Step into spring with statement stripes and not-so-groundbreaking florals

From Mulberry and Miu Miu to Phillip Lim and Preen, stripes are ushering in the new season with some welcome chutzpah. Whether you’re inclined to evoke Amy Adams‘ candy-striper in Catch me if You Can, a local Foot Locker employee or a referee on an episode of Alan Patridge (it’s liquid football, innit?), consider statement stripes your new neutral. Add some interest with lace detailing like this River Island beauty or keep it clean and pared back for a classic spin on the ever popular stripe.

Rock statement stripes like a boss without looking like a Wall Street fat cat

Step one: Avoid navy pinstripe suits.

Step two: Do not drink from a chalice or walk with an embellished cane (think Snoop Dog/Lion) whilst wearing statement stripes.

You run the risk of being mistaken for an extra in Bugsy Malone, a Hollywood estate agent or a wargamer/role player. Save your golden chalice and embellished walking cane for special occasions. These are the only two steadfast rules for wearing statement stripes. Trumpet, leg of mutton and double-layered sleeves are amping up the cool factor like this River Island bad boy. It’s sold out online but is still available in plus sizes and in store.

The silhouette’s the thing wherein I’ll rock my bling (read: statement stripes)

Forget skinny jeans, ok? We’ve all had a long-standing love affair but remember how you felt after the last episode of Lost. You watch it for seven years hoping for a big revelation and it turns out THEY WERE ALL DEAD. Forget about it. If Marie Kondo has taught me anything it’s that I must get rid of any item of clothing that doesn’t bring me sheer joy. And my skinny jeans bring me abject misery when I see the indentations of the seams after a hard day’s work. OK, that is a massive exaggeration but I’m bored of skinnies so just try these Mom jeans, OK? The embellishment on this Primark pair gives a nod to the perennial spring florals trend without being too ditsy or girly. Add in a collegiate bomber and some horse bit loafers and you’re guaranteed a plethora of offers on your Spice Bag Speed Dating night. You’re welcome.

SHOP MY LOOK

Shirt: River Island, in store, online in plus version. Very similar Vero Moda at Asos. Similar at Zara here and here. Off-the-shoulder version at Nasty Gal. Massively reduced striped blouse at Off Saks 5th Avenue here.

Bomber: River Island, similar here (€376), here (€129), here (€101), here (€26) and here (€16).

Jeans: Penneys/Primark, currently in stock.

Loafers: Splurge on Gucci‘s Princetown leather pair, Save for Anna Kastle’s version, Steal this Romwe pair.

Choker: Just seen, River Island.

TEAM:

Photos: Neal Byrne

Styling, hair and makeup: Me