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Spring fashion essentials: Nautical stripes

By Melissa Magsaysay Graphic, chic and timeless nautical stripes — the ones derived from the uniforms of French sailors — are everywhere for spring. The fashion perennials, rife with possibility, can be preppy or edgy, sweet or sporty, and they’re a classically effortless and inexpensive way to shift your wardrobe as winter’s chill fades. Starting with the traditional top (navy-and-white striped boat-neck knit) paired with linen trousers and canvas sneakers, and moving on to the bolder look of a structured striped blazer over a bright-colored T-shirt, there is something for everyone, at every price point. Splendid striped tank top, $47 at shopbop.com; H&M skirt, $39.90 at H&M locations nationwide; Alexis Bittar bangles (large, $215; small, $170) at alexisbittar.com.

By Melissa Magsaysay

Graphic, chic and timeless nautical stripes — the ones derived from the uniforms of French sailors — are everywhere for spring. The fashion perennials, rife with possibility, can be preppy or edgy, sweet or sporty, and they’re a classically effortless and inexpensive way to shift your wardrobe as winter’s chill fades.

Starting with the traditional top (navy-and-white striped boat-neck knit) paired with linen trousers and canvas sneakers, and moving on to the bolder look of a structured striped blazer over a bright-colored T-shirt, there is something for everyone, at every price point.

Splendid striped tank top, $47 at shopbop.com; H&M skirt, $39.90 at H&M locations nationwide; Alexis Bittar bangles (large, $215; small, $170) at alexisbittar.com.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Spring fashion essentials: Nautical stripes

Old Navy has nautical pieces running through its spring merchandise, complete with sailboat tees and striped, hooded henleys. Tory Burch makes flattering, fitted striped cardigans, light-colored striped boat-neck tops and even color-blocked deck shoes.

Ralph Lauren striped sweater, $245 at ralphlauren.com; YaYa Aflalo pants, $244 at shopbop.com; Alexis Bittar necklace, $295 at alexisbittar.com; H&M sunglasses, $9.90 at H&M locations nationwide; Superga sneakers, $80 at Sportie L.A.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Spring fashion essentials: Nautical stripes

If the nautical theme doesn’t work for you, temper it with bright color and gold accessories. Try a light yellow floral scarf — the flowers are sweet, the mix of prints is playful and a scarf cuts the stripes on the shirt for a slimming effect. Or top a bold striped tee with a fitted cardigan in a solid color for a softer layer that plays down the graphic nature of the stripes.

French Connection striped top, $48 at French Connection; H&M pants, $49.90 at H&M stores; Forever 21 scarf, $6.80, and straw fedora, $9.80, at Forever 21; Alexis Bittar cuff, $295, and ring, $155, at alexisbittar.com; Michael Kors bag, $495 at Michael Kors Beverly Hills.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Spring fashion essentials: Nautical stripes

Bright orange and green can also make nautical stripes feel fresh. Try adding these daring hues as a skinny belt through the loops of khaki trousers or wide-leg jeans. Gold jewelry warms up navy blue and keeps all the colors feeling rich and luxurious.

Even if you spend only a few bucks on your striped items this spring, the overall look can still feel stylish and expensive. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for right now?

Amusement striped blazer, $198 at Saks Fifth Avenue; A.P.C. trousers, $190 at A.P.C Los Angeles; Old Navy belt; Dream T’s tank top; Kenneth Jay Lane necklaces, $55 for wood and $44 for gold at shopbop.com; Alexis Bittar gold bangles; Forever 21 white cuff; Jules Smith Anchor bracelet, $112 at julessmithdesigns.com; Tory Burch shoes, $225 at Tory Burch Los Angeles.

Photographs by Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times; styled by Melissa Magsaysay / Los Angeles Times; hair and makeup by Jessica Liparoto / Exclusive Artists; model: Jade / Exclusive Artists.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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