As a new season rolls around and we pore over the runway shows in search of inspiration for the months ahead, one thing we can always count on is the emergence of a new print trend. The S/S 23 shows treated us to a host of new colours, textures and key pieces to love, but one of the most exciting things to come out of the collections was a print you're likely to already have in your wardrobe: Stripes.
From the Breton top to crochet, pinstriped blazers to rugby shirts, stripes are as much a part of our everyday as the plain white tee, and even if you hadn't realised it (go ahead, quickly check your wardrobe), there will be some subtly sitting at the back of your closet, more than likely relegated to the lower ranks as the humble print can sometimes feel a little bit…boring.
Well, in defence of the reliable stripe, I've scoured the feeds of some of the most stylish influencers on Instagram in a bid to find ways to breathe life into an old pattern, and boy, was it tough to narrow down. As it turns out, stripes are one of the most versatile prints to wear, and after looking through hundreds of dresses, jackets, skirts, shirts and even accessories, I've compiled some of the easiest ways to style up stripes for the season ahead. Keep scrolling for 13 ways to wear stripes this season and beyond.
1. Statement Stripes + A Midi Skirt
Style Notes: It is almost impossible to scroll through Instagram now and not spot a striped, collared knit. From Annabel Dahl's slouchy Khaite jumper to Other Stories' iteration, everyone is wearing the same silhouette, but it looks particularly chic with this season's hero skirt, the maxi. Sorry crew-necks.
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Other Stories has a couple of great collared knits available right now, but this bold stripe is by far the best.
Yep, you heard it here first. We're swapping minis for maxis this autumn, and a jersey column skirt is easy to wear with everything.
2. A Layered Oxford Shirt
Style Notes: Tank tops are proving to be one of the most versatile items in our wardrobe and adding an oversized shirt is a great layering option.
Style Notes: On colder days you can repurpose your shirt by wearing over a polo-neck.
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The Frankie Shop's Lui is the influencer's shirt of choice—a bold, striped poplin with preppy energy.
If you don't already own any Wolford basics, start here. They are a little spendy, but they're an investment you'll wear for years to come.
My time with skinny jeans has firmly come to an end, and it was the looser-fit, straight-leg that did it.
Loafers are still big news this season and we'll always love a pair of black, chunky-soled shoes.
3. All-In-One Stripes
Style Notes: Stripes aren't just refined to shirts or knitwear. Why not go a little out of your comfort zone and opt for a pair of dungarees? Add navy separates and polished accessories like Marianne to ensure the whole outfit still feels put-together. I'll be copying this whole look this weekend...
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Trust Ganni to make the coolest dungarees out there... I love the slight barrel leg and contrasting pattern.
Navy is such a chic alternative to black.
Keep it cosy with a maxi cardigan. This cashmere style is an investment, but is sure to be a forever piece.
4. Striped Trousers + Shirt
Style Notes: Is it just us, or are striped trousers all over Instagram right now? And we can see why... Paired with a shirt, the they have "weekend uniform" written all over it.
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A crisp white shirt will work hard in your wardrobe.
You could also wear these with a chunky knit and trainers.
Looking for trainers that do it all? New Balance's 550s look just as good with slouchy, tailored trousers as they do with a miniskirt and socks.
With stripes, there's no need to over-accessorise. And simple gold moments help prints to look especially luxe.
5. Jeans + A Knit Top
Style Notes: Not quite jumper, not quite jersey, a knit top is the perfect transitional piece for unpredictable weather and pairs particularly well with blue denim. Dress it up with heels, or keep it casual in flats.
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Every smart-casual outfit, sorted.
A match made in heaven. We know Breton stripes look good with denim, and these blue jeans are the quintessential pair of versatile jeans.
What did we wear before the trench coat? If there's any chicer casual coat, I'm yet to find it.
I've been obsessed with these boots from the moment I saw them. Honestly, these are the best affordable (but expensive-looking) boots I've seen in an age.
6. All White + Bright Stripes
Style Notes: I think Anna Borisovna just found the chicest solution to the "I'm too hot, now I'm too cold" dilemma that comes with transitional dressing. Make stripes the point of interest in a fresh, all-white outfit that looks like it's just stepped off the French Riviera. Spring, I'm coming for you.
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When it comes to buying a white shirt, you can't compromise on quality, and Reiss's tailored poplin shirts won't crease, go sheer, or fray.
For the days when you want to climb into a cosy knit, check out La Ligne. It's managed to remaster the traditional Breton knit for a modern shopper.
Unlike white denim, these stretch trousers have a little more give, so you can be comfortable and supported with a sculpting high waist.
