Spots and Stripes – November’s Style Not Age

This month’s Style Not Age theme fell to me to set; I hadn’t realised it was my turn until Jacqui sent me an email reminder. I was ill with Covid and struggling to think of a prompt. Then out of nowhere I thought it would be a good idea to combine spots and stripes, thinking it would be an easy one for everyone. Well, it turns out it wasn’t! (As you’ll find out further down the post).

Out of the two prints, I’d say I have more stripes than spots in my wardrobe. That’s probably because stripes seem to far outnumber polka dot prints in the shops. While stripes seem to be perennial, spots come and go as a trend. They were very popular last year, but I’m not a slave to trends, preferring instead to wear whatever takes my fancy. I’ve seen some very stylish Instagrammers combine spots and stripes beautifully, so I thought it would be fun to try it.

These two prints work well together because the spots are small and the stripes are wide…

My starting point was this spotty black and white top which I bought from Coast a couple of years ago. I then had the idea to combine it with this striped cropped jacket that I found in a charity shop last year. It had become hidden under a coat in my wardrobe and I rediscovered it while looking for something else. These two prints work well together because the spots are small and the stripes are wide, so they don’t fight against each other. Even so, this mix of prints requires a simple colour palette, so I teamed them with my bright red trousers for contrast.

I almost didn’t use the polka dot bag, thinking it might be too much. But then when have I ever been afraid of too much? More is more and less is a bore! To complete the look I added some black and white spotty enamel earrings and glass ring (both holiday purchases) and Stan Smith white trainers.

SHOP THE LOOK

 

 

Coast top | Marks & Spencer jacket (eBay) | River Island trousers | Mango bag | Adidas Stan Smith trainers | Jeepers Peepers sunglasses | earrings from Parfois

So how did the other ladies get on with this challenge…

Hilda is wearing a cosy combination with a stripey jumper from Whistles, faux leather trousers and a spotty scarf, which was a present from a friend. Visit Over the Hilda for all the details.

Anna’s fabulous trousers are the only striped item of clothing she has (I thought stripes were way more popular!). She has paired them with a spotty voile sleeved top from TK Maxx and gorgeous brocade boots. Swing by Anna’s Island Style to find out more.

Jacqui has paired a red and white spotty scarf (one of only two polka dot pieces in her wardrobe) with a new and gifted stripey jumper, teamed with off white jeans. Red, white and blue…very patriotic! Head over to Mummabstylish to catch up with Jacqui.

While preparing for this challenge, Gail discovered that she didn’t have anything stripey due to a previous wardrobe purge. She spent a birthday voucher on the jumper and diamanté leggings from M&S and teamed them with a polka dot belt and white boots. I’d say it’s a winning combination! Visit Is This Mutton? to find out more.

That’s all from us for now, we’ll be back with the last Style Not Age of 2022 next month!

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