What Stripe is Your Summer Personality?
The news is dark, but it’s high summer. I’m angry and scared and sad, so I thought I’d try and lighten the load with a little humor.
Full disclosure: I pitched this to and when I received their rejection email a few days ago, they said “thanks for the shot at it”. I’m not sure if that’s snark or genuine, but I’m proud of myself for trying. You be the judge!
Now that we’re through the novelty prints of the spring, it’s time to welcome summer’s real heat with something more solid. By solid we mean striped. Yes, the Capri Lemons, Island Palms, Spanish Tiles, Greek Keys, and Provençal tomatoes of springtime prints are all very aspirational in that they make us dream of vacations we are not going on any time soon, but it’s time to face the reality of our circumstances.
Summer is here and stripes are required. But what kind of stripe? Stripe types are varied and fraught with meaning, so our advice is to tread carefully:
Awning or Umbrella - We get it. The crisp whip of canvas in the hot wind, rhythmic rows of beach cabanas coordinating with loungers and umbrellas alike…it’s heady and aspirational. Add the romance of an edging of white fringe and a Palm Springs patio and we’re undone. These are the proper summer stripes: retro, uncompromising, happy. They give us lemoncello and Jazz on a Summer’s Day. Beware of scale on the body. Bold is one thing, but things can get tent-ish here.
See also: Positano, scalloped edges, Barnum & Bailey
Basque or Bayadere - Either one of these bright, colorful options evoke sunshine and platters of charcuterie al fresco. Perhaps that’s because they’re usually used to make patio chair cushions and napkins, but still. Summer color galore. Cheery and fun, they’re worth a try in a tunic or pant.
See also: espadrilles, table runners, Biarritz
Brèton - Why would you give up the day with a cliché? A navy-on-white St James is simply a uniform for many, especially when paired with a red lip, dark denim, trench coat and Repetto flat. We’ve seen this before and far too frequently. Hell, La Ligne built a whole brand around this stripe. Are you in an army? Then why the uniform? Look, if you must you must, but know you’re settling for ubiquity. When you reach for your Brèton, ask yourself: Am I, in fact, a French sailor? Am I Coco Chanel, Jane Birkin, or Anna Karina? The answer is NO. Do better.
See also: nouvelle vague, Jean Paul Gaultier, Picasso
Candy - Simple and versatile, the classic candy stripe on white is a staple for everyone. A mix of colors evokes a classic candy shop nostalgia that’s irresistible. Playful and sugary, these evoke the essence of summer. Remember that the narrower the stripe the more formal the occasion, so the balance between too little and too much is a fine one. Just like your glucose intake.
See also: Fruit Stripe Gum, pattern mixing, Willy Wonka
Croquet - Ah, the slightly-imperfect watery nature of a croquet stripe is pure bliss, especially at this time of year. Sophisticated, organic, breezy, it’s the perfect thing for those afraid of color or of appearing too…shall we say, distinctive? We love their soft, wabi-sabi-ness that goes perfectly with orange wines, olive oil tastings, orchards, and herbal tisanes. Slouchy, off-the-shoulder in linen? Say no more.
See also: quiet luxury, Ojai or Marin, Jenni Kayne
Floral - Floral stripes, usually of the ditsy posey variety are just going to make you sad. We understand the intent but can't we all agree that they wilt on the vine? Yes, they are the darlings of the “nap dress” set, but honestly, what kind of people put on a dress just to take a nap? It just doesn’t make sense. Diminutive florals make for diminutive days. Avoid, even if it seems your Jane Austen fantasies are coming to life.
See also: block prints, Dôen, Sertraline
Rugby - Is this a 1992 J.Crew catalogue? No it is not, but there’s some nostalgic appeal here. Sporty sans exercise? We’re all about it. That white fold-down collar is just begging to be popped by a layering polo shirt, like an early-aughties Kanye West. Classic, indeed. These stripes (almost blocks, really) are having a moment and we’re willing to play along. Keep it to the brights and pair with Daisy Dukes for the beach — the boys will love it.
See also: The Official Preppy Handbook, Ralph Lauren, color blocking
Seersucker - A classic from the Brothers of Brooks, seersucker works for summer weddings and such, but carries an unshakeable whiff of mint juleps. Emerging every spring, seersuckers are often unforgiving of the indulgences of winter. Vertical stripes are only slimming to a point and this stripe is rarely shown to advantage due to “I’ll just leave it unbuttoned” thinking. A passable option but lacks originality or flare. Likewise, it sits too close to gingham which is adjacent to madras.
See also: frat bros, pink pants, WASP.