THEORY (New York) Striped Dress

Nod to the perennially chic nautical trend with chic New York label Theory’s stretch-silk dress. Balance the short hemline with platform pumps or ballerina flats, adding a flash of bright-red lipstick to complement the classic navy and white stripes.

(RRP US$335)

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Mixed-Angle Stripes Dress

Stripes done right -- split angles create a slimming effect on this Elizabeth and James short dress. But the charm of this two-toned beauty doesn’t end there -- it also hosts a feminine sweetheart cut below the illusion neckline, and playful skirt pleats.
Wear it with red heels, brassy bangles, and maybe even a bow in your hair for a positively fun ensemble :-)
(RRP US$465)

KATE SPADE Striped Shirtdress

Figuring out how to combine smart and functional with pretty and feminine into a cohesive pack is no simple task, but this Kate Spade dress has certainly done just that. There is enough crisp stripes, dressmaker details, sweetness, wow factor and versatility that you can impress as easily on a first date as in an office. Love!
(RRP US$375)

PAUL & JOE SISTER "Sainmalo" Dress

Simple, classic, and cheerful, the Sainmalo* dress from Paul & Joe Sister -- the offspring of Parisian designer Sophie Albou's coveted Paul & Joe line -- is ideal for folding up in your vacation suitcase, and will also dress up well under a jacket for smarter work dos.
(Notes: *The dress is likely named after Saint Malo, a port city and the most visited place in the historical province of Brittany, northwestern of France, where the marinière or Breton stripe originated. More below.)


If there is one trend that’s coming up huge, it must surely be the nautical influence.
Sailor stripes always tend to show up in Spring-Summer styles, you may say. However, this year the focus is on the pattern first popularised by Coco Chanel, also known as the marinière or Breton stripe. (It all kind of started when the Audrey Tatou starrer "Coco Avant Chanel" debuted last year.)
"la marinière" was first brought to the fashion world by Coco Chanel back in the 20s after she noticed French fishermen's striped attire.
Since then, gamine fashion icon Audrey Hepburn and sex kitten Bridget Bardot have shown how the look can be elegant, modern and sexy, whatever the era.


There's simply no escaping stripes this season. They're popping up ALL OVER in Celebville, too, and we have the evidence :-)