I am a huge fan of striped clothing. Stripes have a place in everyone’s wardrobe and can be worn in all seasons. We see a lot of them in the summertime as they depict an image of a nautical fantasy or desire to be lounging in the sun on a boat or relaxing in the sand on a beach somewhere heavenly. Am I right? Its simple pattern is preppy but not pretentious, fun but not silly. You feel clean and put together in a navy and white ‘boat’ shirt, as it’s called, with white jeans, shorts or a skirt. But stripes also beautifully cross the line into the cooler and down right cold seasons as well.

Take for example La Ligne’s Marin turtleneck sweater in navy/rainbow or cream/beige featured above and available online at www.laligne.com. These sweaters are comfortable and warm and just plain yummy to wear on the cool days of fall and colder days of winter.

Saint James, the famous French label (since 1889!) has created an empire with their signature classic cotton Breton shirt. These timeless shirts are available in navy/white, red/white, green/white, royal blue/white, black/white, beige/white and red/navy at www.saint-james.com. Everybody will look and feel good wearing these striped classic shirts and they come in unisex and women’s fit (which is a bit more slim fitted). For the cooler seasons, look no further than to the Breton fisherman sweaters. The Maree ll and Damgan nautical striped sweaters in navy/white are my absolute favorites!

Once you have your striped shirt or sweater option ready to go, you don’t have to think too much about the rest of your outfit because it can go with literally any bottom. I like it paired with white, blue or black jeans, a wide leg pant or a cigarette pant (a la Audrey Hepburn), or even a Burberry type plaid skirt to add some pizzazz! Don’t be afraid to mix stripes with prints or florals. It’s a really fun way to be different and stand out in a very cool way.

This striped look can be worn on a casual day with a pair of Adidas or Golden Goose type sneaker, any kind of bootie, UGG’s, or for a fancier look, a high suede Stuart Weitzman type boot. Remember, it’s the stripes that make this outfit work every time!

For a interesting article on the striped shirt and celebrities who wear them, read 50 Ways to Wear a Stripe Shirt written by Sarah Lindig of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. It will surely make you want to go out now and stripe shop!!

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g5487/celebrity-stripe-shirts/

HAPPY SHOPPING EVERYONE!!