Spring 2017 Trend Report: How to Wear Stripes

Date February 23, 2017

Stripes and the red carpet might seem like an unlikely duo, but this Awards season has seen a handful of colourful lust-worthy lines. From Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery to Black-ish’s Yara Shahadi, rainbow-striped gowns add a fresh spin to the usual Hollywood eveningwear fare.

This spring, stripes are everywhere—from classic Bretons to Nouveau Technicolour, this print is angling for serious space in your closet. And why not? It’s one of the most wearable (gasp!) trends this season—and a cinch when it comes to styling. For a timeless sea-worthy look, stick to stripes in go-to primary colours like red and blue. Altuzarra’s nautical-inspired off-the-shoulder dress easily transitions from day to night, simply by swapping your accessories. Proenza Schouler did a stellar striped knit dress, too, but the clever colour blocking gives a unique twist to this print.

With its 70s-inspired muted palette (Hello, mustard yellow!), Miu Miu’s striped shirt dress has a cool #TBT vibe. Meanwhile, Fendi went full-on 80s, slicing up a bright crop top, to expose just the right amount of underboob (yes, it’s still a thing). Gwyneth Paltrow rocked a pastel pink version on InStyle’s February 2017 cover. Try this must-have striped top with high-waisted denim for a killer date night look.

Menswear pieces are also trending now with mini pinstripes breathing new life into button-downs. Look to Rosie Assoulin and Ports 1961 for style inspo, and opt for an oversized version (a.k.a. the borrowed-from-your-boyfriend look) featuring wide colourful bands or updated Banker stripes. Graphic looks are having a moment too, and Carolina Herrera’s ladylike dress featuring vertical black and white stripes (love the optical illusion!) is a prime example of neutrals done right.

When the mercury soars this summer, take your stripes surfside with a flowy maxi dress, like the one at Tommy Hilfiger’s spring 2017 show, which fittingly took place in Los Angeles.

Check out our favourite striped looks below straight from the spring 2017 runways. Whether you go nautical, ’70s, or Technicolour, this print is the line of the times.