Prada spring 2011, Imaxtree

Coco Chanel liberated women with them, Jean Paul Gaultier swears by them, and Sonia Rykiel founded a career on them. Stripes are back for spring 2011 (if you can say they ever went out in the first place) and popular at Prada and Jil Sander among others. But now, they’re all over the runway in multiple shapes and color combinations, each more surprising than the last. And no, it’s not all about that bold Prada print.

Longevity:

Two words: Bridgitte Bardot. She changed the striped fisherman sweater forever.  Although a certain bombshell beauty might have had something to do with her lasting effect,  the top was striking enough to last in the fashion imagination for generations.

Wearability:

There are more than one way to change your stripes, and many, many ways to wear them. From Jason Wu’s screaming yellow T-shirts (just calling for a pair of wide-leg jeans) to the twist on classic navy and white dresses at Haider Ackermann.

Personality:

Retro bubblegum stripes ruled at Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch, while models took a nautical vacation at Jil Sander. For spring 2011, the looks range from timeless to envelope-pushing. How much whimsy you can handle is in your hands and closet.

Save vs. Splurge?:

Splurge. Invest in stripes that you see becoming wardrobe staples, but that have their fair share of attitude: long-sleeve knits that pop, asymmetrical frocks and sweaters with unexpected detailing.

Splurge Options:

Photo: Courtesy of Karen Millen. Graphic striped shirt dress, $380, Karen Millen

Photo: Courtesy of La Garconne. Saint James Meridian II t-shirt, $95, La Garconne

Photo: Courtesy of John Lewis. Phase Eight stripe dress, $155, John Lewis

Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter. Rag & Bone Barbette top, $220, Net-a-Porter

Photo: Courtesy of La Garconne. 3.1 Phillip Lim striped rope dress, $325, La Garconne

Save Options:

Photo: Courtesy of Zara. Striped jersey dress, $39.90, Zara

Photo: Courtesy of J.Crew. Chambray stripe t-shirt, $45, J.Crew

Photo: Courtesy of Ruche. Striped skirt, $32.99, Ruche

Photo: Courtesy of Zara. Striped top, $59.90, Zara

Photo: Courtesy of ASOS. Cut About Stripe dress, $62.76, ASOS