[unpaid/affiliate] There’s a slot in the fashion calendar specifically designed to fill this interim space between winter and spring. As the light lifts, we’re naturally drawn to lighter and brighter colours but not yet quite ready for pastel spring blossom shades or the vibrant hues of summer. Cruise wear originated in the days when wealthy people set sail for their travels abroad to escape the winter climes but really it’s more of a pre-spring collection now and usually involves stripes. Maybe that’s a hark to the actual cruises, nautical inspiration or sea travels and correct me if I’m wrong but about this time of year, stripes suddenly look desirable in a way that they don’t at any other time. So, I’ve rounded up a few stripey finds just in case you’re in a cruise-y kind of mood like me – I have already gone strong on the stripes!
I’ve got to say, the biggest stripe selection I found was at M&S – now they’ve started taking brands other than their own, the offering is huge. The bottom stripe in the spring-ish green is Jigsaw and is £40 HERE in sizes XS through to XL. I’ve seen a lot of this colour in the shops and it’s brand new in. The top picture features a Jaeger top in an A line cut for a bit of swing and width over the hips – it’s black and white with the absolute blessing (for us shorties) of 3/4 sleeves! It’s in sizes 6-18 and it’s £49 HERE.
I love both of these – the bottom one for sloppy wear over track suits or yoga leggings and for taking to the beach when weather allows to slip over your t-shirt when the wind gets up. It’s £35.99 at Mango HERE and comes in sizes XS to XL. The top pictures features Boden’s frill side stripe top in hot orange – there’s nothing to say cruise has to be navy and white (although of course, there is one in navy and white)! Just add sunglasses (yes, in winter) and jeans. It’s available in 6 to 22 and is £55 HERE.
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If you just want super simple, chuck over jeans and under a fleece both these tops are ideal. A slick of red lipstick and your look is transformed so easily. The bottom picture features the M&S Pure Cotton Striped Crew Neck (with 3/4 sleeves) and is available in sizes 6-22. It costs £25 HERE. The top picture is Autograph in Tencel so it has a bit more of a luxury feel than cotton – a bit slinky if you like. It’s £29.50 HERE and a big recommend if you need a top to be versatile enough for work and play. Team it with a jacket, a tank top or a long cardi. It’s in sizes 8-24.
In the main picture, the yellow strip sweater is from Anthropologie – only sizes XS and L (personally I think the L would be okay for me – 12-14) left because it’s in the sale reduced from £111 to £56 HERE, and the blue and orange sweater is Mango, £49.99 filling exactly the same winter/spring brief but more colourfully. It’s in sizes XS to XL HERE.
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