After doing a mini wardrobe audit to get me organised and prepared for Autumn/Winter I realised I’d been on a bit of stripe spree of late, with no less than three new additions to my wardrobe (take a look at how I’ve styled them here)
As someone who generally prefers block colours, stripes are really the only pattern I have in my wardrobe. For me, their timeless simplicity and huge versatility mean I come back to them time and time again. Not only that, but as a Pear body shape, wearing stripes on my top half does wonders for balancing my proportions and drawing attention upwards (which is where I like the focus to be!)
If you too love a stripe, or would love to add some stripes into your wardrobe this season I thought I’d include a few things to consider and link a few pieces I’m loving this season….
Stripes Do’s and Don’ts
Not all stripes are equal (quite literally) so here are a few things to consider before buying a stripey item….
- They do add width – so if you’re opting for a horizontal stripe only put it somewhere you’re happy for this to happen. If you’re smaller on your top half than the bottom (i.e. a pear shape), then they’re brilliant for balancing proportions but if you’re trying to draw attention away/minimise an area horizontal stripes are best avoided
- Which means they also lengthen and elongate – so vertical stripes will elongate and lengthen the area you wear them on (great for Petites – even a single stripe up the side of the leg is flattering in this respect)
- The size of your stripe should match your scale – the taller/grander in scale you are, the bolder the stripe you can wear. If you’re Petite go for a thinner/more delicate stripe as a thicker one will overwhelm you
- The classic blue and white isn’t necessarily for everyone – if you’ve had your colours done you’ll know that some us look better in strong, contrasting shades than others. If you’re a Light or Soft dominant look for a subtler contrast between the shades of your stripes (a soft white with a light navy rather than stark white with black for example) – there are so many options out there to choose from that you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect colour combination for you (if you’d like to know more about colour analysis take a look here.)
- Stripes don’t sit well over curves – if you have a full bust, or are generally quite curvy, stripes don’t tend to work so well – they just don’t sit how they’re supposed to across your gorgeous curves. If you’re looking to add some pattern try softer shapes (florals, paisleys etc.) instead as these will work much better.
Some Stripes I'm Loving This Season
WAT The Brand
You might have noticed a fair few WAT The Brand additions to my wardrobe over recent months, these girls are killing it with their new label. The perfect combination of casual and chic, I would have everything if I could.
This knit is currently out of stock (but will be back online mid-November). I love the colour (perfect for those of you who fall into the Warm dominant colour category or with a Warm undertone). I’ll be styling mine with my vegan leather joggers, indigo skinny Levis and tan hiker boots and my leather mini skirt.
Mango Striped Knit Sweater
This sweater gives me all the Autumnal cosy vibes and I love the layering options that come with this neckline. Try it with a rollback underneath or a shirt as pictured, or simply wear alone. This is a great one for more of a preppy look when styled with tailored trousers and loafers but would also work well with coated skinnies and chunky chelsea boots.
Comes in red or blue stripes (limited stock available but you can be signed up to be notified when your size becomes available)
Mint Velvet Beige Striped Long Sleeved Top
If you find oversized, baggy knitwear swamps your frame; or you simply prefer a more fitted silhouette then you can’t go far wrong with a classic breton, style striped top.
Mint Velvet have this gorgeous option which will show your silhouette beautifully – a perfect option for those of you with a Neat Hourglass or Lean Column body shape.