Stripes on Stripes: Change up a classic summer fashion trend

The nautical blue on white stripe is such a classic look that pops up every spring and summer season, and seems to be a staple of the oh-so-clever and oh-so-well dressed Europeans (especially the French). However, because this look is so classic and traditional, it can be easy to wear it in such a staid, plain way. Change it up by wearing it in clashing prints of varying weights.

Here I decided to wear a micro stripe over a thick chevron maxi skirt. I’m wearing two summer trends: the maxi skirt, and nautical, but I changed it up by making sure the weight of the stripes varied from one to another. Thin blue and white horizontal stripes versus a large blue chevron with thin white stripe. By pairing two differing nautical patterns together, it creates visual interest, and keeps the look from being simple. You’re still mixing prints with the stripe on stripe effect, but the look is dynamic.

Also, the angle of the chevron maxi actually manages to create curves where there are none and minimizes the tiny muffin top I’ve been “cultivating” over the last couple of months. Paired with nude wedges, I manage to look slim, long and lean, even when I can’t claim any of these things completely. WIN.

To keep something from looking too plain, always wear lots of accessories. These re-purposed gold and silver spike bangles are a nice alternative to the usual arms full of shiny brand new jewelry, don’t you think? (Another plus: these gold bangles are eco jewelry!) Throw in an aggressive looking gold statement ring for full on assertive glory. The gold bike chain looking necklace doesn’t hurt, either. I finished off the look with a studded statement bucket bag in a nude color. A neutral or nude handbag is always a nice and easy alternative to a black or grey bag, and the frayed flowers create a great contrasting texture against the stripes without being overly girly.

You can take this look to the feminine end of the spectrum, too. Silver or gold rings, sweet bangles, wooden earrings and silver or gold multi-strand delicate chain around the neck. I’d nix pearls or baubles and flowers might be overkill.

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