Fashion Thursday: A French Twist

Although stripes seem to be making a major comeback this season – popping up on almost every Spring/Summer 2012 runway – the truth is they never went out of style! Stripes are a wardrobe basic with a rich fashion history. The Breton-striped shirt has been a fashion staple ever since fashion legend Coco Chanel became inspired by a sailor’s after a visit to the French Coast. Powerhouse designer Jean Paul Gaultier has since worked his own magic and been instrumental in keeping the traditional print ever-so current. Design house Prada took a different approach to Gaultier in 2011, showing a new and unique take on the print- with shockingly bright hues and wider stripes.

One thing’s for sure, whether in it’s traditional form, or reinterpreted, stripes always give that ultra-chic Parisian flair that every fashion lover guns for. Click through our slideshow for some sweet stripe looks!

By Brooke Benjamin
Photos by Roslyn Griffith Hall

These two fierce fashionistas demonstrate how versatile a striped shirt is. You can throw it on with your favourite suit for a business lunch or dress it up with a glitzy skirt for a night out on the town!


Every man should own a bold striped scarf! It is an easy way to add an interesting and modern dimension to even the most basic of outfits.

If you love to turn heads, a full striped look is right up your alley. For the truly daring, try pairing two different stripe prints together. It’s bold but still perfectly polished! Make sure the colours and dimensions complement each other. If this is just a little too bold for you, go for a striped dress. It will be the perfect thing to throw on on those hot summer days.


A good striped tie is something that will never go out of style. They can look smart with a tailored suit or fun and casual as seen here. And no matter what your taste or personal style is like there’s sure to be a striped tie that suits you perfectly.


A striped blazer is perhaps the most modern take on this classic print. The ways to wear it are endless! You can keep your outfit underneath monotone to let the blazer shine or pair with a brightly coloured blouse to give it that pop. You can also throw it on over a solid dress. In fact, why not take a risk and even pair it with another pattern! May we suggest a floral?