The Stripes Hype

Source

Source

What is it about striped clothing that has captivated so many throughout the years? Nautical stripes continue to be associated with European chic, a type of American preppy-style and a widely beloved clothing item in many countries; however, varsity striped clothing and rugby striped garments are just as impactful. Maybe, this is the reason it is inevitable that no matter what type of stripes you prefer, nautical, varsity, zebra or pinstripes you will certainly be right on target with the trends if that is your goal. You can always look stylish in striped attire.

Source

Source

Source

 

Source



Source

Source

Source

Source



Source

Source

Source



Source

Source



Could this be the reason that retro style icons were often photographed wearing a nautical top?  It is more than likely the very same reason that modern celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss and Taylor Swift are frequently photographed wearing a nautical striped top. I must take a moment to thank Coco Chanel for making nautical prints so very popular among the well- attired. She was a frequent champion of nautical tops and practiced what she preached since she was seen out and about on several occasions wearing a nautical striped top.

Source

Source

 

Source

Source

Source

Other celebrities like Alexa Chung are just as attracted to varsity stripes as they are to nautical stripes. I recently read an article that indicated It girls, like Alexa Chung, are bringing back the varsity stripe. My visceral response to that article is that varsity stripes did not go anywhere so how can they be brought back?

Source

 

Unlike some clothing items that are solely synonymous with an uptown girl or those that are synonymous with a downtown lady nautical striped clothing crosses the divide between the two. They are worn by downtown divas and urban fashionistas alike. It is quite interesting really. Nautical striped tops, pants and skirts are a beloved wardrobe item amongst those whom are fashion-addicted as well as those whom don’t have an unending hunger for fashion.  I think it is fairly safe to bet that a nautical striped top can be found in a large majority of closets, armoires or dresser drawers across the globe.  

Is as much attention given to varsity and rugby stripes? Not in my opinion. Varsity and rugby stripes remain popular prints and deserve just as much attention.

DKNY Pre-Fall 2014; Source

DKNY SS15 RTW; Source
 

DKNY SS15 RTW; Source

   

Source

Source

 

 

Source

 



Source



It is beyond impressive that striped apparel pairs so well with many other wardrobe items as well as a multitude of other prints. I bet if you tried you could quickly come up with a long list of items that match to perfection with a nautical striped top, for instance. Don’t even get me started on pairing nautical striped clothing with khaki and white. I can only describe these pairings as beyond rapturous. I could go on about how easily stripes pair with other prints too but why bother when I can let pictures do the talking for me?

 

Elie Saab SS15; Source

 

Elie Saab SS15; Source

Rugby stripes are certainly just as commanding as nautical stripes, in my opinion. The major difference of course is that rugby stripes have a tendency to be a mix of bold colors like blue and yellow, orange and blue. Varsity stripes, however, often may just accent a garment. This is often seen when stripes are incorporated on the sleeves of garments or at the neckline.




Source

Source

Rugby stripes can also be dynamic when they include the pairing of a bright shade with white. Nautical stripes, on the other hand, are most synonymous with white and a secondary color; notably, blue, red and white. Pinstripes don’t garner as much attention. I think this is because they are so synonymous with conservative clothing which is just the right type of attire for certain office environments. I confess when I struggle with what to wear some mornings, on occasion, I reach for my pinstripe trousers and a basic button-down shirt. I tend to go bold with my attire but some mornings I just want to create an effortless look. Stripe print garments are enough of a statement for me on some days. The looks below certainly make a point don't they?

Source



Source

 

Source

 

Source

 

Source





Source

Source

Source



Source

 

Source

 

Source

 

Source



Source



Source

Source

I simply must mention the fashionable effect that zebra striped apparel has on those gazing upon the wearer. Of course, this is true only if you favor zebra stripes. As a lover of animal prints in general I admit that I do. What about you? Regardless of how you feel about zebra stripes you have to admit that they do make a statement.

Source

 

Now, it’s your turn to share your love for striped clothing. What is your favorite striped print or do you love them all equally? The bottom line is do you believe the hype about stripes? Are they synonymous with chic or over hyped? Don’t be shy. You know how much I love to read your comments. Take a look at the coats below while you think about

Don’t forget to follow me if you like what you read here.

I leave you now with a couple of my favorite runway looks. Until next time my friends, stay stylish!

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source