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 theyre a classically effortless and inexpensive way to shift your wardrobe as winters 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)
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)
If the nautical theme doesnt 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)
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 isnt that what were 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)