Stripes are versatile, stylish, and timeless. They can be dressed up or down, and worn in a multitude of ways. This week You! takes a look at this ubiquitous trend and shares tips on how to pull them off in the perfect way...
wardrobe
Stripes are versatile, stylish, and timeless. They can be dressed up or down, and worn in a multitude of ways. This week You! takes a look at this ubiquitous trend and shares tips on how to pull them off in the perfect way...
It’s hard to remember a time when stripes weren’t in the fashion favour. They are just one of those prints that never seem to fade out into the night. It is the one trend that has managed to transcend over all seasons. Whether you are opting for a casual look or in need of an outfit for a formal event, stripes seem to work perfectly well in both ways. In fact, when it comes to wearing stripes, there are no set rules!
First things first, let’s start with the classic. There is no beating the classic navy and white striped tee which has rocked the boat (and the land) for decades. There are not many styles that a two-year-old girl and a 35-year-old man can both wear and look good. Especially when it comes to the nautical design - the timeless print and reminiscent of a seaside resort - stripes are perhaps the only contender. Throw on a piece of plain pants or denim jeans, and you are ready to head out the door. However, adapting this beloved print according to our style choices can be a little tricky. Keeping this in mind, this week You! takes a look at this evergreen trend and its inspirations that you can incorporate in your wardrobe...
The horizontals
Here’s an unpopular opinion: horizontal stripes do not necessarily make you look fat. Most women think that wearing stripes will make them look either unflattering or bulky, but you just need to know how to wear it. If you have a broad shoulder and want to sport your favourite tee, wear a vest or a loose cardigan on top. This will cancel out the widening effect and complement your body shape. However, when it comes to some of the form fitting pieces, such as dresses or skirts, thinner stripes will definitely suit better.
Mix and match
The best part about this humble pattern is that it gives you a lot of room to play around with the design. You don’t have to be afraid of experimenting with different widths and cuts to create a trendy yet unique ensemble. A blouse with some diagonal stripes can complement and accentuate all the right curves Also, you don’t just have to stop there, mix it with other prints such as florals, geometrics, polka dots or Aztec designs. It adds a fun and slightly unexpected twist to the mix.
One style inspiration that we took from Zonia Anwaar’s collection ‘Verso’ is to pair a plain shirt with a striped coat or upper. With the chilly season around the corner, this can be a fun look for a dull day full of meetings at the office.
Add oomph with colour
While we have established that the nautical is a well-loved combination, but colourful stripes are always a good idea to add that extra oomph to an outfit. Never be shy when it comes to colour especially when the winter winds are starting to blow. For a casual feel, paint box brights are a breath of fresh air, whereas dark hues remain a staple for the upcoming season. Although a pastel colour palette has been a popular choice for when you want something semi-formal. You can also draw inspiration from Mahgul’s collection ‘Flight of the Bulbul: In Ascension’.
Vertical on the bottom
Here we take lessons from the queen of stripes herself, Gigi Hadid. This model is often spotted sporting this trend. Whether it’s pairing a loose button-down shirt with black pants or rocking an entire dress suit, her look is absolutely impeccable each time. In terms of pants, it’s best to stick to vertical stripes! If you happen to be on the shorter side, this tip will make you taller. Horizontal stripes on your bottom half in this case can make you appear wider than you are, and vertical stripes will be elongating. Although, this is solely for the pants, the skirts in horizontal stripes look great on every height.
Start small with accessories
If you are not up for the striped outfits but still want to be a part of the trend, there is something for you too. Accessories are always an effortless way to breathe in life to any simple look. You can add jewellery, bags, shoes and even socks! However, the simplest way to amp up a plain kurta shalwar is with a stole and carry a matching bag or clutch is a pretty good addition. Here is some inspiration from Chapter 2’s collection ‘Urban Canvas’, on how to adorn these accessories.
