This year, stripes are making a spectacular comeback. They are a staple in the minimalist wardrobe, offering both practicality and style. Striped clothing is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down. With so many options available, let’s take a look at what to buy and what to avoid.
What Not to Buy
Striped Dresses:
While you can create many different looks with a striped top, the same cannot be said for dresses. Striped dresses can feel quite dated and are best avoided if you don’t want to look old-fashioned. They also tend to be less versatile, with limited styling options.
Striped dresses can give off a vintage vibe that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Striped Pants:
Striped pants may seem like a fun idea, but they can easily veer into pajama territory. They often lack the sophistication you want in public attire. No matter the fabric, striped pants rarely look polished. If you’re keen on patterned pants, proceed with caution.
Striped pants can be a tricky item to style and often give off a casual or even pajama-like vibe.
What to Buy
Striped Shirts:
Striped shirts have been around for a while, but they continue to feel fresh and fashionable. The most versatile option is a striped button-down shirt in soft colors like powder blue, mint green, light yellow, or blush pink.
A striped shirt in soft colors is a versatile and fashionable choice.
Striped T-shirts:
This is a staple for French girls and a great basic to have in your wardrobe. A striped tee can be worn year-round and paired with almost anything. While it’s not a groundbreaking piece, it’s always a good idea to have one that’s in good condition.
Classic stripes like horizontal, vertical, or Breton stripes are a safe bet and easy to style.
Go for classic stripes like horizontal, vertical, or Breton stripes. These timeless patterns look best with simple, minimalist pieces. Avoid mixing two striped garments, as it can be overwhelming. Steer clear of pairing striped clothing with bright colors or busy patterns as well.
Frequently asked questions
Striped patterns are a classic fashion trend that features alternating bands of colored lines, usually in a repetitive pattern. They have been a popular choice for clothing and accessories due to their ability to create optical illusions that flatter the wearer’s body shape and size. Stripes can create the illusion of length, width, or balance proportions, making them a versatile option for anyone’s wardrobe.
To style stripes in a modern way for 2024, consider mixing and matching different types of stripes. Try pairing a bold, wide-striped top with more subtle, pinstriped pants or skirts. Play with proportions by choosing striped pieces that emphasize your best features; for example, vertical stripes on a dress can elongate your silhouette. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with color; try rainbow stripes or opt for tonal stripes for a more subtle effect.
Some key striped pieces to invest in for a versatile wardrobe include a classic Breton striped top, a striped blazer, and a pair of striped wide-leg pants. These items can be easily mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe and will always look stylish. Additionally, a striped dress is a great choice for a statement piece that can be dressed up or down.
While stripes are generally flattering, there are a few styles to approach with caution. Very thin, tightly-spaced stripes can sometimes create a dizzying effect, so it’s best to avoid these if you’re prone to migraines or motion sickness. Additionally, be mindful of the width and direction of stripes; horizontal stripes that flare out at the hips or waist can sometimes create the illusion of extra volume, so opt for more vertical stripes in these areas if you’re concerned.
Incorporating stripes into your existing wardrobe can be done seamlessly by treating stripes as a neutral pattern. Stripes in neutral colors like navy, black, or gray can easily be paired with other patterns such as florals, polka dots, or checks. Start by adding a striped accessory like a scarf, bag, or shoes to an existing outfit, or layer a striped top under a solid-colored blazer or cardigan.
