Pinstripe is among the main trends for spring/summer 2017 and even if I never particularly liked it, I’m definitely starting to see it through new eyes. Because designers have been pretty creative. And pinstripe never looked so interesting and feminine.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always considered pinstripe kind of old. Not to mention that it is often associated with gangsters and the mafia, maybe because of films like “The Untouchables” (1987) where Robert DeNiro played Al Capone and “Scarface” (1983) where Al Pacino played gangster Tony Montana, who wears a pinstripe suit in one of the most famous scenes of the film.
Films and movie stars undeniably have a lot of power when it comes to celebrate (or not celebrate) certain looks and make them iconic. Pinstripe has always been considered a very elegant fabric and I can’t help but associating it with the Mob! That’s why I don’t particularly like it worn by men.
On the contrary, when it comes to women, I tend to associate pinstripe with amazing ones, like Marlene Dietrich, still considered the epitome of elegance and the best example of how to wear male clothes without losing a bit of femininity and seductiveness. Ok, channelling our inner Dietrich is not that easy. Maybe some of us don’t even have an inner Dietrich! But I couldn’t write about pinstripe without mentioning her.

Marlene Dietrich – Screenshot via Pinterest
Thinking about other iconic pinstripe moments, my mind goes to Danielle Luquet de Saint Germain, model and muse of Yves Saint Laurent, and Madonna dressed by Jean Paul Gaultier during the Blond Ambition Tour (1990).
A pinstripe suit, dress or garment can be perfect for many occasions. It’s elegant and professional for daytime appointments (Amal Alamuddin Clooney wore a simple and elegant dress at the Texas Conference for Women last year) and appropriate for evening dates.
Even if I could easily dress only in neutral colors, I think pinstripe would look great with bright colors like some of those that are very in fashion this year, like Pantone Primrose Yellow and Pink Yarrow. If you prefer pale hues, I think Pale Dogwood (a delicate tone of pink) would look great with grey pinstripe.
These are the pinstripe pieces I chose for you.

Maggie Marilyn “Give Me Strength” jacket

Victoria Beckham this dress has the designer’s signature back zip and I like the darts, they really flatter the figure

Alexander Wang vest with lace trim

Marc Jacobs I love the glitter pinstripe

Y.A.S. “Penno” skinny pants
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