RAINBOW STRIPES

Although stripes have been a fashion staple season after season, the Spring/ Summer 2016 trend takes stripes on a wild new journey- and not necessarily in straight lines or equal widths, and when it comes to colours... the more the merrier!

Stripes are one of the most wearable and universally loved patterns around and this season the classic go-to style got a colour update. Classic stripes get an update this season in a spectrum of colours. Whether you reach for a statement coat or stock up on knit tanks to pair with your favourite denim, brighten up your wardrobe with wide and bold stripes this season.

Don't stop at prints! Stripes were created with stitching, lace, ruffles, beading, raffia and faux fur for spirited yet sophisticated clothing. Multi-coloured stripe style lessons, courtesy of Gucci, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, MSGM, and Salvatore Ferrragamo.

High contrast – make your rainbow stripes pop by having them against a really dark colour like navy or black. This high contrast will make for an interesting look that you can wear any time of the year, be it in the warmer days of spring and summer or during the colder months of fall and winter.

Another really great way to wear the rainbow stripes trend is to wear it bright and bold. With so many colours to see in a rainbow striped ensemble, it’s easy to make a statement and if that’s what you’re going for, make sure to wear your stripes in bright, bold and vibrant hues.

If you are a little bit intimidated by the rainbow stripes trend and you’re afraid of ending up with an outfit that has too much going on, you can always simply pair up your rainbow striped piece with white. This makes for a clean look that’s super chic and sophisticated. Or if you’re feeling a little adventurous and you want to take some fashion risks, you can also try going all out and wearing your rainbow stripes from head to toe. This is rather tricky to pull off but with the right pieces and with the right balance of colours throughout your look, you can do it.

If you really don’t feel like you can pull off rainbow stripes start small by wearing it as a subtle accent or a pop of colour, if you may, to add a lively vibe to your outfit.

Another way to wear rainbow stripes with a more toned down vibe is to wear it mixed up with classic black and white stripes for a fun look that’s neither too plain nor too bold.

SHOP MY PICKS BELOW

1. Topshop PETITE Stripe Lace Up Dress R379.18

2. Mr Price Stripe Bodycon Skirt R89.99

3. REVENGE - Zando stripe maxi dress yellow/white/black R 499

4. Mr Price Longer Length Stripe Shirt R129.99
5. Thula Sindi - Spree Sleeveless Striped Full Skirted Dress Multi-colour R3,999

6. SISSY BOY - Spree Zoya Stripped Cami Multi-colour R499

STREET STYLE INSPIRATION

Still feeling unsure how to incorporate rainbow stripes to your wardrobe, check out the street style fashion below for inspiration.