The Trend That Won’t Go Away: Zigzag and Chevron Stripes

By Emily Hsieh
September 6, 2011

Zig Zag & Chevron

A chevron-striped crochet blanket, pictured in Coco + Kelley; West Elm Organic Chevron Duvet Cover + Shams ($24 – $109)

For the last few seasons, bold, jagged-edged zigzag and chevron stripes have been percolating in popularity, to the extent that it’s all but impossible to open any recent fashion or interiors magazine without seeing at least one iteration of the motif.

Recently, we've seen the trend take place in the pages of House Beautiful magazine, where a vintage surfer-style beach cottage came complete with a salmon and white painted chevron striped floor; on Coco + Kelley, one of our favorite design blogs, where a chevron-striped crochet blanket was placed serenely across a bed; at retailers like Anthropologie (a chevron curtain and napkins) and West Elm (an organic chevron duvet cover and shams); and from designers like the always-influential Marc Jacobs and Missoni, who practically invented the chevron stripe.

Zig Zag & Chevron

Chevron stripes at Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Missoni Fall 2011 (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Anh-Minh Le, editor-in-chief of shelter publication Anthology sums up the reason for their dominance: "The chevron pattern seems to have broad-based appeal, in part because it is clean-lined and can work well with so many other prints.”

Mixing and matching such a graphic pattern can be somewhat intimidating though, and so Le also shared the following advice: “If you opt for a neutral color combination, such as taupe and ivory, it's suitable for a space with a traditional sensibility; in bolder hues, it's right at home in a more modern and lively interior."

Eager to put her pointers to the test, we took a spin around eBay, where listings for the term "chevron" are up 16 percent and sales are up 43 percent in the past 30 days compared to approximately one year prior. The online marketplace boasts thousands of items to choose from, ranging from statement-making home accessories like ginger jars and throw blankets to wearable options including a diamond brooch and a sexy, perfect-for-cocktails dress.

Zigzag on over to eBay and check out what we found.

Roll over items for details

New Missoni Zig Zag Striped Knit Halter Dress

(buy it now price, $449)

New Zig Zag Stripe Navy Blue Tank

(buy it now price, $15.60)

New Multicolored Zig Zag Wave Stripe Leggings

(buy it now price, $11.99)

New Onyx Modern Zig Zag Talavera Ginger Jar

(buy it now price, $185)

Diamond Earrings and Brooch

New Converse Missoni Zig Zag Sneakers

(buy it now price, $400)

New Chevron Zig Zag Area Rug

New Missoni Chevron Zig Zag Flip Flop

New 14K Gold over Stainless Zigzag Design Bangle

(buy it now price, $60.65)

New Mikasa Set of 4 Accent Plates

(buy it now price, $55.19)

New In2Green Eco Zig Zag Throw

Kenar Colorful Zig Zag Mandarin Jacket

(buy it now price, $159.99)

New Saltbox Zigzag Zippity Day Wallet

(buy it now price, $52)

The Trend That Won’t Go Away: Zigzag and Chevron Stripes

1. New Missoni Zigzag Striped Knit Halter Dress: This wildly patterned skirt and slinky halter top is a chicly attention-getting combination.

2. New Zigzag Stripe Navy Blue Tank: A swingy, easy-to-throw-on tank to pair with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt.

3. New Multicolored Zigzag Wave Stripe Leggings: A fashion risk for sure, though these spotlight-stealing leggings could work if the rest of your outfit is solid and neutral.

4. New Onyx Modern Zigzag Talavera Ginger Jar: Traditional handmade Talavera pottery from Mexico gets a contemporary makeover in bold black and white.

5. Diamond Earrings and Brooch: Diamonds make this brooch and earring set hands-down the most luxurious take we’ve seen on the trend.

6. New Converse Missoni Zigzag Sneakers: We love these collector-worthy, limited-edition kicks.

7. New Chevron Zigzag Area Rug: This groovy rug gives any room a vibrant jolt—and since it’s made of polypropylene, it’s built to last.

8. New Missoni Chevron Zigzag Flip Flop: The patterned soles add the perfect dose of playfulness to an all-black swimsuit.

9. New 14K Gold over Stainless Zigzag Design Bangle: Bright yellow gold stripes have an energizing effect on any outfit.

10. New Mikasa Set of 4 Accent Plates: Just the right size for salad or dessert.

11. New In2Green Eco Zigzag Throw: This soft, lounge-worthy blanket is made of a recycled cotton blend.

12. New Saltbox Zigzag Zippity Day Wallet: This generously sized wallet, made of water-resistant canvas, has plenty of space to house all your cash, cards, and loose change.

13. Kenar Colorful Zigzag Mandarin Jacket: On a cold winter day, amidst a sea of solid black wool coats, this is sure to stand out.

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