Stripe it rich

Fashion stripes a chord this spring, from hats to espadrilles — and in between.

“Stripes are the season's ‘it' print,” says Timex fashion trend director Amy E. Goodman. “In choppy economic seas, we find comfort in its familiarity.”

Retailers are relying on stripes for spring — a strong staple in a weak economy.

Strips of navy, black or red paired with white strike Isabel Marant's elongated polos, MaxMara's double-breasted blazers and Nautica's natty trenches. Also at sea are J. Crew's halter maillots, Timex watch straps and Kate Spade's striped straw totes. The trend bottoms out with Ann Taylor's navy/white canvas ballet-wrap espadrilles.

But basic shades best ground spring's all-white or cocktail-hued solids, she says. The larger your personal landscape, the grander stripes' scale can be. Verticals and diagonals flatter most figures, but wide horizontals should be kept in check, she warns. “Only models look sensational in them.”

Dive into your closet for treasures, but avoid drowning by letting just one item swim at a time, Goodman advises: “That's what keeps this tailored look crisp!”

— Michele Meyer