The Origins of Stripes
Stripes are timeless, pockets are convenient, and they both have a past…
One peek at my closet and you'll see that I have a thing for dresses with stripes (and pockets). From pinstripes to bold, stripes are a timeless print that's always on trend and flatters the shape.
Like my beloved pockets in dresses, striped fabrics also have a history rooted in oppressive systems. As I was researching the origins of stripes in fashion history, I happened upon a blog post entitled, “The Somewhat Sinister And Rebellious History Behind Your Striped Shirt.” I was intrigued and learned that before the French made them chic, stripes were often linked with deviant behavior.
During the Middle Ages, stripes identified society's outcasts (prisoners, prostitutes, the poor). In the 1940's black men wearing striped Zoot suits were targeted for violent attacks. Over time, stripes have found their way into mainstream fashion, erasing much of the negative connotations of its origin.
“In the stripe there is something that resists enclosure within systems.”
— MICHEL PASTOUREAU, THE DEVIL’S CLOTH
The Styling
The dress is T by Talbots which I simply paired with black Vince Camuto slides.
Long live stripes!
Traci