Aviator sunglasses are like black dresses and court shoes, a refined classic that never go out of style.
Minimalist white high-tops are always shorthand for laid-back cool.
7. Pinstripes + Loafers
Style Notes: Pinstripes mean business, so what better way to maximise on power dressing than with a polished, structured shoe like the loafer. Two key pieces that we've borrowed from masculine tailoring this season.
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Forget a nipped waist and pleats. The new boxy blazers are oversized, over-exaggerated and boast some serious shoulder pads.
Offset strong tailoring with a mini dress in grown-up bouclé.
Prada's platform loafers are a fashion girl's best friend. Wear them with everything from dresses and skirts to jeans and tailoring.
8. A Striped Dress
Style Notes: It just wouldn't be a "Who What Wear: How to Wear" story without including a dress. Dresses are, after all, an instant outfit and one of the easiest and most flattering pieces in our wardrobes. There's nothing that makes more of a statement than head-to-toe print, and bold dresses are the easiest way to celebrate the stripe.
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Dress this up for evening with strappy heels, or keep it casual in chunky boots or trainers.
If you don't rush out to get these, I will. A strong contender for chicest boots on the high street.
9. Stripes + Tailored Trousers + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: When we're looking for new inspiration on what to wear, we tend to look to two stylish sets first: the French set and the Scandi set, so who better to inform our striped styling? Anouk Yve just singlehandedly made us reinvest in ballet pumps and tailored trousers, stat.
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Reach for a super-soft, cashmere knit sweater when a jersey tee just won't do.
Effortless tailoring with versatility. Imagine these with trainers, heels, sandals… You're welcome.
M&S pumps come editor tried, tested and approved, so you know you're in good (and fashionable) hands.
If we were to design the perfect handbag, it would look like this. Minimal fuss, maximum style, and a timeless silhouette that will look just as good in 20 years' time.
10. Stripes + More Stripes
Style Notes: You read that right. The best way to double up on impact is to pair your print with even more print. Co-ords are ideal (but you score extra points for print clashing). Play up the pyjama feel with laid-back slippers or slides; it's the easiest transition from bed to boardroom.
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It might be a striped shirt, but this Yaitte co-ord is nothing to sleep on.
When you're not wearing the full set, pair the wide-leg trousers with a chunky cream knit and earrings, or tuck in your shirt and slip on slides for a lazy weekend at home.
Yes, they're outdoor shoes. And yes, they do feel as good as they look. There's a reason they're now trending on Net-a-Porter.
11. A Breton + A Blazer
Style Notes: What better pairing than two of our favourite staples, the blazer and the Breton? Nothing says smart-casual like this high-low look, and while we love Emmanuelle's addition of shorts for summer, we'll wear with a midi skirt or tailored trousers for winter.
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High-street blazers don't get better than this, and trust us—we know blazers.
Bored by black and white? Camel is equally chic.
If you invest in one autumnal fabric, let it be leather. Trenches, jackets, and trousers are the obvious choices, but a midi skirt will replace the satin skirts that dominated summer.
All of the comfiest shoes on the market have this in common. A wearable demi-heel thats not quite high, not quite kitten, but always 100% chic.
12. Mini Skirt + Striped Knit + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Mini skirts had a resurgence last year, and we're pleased to report they're sticking around for 2023. Make yours work for the colder months by adding a chunky polo-neck jumper and wool coat, as well as knee-high boots.
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I can confirm this is a sensationally good jumper. It's a higher price point for high-street knitwear, but is pure cashmere and great quality.
I love this entire look. A mini skirt + blazer + fun tights = a match made in heaven.
Other Stories always impresses me. Case in point, this woollen trench.
For great boots at reasonable prices, we always head to H&M. These are in the sale now, too!
13. Boyfriend Jeans + Striped Knit + Brown Boots
Style Notes: Sasha's look might just be my favourite. Casual, cool but still so chic, it's the perfect outfit for weekend errand-running, lunch with the family and even drinks with the girls. Add a camel blazer over the top and gold jewellery for extra polish.
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You can always count on Zara to have a great striped knit in stock.
Make like Sasha and choose relaxed denim with slight distressing for extra style points.
The perfect every-day boot.
14. Striped Polo-Neck + Wide-Leg Trousers + Converse
Style Notes: Francesca gives us a masterclass in how to pair 2 wardrobe staples here. She's paired her classic knit with grey, wide-leg trousers before and my oh my does it look good. Converse and slick sunnies complete the look.
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The It jumper of the season (and beyond).
These have the perfect amount of slouch.
Converse will always be in style.
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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.