Published May 17, 2011
Stripe Appeal
Whether on flouncy knit tops, classic scoop neck tees or nonchalantly sexy A-line skirts, stripes with either a demure or eccentric twist make their grand entrance into spring’s lineup of must-haves. Stripes are not new to the fashion scene; icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel were supporters of the traditional Breton striped top before it was even considered a trend. They’re now making a bold comeback thanks to imaginative designers: a nautical stripe motif was displayed at the Jil Sander’s show, Sonia Rykiel’s spring creations consisted of ‘70s-inspired bold diagonal striped frocks, and punchy, geometric stripes kissed Proenza Schouler’s collection. Junya Watanabe dipped tops and dresses into modernized Breton-inspired mod skinny stripes, while timeless Versace kept stripes vertical. Marc Jacobs dabbled in neon eye-candy colors on oversized stripes.
The re-emergence of stripes makes them a de rigueur staple for a fashion maven’s wardrobe. Designers mixed striped tops with striped skirts. Block-striped, painted dresses were combined with a pop of bright hued accessories, and figure-flattering geometric stripes were strategically placed on dresses, skirts and knit tops.
How to Be Striped Just Right
The updated stripe styles are more feminine, futuristic and vividly colorful than past stripe trends, so there is more versatility in the various looks that can be pulled off. How to stripe up your wardrobe:
1. Stripes worn with floral patterns are not a faux pas when accessories are kept low-key. Opt for a Breton striped top with a floral skirt and paired with a fitted blazer or lightweight cardigan in a solid color. Leave the necklace and bangles in your jewelry box.
2. Be aware of what you choose to emphasize. Horizontal stripes create the illusion of curves, whereas diagonal and vertical stripes give your body’s appearance some length.
3. Know your geometry to camouflage your less flattering areas. When worn correctly, geometric stripes do for your body what a great concealer does for hiding dark under-eye circles. When donning a dress or blouse that has a mix of block geometric stripes and skinny stripes, make sure the widest stripe hits the area of your body that you want to conceal.
The Amazing Lace
Romance tends to inspire each year’s spring collection. This season blooms with lace in a variety of vintage patterns and tonal shades of color. Ralph Lauren, Valentino and Zac Posen are just a few example designers that got in touch with their passionate psyche to present luxurious and femme styles graced in lace.
Lace details were displayed on the runways in the form of Chantilly lace, flirty ruffles and airy chiffon. Beaded and appliquéd embellishments were combined with lacy components to create art that is fit for a vixen. Skillfully weaved peek-a-boo lace panels and delicate lace are showcased throughout Ungaro and Nina Ricci’s collections. Antique lace in both white and beige were trickled throughout the collections of Dolce and Gabbana, and Anna Sui; the lace details oozed a bohemian and romantic vibe – fitting for the woman who loves all things girly. Christopher Kane and John Galliano expressed their love of a multihued lace motif in their lineup of spring styles, while candy-colored lace fabrics were spotted on everything from 1950s shift dress silhouettes to fitted pencil skirts.
How to Lace Up Your Wardrobe
Lace featured on the runways combined sophistication and effortless sexiness. From intricately stitched antique lace skirts to lace embroidered camisoles, lace has never-ending possibilities.
1. Just say yes to lace in the workplace, especially when a crisp, white button-down with lace detail is worn with a tailored skirt or pantsuit. As temperatures warm up, sport a lace shift dress with kitten heels to channel your inner girly-girl while maintaining your professional demeanor.
2. Go ‘70s boho with your choice of footwear and accessories. Just Cavalli’s antique lace-embellished sportswear was combined with funky accessories and wooden wedges, clunky bangles and pops of fringe detail. Whether you’re wearing antique lace on a dress or blouse, throw on a pair of wedged sandals for the perfect finish.
3. Keep is simple. Head to toe lace is a definite style don’t. If you wear a lace skirt, keep your top in a solid color and free from patterns. Pair a lacy top with a pair of dark denim skinny jeans or a black wide leg trouser.
