The Right Stripes
Inject some fun into your wardrobe with this season’s biggest trend. This is how to do stripes the 2021 way…
Naomie Harris
Trends come and go, but one thing is constant: stripes will always be in fashion. As far as patterns go, it really is a great uniter – you’ll find it in both teenage and septuagenarian wardrobes.
They haven’t always been beloved, though: in the 1800s and early-1900s, American prisoners were decked out in thick black and white stripes (as seen on George Clooney in the 2000 period film O Brother, Where Art Thou?). However, our perception of stripes slowly started to change. Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel played a big part in this – for her 1917 collection, she was heavily influenced by the striped shirts of French sailors, and Bretons became a central part of the Chanel brand.
Stripes fitted in with the fresh modernism of the 1920s, and soon they were everywhere in fashion – particularly in beach and leisurewear.
There’s something about the clean lines of stripes – you can tailor them to your personality by amping up the colours, or keep things simple and chic. This summer, stripes are back with a vengeance. Get striped…
Statement dresses
You might think stripes are only for relaxed outfits, but they’re remarkably versatile. There have been plenty of major striped moments on the red carpet in recent years – from Cara Delevingne’s candy creation at the 2019 Met Gala, to Naomie Harris’ dreamy pastel number at Cannes Film Festival.
Of course, we’re not saying you have to wear a formal gown to get in on the trend, but we’re all in for amping things up with statement summer dresses. Think big skirts, puffed sleeves, bright shades and unusual colour combinations – anything to take the humble stripe to the next level.
Hobbs Stevie Jersey Dress €165, visit hobbs.com, Oliver Bonas Embroidered Stripe and Ladder Stitch Yellow Mini Dress €48, visit oliverbonas.com, River Island Red Stripe Tie Waist Midi Dress €51, visit riverisland.ie, Tommy Hilfiger Viscose Stripe Midi Wrap Dress €149, visit ie.tommy.com
Sporty stripes
If you’re finding the transition from working from home casual wear to ‘real clothes’ tough, you’re in luck: athleisure is still big business, and definitely still acceptable to wear when you’re not at the gym. For off-duty sportswear, opt for low-key stripes and block colours – just the odd accents here and there. To really make your outfit fashion-forward, mix up athleisure with more tailored clothes: think leggings with shirts, or sporty tops with jeans or fitted trousers. And of course sneakers remain on trend for the foreseeable future.
Cropped Leggings €18, visit marksandspencer.ie, Adidas 3-Stripe T-Shirt €30, visit lifestylesports.com, Esprit Women’s Sweatshirt €50, visit next.ie
Nautical motifs
A Breton top is classic for a reason: it’s chic, sophisticated, and suits everyone. It’s really no surprise designers like Dior and Chanel keep coming back to the Breton on the runway. This year, keep things simple with a classic navy and white striped Breton top, jazzed with brightly coloured trousers or statement accessories. Who said you had to be on a boat to capture some of that nautical vibe?
Oxendales Button Side Tunic €33.50, visit oxendales.ie
M&S Pure Cotton Striped Crew Neck Sweatshirt €21, visit marksandspencer.ie
Coast Fashion Crew Neck Stripe Jumper €23 (was €59), visit coastfashion.com
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