Trending: Black And White Stripes

May 15, 2013

Trending: Black And White Stripes

whitney port in stripes

For years, conventional wisdom has told us that horizontal stripes should never be worn. But like most fashion rules, such as “no white after labor day,” this rule is meant to be broken. This season, black and white stripes are all the rage. The color combination is incredibly modern, but also sophisticated and classic. Many celebrities, including style icons such as Kate Moss and Whitney Port, have been spotted wearing the new trend.

Black and white stripes are perfect for any occasion. Wear a striped boxy jacket like Whitney to add a trendy touch to your cocktail dress. You could also pair the jacket with wide leg trousers for a work-appropriate look. Incorporate a black and white clutch to any outfit to add that final touch to your monochrome look.

To wear stripes in a more casual context, make sure the fabric has a relaxed feel, such as a jersey material. A thick-striped maxi skirt, a thin-striped maxi dress or a loose striped top should be matched with pieces in solid colors, such as dark skinny jeans or a classic leather jacket, keep the focus on your trendy item. If you want to take a risk, wear a pair of black and white skinny jeans with a bright top, a statement necklace and sky high heels. When wearing striped pants, it is helpful to wear heels or wedges so your legs are elongated. If you are interested in mixing prints, florals and stripes can work quite well together if one print is smaller.

Shop the look: 

how to wear black and white stripes

 

1) Vero Moda Stripe Wonder Jeans, 2) American Apparel Stripe Spaghetti Maxi dress, 3) Vila Sixties skirt, 4) Marc by Marc Jacobs striped dress, 5) Olga Berg Clutch, 6) ASOS Cropped Top with Stripes 

Melanie is currently pursuing a degree in public relations, fashion studies, and anthropology from the University of Minnesota. She aspires to work in the fashion, entertainment, or luxury sector as a publicist. When she isn’t writing (or tweeting), Melanie spends most of her time reading about celebrities and trying out new lipsticks.