Suddenly Everywhere: Nautical Stripes

By Emily Hsieh
May 18, 2010

If you haven’t already noticed—which, honestly, is doubtful considering they are seriously everywhere right now—stripes are a major, major trend for spring. The classic, horizontally striped sailor tees in particular are peaking in popularity, and have been spotted on It-girls ranging from Alexa Chung to Sienna Miller to the high priestess of impeccable personal style, Kate Moss. As Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic noted recently, “Striped cotton shirts have been around forever but you know that they are seriously hot again when both US Weekly and Vogue devote entire pages to them within weeks of each other.”

Beyond the basic long sleeve tees, we’ve spotted scores of other applications for the graphic print, ranging from Chloe’s gold button-bedecked wool jersey tank to Jo de Mer’s bandeau bikini to Alexander Wang’s slouchy silk oxford.

It’s definitely not too late should you have yet to partake in the trend. Here, we’ve assembled a range of options spanning fashion and home in doses big (a statement-making area rug) and small (a cheery, cherry red bangle).

Stripes on eBay:

1. Saint James Miniquiers III Breton Shirt in Cream and Navy (buy it now price, $53.66) The quintessential, authentically French sailor tee.

2. NEW Havaianas Blue and White Stripe Flip Flops (buy it now price, $13.99) Here, the stripes work as a subtle, peek-a-boo embellishment on the soles of these rubber sandals.

3. Nautical Sailor Stripe Tunic Dress (starting bid, $22.99) Preppy stripes take on a playfully saucy twist in snug-fitting, cherry red stripes.

4. NEW Set of 12 Cabana Stripe Beach Towels (buy it now price, $219.99) Were we to have our own swimming pool, we’d coordinate all our towels with this chic cabana-striped set.

5. NEW Black and Grey Stripe Mini Skirt (buy it now price, $22.48) We’d balance out this skimpy mini with a loose tee and low-top Chucks.

6. NEW Nanette Lepore B&W Striped Silk Corset (buy it now price, $98) A silk party top with a feminine-yet-slightly-rockerish feel.

7. NEW Deck Stripes Outdoor Throw Pillow (buy it now price, $14.99) Such an easy, affordable means to revive an old deck chair.

8. Red White Stripe Bangle (buy it now price, $9.99) This adds a hint of nautical flair to any outfit.

9. NEW Kate Spade Sag Harbor Plate (buy it now price, $11.95) A bright and cheery backdrop for mixed greens or a slice of cake.

10. Ralph Lauren Stripe Nautical Silk Sailor Sweater (starting bid, $0.99) In soft, breathable silk, this is the perfect lightweight cardigan for summer.

11. Set of 3 Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags (buy it now price, $19.95) Since these handy nylon shopping bags fold into tiny coordinating envelopes, they’re easy to tuck into any purse so you’re never without a spare tote.

12. New Nejad Rugs Beach Boardwalk Stripes Rug (buy it now price, $185) This handcrafted rug looks just right for a seaside cottage.

13. Set of 3 Jonathan Adler Vases (buy it now price, $59.99) This hand-painted trio of bud vases stands out with or without flowers.

14. Bowl Made in England with With and Blue Stripes (starting bid, $7.99) Pretty and functional, for both serving and kitchen prep.

15. NEW Navy Black and White Urban Outfitters Dress (starting bid, $28.99) A short, stretchy t-shirt dress to pair with flats on the weekends.

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