MCLEAY, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | SASHA XIAO, TORONTO
Nicole Wilson, 29
Toronto | Dainty Girl
The stripes trend never goes away so it's important to attempt fresh takes on it season after season. In fall and winter, I like to wear classic black and white stripes, but for spring and summer, I try to work with a lighter colour palette. Most of the striped pieces in my wardrobe are tops, blazers or dresses - I realized this season that I hadn't delved into the world of striped pants yet!
The first image that comes to mind when I think of striped pants is Beetlejuice circa 1988, but I was able to shake that image when I found these chic striped trousers at Ann Taylor. Shades of taupe, navy and ivory come together with various stripe widths in these lightweight and comfortable tapered pants. With an elasticized waistband, these pajama style pants are super versatile and perfect for tucked or un-tucked blouses. I styled them with spring's hottest shade of powder blue and simple flat sandals. The perfect spring/summer office look that works for a Sunday brunch too!
Nicole's wearing: Blouse, Ann Taylor. Pants, Ann Taylor. Shoes, Le Chateau. Clutch, Forever 21. Watch, Caravelle New York. Bracelets, Stella & Dot.
Alexandra Grant, 26
Vancouver | To Vogue or Bust
While I am usually drawn to more classic stripe-focused looks (i.e. black skinny jeans with a simple black and white top), I love channelling a more visually interesting and femme stripe-centred look for spring. Mixing two striped pieces together, I focused on keeping the tones in this outfit's colour palette pretty similar and in the cool range, letting the print-on-print action stand out without overwhelming.
Alex’s wearing: Shirt, Obakki. Sweater, 424 Fifth. Scarf, Club Monaco. Heels, Michael Kors. Bag, vintage.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Stripes have become synonymous with spring dressing, and what better way to refresh the look than opting for a color blocking striped weekend bag? Don't get me wrong I love me some striped dresses, and t-shirts, but I welcome the idea of my stripe obsession branching out to other pieces like trench coats, shoes, and bags. Currently I've been obsessed with coral and powder blue, so I opted for a monochrome look here, so the coral accent packs a punch.
Kayla’s wearing: Jeans, silk blouse and sunglasses, Joe Fresh. Shoes, Chucks. Trench, Jacob. Weekend bag, Old Navy.
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
When wearing stripes I like to play with the weight of them. I paired a thin striped t-shirt with a thick striped colour blocked blazer to create interest in an otherwise plain outfit.
Sandy’s wearing: T-shirt, vintage, Jacket, vintage. Purse, Betsey Johnson. Denim, American Apparel. Boots, Rag & Bone.
Sasha Xiao, 25
Toronto | Sasha’s Satisfashion
Although stripes are very classic, I don't always feel comfortable wearing it because the pattern can play an optical illusion and make things appear larger than they actually are. However, over the years, I've been gradually stepping out of my comfort zone and trying to style stripes to complement my body. As stripes are in trend again this spring, instead of shying away from it, I decided to have some fun by picking up a different type of stripes- not horizontal, not vertical, but eclectic. In addition, I choose to wear this striped dress differently and more creatively. I added a skirt on top of the dress to create a more dimensional look. And by putting a belt to secure it, my waist line appear to be higher than where it actually is, so my legs seem longer.
Sasha’s wearing: Dress, Joe Fresh. Skirt, Club Monaco. Belt, American Apparel. Shoes, Kate Spade.
Kira Parn, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure
I can't get enough stripes any season and this spring is no exception. For this look I went stripes overboard; we doesn't love stripes, on stripes, on stripes? Select one common color when combining different pieces.
Kira’s wearing: Hat, Rag and Bone. Boots, Hunter. Jacket, top and pants, Gap.
[caption id="attachment_179818" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photography by Trevor Negin[/caption]
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
Each and every year, spring means two essential trends, stripes and pastels. Stripes are seen throughout the nautical trend each year, and is perfect for summers up-north, by a lake. So navy stripes are a key one for the season ahead. But this season, I've gone and added some colour to mix things up. Probably because of the crazy-long winter, I've been attracted to much more colour than usual. So the perfect way to add some charm to menswear pinstripe is by doing it in a rainbow of pastels. I've kept the look casual with wide legged trousers, and classic jewellery, and rolled-up a boyfriend-styled shirt.
Barbara’s wearing: Shirt, Hawkings McGill. Pants, Joe Fresh. Watch, Movado Bold. Glasses, Kate Spade New York. Earrings, Hortense.
Cara McLeay, 28
Vancouver | A Fashion Love Affair
Contrary to popular belief, stripes are flattering and super easy to wear...A striped tee with denim is an effortlessly chic look that you can style up or down with a quick shoe change.
Cara’s wearing: Leather Jacket, Muubaa. Top, J.Crew. Bag, Coach. Jeans, American Eagle. Sunglasses, House of Harlow 1960. ){kind=link}