striped

Is it a shirt or is it a skirt?
I've seen this trend around several times, on College Fashion, Youtube videos, and most recently on Park and Cube and i've tried it once with an old shirt, but, I remember having it bunch up in all sort of various places. It was just not cool.

Fast forward a year or two later, i'm on my computer reading Park and Cube (every post diligently like a fangirl), and I decided to give it another shot. Typically, a boyfriend shirt is used for this, because a shirt with a loser fit wouldn't bunch up at awkward areas. Unfortunately, my boyfriend's wardrobe is a 13 hour flight away, and since I don't have a lose button up top with me, I figured i'll try it out using one of my own shirts.


Having a tighter shirt with a tighter fit means that you have a  more fitting "skirt", in my case it turned out to be a seemingly A-line style, which works well for my body type. The trick I did to prevent everything from bunching up is by tucking it under the sleeves. The sleeves act as a belt when tied together keeping everything nice and flat.
Of course adding a lose coat over everything is a great cheat to cover everything up, especially since this I wore a chiffon top and any small bumps or unevenness would show through distinctly.

And here's how I style this top in a more conventional way!


I went almost monochromatic for both these looks by mixing different shades of neutrals. I know I usually have some form of colour in my outfit - not that there aren't any in these - but its nice to water it down once in a while.

I love my vertical striped shirt. I think its my new favourite wardrobe item. Thrown over denim jeans + converse for a casual day, or layered over sleeveless dresses for more creative looks, it is yet another versatile piece.
I like that it is a button down as well. When paired with a blazer or even a pencil skirt, it gives a preppy vibe or a more business formal look.

Can't wait to experiment with other styles and ways to wear this striped button down, do you have a any other ideas? I'm open to suggestions!

WHAT I WORE
Vertical Striped Top - H&M 

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Link up with: Styletoinspire and Living in Color Style.

MASH UP: Shirt / Skirt - Vertical Stripes

16 February 2015 London, UK

Technically, this is another Monday's MASH UP, just that I think the item is ESSENTIAL to a wardrobe. Its one of those items that everyone needs.
As I was preparing for this post, I realised that I have a ton of striped clothing items. In my previous MASH UP,  I wore a striped dress. In my cupboard, I currently have 2 striped dresses and 3 striped tops (1 vertical stripes, so technically that doesn't count?) and 1 striped skirt.

It never really occurred to me that I had this "obsession" with stripes. It was never really a thing I thought about. But, stripes are one of those staple items that you NEED in your wardrobe. Some people say stripes can make people look bigger, but when you get the right thickness with striped clothing items, they actually slim you down. Alternatively, vertical stripes give an illusion of a longer body.  I'm not tall and practically have NO TORSO, so wearing vertical stripes (see here!) - tucked out! - gives the slight illusion of a longer body. Stripes also come of smarter than your typical plain white-T, it has a pattern but its systematic look makes it less in your face. Perfect for those who aren't big fans of loud patterns.


Honestly, we don't need many striped items in our wardrobes. A good striped top can last you for AGES without going out of shape. Striped tops make easy outfit formulas match them with any solid coloured bottom and black shoes, and you're good to go.
They work with all types of styles from casual, comfortable, bohemian, to sporty and street. Sometimes, when paired with the right blazer, they can be suitable for work, school presentations or interviews.



I love the versatility of a striped top. It can literally tie you through any season, winter spring summer or fall. I know none of the outfit's here are summery, but match the striped top with a bright solid coloured skater or a-line skirt instead of pants throw on a denim jacket, and there you have a summer outfit! A useful layering piece for traveling, striped tops area definite MUST HAVE. Right? 

How else would you style a basic striped top? Let me know in the comments!

WHAT I WORE
Navy and White Striped Top from H&M - Similar Here, Here, and Here. 

For more regular OOTDs you can check out my Instagram @runningwhitehorses

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INVEST IN: A Striped Top

9 February 2015

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