Love them or hate them, stripes are a classic when it comes to adding interest to an outfit. So eye-catching is this pattern that back in the middle ages, the purpose of striped clothing was to identify the wearer as an outcast or someone who needed to be contained.
A classic stripe is a bold pattern that is not easy to ignore and may give the impression of a person who doesn’t want to play by social rules. In more modern times, various styles of stripes have had their heyday in fashion. From the women’s activewear in the 1920s to the Zoot Suits in 1940s to mod styles of the 1960s. What would a beach cabana or barbershop pole or a candycane be without them?
Obviously, a timeless pattern such as stripes never truly goes out of style; it simply gets re-invented and re-imagined as seasons change. Due to the typically sharp contrast, classic stripes still have a connotation of being bold and daring. Stripes attract the eye and play with the eye; they stand out in a room filled even among dramatic colors.
And this striped cardigan certainly caught my eye earlier this summer when I was out and about getting in a bit of retail therapy. I nearly passed on buying it, too, after putting it back on the rack. It was only when I kept thinking about it after I’d already moved onto the next store that I decided to go back for a second look and to try it on.
If these photos look a bit familiar, it’s because you may seen them in my gig as guest blogger on Curly Crafty Mom back in early July. In that post, I shared that one of my first thoughts about the cardigan was how it would fit with Carrie’s style as well. At least in my observation of her style … but I’m entitled to my opinion, at least until proven wrong. Either way, who’s style and wardrobe wouldn’t this cardigan fit into?
Because it certainly fits into mine. I didn’t have a striped cardigan so it isn’t a duplicate of something I already owned. Plus, to my eye, the stripe in dark navy makes the overall look of the cardigan less formal than if the stripe were black. I originally planned to put together a red, white, and blue look with double denim but the outfit wound up being a bit too heavy for Summer. I’ll give that idea a try again in the Fall.
For this first go-around in styling it, I settled on olive crops with a navy t-shirt. Easy, peasy. The cardigan came with a tie belt which I opted to not wear and probably won’t as a rule. I prefer to wear my sweaters unfastened so the tie belt wouldn’t be necessary. However, I haven’t yet removed the loops so I’m leaving my options open.
Regular readers of my blog may have taken notice of my sandals and wondered if I’m breaking one of my fashion rules. After all, in a post I published back in May, Fashion Phobias And Other Style Rules, I shared that I only wear flip-flops when I’m near a body of water or when it’s pedicure day. And yet, don’t these sandals in these photos look like flip-flops? An exception from the rule is made for them (which I’ve had for years) because they’re not the typical thin-strapped rubber-soled thongs found at discount department stores. Never say never.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week is Jacqui, a fiftyish-year-old fashion and lifestyle blogger who also shares tidbits about beauty, hair, and cooking on her blog Mummabstylish.
Have I made my case for embracing the laid-back vibe of classic stripes? I’m interested in hearing about where your focus is these days, style-wise. Are you staying only with what’s current or do you look at what has worked in the past? What details are staples in your wardrobe? And now that we’re halfway through Summer 2021, how have your fashion choices changed since this time last year?
Be well and let’s stay in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photos: MMPerez
35 Comments
It’s ironic that as much as I love stripes, I really don’t have very many in my wardrobe-but I just remembered one from last year-a knit cardigan that I got from a friends shop-It’s over a year old but I think I will link it up anyway, as soon as I find the post.
Yours is such a classic! Is it cotton? I can’t help notice the dropped shoulder line-I guess that style is sneaking back in after being away for about 20 years. I’ve seen it pop up in hand knitting patterns too.
Take care, Terri
Terri, you have a keen eye for details. The sweater does have a dropped shoulder which is not a style that I like but it works well here.
I have an old favorite striped cardigan from Old Navy and it has become such a closet staple for me. I’ll never get rid of it – I think they are so classic and so fun to mix up with other patterns. I say your leather flip flops are a-okay to wear anytime – they are leather and not rubber. I think a rubber flip flop is best around water but here in FL I see women wearing them with everything.
