In the lead-up to my 'big birthday' (sob, sob), Instagram has started targeting me with ads. Brands tell me collagen will cure my sagging skin - thanks, algorithms. Is it really that bad? Magnesium promises the flat stomach I secretly long for, although I promise I haven't been Googling miracle cures. And who knew there were so many skin-sculpting solutions?
This is, of course, because I'm just seven months off turning 50. Which is exactly why I'm so surprised that I'm also being targeted with a certain fashion trend. I work in fashion and consume more than my fair share, but bright stripes? Really!?
When they first appeared on my screen during a late-night doom scroll, I thought: they’re a bit wild. The next time, it became: they’re cool, but I couldn’t possibly at 49. And now - proving three’s-a-charm - I love them, and I’m actually going to buy a pair…along with the matching t-shirt.
Why should we fade into neutral colour palettes when we reach a certain age?
The trousers in question are the high-waisted Pippa Pants by La Veste, available in a myriad of colours including pinks, oranges, reds and blues - all with contrasting and perfectly clashing stripes. Influenced by vintage pieces and handmade in Spain, La Veste was founded by Spanish stylist Blanca Miró and designer María de la Orden in 2018.
Other brands doing bold stripes well this season include Rails, one of my go-tos, which recently collaborated with Italian pantry Giadzy - bringing a Mediterranean flavour to its Californian ease. And Staud another Los Angeles-based contemporary brand, whose spring/summer 2026 collection is a fabulous assortment of primary stripes and fish motifs. Italian brand Lido, New York-founded brand La Ligne - and on the high Street Zara and Fat Face also have great stripy pieces.
As someone completely entrenched in the quiet luxury aesthetic, this is quite the shift.
Although, I’ve noticed the beginnings of a rebellion against the muted harmony of the trend - an orange sandal here, a bright t-shirt there and, of course, red is the colour of the season - with baby blue and butter yellow following closely behind. And they do actually look great worn together, give it a go.
So, whilst I love the practicality and chicness of quiet luxury, I'm ready to branch out into more optimistic hues - the future’s bright, the future’s orange, yellow, blue and red...
