There’s nothing scary about a stripe. In fact, the classic pattern is so inoffensive and flattering, it's basically a neutral. Take a look at any fashion magazine, style blog, or TV show, and what do you see? Stripes in every color and a variety of widths. Horizontal, vertical, even diagonal and chevron stripes are making a splash, and with good reason: Stripes are fun and flattering on practically any item in your wardrobe, from dresses and tops to shoes and skirts.


Many guys want to express their style with more than just solid colors, but they worry about bold patterns seeming a little over the top. With such a dilemma, stripes are the perfect solution. As popular as ever, stripes serve as a good compromise by staying conservative while allowing their wearer to separate himself from the masses clad in solid white or blue shirts.


You have two fundamental options to consider when choosing between the kinds of stripes to wear: horizontal or vertical. With few exceptions, horizontal stripes are the more stylish choice. Vertical stripes make you look taller, which can be great if you're vertically challenged.

More Stripes On The Runway

Add a graphic punch to your outfit by choosing accessories with multi-colored stripes. A scarf, handbag or headband is a great way to sport the striped trend, especially if you're not quite ready to embrace a striped top or dress. You can even sport stripes on your feet! If you're looking for some new kicks, try on a pair of fabric espadrilles, loafers, or ballet flats with stripe designs that range from subtle to bold. Chunky bracelets, watchbands and even novelty pedicures are unexpected ways for the understated fashionista to show her stripes.

Here are three quick pointers on wearing stripes:
•    It’s all about the fit: When an outfit fits perfectly, the pattern won't matter. Look for striped pieces that define your shape and accentuate your waist.
•    Match the pattern to the size of your frame:Don't let the pattern overwhelm your figure. This is what often leads to an unflattering pattern. Small frame = small pattern, medium frame = medium pattern, and so forth.
•    Help your proportion with distortion:Stripes can add volume to your figure. If lacking in the bust department just add a striped shirt. Need a little more junk in the trunk? Add a striped pencil skirt. It's the perfect way to balance out your proportion with distortion!

How would you work stripes into your outfit? Let us know!

Share via LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ & Facebook. Leave your views in comments box below.

Fashion has taken an exotic turn with an explosion of tribal looks in warm hues, natural accents and vibrant prints. The tribal trend consists of strong, graphic prints (black and white graphics mixed with darker prints is a recognizable element) combined with warm, earthy tones (black, browns, deep reds and oranges) and natural accents (straw, wood).

Pieces From Nigerian Designer, Ella & Gabby’s Collection

Because the prints are often oversized and strong, they work best on simple shapes (shift dress, tunic) or in soft, draped fabrics (cotton gauze). Natural accents -- a wood armful of bangles or a beaded cuff -- or matte (not shiny) metallics set off the look perfectly.

Mix and match the season's tribal print trend with bold accessories and separates. You can also try stepping it up with tribal accessories. There are tribal prints in sequins, beading, silk, handbags, dresses, and everything fabulous in fashion.

Pages From Grazia UK Magazine Shoot

Remember, everything is good in moderation and that includes tribal prints. Do not go overboard. Try to wear a neutral shoe, and pair your tribal print with solid accent colors. Sometimes less is more so avoid tribal print overkill.

This season's hottest look is all about creative colour mixing, and it couldn't be easier: simply combine two or more solid pieces in contrasting shades. What better way to celebrate the bank holiday and May Day this Wednesday than going about in your most colourful look?

We have put together four looks, all by promising and interesting Nigerian designers.

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Which of the four outfits would you rather wear?

Fashion is nothing more than a recycling of ideas and trends to suit a particular weather. When it’s cold, fur and leather seem to push to the top and when it’s warm, chiffon, florals and colours seem to push forward as trends.

No matter, we can always keep you abreast of the latest trends, the ones to avoid and the one to jump on. We have selected 5 trends for you to keep your focus on for this season.

Prints


We can never get tired of prints and it seems the fashion world cannot have enough of prints too. It’s because there is such a wide range to choose from, floral prints, and strips, Aztec, photo prints and so much more. It’s enough to confuse anyone, but here the assurance that you can almost never go wrong with prints.

Monochrome

It has to be the sophistication and sass of the black and white colours that keeps us coming right back to the monochrome trend, or maybe the trend never leaves. White and black would always work for you, always, because it is neutral and highly flexible.

Bright Colours

You know how we can seem to get enough of monochromes? Well, a pop of colour makes a world of difference. All you have to do is step out in a monochrome outfit and add a pop of colour to your ensemble and it’s a whole new look. Bright colours bring attention, and who doesn’t love attention?

Lace


There’s just something romantic about lace fabric and it’s why it’s been passed on for generations, from mother to daughter and from runway to wardrobe. Adding a touch of lace to any part of an outfit is guaranteed to transform that outfit and make it look totally different.

Denim

To be honest, denim should have been the very first ‘every season’ trend listed because of its versatility. Long denim for cold, cut offs for heat. And they are so comfortable and smart looking. It’s impossible not to rely on denim for every season.

Photo Source: Fashionbombdaily, Stylepantry, Konga