How to Rock Horizontal Stripes

In a season dominated by polka dots, stripes are a fresh breath of air. Unlike the summer striped boat neck tees that you may be accustomed to, fall stripes are a whole new ball game. Wider, bolder and reflective of the changing foliage, stripes in combinations like burgundy/burnt orange and brown/dark blue will transition flawlessly into your wardrobe of jeans and boots.

From skirts to embroidered cotton T-shirts, stripes take on a more exquisite, refined appearance at Burberry Prorsum’s fall 2012 show.


The Designer Look: I’m a huge fan of outfits that incorporate everyday separates with more formal pieces. Dressy meets casual, as they would call it. At Burberry Prorsum, creative director Christopher Bailey sent a series of impeccably styled models down the catwalk. From a cashmere bird-printed sweater and herringbone skirt to a seemingly simple bronze/red striped cotton shirt and elegant fringed skirt (as shown above), the practicality of Bailey’s designs are undeniable.

In recreating this week’s runway look, I wanted to maintain the feminine and effortless spirit that dominated the collection. The olive and navy blue striped T-shirt with three-quarter sleeves complements the black accordion-pleat skirt perfectly. (The color palette is right on and the fitted top counteracts the fullness of the skirt.) Since the shirt above did not come complete with garnet embroidery, I did the next best thing and added a floral collar necklace. Lastly, heeled ankle booties, leather gloves and a studded bow belt lend a smidge of edginess to an otherwise sophisticated ensemble.

The Look for Less:
1. Striped T-Shirt from MANGO, $30
2. Studded Bow Waist Belt from Forever 21, $5
3. Just Sway Yes Skirt from ModCloth, $38
4. All-Ladies Road Trip Bootie from ModCloth, $55
5. Forest Flowers Collar Necklace from Forever 21, $13
6. Leather Gloves from H&M, $25

The Look for Less Total: $165

Style Tip: Horizontal stripes are the new neutral. As evidenced above, don’t be afraid to swap your basics for stripes and mix them in with more luxe pieces (sequins and leather, if you dare!). Striped sweaters and lace skirts are just the beginning of pulling off this look. Herringbone and wool skirts, maybe even one with a peplum, will serve as reliable foundation pieces for the colder weather. For days when you want an easy-going look for class, opt for skinny jeans and an angora striped sweater. If you want to feel especially polished, then a sharp black blazer layered over a lightweight striped tee will do the trick. Top off either of these outfits with a quilted jacket or timeless pea coat and you’ll be channeling Burberry’s classic British appeal in no time!

What’s your favorite runway collection this season? Leave a comment below and, who knows, maybe it’ll be incorporated into the next look for less!

By: Anjerika Wilmer | Images: Listed retail stores

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