Stripes Ahoy!

Stripes have always been a favorite trend of mine to wear (I'm a sucker for anything nautical) and with the oncoming resurgence this spring, I am absolutely thrilled! Below are some of my favorite striped looks from the Spring '13 runways.

Notice how the stripes are used; the color, width and placement can dramatically change the appearance of any ensemble

Depending on the design of the actual garment, your stripes can either act as a staple or a wonderful 'fad' piece. No matter what your choice is, stripes will always follow these three commandments. 

1. Be conscious of the illusion that stripes can create. Horizontal stripes will widen and vertical stripes will lengthen.

2. The thickness of the stripe will also effect the way a garment looks. Thin stripes mean more stripes and will work to create a broader appearance, while thick stripes will do the opposite. 

3. Coloring of stripes follow the same rules of wearing white. The thicker the stripe and brighter the color, the more attention is bought to that certain area. 

Keep in mind, on any individual garment there can be a combination of vertical, horizontal and diagonal stripes. It will take some experimentation to figure out what combination best suits your body type. 

With this in mind, here are some lust worthy items to help you ring in spring!

Navy Melange Notched Pencil Trousers,  Wilt White Striped Twisted Top,  Striped Canvas Flats, Striped Racerback Skater Dress

Below is an outfit I wore this past weekend, where I chose to go with a nautical inspired over-sized knit. The garment still does create some shape, as it balances horizontal with vertical stripes to elongate in certain areas. The thickness of the stripe and color also works to equalize the sweater - think of negative vs. positive space. 

Holt Renfrew Wool Hat, Vintage Anchor Hand Knit Sweater, Dolce and Gabbana Silk Trousers, Franco Colli Milano Woven Leather Flats, Gucci Metallic Tote

This is one of my favorite striped looks, courtesy of my #OOTD posts on Instagram (@kelchoww).

Joe Fresh Dress, Byblos Fur Lined Cropped Suede Bomber Jacket,  Cesare Paciotti Arrow Leather Belt

If you aren't particularly fond of wearing stripes, remember that you can integrate this trend into your accessories as well. From striped wedges and flats to striped canvas totes - the possibilities are endless! Just remember to have fun. 

Until next time,

Kelly