A Bad Case of Stripes
As my friends and I ventured on dozens of thrifting trips this summer, I had some jackpot moments. Each time I slowly lifted my treasure from the bins in awe, my friends began to laugh. Time and time again, I picked up a piece of clothing with stripes.
That’s right, stripe season is here! And I assure you that you will catch me on campus throughout the semester wearing my weekly uniform: horizontally striped long sleeves and a dark wash pair of low-rise blue jeans. Still, I can’t help but overhear doubts about a traditional stripey grandma sweater. So let me provide some alternatives:
My personal wardrobe includes a blue and white striped zip-up with thick, block colors. It’s perfect for New England fall when the morning is frigid, but you somehow end up sweating in the afternoon.
Harness your inner 80s with a pair of white stripes with a clean red stripe. This athletic look can poke out of your New Balances while you stroll to the rec center.
I also recommend a thin, vertical pinstripe. It looks great on denim, spicing up an everyday jean skirt. Or give a shoutout to the Yankees with a streetwear-esque baseball jersey look.
For those who dream of studying abroad, a striped boat-neck top will give you the look of a chic Italian gondolier right here in Chestnut Hill.
To be honest, I’m tired of hearing the frequent criticism that a stripes girl must endure. Where’s Waldo, Ronald McDonald, Beetlejuice, Charlie Brown. I’ve heard them all, but these stripe icons seem to be doing something right.
Historically, fashion designer icon Coco Chanel also incorporated stripes into her famous collections. Legend has it that she was initially inspired by the outfits of French sailors. She then went on to create her collections in the 1910s, which certified stripes as a high-fashion, chic outfit that is also accessible and comfortable for women.
Ever since, celebrities and fashion icons have taken on this basic pattern and made it unique. I take inspiration from all these figures in my stripe obsession:
For example, Audrey Hepburn may be the queen of stripes. Her simple but endlessly fashionable sweaters are the perfect basic outfit for any day on Chestnut Hill.
Every aspect of iconic beauty Bridget Bardot’s look is currently once again in style, from her headband to the cardigan to her bouncy blowout. Copy her striped outfit for the ultimate cool girl look while you study in O’Neill.
For a less preppy look, channel music legend Kurt Cobain and throw on a black and white striped t-shirt.
Recently, even style icon Sabrina Carpenter caught word of the stripes. She received attention at Paris Fashion Week when she simultaneously donned vertical and horizontal red stripes. The look had a definite vintage feel, which Vogue described as “two-toned nautical-style stripes and an Old Hollywood-style headscarf, of course.”
Do I have you convinced?
Now, whether your stripes only reside on the side of your sambas, or if you go bold with a game day pair of overalls, remember that there is never a bad case of stripes.
References
https://www.vogue.com/article/vogue-world-paris-sabrina-carpenter-appearance
https://www.a-rabbitsfoot.com/editorial/style/cocos-stars-and-stripes/
https://www.vogue.com/article/summer-stripes-inspiration-coco-chanel
https://italoamericano.org/italian-curiosities-why-do-gondoliers-wear-striped-shirts/
