Sizzling stripes

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It’s time to step up your sartorial sense and earn your stripes in big, bold and colourful combinations.
While Dolce & Gabbana mixed stripes with prints and motifs, Oscar de la Renta created exciting combinations by using band of colours in horizontal and vertical fashion. Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Dior and others followed the norm and created their own versions of a stripy, trippy Spring/Summer 2013.
Designer Anita Dongre predicts that this season will see a lot of horizontal, vertical and diagonal stripes in new permutations. She says, “From the classic black and white to clashes of colour and quirky mixed prints, there are various ways to wear stripes. Stripes should always be paired with a solid colour. For example, a pink and white crop top could be paired with your basic blue denims. When wearing stripes, do not overaccessorise — a pair of simple earrings would look the best.”
Rajesh Narkar, co-founder of Freecultr, adds that multi-coloured stripes is one of the biggest themes this season. “From Breton stripes, pinstripe, Regatta nautical or humbug stripes — varieties of stripes will be reflected in various outfits this season. Horizontal stripes are more stylish, and paired with solid colour chinos or dark denims look great, even contrast combinations look great.”
The stripes trend from the 60s is back, mentions designer Arpan Vohra, who feels that they look best in black and navy blue. He says, “You can pair stripes with solid colours to create new combinations each time. For instance, pick a striped top with a plain skirt or pant, or the other way around. One can even play up striped accessories like handbags, shoes, sunglasses to accentuate a plain outfit.”
Stripes look cool in summer and give an uncluttered impression when highlighted in the right manner. Designer Astha Narang recommends, “Use big, horizontal stripes on tops and smaller, vertical stripes on your lower half, be it a skirt or pants. The material can be synthetic; but cottons are best suited for the summer, as they are cool and comfortable. One can even mix horizontal and vertical stripes on your top to add to the glam effect, or pair them with matching accessories but do not overdo it.”
Monochrome stripes, especially in black and white, were one of the major trends seen on the red carpet this year. Designer Vandy Mehra says, “Depending on the personality, one can go for the monochrome look. However, if you want to experiment you can go for a bold colour like a red or a neon tone for stripes (not thick stripes in this case) with a subtle base. Striped prints are quite eye-catching and as a rule one should avoid teaming it up with other prints or clashing looks. If you are wearing a dress that’s in bold stripes, then the shoes and accessories shouldn’t be too bold.”