Summer Stripes Styled by Lawren Howell

As spring moves into summer, I’m especially excited to begin wearing our seasonal take on stripes. In our new collection, the classic pattern takes on a nautical influence and Americana-inspired palette that I find so refreshing. Since I love and admire her aesthetic, I asked my good friend Lawren Howell to share a few ways she would style some of these staple pieces. An Ojai-based fashion editor and stylist, Lawren began her career at Vogue and now freelances for an array of beautiful brands and magazines. I always enjoy seeing how her impeccable taste translates to our collection. I hope you’ll consider her expert vision and find ways to make it your own! XXJKE  

Rip & Tan: What is it that draws you to stripes? 

Lawren Howell: Stripes, of course, call to mind French sailors and their association with the chic leisure style of the South of France. At this point they’re almost ubiquitous, worn in most any context, but at their core they are very French. 

Rip & Tan: In your opinion, what is it that makes them so timeless? 

LH: They are forever imbued with a certain chic. Images of stylish celebrities and personalities wearing stripes while working or vacationing—icons like James Dean, Picasso, Brigitte Bardot—  have forever stamped stripes into our unconscious. 

Rip & Tan: Do you have any rules for styling stripes? 

LH: The only thing I think is sort of tricky is styling stripes with another striped item, although I have seen this done nicely. Stripes are so versatile—there are not really any hard and fast rules.

Rip & Tan: What are your favorite pieces to pair with a striped piece of clothing? 

LH: I think stripes are great with any other classic item, like black motorcycle jackets and denim. I also love them with florals. 

Rip & Tan: What is the key to finding what sort of stripe works best on you? 

LH: I wouldn’t veer too far from the classic breton sailor stripe, and I think one will find that sort of stripe works in almost every case. 

Rip & Tan: Please describe your perfect summer ensemble. 

LH: That is forever changing and it depends on where I am, but in Southern California a lightweight loose shirt with a loose, easy open collar, the Patricia Underwood hat I’m wearing in these photos, and a perfectly sturdy A-line denim skirt. 

Rip & Tan: What are five pieces you can’t live without right now? 

LH: The Fez trouser in Navy Blue Petsie that I have been living in, Common Projects slip-on sneakers, Alberts Swanepoel hat, striped shirt from the Swedish brand Hope and natural tan leather gladiator sandals from the brand Doen. 

Rip & Tan: What are three things currently on your personal wish list? 

LH: Black suede cross-body slouchy bag from The Row, a gold chain bracelet from Irene Neuwirth, and Vetments jeans. 

Photos: Moira Tarmy