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When you think of striped clothing, you’re more than likely envisioning a myriad of maritime activities: sipping on a spritz, sailing in Montauk, strolling on the beach. Nothing suggests summer quite like the classic pattern.
It’s no secret that stripes also signify a rather preppy energy, leaning heavily into classic, often basic, style. For me, I’ve spent years shying away from this type of seafarer attitude, only to be course-corrected this season when I discovered a bounty of neo-nautical infused designs. While I once thought of them as a strictly J.Crew-monopolized pattern, breton-style stripes have been reimagined this season by brands like Tanya Taylor, Donni, and Rhode.
And while you may view stripes as a strictly summertime staple, think again: Designers have given us a number of year-round options to choose from. From richly saturated knits to fun-filled accessories, this quintessential pattern won’t be retiring when the temperatures drop in a few weeks. These out-of-the-box striped pieces are so good, the pattern is almost unrecognizable.
1. Pattern Play
Out of all of the newly reimagined stripe-focused trends, this one has to be my favorite. The mixing of stripes and other patterns is so effective, it’s a mystery as to why brands haven’t focused more on it before. While this concept may seem harder to style, if you think about it, it’s actually easier. Use the mixed pieces as the focal point of your look while keeping the other pieces simple—a white button-down, a clean pair of denim–and you’ll be wearing a look that’ll make you an outfit repeater in a snap.
English Factory Knit Striped Polo
Free People Striped Pullover
Anthropologie Button-Down Shirt
Studio 189 Cotton Mini Skirt
2. Saturated Stripes
A color-infused stripe seems straightforward enough; however, since we’re used to seeing the pattern in neutral combinations like navy and white, the striped pattern takes on a completely fresh, modern look. When paired with your go-to jeans and maxi skirts, colorful stripes can serve as your go-to for transitional styling
Anthropologie Caro Top
ASOS Poplin Maxi Dress
PQ Swim Swim Pants
Free People Rafe Jeans
3. Colorful Knits
Stripes have a sort of chameleon effect. With the ability to serve both as a uniform-like base to additional patterns or colors and the ability to deliver on their own, they can be whatever you want them to be. Many people hang their stripes up post-Labor Day, but in my opinion, that’s precisely the time to stay on guard. If you’re ready to convert to a stripe wearer in the chillier months, colorful, striped knits are calling your name.
Rails Striped Cardigan
Pistola Striped Sweater
Zara Knit Polo Sweater
Staud Knit Cardigan
4. Statement-Worthy Accessories
Stripe-adorned accessories aren’t all that common. We see the majority of accessories in materials like leather, which aren’t typically great hosts for stripes. This year, however, the puzzle has been solved. Brands are now delivering a range of woven accessories—like raffia and crochet—with striped details. It’s helped to infuse more color and fun into bags and shoes this season, which has further supported the nautical movement.
Staud Beaded Bag
Anthropologie Mini Satchel
Anthropologie Mary Jane Flats
Clare V. Striped Canvas Bag
5. Dreamy Diagonals
While we’re used to seeing them in horizontal and vertical patterns, stripes have been re-envisioned in diagonal arrangements. For those of us who have always been a bit apprehensive to sport a horizontal stripe, but not exactly keen to throw on a vertical stripe either, this may just be the solution we’ve been hoping for.
rag & bone Poplin Shirt
Staud Navy Striped Top
endless rose Striped Maxi Slip Dress
Mango Navy Striped Dress
6. Classically Nautical
If you’re partial to a classic stripe, not to worry—there are still plenty of coastal-inspired pieces too choose from. While the stripe has been reimagined as of late, a classic striped pattern will never go out of style. Rather than choosing colorful or pattern-mixing stripes, try a classic stripe in an updated silhouette for extra styling points this season.
GAP Oversized Cotton Shirt
Reformation Cashmere Sweater
J.Crew Cotton Midi Dress
DONNI. Striped Tie Pants