Earn your stripes

From mix-and-match separates to technicolour dresses, the classic stripe is getting a kaleidoscopic spin this season. They are not only bigger and bolder but also brighter than their classic cousin — Breton stripes. Designer Nivedita Saboo says, “Fashion’s love affair with stripes goes a long, long way back. A wardrobe staple, the Breton stripe was first introduced as a uniform for Navy seamen, I believe. Chanel was the first to incorporate this trend into its nautical collection and stripes have been ruling the world of fashion ever since. Stripes have stood the test of time and earned their place as something far more solid than a wardrobe ‘must-have’: they are considered to be a foundation piece defying trends, age brackets and sexes. Every season, stripes are re-imagined into various textures, colours, silhouettes and sizes, and every season they continue to trend in different forms; be it zebra, pedestrian crossing or bar code, Breton, pinstripes or candy stripes.” She adds, “Bold, bright and brilliantly textured, super stripes bring a fresh take on the classic stripes. They are versatile and one can add their own personality to this trend by choosing the fabric of their choice, cut and colour that works best to define one’s sartorial style or preference. You can opt for vibrant colours or go subtle with your choice in hues; you can wear it to a red carpet soiree or to a day about town. the playful-yet-polished super stripes are apt for all occasions.”

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As with every stripe, the general rule of thumb doesn’t vary — vertical stripes create the illusion of height, while horizontal and broad stripes create the illusion of width and thin stripes have a slimming effect. However, according to designers Kusum and Karishma Luharuwalla from Label Faabiiana, super stripes, be it horizontal or vertical, don’t necessarily have to be straight and narrow — artful asymmetry works well. Suggesting ways to keep it peppy, Kusum and Karishma add that one can team up a gingham shirt with a super striped skirt or pair a super striped t-shirt with denim. The best option is to wear a vertical super striped buttoned down shirt for anytime of the day. 

Designer Aditi Somani says, “While they come in all shades of the rainbow, my favourites are those that feature graphic primary colours anchored down with some polished black. Layering goes well with super stripes. You can complement solids with these huge patterns. For a bolder look, go for stripes that zig zag every which way.” 

Stella Jean

If you aren’t into super stripes then designer Ashish Soni shares that besides super stripes there are so many different types of stripes that are trending simultaneously. “There are thick stripes, jail stripes, faded stripes that are visible on garments, then there are barcode stripes that one can see on dresses, pants and shorts, and shadow stripes that really accentuate a simple outfit. Also, stripes are now worn on headbands as well as neck collar scarves. So, be experimental.”