March 28, 2016

Wardrobe favourites - Earn your stripes

Whether they’re vertical, horizontal, diagonal, mixed or matched, stripes will forever remain the best looking lines in the whole wide world.

They’re the BFF that has it all: cool enough to wear during a casual day out running errands, polished enough to take out to dinner, relaxed enough to join you for a Netflix and chill session (and let's all agree that this takes on a very literal meaning when you're married - like, we actually watch Netflix whilst chilling). They're also right there for you when you need a little confidence, making all the difference in a basic striped T-shirt, or crisp button down shirt.



Ever since Brigitte Bardot wore striped tees and shift dresses in the 60's and 70's, everyone with a fashion clue has resorted to this simple style. It carries a little French allure, and a lot of international cool.

I wear both vertical and horizontal stripes year-round, and whilst I once worked with a delightful human who thought it her right to remind me that 'bigger girls shouldn't wear horizontal stripes' almost once a week, I feel like everyone's grown a brain, and it's finally fashionably acceptable for everyone to wear stripes of any direction!

Here are my top picks for stripe dresses, shirts and tees, heading into Australia's Autumn/Winter season:

A striped dress is perfect for workwear, or almost any occasion when jeans and a stripe tee won't cut the mustard. It looks so polished and sophisticated, but you 're just there feeling all comfy because you're in the softest of fabrics!

Hello hi-lo, I love you.

Bonds Besties Tank Dress in Black/White Stripe
This scoopneck is flattering on anyone, and adding a blazer is all you need to take this from the beach to the office. Such a fan.

Billy J Amber Stripe Maxi (currently on sale)
For a maxi version of the classic stripe tank dress, I love this Billy J style. The high-neck and splits to the knee make it smart enough to wear to the polo with a hat and pair of towering wedges, or to the beach with sandals.

Well, this is just charming, and I would rock it long and hard during Winter over tights and boots.


A striped button-down shirt, in either a breezy linen or a crisp cotton is the perfect addition to every possible outfit, especially at this time of year. Throw over your togs when you move from the pool to the bar, or slip one on with a darker denim for instant attitude.

I've seen this instore, and it's as cute and comfy as you'd like it to be, without being bulky with this chest-pockets. Well-played, Sussan. 

Again, the chest pockets had me all worried, but I've tried it on, and I can't for the life of me remember why I didn't buy it! It's a classic, and I hope Target repeats this style in a few other colourways this season. (Navy or pink , please and thank you Mrs Target Designer)


Of course, I'm saving the best for last – striped tops and tees. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a lifelong member of the stripe tee club (I believe our 2016 #teamstripes President, Veep and Secretary are Brooke of Blonde Ambition, Melissa of Suger Coat It and Peta of Trainee Mama... we convene regularly on social media!), and I am always looking for another perfect addition to my stripe tee shelf (which is now two shelves, but don't tell BB, please).

Regulars here will also know that Winter is my least favourite season, and I only manage to get through July and August each year without depressive bouts of Seasonal Affective Disorder because it's a great opportunity to wear stripe tees with jeans and blazers. Almost my favourite sartorial situation ever.

The tiny little leatherette detail on this means that I consider it dressy enough for dinner out, just add dark skinny jeans and a flat riding boot. Because 3 inches of leatherette will always dress me up. 

Rockmans Rib Stripe Top (currently on sale)
Channel your inner Jen Lindley and pop a funnelneck stripe top on before you wax lyrical about all the important issues for teens in the 90's. #dawsonscreekforever

This is another style that I've checked out instore, and it's a luxe-looking tee. The white bias on the neckline is super flattering, and I can imagine this being uber-cute in Spring too, with denim shorts.

I have this tee in it's previous incarnation (navy/white stripe with silver spots) and I love it. The cap sleeves are the perfect length, and it looks adorable with coloured jeans or shorts.

My navy/white/silver version of the Suzanne Grae tee

The over-size drape of this tee makes for ultimate comfort, and would be perfect for travel (note to self, remember this when planning capsule wardrobe for upcoming Asia trip).



Well, this cotton knit is just all kinds of fun. Suede elbow patches and a wide v-neckline make for a nautical version of the classic Breton. V. v. cute.

Do you see any stripe must-haves here that you're loving this season ? I'd love to know if you're #teamstripes too, use the tag on Instagram next time you pop on your stripes!

   

https://www.instagram.com/katy_potaty/   

6 comments:

  1. Love all your stripe picks, I think I need to go snap up that Surafina dress and Seed tee straightaway!

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  2. What a gorgeous curation, definitely gets me thinking about stripey dresses, tights and boots, my faves for Winter!

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  3. I'm definitely on team stripes! I absolutely love them! I also share your hope that Target might do a navy or pink stripe version of their shirt

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  4. I love your tshirt pics. I'm going to have to get onto that and grow my stripe collection which isn't quite as big as yours :)

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  5. I do not need any encouragement to get into more stripes! That Boohoo dress is super cute and also loving the Katies tee. I agree, that tiny little bit of detailing elevates it just enough while still keeping a relaxed vibe.

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  6. Love the spotty tee and the Skater Dress! I love stripes, they're so stylish :)

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