How To Pull Off Pinstripe

You no longer need to be suited and booted to earn your stripes. Find out how to spin the pinstripe to suit your life, style and shape with our handy guide to the best buys on the market - and how to style them.

Affecting the appropriate degree of nonchalance is key to getting pinstripe right. For a chic new spin on the pinstripe suit, pick separates in unusual cuts. These high-waisted, peg leg trousers will flatter a pear-shaped figure, skimming over hips and thighs, whilst a longline sleeveless jacket will lengthen and disguise a tummy. Mix and match your pinstripes for an effortless feel - but ensure colours match to retain a hint of polish. Smarten this combination up with a white shirt and black court shoes, or dress it down with a T-shirt and trainers.

Trousers, £195, Paper London; Sleeveless Jacket, £45, Marks & Spencer

No need to stick to two-tone ensembles: a tan-toned suedette skirt will give a blue-and-white striped blouse a new lease of life. A pencil cut will keep your overall look sleek and chic.

Shirt, £95, Whistles; Skirt, £26, Dorothy Perkins

Temper a statement silhouette with clean-cut denim. A soft grey hue will allow your shirt to take centre stage.

Shirt, £350, Victoria By Victoria Beckham; Jeans, £90, Reiss

Stripes and flowers go together like strawberries and cream. Take the guesswork out of mixing and matching by investing in this beautiful wrap-style pencil skirt. Pair with a crisp white Mandarin-style shirt for a pared-back east-meets-west feel.

Shirt, £75, Hobbs; Skirt, £36, Oasis

The easiest way to wear stripes? Throw on a pinstripe coat. This elegant androgynous style will look just as good over jeans and a jumper as it will over a suit. Feeling a bit braver? Try an all-in-one. This jumpsuit will suit slim, pear-shaped and hourglass figures alike. Want to make a real statement? Try wearing them together...

Coat, £99.99, H&M; Jumpsuit, £225, Jaeger