WIW : Styling Stripes - YouLookFab Forum

Hi Ladies,

Having a play with stripes! Having eliminated most patterns, including stripes, from my wardrobe I am now considering if I want to reintroduce some black and white stripes (full disclosure, I did keep a wide striped tube skirt and a striped ponti jacket).

I am enjoying my blue and white striped drape top (second find) that I started think about a black and white striped dress. Metalicus has a lovely striped tank dress at the moment (third find) but I decided to try a less expensive option for now ($12.00 @ Kmart - tshirt dress).

I am on the fence. I like the idea but not sure how it really translates. I am unlikely to wear a striped dress on its own, so I layered a Split Side Knit Tunic over the dress, black tights, and long boots.

I could also try a draped black jacket over the dress and maybe a long draped black sleeveless vest. Would love to know what you think? Worth playing with?

Thanks
Deborah

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9 years ago

anne

Veteran

I am tempted by striped dresses too Deborah But something about that black tunic over the top doesn't quite make that the best combination I think. It looks a bit too much like a Japanese kindergarten teachers's apron! But maybe that's just me, having lived in Japan!

Deborah

Interesting feedback Anne:) I am not convinced this works either. Japanese Kinder teacher was not what I was going for lol

Sal

Full disclosure: I love stripes.

I do like this look, but I think I might like the dress even better with an open black jacket over it. I do think you could wear it solo with peeptoe booties in spring too, but understand if you don't want that look.

I hope you have fun playing with your new dress. Also you are looking so healthy and fit at the moment

Thanks so much Kiwigal! I am feeling like experimenting a bit at the moment... who knows where that may lead lol. I think I might prefer it with a black jacket also... will try that out and see what we think. I am not invested (hence the $12.00 try out) so if it's a bust, I can sleep in it lol.

And thanks, feeling quite well and energised (thank you Vit D) but struggling a bit with my eating as the cold has definitely made me want more food!

Maneera

(website)

I like that dress Deborah. I do think you look great in Stripes. But I'm not sure that layering works here....I like the idea of a black jacket over it. I've seen you wear an open long cardi in black...I think that would be better here. I suggest you play around with this dress and find a few ways to pair it with black to make it more 'Deborah'

Anonymous

Stripe-phobe reporting here, so take my reply with a pinch of salt :).

I'm not loving the layering to be honest Deb. I think I'd prefer a long black jacket or draped cardigan instead.

Thanks Maneera & Diane:) I am not convinced that there are many striped garments that really suit me:) I may just satisfy myself with my skirt and long sleeve tee:) But it's a fun experiment. I think some things just don't reflect our style, and generally speaking stipes may be one of those things for me

Lucy

I ADORE stripes. I don't have a lot of patterns in general, but stripes! Love them.
But I agree that there is something not quite perfect here. I think it is the sleeves with the vest. Are they a bit too wide for the layering perhaps? I'd like to see the dress with the long cardi, and I think the Metallicus dress would look great with the tunic (I know, I am of no help re shopping, LOL!)
It's great to try these things though.

Thanks Lucy:) There may be a reason stripes don't have a real presence in my wardrobe. And do you find sometimes certain garments work better in a pattern or stripe than others?

carolbee

I love stripes but am also not loving this combo on you. I immediately thought apron.... Like the other suggestions that you try styling with a jacket.

Yes, stripes might not be quite "sharp" enough for you?
It would seem I am not fussy about my stripes. I have two striped tube skirts; one striped a-line skirt; a striped suit jacket; lots of striped t-shirt tops; and at least 2 striped dresses. No striped pants LOL. But I think I have a pretty good range. Most of them are in fairly neutral colours (black and white; navy and white; grey and white; and the one brown item in my wardrobe, the brown and black striped blazer!) So yes, I really do love them.

lyn67

I will be the spammer here, I actually love the layering, but of course I haven't lived in Japan, LOL! To me, layering that vest is quite interesting over the stripe dress-shich is a great fit, for that money:-). On this outfit I perceive more the bl&w high contrast, the hi-low hem and the drape effect of the vest- which is core in your style-and I find it sharp enough. Curious how you'll decide!

Helen11

I love stripes (and colour, too) . I also thought the tunic was a bit apron-y, but I think a long draped vest or jacket could look great. What a bargain way to try out this style.
Maybe it's the stripes around the arm from shoulder to wrist that might feel like too much. Your drape shirt has a change in stripes at elbow level, and the Metalicus dress has no sleeves, so they're all quite different in effect.
Definitely worth playing with.

Thanks Lyn:)

Helen11, yes they are all different and to my eye the tee and the Metalicus dress are more interesting than the long sleeve dress.

I have just tried on the dress with a couple of different toppers. The best would be a particular black jacket that is longer at the front and has the 'flap back' lapels BUT I think the stripes just read to preppy?? for me. No combinations have made my heart sing yet! I did try my Metalicus long drape vest worn open and draped at the front and that came close, but still no angels voices lol.

I am enjoying this. Sometimes I know things don't work but don't always know why. I am an intuitive dresser so I really want to attempt to analyse a little more.

frannieb

not all stripes are created equal as a strip loving gal. I do not like th stripes in the dress you posted because they are not bold crisp stripes like the other two photos. I feel it is the thin stripe that throws the outfit off. I like the concept of the outfit just not with that striped dress. I don't know if that makes any sense at all.

Frannie, makes total sense:) Thank you.

Cococat

Don't you just love Kmart for bargains. I bought a really pretty top there for $7 yesterday.

I like the stripes on you but I'm not so sure about the tunic blocking the front. I would like to see it with a drapey jacket and vest so that the stripes are visible at the front.

Helena

Love the stripes Deborah, and I hope you will keep playing with them. Was just looking through your blog and your blue and white stripes were another standout!

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