How to Wear Stripes
Q: "I love stripes, especially blue and white nautical ones, but I find them very difficult to wear. They're just not flattering on me. Any advice?"
A: The fact of the matter is, you may be correct — nautical stripes may not work for you. In fashion, nautical means horizontal, and in my experience, the larger the width of the stripe, the fewer people look good in it. Try narrower stripes and — since I assume that you're referring to knitted tops — try belting the item in either a corresponding or contrasting color. The belt's width should be wider than the stripes in the knit, because it will cause their width to diminish. Go to a favored retailer, try on myriad styles of nautical stripes, and have a ball bringing your own critical analysis to these looks in the dressing room. You may just find one that's perfect.
The Right Length
Q: "My husband just bought me a full-length Burberry trench coat: I love it, but I'm 5'2", and the coat falls below my knees. What is the proper length for a double-breasted trench coat? Should I have it hemmed?"
A: Lucky you! Your husband's gift should last a lifetime, which is why you'll want to wear it correctly. I have a colleague who is very chic in the office, but when she dons her trench coat, she instantly looks dowdy. Why? Because the coat's length and volume completely envelop her as though she were wearing a tent. Your trench should fall no lower than the bottom of your kneecaps. If you have a dress that falls lower than that, then alter the dress, too. In addition, examine where the built-in belt of the coat corresponds to your waist and proportions. When the length of the coat is altered, the belt may need to be moved up (probably not down). Both of these alterations can be successfully achieved by a good tailor.
Slim Enough for Skinny Jeans?
Q: "Skinny jeans are everywhere. But as a 5'9" (long torso), size-8 gal, I'm thinking these might not be the best look for me. Should the skinny look be reserved for the truly skinny figure (sizes 0 to 4), or is this trend for all?"
A: The skinny jean or pant that looks like a cousin of leggings isn't for everyone. In my point of view, it's a look that works only for teens and early-20-somethings. Period. However, you can certainly wear a fitted jean or pant, and with your long torso, you can even consider a high-waisted style. When shopping for jeans, I suggest a dark wash. The darker the wash, the more appropriate the jean is for cocktail parties and other evening gatherings, so pairing a higher heel with this look is more than apt, providing it fits into your lifestyle.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Hilary Duff Welcomes 3rd Child With Husband Matthew Koma
Townes is her fourth child overall.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Upgrade Your Vacation Wardrobe With Summer Staples From Shopbop and Nordstrom Rack
Next stop: The airport.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Well, Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ Might Not Be Completely Done After All
The success of ‘Scoop’ is reportedly prompting the streaming giant’s bosses to bring ‘The Crown’ back in a new, interesting form after the show concluded last year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Look like a Pro in These Cute Tennis Outfits
Game, set, match.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Guests Are Reawakening Their Best Accessories Game at the Met Gala 2024
From Zendaya's massive feather headpiece to Tyla's hourglass handbag.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Best Jeans for Cowboy Boot-Obsessed Style
From straight-leg to flared denim, fashion experts help translate this iconic Western pairing from the rodeo into real life.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Yoga Pants Endorsed by Three Fitness Experts
Whether you're advanced, a flow newbie, or want something easy to throw on for the gym, these several qualities are deal-breakers when it comes to workout wear.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Is Full of Fashion Editors’ Favorite Summer Essentials
From airy linen button-downs to nautical stripes, these are the closet basics of every style maven.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Tankinis Are Fashion's Most Practical Swimwear Trend
With the days inching closer to beach and pool season, it's still unclear if the '90s swimsuit style will resurface as the It style of the season.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published