One of the hottest trends this spring is going to require you to learn your stripes! Despite the seeming simplicity of stripes, there are actually an immense amount of potential stripe combinations with ranging striping widths, angles and color permutations allowing for infinite possibilities. Designers really embraced this concept for the spring 2016 season. They took a simple idea which has been played with since it was used as a political symbol during the French Revolution and produced creations that somehow looked new and inventive.
I took inspiration from the Missoni spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection which featured bright and bold stripes coming in various color groupings. From among the striped items in my closet, I knew that I needed to incorporate this crop top. From the keyhole detail to the self-tie—which can be tied up higher at the neck or hanging like I did—this piece should be priced at a lot more than what I paid for it, thanks Forever 21!
Another recurring theme in the show was mixed patterns. Missoni mixed horizontal stripes with vertical stripes, zigzag striping with animal print and so on. I replicated this in a subtle way with my skirt. This midi skirt has a shadowed checked effect, working in contrast to the horizontal stripe top. Whenever I wear a midi skirt I almost always wear heels as it adds the perfect sophisticated touch while also highlighting the skirt. As far as accessories, I thought less was more with this classic chic ensemble and I did not want to detract from that. Since there was already a high neckline and tie at the top, a necklace felt unnecessary. Instead, I opted for a dainty piece of arm candy with my marble cuff bracelet as well as a simple white rose ring.
Mixing patterns can seem initially intimidating, but the payoff is well worth the risk. Start with a fashion staple pattern like stripes if you’re intimidated. Accessorize with minimal jewelry and allow your outfit to speak for itself. Remember, mix don’t match!
Get My Look: 1. Any striped top. 2. A patterned midi skirt. 3. A pair of high heels.
