What to Wear with Summer Stripes

The most important rule when wearing stripes is to aim to create balance in your outfit. With a few simple tips, it’s easy to infuse nearly any look with a touch of the classic seaside style. First, stick to horizontal stripes for a flattering effect. Always try to include basics in solid hues to streamline the ensemble. Finally, avoid wearing stripes together unless they drastically vary in width.

Incorporate a black and white horizontal striped shirt with white skinny jeans and strappy sandals. The white jeans are a fresh look, a dressier alternative to regular blue jeans, making them perfect for summer days at work. Or, try wearing the stripes with more feminine pieces—like a knee length ruffled linen skirt. The skirt’s airiness makes the stripes perfect for the summer months. Another option is a simple sheath dress with thick horizontal stripes in a various colors. Throw on a solid linen or cotton blazer and cork wedges for a perfect daytime option. After work, remove the blazer and replace your daytime purse with a dressy patent leather clutch to take the look into evening. For an ultra-modern look, mix stripes of different sizes together to create one interesting—but cohesive—ensemble. The key to achieving this look is to balance stripes of various widths. Wide, thick stripes adoring a loose fitting top with dolman sleeves beautifully complement a fitted skirt with thin horizontal stripes. Be sure to keep the stripes in the same color palette—brights with brights and pastels with pastels. The contrast ushers the timeless look into chic, contemporary style.