Is there any pattern more classic than a stripe? Over the years it has become the signature look of icons ranging from Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin in their perfect Breton tops to Bianca Jagger in a slick pinstripe.
In our current moment, stripe styling has been modernized by celebrities like Hailey Bieber, who was recently photographed on the street in a black-and-tan striped top, and Rihanna, who wore a striped rugby shirt rolled up when she was pregnant in order to show off her baby bump. But it’s also been brought firmly into the year 2025 by designers. During the Spring 2025 shows, we saw stripes at Prada, Proenza Schouler, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior—practically every collection on the runway.
This celebration of stripes had me thinking. There are so many ways to incorporate stripes into your wardrobe, even for someone who isn’t a “stripe person.” New colorways make the print feel less preppy and more minimal. And new styling approaches—like leaning in head-to-toe, or finding an unusual accent piece—can make it feel less universal and more unique to your own specific point of view.
Below are 16 ideas for how to style stripes across seven categories, whether you’re looking to update your office wardrobe or find new ways to dress for a spring night out.
For a Weekend in the City
Sure, you could always wear a Breton stripe with jeans over the weekend, but why not elevate things a little? Dress up a white t-shirt with vertical-lined pants in a neutral, sophisticated fabric like these brown ones I’m wearing from Reformation. To add some character, try an oblong scarf worn as a cummerbund-esque belt.
Or, if you’re a minimalist like me, start with a t-shirt and wide-leg trouser (my uniform!), add a striped necklace for extra dimension, and take things a step farther by dressing up an everyday shoulder bag with a striped, textured scarf.
Nuri Studios Brown Glass Cube Necklace
Cos T-shirt
Echo Tropic Stripe Silk Oblong
Zara Striped Pajamas Pants
Proenza Schouler Striped Knit Rolo Necklace
Proenza Schouler Oliver Button-embellished Wide-leg Pants
If You’re Feeling Maximalist
The key to mixing and matching stripes is simply to have fun with it. Truly, don’t overthink things! The more effortless your pairings are, the cooler they look, especially when the stripe colors are in the same family.
Exhibit A: The viral Polo Play bag comes in either navy or green stripes. How chic does it look with a striped long-sleeved tee?
Exhibit B: A shrunken striped top works well with an abstract-stripe fringe skirt. I love the alternating navy and white in this mix. It’s a new approach to a classic!
Exhibit C: Lately I’ve been wearing a lot of long necklaces with cords—they’re the perfect accent for updating spring transitional looks. For a more subtle stripe-on-stripe moment, I used a striped shoelace to tie my shell pendant necklace around my neck, offsetting my classic button-down.
Polo Ralph Lauren Stripe Polo Canvas Tote
Alex Mill Taylor Stripe Cardigan
Proenza Schouler Yves Striped Fringe Knit Maxi Skirt
Brooks Brothers Poplin Striped Shirt
Vsudo 47 Inches Hiking Shoe Laces
Nuri Studios Mother of Pearl Hoop Necklace
For a Spring Night Out
Stripes can read as casual, but in the right shape and color, they’re ideal for a spring night out. I love Proenza Schouler’s draped shell top, which goes nicely with jeans. For an unexpected approach, pair it with an abstract polka-dotted clutch or bag.
Or paint the town red in a lampshade A-line skirt paired with an equally candy-cane-esque button-down. Pro tip: put the shirt on backwards and tie it at the back. It’ll look sculptural from the front while showing just enough skin from behind.
Proenza Schouler Draped Knit Top
Khaite Audrey Snake-effect Clutch
Nuri Studios Large Red Glass Necklace
Ralph Lauren Oversized Linen Shirt
At the Beach
Instead of wearing the more expected nautical stripes at the beach, why not tap into another classic striped item like an Oxford tailored button-down or pajamas? (Or both!) Try sleepwear-esque striped pants with a striped button-down on top, breaking up the look with a black tank top or bathing suit. Or lean all the way in and go preppy (a big trend for spring) by wearing all your brightest stripes at the same time. Either way, these separates are the perfect coverups!
Boden Woven Breton Shirt
Suzie Kondi Kappa Button-Up Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren Striped Seersucker Boxer Shorts
Proenza Schouler Stripe Silk Twill Shirt
Everlane Square-Neck Bodysuit
The Frankie Shop Mirca Textured Pants
For the Office
I wear striped shirts to the office so regularly, there’s an entire portion of my closet dedicated to them. But just because they’re work-friendly doesn’t mean they have to feel dull. I recommend going for a slightly dressed-up style, like a Winchester shirt (the kind with a white collar and cuffs), giving it your best zhuzh by rolling the sleeves up, and pairing it with jeans. Grab a neutral clutch that fits into your work bag for a cool happy hour look.
You could also try stripes in neutral colors like taupe and light olive green for a professional option that’s a little less stuffy. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some dimension by wearing two shirts at the same time, with one tied around your waist. These look great with the best transitional layer of the season—the suede jacket!
Polo Ralph Lauren Winchester Shirt
Dehanche Mija Croco
Kallmeyer Signature Button Down
Mango Stripe Shirt
Massimo Dutti Suede Leather Jacket
If You Want to Start Slow
To soft-launch stripes into your wardrobe this spring, why not do so by way of accessories? The right striped scarf will serve you for years, making it a worthy investment. A silky square version ties perfectly around your neck with a light cardigan or a knit t-shirt in spring. Come summer, it can be worn as a head scarf or headband. Or try looping it around the handle of an oversized work bag to dress it up a little.
Another way to keep things interesting this spring is to update your belt lineup with a striped number. Neck ties were a huge trend for spring paired with a full power suit, but they're equally cute worn tied around your waist!
Toteme Signature Monogram Scarf
Echo Square Scarf
Lily Silk Mid-Century Pattern Scarf
The Row Ara Striped Straw Belt
If You Want to Make a Statement
There doesn’t have to be any special trick when it comes to wearing stripes; a lot of the time, the pattern does all the talking. If you’re looking to invest in a new statement piece, try one in a color combination that feels fresh, like Bode’s parakeet stripe. The green and orange colors give this a directional cabana-shirt style twist, as opposed to traditionally preppy vibes. Or pair your jeans and t-shirt uniform with a lightweight striped shirt worn opened for another approach to simple spring layering.
Bode Parakeet Stripe Jacket
Citizens of Humanity Ayla Cropped Jeans
Lié Studio Marianne Chain Bracelet
Nuri Studios Disc Necklace
Alex Mill Positano Stripe Shirt
