The classic stripe is a girl’s best friend when it comes to patterns. They never go out of style and can be worn with anything. What’s not to love, right? Here’s how to wear them…  

Stripes should be a mainstay in every girl’s wardrobe, but if you are feeling uninspired by this trend and feel like you have seen one stripe too many of late, we have some easy ways for you to change your stripes to keep your look fresh this season.

Which stripes are best for your body shape

Stripes can be worn by all shapes and sizes. But if you want to know which pattern will flatter your natural shape then below is the list of options to choose from –

• Pear –for people with bigger bottom halves and narrower shoulders, opt for a horizontal stripe top to create the illusion of a bigger torso.
• Apple – Women with a larger midsection would benefit from vertical or diagonal stripes.
• Hourglass – Curvaceous figures can pull off any pattern – stripes too. But to accentuate curves, wear horizontal stripes to add focus to your hips and bust.
• Petite – Small women who want to maximize their height should opt for thin, vertical stripes to elongate the figure.
• Rectangle – For women that are ‘straight up and down’, without carrying weight in one particular area, horizontal stripes with varying width can look fabulous. If you’re wanting to create the illusion of more curves, opt for larger stripes.

Generally speaking, vertical stripes make you seem taller, while horizontal stripes can make you look wider. Thin stripes are great for petite women but be wary, as thick stripes can sometimes do curvy women injustice.

Colour Stripes

• Injecting some colour to your stripe ensemble is the easiest way to give some edge to your basic monochrome stripes.
• Try colours like bright blue and vivid red paired with white, or better yet if you are daring enough, experiment with colours in a range of hues.
• For a panache effect, think clashing colours in rainbow brights on a larger stripe.

Stripes On Stripes

• Up your stripe ante by going matchy-matchy and wearing the pattern head to toe.
• Our favourite way to update the tried and tested stripe look is by doubling or even tripling up on striped garments.
• Our favourites are striped suits for a more put-together look but slouchy pairings will give off a more relaxed vibe if that’s what you’re after.
• Wearing stripes in opposite directions is also a great way to keep your look interesting and can feel more unique. Just remember, you can never have too many stripes.

Layer Stripes

• Stripes are one of the easiest patterns to layer with just about anything.
• But they also add more depth to your outfit than any block colour ever could because of their multidimensional properties.
• Add a hint of a simple stripe to your layering repertoire for an instant outfit refresh.

Mix and Match Your Prints

• Stripes are basically the neutral of prints so they easily work paired with a contrasting print.
• Mixing stripes with other patterns will elevate your outfit to uber-cool in no time! We are all for outrageous print medleys and we say the bolder the better in this instance.
• Try to choose one print to dominate and one as an accent and make sure the prints are of different textures if you can.
• Make sure you have the right proportions because usually, prints of different scales work best. The most important thing to remember is if the colors look good together, more often than not the prints will too.

Subtle Stripes

Instead of stripes all over try more subtle hints like a striped sleeve or hem. A little subtlety can go a long way. Play with positioning and placement to inject an element of fun and to make a statement.

Think Outside The Striped Top

• Usually, striped tops are the easiest way to wear this trend, but this season try stripes in different garments like a blazer, pants, or a skirt.
• We urge you to think beyond your basic Breton top. For a look that stays ahead of the fashion pack try striped accessories like a clutch or a pair of heels.

Multi-Dimensional Stripe

When it comes to stripes this season, more is more. Something so classic like stripes doesn’t necessarily have to be boring or predictable. This season aims for multi-colored and multi-directional takes on the print. The more irregular the better! Don’t be afraid of overdoing it.

Mix It Up

A variety of stripes is always best. Different widths, lengths, positioning, depths, and colours provide a wide scope for experimentation and will steer you away from the standard striped garment.

Top tips for wearing stripes:

• Always look for fabrics that follow the shape of your body structure. So thick bodycon fabrics are great for highlighting curves–perfect, too, with stripes.
• Don’t be afraid of co-ordinates (co-ords). Matching a striped top and skirt can be daunting, but also beautiful.
• Don’t be afraid of clashing prints. Sometimes stripes and spots can go perfectly well together, or a horizontal stripe T-shirt and floral skirt. It’s all about trial and error.
• Make stripes your focal point. A bold striped skirt can look great with a plain black top and leather jacket. Alternatively, a striped cropped jacket can really spruce up a plain black dress.
• Go from day to night with a stripe top and bold print, single-coloured bottom, such as single-pleat trousers.
• Don’t assume stripes are just for casual wear. A striped dress can look great in the office, or beautiful at a Summer party. So be bold!