All Lined Up for Spring

In the midst of January and all its dreariness, I find myself longing for brighter seasons. Spring is an easy season to love with its warmer days and vibrant colors, and spring 2010's fashion season is bringing yet another reason to smile; a classic favorite is back in full force. In WSJ's On Style, Christina Binkley recently wrote about the return of nautical stripes, which sent me to both reminiscing classic Hollywood fashion of days past and looking ahead to my favorite spring catalogs.

Stripes, worn in moderation, provide a simple way to achieve the ever-popular Audrey Hepburn look. She was, of course, not the only star to rock stripes, but she is, for good reason, the one we quickly reference when seeking a "classic," stylish look.

So other than attempting to look like Audrey, what is the appeal of the nautical stripe? It's certainly a style you must be careful to wear correctly since stripes tend to accentuate. In spite of their potential for fashion hazard, stripes are a worthy addition for spring. Bright and crisp, they set things evenly and in order. And even if you have never been on a yacht, they can make you feel as though you would be quite comfortable there.

Spring's abundance of stripes will allow you to dress them up for work or brunch, like this new arrival from BCBG Max Azria. Or you can go with the casual and more affordable classic tee look to pair with jeans or shorts. If you're self conscious about stripes on your figure, try accenting your look with a striped accessory such as a scarf, or if you're really feeling bold, we love these rain boots from Urban Outfitters.