Seeing Stripes

These stripy tights remind me of Pippy Longstocking, a childhood literary hero.

Everywhere I look lately I am seeing stripes.  I just love stripes, they feel très Française oui?


Nautical and nice.  From a simple t-shirt dress to a long comforting coverall, like what Naomi was sporting during her last pregnancy.  

Of course, Kate Moss knows how to wear stripes.  They look good with just about anything, don't they?  Effortlessly looking chic without even trying.




Stripes are fresh, no matter how old the t-shirt, the dress, they always appear to liven up another wise dull ensemble.

Jessica Alba loves her stripes.

Stripes in cardy and jumper form.  Oh, and in Balmain form here on Kate Moss.  

Stripes in Hollywood.  Cameron actually looks classy in this black and red number and Michelle looks considerably demure in her stripes too.


Whether it is the main item to your ensemble, or just a hint of blouse, shorts or scarf, stripes are so easy to wear.

Ok it's true.  Not everyone can get away with wearing stripes, particularly stripes from head to toe.  But everyone can wear a striped scarf, yes?  I have a striped scarf and I love it.  If you don't have one, get one!


When I think of stripes, of course most people immediately think of the nautical blue and white.  But of course, red and white stripes are just as gorgeous.  As are black and grey, blue and grey, grey and white, yellow and black, red and black, green and black, blue and black...

In 1995 upon the cinema release of French Kiss, many stores also got on the french theme of the film and put french-striped tops in store à la the one Meg Ryan's character Kate wears throughout the film.  I remember going into Witchery in Sydney and having a terrible time deciding whether to buy the red and white or the blue and white striped long sleeve shirt.  In the end I bought the red and white because I rationalised that more people would buy the blue and white.  But of course I went back later and bought the blue and white as well, because, well... you know why!

Stripes appear regularly on the ready-to-wear catwalk.  Most designers love to work with them.  There are some wonderful examples of how easy it is to mix stripes into your wardrobe.  Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, wow!


What about vertical stripes I hear you ask?  

Vertical stripes are admittedly a risk for anyone to wear.  I believe it takes height, a slim figure and the right design of both fabric and print (and attitude) to carry it off.  I think the girl in the picture above is a great example of how it can be done.  Note the attitude, the skinny stripes on the fabric (lordy, no wide vertical stripes please!) the ankle boots and well, her slim figure does wonders to make this look good. 

Alexa Chung favours the blue and white stripes and it works well with a monochromatic jean or jacket.  I love how she mixes it up with her jeans and accessories.  Her tan satchel looks lovely against the striped backdrop and black coat.  I think it also is testament to her fabulously laid-back style that she does so well.  

Dress them up and add a feminine twist.  This red and black 80s style dress is so cute in striped fabric.  I don't think it would be anywhere near as appealing in floral or even black, do you?

Striped tops, striped tights or three-quarter pants or just a whole ensemble.  No matter your age, stripes always appeal.  I love this picture of the little girl and her big yellow t-shirt with the striped leggings.  Of course Gwyneth knows how to do Parisian chic and this lovely ensemble above just blows me away!  Her hair, the bolero-style jacket, the striped scarf worn with the striped mini and those thigh-high boots - whoa!  She is totally confident and carries it off so well because of her confidence (I think those boots help a little though, don't you?).


Well I'm totally inspired now and I can't keep thinking of all the striped clothes I've parted with over the years.  I'm off now to shop for some more stripes!  Join me?

Ciao for now,


Hx

Sources: GaranceDorè.com, Vanessa Jackman, Style.com, TheSun.co.uk, FashionTimes, Etro.com