sponsored: how to style stripes with target style

{Editor’s Note: The following is sponsored by Target, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. But as always, the content is 100% my opinion, which I’m never shy about sharing.}

For the final installment in our spring style series with Target, we’re talking stripes. I know, not exactly groundbreaking territory. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my mariner tees, and wear them more often than I care to admit. But I’ve no doubt you can style your favorite striped tee in your sleep: add a great pair of skinnies, a statement necklace and a ballet flat, and you’re done. Maybe throw on a cardigan or a blazer if you’re really feeling frisky.

Fortunately, I’m definitely in favor of upping our style game at any opportunity. If the only stripes in your closet belong to a collection of well-worn tees, you’re missing out. So, what if we took our beloved boat stripe and turned it into something a little more fashion-forward?

Look One: Jacket / Dress / Belt / Shoes; Look Two: Dress / Necklace / Shoes

Instead of a mariner, try a striped blazer. I absolutely love this look paired with a denim shirt (it’s an easy play on the striped-tee-and-jeans standby), but a denim dress takes it to a new level. Ditch that awful matching belt for a bright yellow (yellow and navy play so very well together, after all), add a fun espadrille wedge in a contrasting hue, and you’re set for a spring weekend of farmer’s markets.

Though they’re casual by nature, stripes don’t have to stick to the weekend, as this va-va-voom peplum dress aptly demonstrates. Assuming you have the (lack of) hips to pull it off, the seaming on this bad boy will do wonders for your physique, adding curves and covering tummies. Accessorize with a minimal stiletto in a psychedelic shade of citron and a chunky strand of pearls – hey, if you’re going ’80s, go all the way – and a hot date can’t be far behind.