Stripe for the picking

Stripes dominated the spring shows, from New York to Paris and everywhere in between. And now that the high street collections have landed there’s a stripe to suit everyone, whether you’re into flouncy boho frocks or all things boyish.

The only rule is, you have to commit to bold bands, not pale pinstripes or a boring Breton top.

When it comes to the print of SS16, it’s go hard or go home...

YOU WANT CANDY?

Jackie Lee led the linear charge at London Fashion Week, showing candy-and-white striped gowns and co-ords reminiscent of deckchairs at her J JS Lee show, while at Dolce & Gabbana, the blue and white nightshirt was beautifully reworked in silk.

Acid and pastel colours work beautifully with white on horizontally striped summer dresses - keep accessories to a minimum and let the print do the work.

Jigsaw Bold Stripe V-Neck Dress, £149 (www.jigsaw-online.com)

New Look Multicoloured Stripe Bardot Neck Skater Dress, £29.99 (in store in June; www.newlook.com)

CRACK THE BARCODE

At Missoni, the house’s signature zig-zag took a back seat for spring, in favour of multicoloured barcode stripes. Thin, irregular lines also cropped up at Prada, on boxy jackets and dresses.

Go the Missoni route in a stretchy multicoloured midi dress, or take your cue from Prada in matchy monochrome co-ords.

Monsoon Melody Multi Stripe Midi Dress, £79 (shoes, stylist’s own; www.monsoon.co.uk)

River Island Navy Stripe Longline Shirt, £32; Green Stripe Soft Wide Leg Cropped Trousers, currently reduced to £17 from £38; White Snake Slip On Plimsolls, £22; Bag (available in some stores), £42, (www.riverisland.com)

JD Williams Stripe Culottes, currently reduced to £8 from £25 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)

A SPORTING CHANCE

Chloe’s creative director Clare Waight Keller often designs with a sport luxe sensibility in mind, and that was true more than ever for spring, as she sent out several pairs of slouchy tracksuit tops and side-stripe trousers. Over at Dior, a lone navy and red coat had a definite football shirt feel about it.

This trend isn’t about raiding your gym kit, however - this season’s trackie bottoms are for pairing with crisp shirting and light summer separates.

Topshop Side Stripe Pleat Trousers, £34 (www.topshop.com)

Jigsaw Stripe Wide Leg Trousers, £120 (www.jigsaw-online.com)

TASTE THE RAINBOW

The Chloe catwalk was also responsible for another linear look, one that contrasted with the athleisure vibes - floaty blouses and maxi dresses were emblazoned with a whole rainbow’s worth of vertical stripes, while in London, Jonathan Saunders spliced a heap of deckchair stripes together for his signature bias-cut frocks.

A multi-hued maxi or jumpsuit will see you through summer, whether it’s cheap and cheerful for beach days, or dramatic and dressed-up for special occasions.

River Island Red Stripe Tapered Jumpsuit, £48; Black Envelope Clutch Handbag, £15; Gold Double Strap Sandals, £50; Cuff, £6 (www.riverisland.com)

Lorraine Kelly Stripe Tunic, £45 (www.jdwilliams.co.uk)

New Look Multicoloured Stripe Slip Maxi Dress, £17.99 (www.newlook.com)