It’s time to earn your fashion stripes in the most versatile print for spring, writes Amy Norbury.
Horizontal or vertical, diagonal or zig-zag; when it comes to prints, there’s one particular standout as we head into the warmer months.
Fashion’s love affair with stripes is well-documented, with this perennial favourite popping up in multiple guises from season to season. From the preppiness of the ultra-classic Breton stripe to the playful rainbows which make up fashion giant Missoni’s signature look, it’s a look which we’ve turned to time and time again.
And perhaps that’s part of the message behind some of the trends which have emerged for spring and summer; in times of uncertainty, there’s comfort to be found in sticking to what you know and making the most of what you have. After all, most of us will have some stripey numbers lurking in our wardrobes which can be resurrected and refreshed for 2021.
Candy striped dress, £179, Ted Baker.
So, how to wear your stripes this season? Well, the bigger, the bolder, the better was the message from the SS21 catwalks, where everyone from Burberry to Bottega Veneta was toeing the line with stripes galore.
Pink and red swat top, £39.50, and joggers, £45, Oliver Bonas.
The freshest way to incorporate stripes was a case of ‘more is more’, with head-to-toe and rainbow brights emerging as the most impactive iterations.
Striped pure virgin wool jumper, £280, Max Mara at Harvey Nichols.
Elsewhere, monochrome magic came into its own as the pared-back palette offered an elegantly wearable take on the trend.
Striped stretch midi skirt, £235, Victoria, Victoria Beckham at Harvey Nichols.
Team a classic Breton striped top with wide-legged trousers for instant casual chic, opt for a striped blazer as your spring outerwear of choice or feel spring fresh with a striped midi dress, perfect for dressing up or down as the occasion demands.
Linen midi dress, £45, Khost clothing at Mand Co.
For a bolder touch, look to animal prints; zebra and tiger stripes offer a playful take on the trend, or add a stripey splash with striped detailing on block colour.
