Spring 2011: Like Striped Dresses?

When I was in my twenties, my mother used to scold me for wearing mostly simple monotones. I think she thought if I wore floral garments with ruffles and bows, I would attract more men. (My mother was married at 19 years old, so I think she thought I'd missed the boat when I was unmarried at 25.) I've always had a few floral prints in my wardrobe because I like variety in what I wear, but never more than a few. The rest of my wardrobe isn't all monotones, however. I've had a lifelong fondness for stripes, too. I love stripes for two reasons: 1) stripes are easy to match with monotones and 2) there's no age limit for stripes. Stripes as equally flattering whether you are in your 20s, 50s or 70s.

Some seasons, it's been hard to find anything with stripes. This spring, stripes are everywhere! Whether you like big stripes in bold colors or petite stripes in muted shades, there are garments--dresses, tops, bottoms--for you. And accessories, too! For this post, I started collecting samples of spring striped fashions. But there were way too many! So I've decided to write separate posts for different categories of striped garments and accessories. For this first installment, I'm going to show a few dress styles. Click on any of the photos or dress names, if you want more details about a particular dress.

Of course, we all learned in home economics class that vertical stripes are more flattering than horizontal stripes. All three dresses shown here avoid any problems by only striping half of the dress. The La Tour Eiffel dress at the top of the post is from Shabby Apple. I guess it has a Parisian name because the top half is like a French sailor shirt.

Below is a sassy dress for work from Jones New York. Right now, Jones New York is having a 30% off sale. Shop now till March 6th, 11:59 EST, and receive 30% off at checkout on this Jones New York A-Line Bottom Striped Dress. Click on the dress name or photo, or on the sales promo box at the top of the left margin to browse the JNY site.




And from Bealls Clothing Company...another stripe and monotone dress. This looks a lot like the Shabby Apple dress with a slightly fuller skirt.





I had hoped to show you a few styles from Michael Stars, but unfortunately, the photos weren't available. However, you can go straight to the designer's site by clicking on Michael Stars Jersey Stripe Dolman Sleeve Pocket Tee, which is halfway between a tee, a tunic and a coverall. This dress will take you from the beach to shopping to a drink at a restaurant on the wharf. I can practically feel the setting summer sun and smell the sea air-ahh! Or take a peek at the Michael Stars Jersey Stripe Sleeveless Surplice Dress.


WHERE ELSE?
Want to see other striped choices? Well, I'd go straight to Tommy Hilfiger. Stripes never seem to go out of fashion with TH. Check out his Yacht Club Knit Dress.

Or other ship shape dresses, see...

Nautica for the Islamorada Dress

J. Crew for the Maritime Dress