Mastering stripes? (or more like: Stripes 101) - YouLookFab Forum

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Mastering stripes? (or more like: Stripes 101)

MNsara

Veteran

I came home from Mall of America shopping with two striped tops that *I* like, but there are SO many stripe variables to consider (contrast, width, etc.) that I would so appreciate any YLF feedback on these:

#1-2: bold striped H&M sweater. (It has some faux suede elbow patches!) I love short boxy sweaters, but they do not always love me back.
#3-4: a JCrew skinny striped tee.

With my short arms I actually love things 3/4 sleeved! (I also foolishly love cropped pants, and keep trying ways to make them work

If keepers, any styling tips? I'm not fully styled here, but I see they need 'more'.

BONUS: Does anyone know if JCrew 100% cotton tees shrink? (I plan to wash warm and lighty dry, then hang.)

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20 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I like them both for different reasons. The H&M one is similar to a traditional Breton striped top. I love the elbow patches. The second one is more of a standard stripey shirt.

Sally

Veteran

I like both of them too and think they look great with the red skirt and black pants. I dont normally like cropped pants but I like those...probably because they are quite fitting. The only thing I am not so keen on is the khaki vest with the red skirt. Im not sure why...maybe because the skirt seems too formal for it.

MNsara

Veteran

Thanks anna & sally - I was hoping to start wearing the sweater any time now, and the tee when it's not so snowy and cold.

Yeah, sally, the khaki vest and red skirt went together better in my head :-\ I think I like the tee with the vest, so any other bottom ideas?

kellygirl

Veteran

I'm in love with 1 and 2. The outfit with the red skirt is just killer on you. I love it with those Maryjanes but bet it would look even better with some heels! I'm kind of surprised, but I also like the capris ensemble and I'm not really a capri fan. The first stripe top is my fave but they are both very different. I can see having both.

AJ

Veteran

Luv #1! You just need a chain strap bag and you got Angie's Chanel inspired outfit!

I think the sweater is too short for the capris in #2, but how about layering a chambray button up under the sweater? Then add some pearls and low vamp flats.

#3 is fun...I just feel like a pop of color would finish it off.

What would it look like if you belted the vest in #4?

AJ

Veteran

Oh, just wanted to add that I'm so jealous you live near Mall of America! I was there four years ago and spent the whole day shopping and walking around until I was literally ready to drop. Luckily my hotel was right across the street! Hee-hee!

Jonesy

Veteran

I love the boxy striped sweater in 1-2--really terrific and distinctive! The second top is nice too, just not as WOW, but it looks like a great basic that would be versatile.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love the sweater in 1 and 2! The navy and the red look great on you

MNsara

Veteran

Thank you for the input. I do think they'll work for different needs.

Kellygirl - the MaryJanesdo have a 2-inch heel. Do you think I need even taller? or were the heels just hidden? I know I need to figure out some hosiery too.

AJ - great ideas! I love the little tweaks -- those thoughts never come to MY mind. I especially want to try the shirt with #2 - I'll try my denim for now. And if you ever get back to MOA, you must let me know. There's a few of us here that would love an excuse to head over for a get-together.

jonesy & lyn - the sweater is definitely bolder - almost out of my comfort zone! Then add red and I may not always be up to it! That makes the tee a nice, safe choice for some days

MsMary

Veteran

I love them both!!

And I have a J Crew 100% cotton knit top that I TRIED to shrink (it was a bit too big), to no avail. So I'd say no on the shrinkage potential.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer stripe #1. It's more feminine. Outfit #1 is KILLER. Love you in that combination!

Becky

Veteran

I like both tops, and the way you've styled them in #1 and #3. My hesitations about #2 and #4 have already been mentioned by others. At least one striped top is on my wish list for spring/summer.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like both of the tops on you! But then again I love most stripes. In terms of styling, I like #1 (with skirt) and #3 (with pants).

I like stripes layered under blazers and sweaters. Although that's not a look you need all spring or for summer, just for early spring.

kellygirl

Veteran

Apologies, Sara. I didn't realize those MJ's had heels--the camera angle and your pose obscured that detail : ) I don't think you need a higher heel at all--I just meant, you know, a pump (no strap) to give it a different vibe. I think it's perfect as is--funky and fun!

MNsara

Veteran

Thanks, Angie! I thought you might like some tomato red!! This red skirt is my reason for not jumping on the new Halogen pink one -- this red will challenge me!

MaryK, Becky & cocolion - I appreciate the boost (and MaryK's JCrew wisdom I think starting with one acceptable outfit for each top will get me going. With more practice I hope I can find another couple ways they'll work too.

Oh, Kellygirl - no apologies needed! I just wondered because I KNOW I always benefit from heels! The taller the better for leg lengthening, but the shorter the better for fussy feet -- a perennial dilemma :-\

Lynne

Veteran

Sara, another vote for the H&M sweater here - the 3/4 sleeves are lovely on you! I love the red skirt, and I would love to see the cropped pants with a black or red shoe.

carrie

(website)

I like all four styles - I think the striped tops are different enough that you should keep both! Maybe #4 would be better with a denim skirt instead of the red one?

taylor

Veteran

I am head over heels for #1 ...bold stripes with the red skirt!! Fabulous combo on you!

Zoe B.

Really like the first top. It must be the right combination of boxy and shorter length because it looks perfect on you. The second one is different enough from the first, so you can keep it if you love stripes.

Lisa

Veteran

I also vote for stripes in #1 over #2. In #3, the stripes are so small, the top almost looks gray and not black and white striped.