All about Stripes.

Stripes…

Every time I open my wardrobe I am faced with two things. An almighty mess. And stripes.

Stripes have long been a staple in our wardrobes. This classic style has associations with sailors and the pioneers of style.. the French. Ooh-la-la! And this pattern does not fall victim to seasonal changes. They look just as good on a winter polo-neck as they do on a summer dress for a garden party.

It was Coco Chanel who first made stripes a fashion statement during World War I. The story goes that cloth was difficult to find and the jersey striped pattern of the French Navy was used for her new casual-chic line inspired by the Navy. Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent would follow suit, with Jean-Paul Gaultier bringing the look forward into popularity in the 1980’s (source: http://www.thoughtco.com/french-striped-shirt-beret-origins-stereotype-1368581)

So really it’s no wonder that we have been buying stripes for years! And they will never age in fashion, so are pretty much a safe addition to your wardrobe as Marilyn Monroe shows us here..

Marilyn Monroe, Getty Images.

But can you blame me for unconsciously reaching for the striped material during my shopping sprees?! Just look how pretty!..


Kate Middleton

Duchess of Cambridge, Getty Images.

Kate oozes effortless style in a French-chic style outfit. Top marks for pairing the red clutch bag for a nice colour pop. Every inch the regal beauty. Queen in waiting indeed.

Duchess of Cambridge, Getty Images

Here we see Kate again, slightly more casual but no less elegant. The wedges teamed with this outfit are simply stunning. Kate reminds me a lot of Princess Diana in how she dresses, moves and carries herself. They both exude a similar confidence and humility all at once.


Meghan Markle

Duchess of Sussex, Getty Images.

In keeping with the royal theme, at least stripes are one thing that Meghan and Kate can agree on! This pinstripe dress exudes riviera-chic. Meghan’s laid back California-style is clearly on display here with her slouch bag and draped jacket. Exquisite.


Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez, Getty Images.

Selena here rocking the striped beany proving that you don’t have to be royalty to break out the stripes! Casual-chic all the way. And if you want the opinion of a former crewmember… this is the only outfit I would want to wear on a longhaul international flight.. beany and all!


Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, Getty Images.

A Queen in her own right, it just seems that no matter what Angelina Jolie does, she does it expertly. And this striped dress is no exception. Yes, this is a woman who bagged Brad Pitt (same age as my mother, but swoon!), and was once voted the most beautiful woman in the world, but don’t let that stand in the way imagining yourself looking glorious in this stunning dress. Iconic


Emilia Clarke

Emilia Clarke, Getty Images.

Mother of Dragons and overall personality of the century, Emelia Clarke brings a host of trends together in one outfit and somehow it just… works! Emelia is known for her eclectic style, and we really shouldn’t expect anything less from a Khaleesi. I am currently googling long polka-dot skirts in a separate tab as we speak. Très chic!


Nicky Hilton Rothschild

Nicky Rothschild, Getty Images.

The stylish sister of Paris, Nicky has mostly stayed out of the limelight with the exception of her it-girl party days back in the noughties. Nicky has always been the more fashionable of the sisters, having attended Parson’s School for Design and Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, she has been a fashion designer since 2004. And boy does that show! Here Nicky shows us classic New York understated elegance from head to toe.


Let us adore thee…

Alicia Vikander at Paris Fashion Week, October 2020. Getty Images.
German Model & Fashion Blogger, Alexandra Lapp sitting in a French Café, October 2016. Getty Images.
Taylor Hill at Narita International Airport, Japan, May 2018. Getty Images.
Tessa Thompson at Wimbledon, July 2019. Getty Images

I’m quite satisfied with this representation of stripes and their timeless glamour – exhibiting both elegant & demure and casual & chic. But one thing is missing. I have been focusing on all these gorgeous queens in their stylish stripes, but this blog post would not be complete without the king receiving a mention…


Dan Levy

Dan Levy, Getty Images.

Our very own David Rose! King of our hearts and Queen of the stripes, there is absolutely nothing this guy cannot do. Style, comedy, charm and cuddle vibes all the way! Here he is just being awesome. And dressed in stripes, exuding a certain je ne sais quoi…


‘Til next time guys!

Lainey 😉

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