How to wear stripes

The most popular colors for stripe prints

Stripes aren't confined to the most classic shades. While navy blue, black and white remain staples for creating a sober, elegant look, colorful stripes are gaining ground. Bright hues such as passion red, emerald green or mustard yellow breathe a touch of energy and modernity into your wardrobe. For those with a softer palette, opt for pastel shades such as lavender, mint green or powder pink for a romantic, delicate allure.

Stripe widths and orientations to match trends

Stripes reinvent themselves through their width and orientation. Fine stripes are elegant and discreet, ideal for sophisticated looks, while wide stripes draw attention and give a bolder look. Vertical, they elongate the silhouette to create the ultimate effect for small sizes. Horizontally, they add a casual, dynamic touch, but can easily widen the silhouette. As for diagonal stripes, they add a touch of originality and are perfect for breaking up the monotony of traditional looks.

3 striped wardrobe essentials

Fashion, eternally a field of renewal, finds an emblematic example in the marinière sweater. But stripes aren't limited to this timeless classic: they're also boldly inviting themselves onto other essential pieces of our wardrobe.

• The striped shirt, wise and timeless, is a staple of every wardrobe. The must-have? A sky-blue and white oxford shirt, a sure choice for a no-fail fashion statement.

• The striped suit ensemble is a must-have for modern elegance. For a total look that won't look out of place, choose fine stripes for a refined look that's far from excessive.

• A striped dress is perfect for a retro-chic look. Choose vertical stripes to elongate and structure the silhouette, while avoiding overly busy visual effects.

Pitfalls to avoid when wearing stripes

To master the art of stripes and avoid stylistic faux pas, here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Avoid other patterns: polka dots, checks, flowers or animal prints can overload the ensemble and create a messy effect. Choose plain pieces to go with your stripes.
   
• Don't mismatch colors stripes : navy blue and white stripes on the top, combined with red and white bottoms, can quickly unbalance the outfit. A harmonious palette is essential for an elegant look.
   
• Avoid mixing stripes of different widths: a fine-striped shirt combined with a wide-striped skirt or pants can blur the silhouette. Opt for uniformity or, failing that, subtle contrast to maintain a controlled aesthetic.

3 looks to adopt with stripes

#1 evening look in striped print

When night falls, pull out all the stops! What better way to do it than in stripes? Pair a structured blazer with suit pants for an elegant, assertive silhouette. Enhance the ensemble with a pair of heels and an assortment of jewelry. For even greater impact, opt for fine stripes enhanced with sparkling details such as sequins or lurex, perfect for capturing every eye.

#2 daily look in stripes

For a casual look, opt for striped pants and a plain wool sweater. Add a dose of character with a hat and a pair of boots. Stripe pants may seem daring to some, but when paired with more sober pieces, they become the perfect asset for a trendy look.

#3 office look with stripes

For a flawless professional look, opt for a striped pencil skirt, paired with a plain blouse. Add a pair of classic pumps for a touch of sophistication and a structured bag to carry your essentials. If you want a more modern twist, opt for unexpected shades like green or burgundy, which will inject a dose of originality into your corporate outfit.