Spring Stripes: Tips For Wearing Stripes For Every-Body Type

The Look:

Top: J. Crew Rib Trim Regent Blazer (Recently Sold Out) – (Available in Blue here, and similar here) Blue Blazer 30% off with code SPRINGSALE; J.Crew Factory Woven-Back Swing Tee; Bottom: J.Crew Reese Pant (30% off with code SPRINGSALE); Bag: Michael Kors Selma; Shoes: Patent Leather Pump (Old) (Similar here)

The Look For Less:

Top: INNAMORATO Blazer in Khaki; ana Short Sleeve Boyfriend Top in American Blue; Bottom: Anthropologie Pilcro Hyphen Pinstriped Chino Pant; Bag: Kadin Structured Vegan Satchel; Shoe: Gianni Bini Leather Pump

Stripes of all kinds appear to be a thing this spring, but wearing stripes, especially on the bottom, can be a little intimidating for anyone.  Adding a pinstripe pair of pants to your wardrobe can be a smart choice, because they are classic and versatile enough to wear to work and beyond.  If you are a little hesitant to try this popular pattern, today, I’m sharing a few tips for wearing stripes for every-body type.

The key to pulling off the pinstripe pattern lies in the scale/size of the stripe, so following these few simple tips can have you looking good and feeling fashionable in this classic pattern.

1.  Go for a fine to medium pinstripe.  It is the best pinstripe pattern for all body types, even the most petite frame.  A fine to medium pinstripe tends to be somewhat muted, and will not overwhelm or overpower the body or outfit.

2.  Choose vertical lines over horizontal lines.  Horizontal lines shorten and widen the body, while vertical lines lengthen and slim.

3.  Select a fit that has movement.  A tight pinstripe is not figure flattering on any body type.  A strained or tight pinstripe can distort the figure and make the body appear misshapen.

4.  If you are little hesitant about wearing pinstripes, but love the look, simply stick with a darker hue pinstripe (blue or black).  To me, these colors work best for pinstripes anyway, as they are slimming, and are easy to pair with other pieces.

I tried my hand at this spring print trend with these pinstripe pants from J. Crew.  The pants have a small to medium stripe that works well for any body type.  They have movement, and are extremely lightweight, so they can be worn from spring right into summer.  I paired the pants with the J. Crew blazer for a quick meeting, but the pants can easily be worn with a white blouse, blue or white tee, or slightly cropped top for a more casual look.

For more details on this look, click the links at the beginning of this post, or visit our shop fashion page here.

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Happy first day of spring, and thanks for reading!