Last Updated: 2025-07-28

Hey you!

So... I have a confession. I'm basically that person who owns like seventeen striped tops and somehow still finds room for more. Judge me all you want, but honestly? Stripes have become my fashion safety net – you know, that thing you reach for when your brain is too fried to think of an actual outfit but you still wanna look like you have your life together.

There's something about stripes that just... works? Like, they're giving me that "I definitely didn't throw this on five minutes before leaving the house" vibe even when that's exactly what happened. And trust me, that's happened more times than I care to admit.

My 10 Go-To Stripe Moves (That Actually Work, I Promise)

1. Mix Different Stripe Vibes

Okay, this sounds scary but hear me out. I'll throw on this chunky black-and-white striped sweater – you know the type, very "I shop at indie bookstores and drink oat milk lattes" – with some thin pinstripe trousers. Sounds weird? Maybe. Does it work? Surprisingly yes! It's like... controlled chaos? The different stripe sizes create this cool tension that somehow makes sense. Don't ask me why, it just does.

A striped knit sweater in classic black-and-white with pinstripe trousers or a skirt. The interplay of different stripe widths creates a visually appealing and dynamic look. 

Speaking of mixing patterns that shouldn't work but totally do – if you're feeling adventurous, stripes and plaid can actually be best friends! Our complete plaid styling guide breaks down how to mix these classic patterns like a pro.

2. Going Full Monochrome (My Lazy Girl Hack)

This is probably my favorite cheat code. Pick one color family – I'm talking navy with lighter blue, or grey with... well, greyrer grey – and just go for it. Head to toe. It's giving "effortlessly put-together" when really I just grabbed everything in the same color family from my closet. Plus, mixing textures makes it look intentional! Like a ribbed striped top with a silky striped skirt. Boom, depth achieved.

3. Striped Outerwear for Instant Cool Points

Striped Outerwear for Instant Cool Points: Real talk – sometimes your outfit is just... meh. That's where striped outerwear comes to save the day. A tailored striped blazer over literally any basic tee? 

It's an effortless way to introduce stripes without overwhelming your look. 

Or this striped denim jacket I have that makes even my most boring outfits look like I actually tried. It's like putting a filter on your whole look, but in real life.

4. Accessorize with Striped Details 

Not ready to commit to full stripe mode? I get it. Start small! A striped scarf, some striped shoes, maybe a cute striped bag. These little guys are perfect for when you wanna dip your toe in the stripe pool without diving headfirst. Pro tip: throw in some solid accessories in colors that match your stripes – it ties everything together in this satisfying way that makes you feel like a styling genius.

5. Let One Striped Piece Be the Star

Sometimes I invest in one really good striped piece – like this wrap blouse that makes me feel like I have my life figured out, or a striped jumpsuit that's basically a whole outfit in one piece (lazy girl win!). Then I just... let it do its thing. Keep everything else simple and boom – instant outfit that looks way more thought-out than it actually was.

6. Vertical Stripes Are Magic (Trust Me on This)

Look, I'm not saying they'll make you three inches taller, but... okay, maybe they kinda do?  Wide leg style vertical striped pants or a flowy maxi dress with vertical stripes just hit different. 

Love the wide-leg silhouette? Our styling guide for wide-leg jeans has tons more ideas for making this flattering cut work year-round.

There's something about those lines that makes everything look more elongated and put-together. It's like Photoshop but for real life.

7. Striped Tees Are Everything

Can we just acknowledge that striped T-shirts are basically the perfect piece of clothing? I wear mine with mom jeans (obviously), denim shorts when I'm feeling summery, or sometimes even with a flowy skirt when I want that whole "I'm casual but make it fashion" thing. The front tuck is your friend here – makes everything look more intentional even when you literally just tucked it without thinking.

8. Balance is Key (But Don't Overthink It)

This one's pretty straightforward – if you're wearing a striped top, maybe go with solid bottoms? Or if you've got striped pants happening, pair them with a solid top in one of the stripe colors. It's not rocket science, but it works. Creates this nice visual balance that doesn't make your eyes go crazy.

9. Don't Sleep on Colorful Stripes

I used to be scared of anything that wasn't black and white stripes (very safe, very boring). But then I discovered rainbow stripes and honestly? Life changed. Even just a pop of colorful stripes in an accessory can make a whole neutral outfit feel more... alive? Fun? Like you actually have personality? All of the above.

10. Subtle Stripe Details for the Commitment-Phobes

If you're still not sold on the whole stripe thing, start here. Look for pieces with just little stripe accents – maybe pinstripes on cuffs, a stripe along the hemline, or even just striped lining in a jacket. It's like stripe training wheels. You get the vibe without feeling like a walking candy cane.

Plot Twist: Stripes Work for Everyone (Yes, Even You)

Here's the thing – and I learned this the hard way after years of believing I "couldn't wear stripes" – they really do work for everyone. It's just about finding what works for you.

Body Shape Stuff:

Honestly, forget what magazines told you about horizontal vs. vertical stripes. It's more about how the garment fits and makes you feel. Petite? Maybe try thinner vertical stripes. Curvier? Wider, spaced-out stripes or diagonal ones might be your jam. But really, just try stuff on and see what makes you feel good. That's the only rule that matters.

Different Stripe Personalities (Yes, That's a Thing):

Breton Stripes: Very "I summer in the Hamptons" but in an accessible way. Classic navy or black on white, perfect for when you want to look effortlessly chic.

Pinstripes: Business-y but make it fashion. Great for when you need to look professional but don't want to be boring.

Candy Stripes: Fun and playful – basically joy in clothing form.

Awning Stripes: Bold and statement-making. For when you're feeling confident and want everyone to know it.

Diagonal Stripes: The cool, modern cousin. Super flattering on dresses especially.

Seasonal Stripe Game:

Stripes aren't just a summer thing! Summer calls for lightweight cotton or linen versions. Fall? Cozy knit striped sweaters all day. Winter means thicker wool blends, and spring is all about fresh, bright stripes that make you feel hopeful about life again.

Beyond Weekend Casual: