A good summer staple to have which is actually quite a classic and emerges just about every other time the warm weather hits is the craving for anything stripey. You can think of sailing on a yacht by crystal clear seawater, lounging on the grass with a blanket, book in hand and a fruit smoothie by your side, or by the pool in a stripe bikini and a cocktail – the possibilities are endless. A striped top or skirt can also be worn for fall if you pair it with a blazer and tights so it’s a very versatile print to own.

Stripes aren’t such a tricky print to wear if you know how to. Firstly, don’t wear them top to toe (like a stripe dress with stripe shoes and a bag, for example), because that’s just overkill. Pick one item, be it a skirt or shoes, and pair them with a solid coloured piece. Jeans are easiest and simple enough, or if you want to experiment, a red skirt or even a pair of yellow shorts will work nicely with a striped three quarter sleeved shirt.

Secondly, you should wear horizontal stripes on the body part that you want to highlight. If you feel you have a small upper half but wider hips, a boat neck stripe top will balance out your hips nicely. Vertical stripes will instantly slim down your body if you wear them in the form of a dress and lengthen you, making you look leaner.

Also, don’t just stick to black and white or navy stripes; go crazy and opt for red and blue or other colours for a different look. Below are some images from www.thesartorialist.com, www.cupcakesandcashmere.com and www.shopbop.com that will help put together a few looks to inspire.

Stripes go chic paired with a denim mini and black everything else – tights, shoes, bag and blazer.

Mix and match your prints by pairing a smaller, more subtle check jacket like this girl here has done with a stripe top. One print has to be more dominant than the other in order to not come across looking loud.

A sleeveless top with high waisted shorts, a belt and a medallion necklace is made for a lazy day in the park. Doesn’t it remind you of French summers?

Here’s how to work stripes into your smart casual wardrobe. An unusually cut skirt paired with a dark denim vest, white heels and a bronze tote pulls the look together.

Do stripes differently by incorporating colours like turquoise and brown like this dress. It’s immediately different but still trendy.

Katie Holmes simply pairs it with denim and pointy-toe flats.

Kelly Rowland smartens up with well-cut jeans and an adorable sling purse.

This is perfect for lounging at home. You can also pair the zip up top with white shorts for a weekend outfit.

Stripes can be worn in the form of a bangle if you think the print is too strong.

A one shoulder dress would look adorable with a white trilby, tan gladiator sandals and a straw bag.

A bikini like this does wonders for a boyish or petite figure that wants to look curvier.

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