Thanks for the link up Rena!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, some of my favoritest sweaters are from ON so I can understand how much you must adore yours.
I do think stripes are a great print. I didn’t understand the obsession before I started blogging but especially when I try print mixing, it makes it easy!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, you are so right about how well stripes work for pattern mixing.
Interesting stripe information, thanks for the link up!
You’re welcome.
They’re a real wardrobe staple aren’t they Rena. I have stripes in several colours. Have a good weekend xx
Yes, I think that stripes add a lift to an outfit and they’re great for mixing with other patterns.
Such fabulous style! I just love this casual look especially the accessories. That bag is beautiful 🙂 http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/08/the-workout-outfits-i-swear-by-for.html
Heather, thank you for the lovely compliment and for letting me know that you like the look.
Interesting history on stripes! They are definitely an eye catching classic! So easy to pattern mix with too! Love your styling and this neutral look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Jill, yes indeed, stripes are definitely an eye-catching pattern.
This is a great casual outfit! I really need to add a striped cardigan to my wardrobe! I have a black and white striped duster but it’s different material, not as warm as a knitted cardi, so I always have my eye out for cardigans when I’m opshopping! 🙂
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂
Mica, it’s hard to go wrong with stripes.
I love stripes but I have a love/hate relationship with cardigans. I really don’t wear mine much so the few that I have kept are either waterfall cardigans or ones I use as a robe. I do have a striped waterfall one that I should try styling like this this fall: it hasn’t been worn much the past few years.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, perhaps you need to try different styles of cardigans. For instance, I prefer crew neck styles as opposed to v-neck ones.
I will be trying some thrifted ones this fall to see what I like
Stripes look good with anything don’t you agree? Especially with a floral print. Those trousers are so cool, I love that colour!
Nancy, yes stripes are very versatile.
This is such a great outfit, Rena! I love the olive and navy combination. Your striped cardigan reminds me of one that I own but mine is bit longer (maybe mid calf) and I have paired it with similar colors as well. It really is a great closet staple and definitely makes a statement with the big bold stripes. Stripes really do work with anything, too! Thanks for the link party. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee, thanks for the upvote on this look.
I adore stripes! You can never have enough of them, in my view! I love your cardigan and I would wear it the same as you, without the belt that came along with it. I’ve said it before too, that I love camo pants and they go SO WELL with the stripes, don’t they? I’m not the biggest fan of flip flops either, wearing them only around the pool or the beach. However, I agree with you, those aren’t your typical flip flops! I’ve actually just ordered myself a pair of Fit Flops—they’re much more sturdy than regular flip flops and they’re so comfy. I can’t wait for them to arrive because I’m pretty sure I fractured my toe last week so I need a decent pair of sturdy ones to wear around the house!!!
Thanks for the link-up lovely!
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, I do hope that your toe is feeling better by now. I banged up one of mine recently but fortunately is was just a bit bruised and not fractured.
Stripes are always a yes for me! They are such a classic print and will never go out of style. Love that cardigan on you!
Thank you, Laura. And I’m so glad that you’re also on team stripes.
I love everything about this look, including the sandals and I’m not a fan of flip flops either. But those are sandals. Rubber flips flops are for the camp shower. Too many other cute shoes for daily wear. Stripes will always be a classic.
Thank you. I’m so glad that you like the look of this outfit.
Love that whole outfit.
Thank you, Lauren.
Stripes are timeless and versatile! Love this cardigan and you styled it beautifully!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Lovely, thank you for the compliment and for letting me know that you like the look of this outfit.
I’m a big fan of stripes, and this cardigan is ringing my bell – you look fabulously chic in this, Rena. Thanks so much for the link-party!
Ding, ding, ding. I’m so glad that you like this look, Sheila.