This summer, a popular trend that is emerging in fashion are stripes. As the cool temperatures transition into warmer weather, wearing nautical stripes in classic black and white or navy blue and white is a good way to prepare for the coming season.
Nautical stripes can be subtle or bold, and they add a naval appearance to an outfit which can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. While fashion trends tend to come and go, stripes are a consistent style that appear all year round and are very versatile to wear as well.
Striped shirts were first worn by sailors and the navy in France, and were known as the Breton Stripe. This striped top followed the more traditional navy and white combination, and was more practical than glamourous at first. This style was later popularized by fashion designer Coco Chanel in the 1910’s with a more feminine appeal, as the naval look was crafted with fashion in mind instead of functionality.
Investing in a nice nautical striped look can refresh your wardrobe and add versatility to your existing outfits. A detailed striped t-shirt can dress up a pair of white or black jeans, or can be paired with a black leather moto jacket for a rock-and-roll look. Stripes can also make good statement pieces, such as a striped jacket paired with a crisp white button-down shirt and indigo denim jeans. For a more feminine look, a nice fitted striped dress looks great with a mid wash denim jacket and costume jewelry.
You can also experiment with color variations of this style as well as the size and width of the stripes. Depending on the size of the stripe and the color variation, stripes can be bold and daring or naval and minimalist. The wider the stripe, the more dramatic the effect will be for the wearer. This spring and summer, try incorporating stripes into your style and experiment with different color combinations to see if it is the right look for you.
Stripes can add depth to any outfit. A classic navy blue and white stripe combination looks great with a blazer and matching pants or a white pair of jeans for a nautical look. A more daring look with red and black stripes or purple and green can draw attention from onlookers and make a fashion statement in any crowd. As always, this article of clothing can also be found at a local second-hand store for a third of the price and still look fashionable. So, step out in style all striped out and reap the benefits of this nautical style!
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
