Top Tips On How to Wear Stripes for Summer And Look Fantastic

Cameron in stripes

If you have been looking at the fashions on the catwalks, which have cascaded down to the high-street stores, there is one heck of a lot of stripes around this season. Stripes can be fantastic, make a statement and look incredibly smart ... or they can turn a great outfit into one big mistake. Here are some tips on how to wear stripes with success.

Stripes - From The Catwalk To Everyday Wear

  • On the catwalk this season designers mixed together thin and wide stripes or paired them up with floral patterns - this requires a designer touch and can be too complicated for everyday wear.
  • For us normal beings, try wearing one striped item with a block colour matching item, eg a striped shirt or t-shirt with jeans or white trousers. For instance, I have a turquoise and light grey tunic t-shirt and this looks so summery with white pants and sandals.
  • If you have striped pants (which can make you appear taller), team them with a plain top, ideally matching the colour of the top to one of the colours in the stripes.
  • Look at this picture of Cameron - how cute is she in this horizontally striped dress, but as we know she has a gorgeous slim and slightly boyish figure so she can carry this off. If you are more curved around the hips you should avoid this type of stripe on skirts or dresses.
  • Wearing classic shoes as Cameron has done with this dress gives a smart, formal look to the outfit which would not have happened if she had worn sandals.
  • Try layering with striped tops, they look great under cropped jackets or cardigans in a solid colour which breaks up the stripes.
  • Look for items in solid colours, which have striped trim, this is very stylish.
  • Try the classic outfit of a well cut navy and white striped t-shirt or vest and pair it with either jeans or cropped cream pants and wedges for a fun, nautical look.
  • For something different, look for items which incorporate diagonal stripes, which can be really flattering.
  • Of course, if you want to add some American flavour, look for a cheeky bikini or shorts in a Stars and Stripes design.

"One week he's in polka-dots, the next week he's in stripes 'Cos he's a dedicated follower of fashion!" - Ray Davies, Lead Singer of The Kinks knows his stuff.