Gina Speed
Okay, confession on the title of this article: my birthday is on Bastille Day (France’s Independence Day). That doesn’t have to stop you from using it as an excuse to keep celebrating! Stripes are befitting of both flags and look super cute this season in blouses, dresses, and more. Take a look at our favorite styles and just add sparklers!
Stripes Behind Straps
Last week, we focused on the simplicity of pinafores and overalls. Nothing pairs with a bib front quite like a set of stripes. They keep the look for getting too casual and work with conservative accessories. Keep the style smart with a structured bag and add a watch, whether you use one or not. We love Madewell’s Adirondack overall shorts, they are perfect for summer! In fact, Madewell is on a stripe kick right now, so check out their latest arrivals, too.
Jump Around
We know you’ve done your homework and understand how vertical lines work to elongate your frame. Summer jumpsuits look dashing in stripes and help flatter your figure. Did you fall in love with our ode to culottes and wide-leg pants? Cropped jumpsuits are so easy for summer and a striped pattern helps keep the look long. This is a nice approach to summer wedding attire or any semi-formal event. Forever 21 has a variety of striped jumpsuits in all shapes, sizes, and lengths. Of course, you can’t beat the price!
Pair With Florals
The pattern mixing craze still abounds, and nothing pairs with stripes quite like florals. Our favorite take on this mixture involves thin stripes spaced further apart. This creates a more subtle fashion concoction and allows you bright florals to shine. Simple sandals or a structured straw purse like the ones we fell in love with this Spring are a hit. This is a sweet girl-next-door look that takes our breath away every time.
Press “Listen in Browser” to play immediately.
Travel Abroad
If you’re heading out of town this Summer, you’ll want to pack simple separates in your bag. Stripes are the perfect travel companion and they give a casual outfit panache. Easy cottons and khakis are instantly dressed up with a striped shirt in short or 3/4 length sleeves. Pair with flats and a wide brim sun hat. Take in the scenery as you window shop and explore. Soft, breathable fabrics that pack flat are a traveling girl’s BFF.
Surf’s Up
For those of us beach bunnies who take advantage of local stay-cations, surf wear becomes our wardrobe staple. Terry cloth hoodies work best over swimsuits and are most popular in stripes. Every California girl should own at least one Billabong fleece hoodie to wear throughout the year. They are light enough for hot, 70-degree summers and are also cozy enough for harsh, 60-degree winters. These hoodies have been around for as long as I can remember. Like the UGG boot, these hoodies are a west coast classic.
Prison Break
Another favorite carry over from our distressed denim article is the unfinished hem. A striped dress looks magnificent with frayed hems and casual tennies. The formal / party mash up works for walking city streets and meeting up for iced coffee. Make sure to upgrade your accessories for this one, so you don’t look like an escaped convict!
Oh La La
There’s something about stripes that give any outfit that French girl cool. A striped print is charming, conservative, and turns “casual” into “classic” instantly. The print is super versatile and works well with others! Perfect for at home or abroad, you should consider stocking up on a few pieces. You’ll be surprised at how easily they update your wardrobe. Très chic, très hip, très sexy!