HOW TO WEAR STRIPES

Stripes are a major trend at the moment and dominated the Spring and Summer runways this year. Although they can be a strong statement, stripes can be worn in a number of different ways, either as the focus of the look, or in a more understated way, as a mere accent. So don’t be intimidated by them.

You can throw away the rulebook that warns that stripes can be a risky and unflattering style choice. This is an old way of thinking. This season’s stripe trend can be worn by every size and shape. If you are worried about stripes possibly accentuating a slightly larger frame, then choose vertical stripes rather than horizontal ones, which will elongate the body.

I wore this outfit to the Brentwood Market in Los Angeles for lunch and a lazy afternoon of shopping with my daughter. The striped Alice and Olivia skirt is paired with a Donna Karen shell and Helmut Lang Jacket. This long skirt is a departure for me and I’m enjoying the new look.

For a more casual day out, I have worn it with a red button down shirt tied at the waist and for evening I’ll throw it on with an elegant long black jacket.

If bold patterns aren’t your style, you can still enjoy the trend by incorporating stripes into your accessories.