STYLE : FASHION : Stripe It Rich

Easy to wear, and downright sexy when they hug the body, stripes are one of spring’s strongest looks, showing up in virtually every collection here and abroad. Part of the appeal of stripes is the season’s nautical bent--expect to see blue and white stripes of all kinds in Ralph Lauren’s new America’s Cup collection. Other top names taking a fancy to stripes include Donna Karan in New York and Valentino in Paris, both of whom promise dresses with shapely curves. In Southern California, Richard Tyler’s wide-striped pants can team with a bright jacket or stand alone with a simple ribbed sweater. But no matter the designer, or lack thereof, stripes come across as crisp, clean and classic.

Stylist: Beth Goodman/ Cloutier; makeup: Beth Katz/ Cloutier; hair: Kerry Warn; model: Jana/ Elite