As a writer and editor, I have been asked more than a few times for a bio. A little bit about myself to tell the readers who the person that wrote the piece actually is. In every single one of them, I have confessed my love for stripes.
To me, stripes are neutral. I will shout this at anyone who disagrees, the way Stacy London declared that animal print was neutral during her tenure on What Not to Wear. Horizontal stripes are a siren song every time I go shopping. I literally have an entire section of my t-shirt drawer dedicated to my stripes and when it comes to deciding which to wear, it’s like that stylist from The Devil Wears Prada says:
The best way to justify wearing stripes all the time is to mix them with different outfits and pieces so that every time you wear the same striped shirt, or dress, it looks completely different. Here are a few different ways to incorporate stripes into your wardrobe.
(Related: 10 Unexpected Ways To Incorporate Plaid Into Your Wardrobe This Fall)
TBH, the striped dress is probably the easiest to incorporate. Thrown on a flowy trench coat and a pair of killer knee-high boots and you’ve got yourself the perfect work or weekend outfit. Hell, wear it to work on Monday and then out on Saturday. No one will be the wiser. Except for me, because I just told you to do that.
Get the look:
- Zara Striped Dress (Zara, $26)
- Frye Autumn Shield Tall Suede & Leather Boot (Nordstrom Rack, $171)
- Steve Madden Women’s Kaizerr Boots (Steve Madden, $190)
- Layers of Chic Two Piece Waterfall Trench (Chicwish, $51)
A striped pencil skirt should be in every woman’s wardrobe. I’m also a huge advocate of this look because mixing prints is the best way to chic up an otherwise casual piece of clothing like a jersey skirt.
Get the look:
- Torrid Striped Midi Skirt (Torrid, $23.79)
- Adam Lippes for Target Plus Size Button Down Crepe Blouse (Target, $30)
- Floral Print Tank (Forever21, $18)
This is the most daring but also the simplest look. A pair of pinstripe trousers aren’t technically the stripes I’m talking about, but they count. Throw on a chunky sweater and some kick-ass/ridiculous sneakers and call it a day. Don’t forget your fashion jacket over your shoulders.
Get the look:
- Striped Structured Trousers (Massimo Dutti, $67)
- ASOS Darrell Pom Pom Sneakers (ASOS, $40)
- Nike Raspberry Air Max 1 Ultra Moire Trainers (Liberty, $160)
I have been trying to master this look for years, but alas, I don’t even own a denim dress so obviously, I’m doing a really good job. The shirt under a dress can read very ’90s but going with a shirt dress or pinafore style will help make it look more polished.
Get the look:
- J.Crew Striped Boatneck T-Shirt (J.Crew, $40)
- OASIS Jasmine Midi Dress (OASIS, $68)
- River Island Dark Denim Belted Shirt Dress (River Island, $100)
