Spring & Summer

5 Ways to Wear Colorful Stripes Without Looking Like a Circus Clown

Wide, bright stripes are popular for spring and summer, and the color combinations are dazzling. How do you wear such cheery stripes without looking like a circus clown?  I have 5 tips.

 

 

Bright pink color stripes

MOG Pants - Striped Tie Top

1.  Wear Colorful Stripes with White, Black, or Beige

When wearing bright stripes, keep the rest of your outfit neutral to balance things out. A great color to wear is white. White shorts, white pants, or a white skirt are like an artist’s canvas. They make an excellent backdrop allowing a colorful striped top to be the single focus!  Black or Beige also works well.

 

Bold Stripes - Pencil Skirt

2. Choose Clean, Classic Pieces

Classic silhouettes with no to little detail counterbalance the super high energy of a big, fat, bold stipe. For example, a striped pencil skirt is traditional and thick; vibrant stripes are trendy. Together they project a professional, fashion-forward look.

I’ve added a pretty yellow blouse with this look above, but if you want a quieter look, you could wear a white blouse. Tie the colors of your shoes and bag into the neutral color in your stripes to keep the look grounded.

 

Green and white striped top

4. Embrace a Nautical Theme

Nautical always comes to mind when you think about stripes. This spring, you’ll see nautical clothing with new shapes, details, and colorful lines. This green and blue striped blouse with dramatic bell sleeves is a good example. Pair this top with waist tie shorts, rope sandals, and some nautical-themed jewelry for a shipshape look.

 

Bold Stripes Outift- Gold red and white Fringe Top with vintage wash, tan culottes, rope circle bag, brown wovern mules, tassel earrings

4. Wear Washed Stripes

Colorful stripes can be bright or soft. In this case, saturated spring colors are softened with a faded wash that gives this top a more laid-back vibe.

Striped tote bag

5.  A Striped Accessory May Be All You Need

Accessories are a great way to incorporate colorful stripes without going all out. I love this rich coral maxi paired with this darling Kate Spade tote. This sporty black bag with colorful stripes gives the outfit a fun feel. Be sure to keep your shoes neutral for a look like this. You can have too much color going on.

 

What do you think of bright stripes? Classy or clownish? I’d love to know!

 

Striped-MId

 

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Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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2 thoughts on “5 Ways to Wear Colorful Stripes Without Looking Like a Circus Clown

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