Shapes and Stripes
Certain shapes and designs are a surefire success when it comes to enhancing your wardrobe.
A set of squares is a great way to create some much needed structure and draw focus to the desired details. With the Patchwork Cotton T-Shirt from Ralph Lauren Boys, this effect is easily achievable! Styled in patched boxes with different polo insignia and numbers scattered throughout, this t-shirt is motley perfection. Pair with light jeans or chino shorts in a solid color to complete the look and be undoubtedly in ship shape!
A striped shirt is a staple that is necessary in any wardrobe.
The simple pattern is timeless, creates interest and makes for easy color blocking and matching. For those of you realizing such a thing is missing from your young man's repertoire the Striped Tech Mesh Polo, also from Ralph Lauren Boys, is here to point you in the right direction. Available in a navy color dashed with white stripes and a single striking blue one, this polo has the right balance of personality and classic fashion know-how.
A stripe with a diagonal slant covers more surface area and adds that bold extra spice of asymmetry to a piece.
While verticals and horizontals are a safe and more than respectable choice, a little bit of zigzag goes a long way. With the Lutz Stripe Tie from Original Penguin Ties and Bowties this look is achieved with simplicity and class. Woven in a navy with light grey doing the criss-crosses, these lines will lead you exactly where you want to go. Pair with a maroon or dark orange shirt and navy pants for both the ensemble and you to really pop.
Plaid does this marvelous thing where it combines squares and stripes in a specific pattern that is eternally aesthetically pleasing.
What's nice about the Roma Stripe Tie, available from Perry Ellis Ties, is that it features the pattern in a two tone design, rather than the more common three. This allows for a subtler focus on the plaid and a richer feel of that aqua blue coloring. Let the soft lines and intersecting diagonals bring out your eyes and bring a new meaning to fine print.
Uniform stripes are a fashion trend intended to streamline and add structure to an ensemble.
However, changing up the sizes of the lines can bring a little more pizazz while continuing to respect the attention to form. The Men's Munder Stripe Skinny Tie, created for Macy's by Bar III, features alternating thick and thin stripes in burgundy, heather grey, and navy. This effect draws the eye to the subtle color blocking and gives you options with which to match the rest of your look. You won't be a square with this slick pinstripe!