Upon hearing the term “stripes,” your subconscious probably generates a set of guidelines: Black and white stripes make you appear like an antique prisoner; horizontal stripes give you a broad silhouette; narrow stripes don’t look good on camera. We’re here to tell you, though, that those restrictions are absurd. You can wear any color or style of stripe as long as you know how to style them correctly. We consulted personal stylists for their finest advice on how to wear stripes if you’re over 50 in order to perfect our technique. Continue reading to find out how to wear them with ease and confidence.
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6 Tips for Wearing Stripes If You’re Over 50, According to Stylists
1. Embrace Navy Blue and White
Navy blue and white stripes are a timeless combination suitable for every woman, especially those over 50. This classic pattern acts as a neutral, effortlessly complementing various outfits. Incorporate a striped blouse, French bateau T-shirt, or cashmere rugby sweater into your wardrobe for versatile styling options.
2. Opt for a Button-Down Shirt
A collared, striped button-down shirt offers exceptional versatility. Wear it open over a monochromatic ensemble for a sleek, sophisticated look or buttoned up for a polished office outfit. Pair with jeans and loafers for a casual weekend ensemble, ensuring the base color matches one of the stripe colors for a cohesive appearance.
3. Try a Lightweight Knit
Experiment with a horizontal striped pullover sweater for a classic nautical-inspired look. opt for an ivory sweater with navy stripes and pair it with ivory trousers, jeans, or an A-line midi skirt. Incorporate other patterns like tweed jackets or polka dot skirts to add visual interest to your outfit.
4. Experiment with Horizontal Stripes
Challenge the outdated notion that horizontal stripes widen the body. Instead, opt for three-quarter sleeves or push up your sleeves to break the horizontal line, accentuating your waist. Consider a half-tuck to create visual interest and balance proportions, particularly for petite or small-framed individuals.
5. Pay Attention to Scale
Select stripe patterns that complement your body frame and proportions. Petite individuals should opt for diminutive stripes with ample white space, while medium-sized stripes suit medium-framed individuals. Bold, wide stripes are ideal for larger body types. Remember, you wear the stripes; they don’t wear you.
6. Balance Proportions
Utilize stripes strategically to manipulate the appearance of your body proportions. Wear horizontal stripes on the top to balance wider hips or shoulders. Consider multi-coloured, horizontal striped skirts with cantered button plackets to balance shoulder width while elongating the silhouette. Experiment with different stripe styles to discover what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
