Stripes! Stripes! Stripes! I absolutely adore stripes but they can be intimidating. Many people will think that stripes make them look fat or that stripes are an unflattering print but fear no more! We are right now in the heart of the print craze! You will see runway models, actresses, even local girls who have blogs, mixing and matching all types of prints together. Not only are there prints but textures too. There are beaded embellishments, pleats and textured fabrics. So combining all of that together can seem a little much but it honestly works! See how J. Crew completed these looks:
Who says you can’t wear hounds tooth and polka dots together? Or tweed and floral prints? There are no rules when it comes to your personal style. Try things out, they might surprise you!
I like to keep my stripes neutral, black, grey, tan and navy. There are so many ways to wear this simple but bold pattern. Stripes with floral, paisley or even the latest trend of camo! If you do a bold top and bottom stick to neutral accessories like a beige boot or camel flat.
There is also the option of color blocking. Stripes with a bright color but make sure they are complementary (color wheels help surprisingly)! Since we are working off the color, not the bold print, go a tad more basic. Plus, with spring approaching try color blocking a bold black and white striped shirt or even a skirt with a pastel like mint or lilac accent. Stripes can be on the top, bottom or added as an accessory. So here are 3 different ways to take on the stripes fad!
Business Casual
If I had Polka dot pants I would wear them with this outfit!
– J. Crew Factory Blazer – Gap Striped Long-sleeve – J. Crew Necklace –
– Gap Black Skinnies – Glitter Loafers – JCPenney Lulu Guinness Clutch
My Weekend Wear
– Tribal Toms – Gap Chambray button-down – Madewell Checkered Vest — H & M Beanie – Alex and Ani bracelets – J. Crew Factory Leggings and Striped Tank –
– My camera’s / both my iPhone and my Canon/ camera bag c/o Etsy –
– J. Crew bag – The Limited Blazer – J. Crew Factory Long-sleeve – T.J. Maxx Oxfords –
– Gap Jeans – Ulta Makeup – Ray Ban Sunglasses
When I wore this outfit I put on a floral print scarf. The scarf did not have a lot of bold colors. It was more muted, so it worked with the stripes and plaid.
For the longest time I hated prints, so this is a huge step for me mixing and matching pieces together! I am working on adding more color into my wardrobe too. Adding bright colors can add a little something to an outfit too! So remember the whole point of the “3 Ways” articles, to create new looks! Don’t be afraid to try something out, life is too short to settle with your style! So let’s see your take, tag your pictures on instagram at
#TOGmix so we can get more ideas!
Until next time,
xoxo
Ellen