Apologies, Polka Dots—This Print Trend Will Enhance the Chicness of Your Tops, Jeans, and Dresses This Fall.
From the beach umbrellas scattered along the Côte d’Azur to the ever-stylish Breton tops that form the backbone of a French woman's closet, stripes are a hallmark of summer attire for the most discerning fashion enthusiasts among us. (Consider: Jackie Kennedy on a yacht in Martha’s Vineyard, Lee Radziwill along the Amalfi Coast, Brigitte Bardot on the set of Jean-Luc Godard’s French New Wave Contempt.) Yet, stripes have not been honored in the same way as polka dots, often seen as a somewhat outdated alternative to this beloved print trend. However, there seems to be a noticeable shift in the fashion landscape, with stripes rapidly replacing spotted patterns as the style of choice this season. Whether it's balloon shorts or T-shirts, stripes are taking charge across all categories, enhancing basic wardrobe pieces with chic horizontal lines and vibrant colors. While they may have once been dismissed in ordinary contexts, the runways are heralding the strong return of stripes, with Matthieu Blazy dedicating a significant portion of his debut Chanel collection to striped tweed ensembles, and Miu Miu highlighting the importance of a striped long-sleeve to provide contrast to an outfit.
“Stripes have a rich history in fashion,” shares Lucia Hanna, co-founder of the fashion brand With Harper Lu, whose striped mini dresses, tank tops, and skirts have become incredibly popular this summer. “Everything always makes a comeback,” she notes, adding that stripes are one of those classic styles that “will stay around for a time.” Regarding styling, she recommends thinking of stripes as both a statement piece and a neutral layering item. “My favorite approach is to mix stripes with another pattern, like leopard print or florals,” Hanna suggests. This sentiment is echoed by her co-founder, Cathie Burke, who advises, “Don’t hesitate to pair stripes with different fabric textures. And don’t feel that wearing stripes means you have to tone it down.” Stripes can both stand out and blend in, making them an exceptionally versatile addition to any thoughtfully curated wardrobe. Below, I've compiled a selection of the best striped items currently available across various categories. From Posse’s drop-shoulder shirts to Réalisation Par’s iconic striped Cora dress, discover ways to incorporate them into your outfits.
Shop the Striped Fashion Trend:
1. Jeans
Style Notes: Initially, I thought wearing striped jeans might give me a vibe like Paddington Bear in the beloved British film sequel. However, after seeing numerous stylish women, including Paris-based fashion and fitness influencer Alice Pilate, embrace this trend, my perspective shifted. They blend a ‘60s jet-set feel with the sleek lines and editorial style of the ‘90s—two decades that comfortably appeal to many.
Shop the Trend:
- H&M: Cotton Denim Trousers with a blend of warm corals and sun-dried aubergine, perfectly fitting for the changing season.
- ZARA: Trf Low-Rise Striped Wide-Leg Jeans in sorbet shades that evoke summer long after it ends.
- ZARA: Mid-Waist Striped Jeans offer a minimalist take on the trend.
- Boden: High Rise Column Leg Jeans, already a leading shape for autumn.
2. Tops
Style Notes: I often shy away from quiet luxury, finding it overly dull, and view capsule wardrobes as too restrictive. Consequently, I'm always on the lookout for pieces that serve as exciting basics. Enter striped tops. Favored by style icons like Alexa Chung, Elsa Hosk, and Hailey Bieber, these tops elevate any pair of jeans or casual slip skirt. The Matteau style shown here is particularly sought after by fashion editors, but I also must highlight the offerings from Posse, which enhance a simple long-sleeve top with attractive chocolate brown and sky blue stripes.
Shop the Trend:
- ZARA: Striped Knit Polo Shirt
- POSSE: Nadine Striped Cotton-Jersey Shirt, a top that goes well with virtually any jean color.
- MATTEAU: Breton Striped Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt, highly in demand.
- Reformation: Asher Oversized Long Sleeve Tee, offering a striking contrast between butter yellow and indigo blue.
3. Dresses
Style Notes: If you haven’t noticed the must-have item of the summer—Réalisation Par’s charming Cora dress—striped dresses are definitely making a comeback. The versatile nature of these styles provides an easy way to add color to your wardrobe without committing to a single hue. Moreover, the geometric stripes introduce an element of intrigue, distinguishing you from the crowds draped in pastel linens and crochet fabrics.
Shop the Trend:
- Forever New: Chiffon Halter Neck Maxi Dress
- With Harper Lu: Bias Mini Dress, allowing you to feel like the star of a Y2K rom-com.
- Anthropologie: It's 9pm Teresa V-Ne
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Apologies, Polka Dots—This Print Trend Will Enhance the Chicness of Your Tops, Jeans, and Dresses This Fall.
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