Striped Knit Trousers: Tops, Jackets and Shoes to Style

The easiest way to style striped knit trousers is with plain tops, a calm jacket and simple shoes. The stripes are already the pattern in your outfit, so the rest can stay quiet.

Do you own striped knit trousers, or are you thinking about getting a pair, and wonder what goes with them? This guide shows which tops, jackets and shoes work well, how to wear them tone on tone and how to take short striped knit trousers into autumn. Three outfits for everyday, the weekend and the evening are included.

Striped knit trousers: what makes the look?

Two things carry the look: a single pattern and comfortable trousers. Everything else in the outfit only supports them.

• One pattern. The stripes are the eye-catcher. Top, jacket and shoes stay plain.
• Pick up a colour. Repeat one of the stripe colours in your top, for example white with trousers in black with light stripes.
• Soft material. Knitwear looks calm and cosy. A smooth top makes a nice counterpart.
• A straight rest. If the trousers are cut wide, a shorter or straight-falling top looks tidy.

You can find a selection among the knit trousers for women. More about styling knitwear is in the guide Strick stylen.

How to style striped knit trousers: which top goes with them?

A plain top in white, cream, beige or black goes best. It lets the stripes play the lead role.

• White long-sleeved top. Our picture above is built exactly like this: black stripes on a light ground, with a white long-sleeved top in a loose texture.
• Basic top. A simple top in beige or brown suits calm stripes and can be pulled under a jacket if needed.
• Blouse. A plain blouse makes the knit trousers a little smarter. White, cream or rosé look calm.
• Striped top. This works if the stripes look clearly different, for example a narrow stripe with a wide one. Otherwise it quickly looks busy.

Matching pieces are in the long-sleeved tops. How to wear stripes on top is covered in the guide Streifenshirt kombinieren.

Striped knit trousers in pink and rose: how to go tone on tone

With knit trousers in pink and rose, a top in one of the two shades works. The outfit then looks made from one piece.

• Pink on pink. A long-sleeved top in pink picks up the light stripe. This is the calmest option.
• White or cream. If you prefer less colour, add a white or cream top.
• Brown or beige. Warm neutrals bring the trousers into autumn and take away some of the sweetness.
• Jewellery and bags. Gold or pearls add a small accent without adding colour.

Tone on tone pieces are in the muslin long-sleeved tops.

Which jacket goes with striped knit trousers?

A plain jacket in a calm shade goes best. It frames the stripes instead of competing with them.

• Cardigan. A cardigan in beige, taupe or brown suits almost any stripe colour.
• Trench coat. A beige trench coat turns the comfortable trousers into a polished look for windy days.
• Transitional jacket. A short jacket in black, brown or khaki goes with wide-cut trousers.
• Denim jacket. It adds a casual note and works especially well with stripes in black.

You can find a selection among the transitional jackets. More ideas for trench coats are in the guide Trenchcoat kombinieren.

Which shoes go with striped knit trousers?

Simple shoes in black, brown or white go best. Stripes and shoes should not fight for attention.

• Ankle boots. A slim heel makes the trousers smarter. Brown goes well with beige and cream.
• Boots. Black boots with a chunky sole give the soft knit a strong counterpart.
• Trainers and ballet flats. This is the relaxed option for everyday and the weekend.
• Tall boots. They go especially well with short knit trousers, see the picture further down.

You can find matching shoes among the boots. More ideas on the topic are in the guide Boots kombinieren.

Styling short striped knit trousers in autumn

In autumn you wear short knit trousers with boots, opaque tights or long socks and a jacket on top. That keeps the summer look practical.

• Add boots. Knee-high or mid-height boots close the gap between hem and shaft.
• Tights. Opaque tights in black or brown make the short trousers wearable on cooler days too.
• A jacket on top. A cardigan or a transitional jacket in beige suits the light stripes.
• Matching shades. Beige striped shorts with beige and brown in the rest of the outfit look calm and warm.

The short styles are in knit and crochet for women. More ideas for the colder season are in the guide Herbst Outfit Damen.

Striped knit trousers: three outfits for everyday, the weekend and the evening

The principle stays the same: stripes plus calm. Only the details change with the occasion.

• Everyday. Knit trousers in black, a white long-sleeved top, a beige cardigan and trainers.
• Weekend. Knit trousers in pink and rose, a pink long-sleeved top, a denim jacket and white shoes.
• Evening. Knit trousers in black, a black top, a beige trench coat and ankle boots with a slim heel.

More combinations of complete looks are in the guide Komplette Outfits Damen.

Frequently asked questions

Which top goes with striped knit trousers?

A plain top in white, cream, beige or black goes best. Pick up one of the stripe colours and the outfit looks complete.

Can I combine striped knit trousers with a striped top?

Yes, if the stripes differ clearly, for example in width or colour. Stripes of the same width quickly look busy.

Which colours go with striped knit trousers in black?

White, cream, beige, brown and black go well with them. Red or burgundy adds an accent if you wear a single piece in that colour.

Which shoes go with striped knit trousers?

Simple ankle boots, boots, trainers or ballet flats in black, brown or white. Short styles also go with tall boots.

Can I wear striped knit trousers in autumn?

Yes, with a cardigan, trench coat or transitional jacket and closed shoes. Short styles go with tights and boots.