How to Style a Striped Top: What Goes with Stripes?

A striped top is easy to style with plain pieces in a color that appears in the pattern itself: white, beige, black and denim almost always work. The rule of thumb is “one piece carries the pattern, everything else stays calm”, and the width of the stripes matters more than their direction.

Stripes are in almost every wardrobe, and yet they often stay there. Usually an old rule is to blame that was never really true. This guide explains what the direction of stripes actually does, how wide they can be and what to wear with a striped top, a Breton top or a striped long sleeve top.

Why stripes are so easy

Strictly speaking, a stripe pattern is just a repeated line. It adds structure to an outfit without telling its own story, which is why it looks calmer than many other patterns.

Classic combinations such as white with black or cream with beige are made of colors already hanging in your wardrobe. That means a striped top can be worn almost like a plain basic.

Everything else follows one idea: one piece carries the pattern, everything else stays calm. You will find simple counterparts among our basics.

Horizontal or vertical stripes: what direction does

Vertical lines look longer to our eyes than horizontal lines of the same length. This effect is known as the horizontal-vertical illusion and is the reason vertical stripes have such a good reputation.

Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, lead the eye sideways and divide the surface into sections. That horizontal stripes automatically add bulk is a common misconception. How a piece looks depends largely on whether the cut falls loosely or fits tightly.

In practice: vertical stripes look especially good on the bottom half because they form a continuous line. Horizontal stripes sit comfortably on top as long as the piece falls loosely. You will find wide styles on which vertical lines show well among our wide leg pants.

Width matters more than direction

From a few steps away, fine stripes almost merge into a single color. That makes them look calm and elegant, and they are an easy choice if you want to ease in slowly.

Wide block stripes do the opposite. They measure out the surface they sit on and become the star of the outfit. That is not a drawback, it just means the rest should step back.

• Fine lines. Calm, everyday ready, easy to combine with almost anything.
• Medium width. The visible classic, clearly recognizable yet understated.
• Wide block stripes. Make a clear statement and need plain calm next to them.
• Irregular stripes. Varying widths look less strict.

The larger the surface, the wider the stripe can be. On wide pants it can be bolder than on a slim top.

Which colors and pants go with a striped top?

It is easy when you pick up a color that appears in the pattern itself. Cream pants with a top on a cream base look like they belong together, without much thought.

Calm shades such as white, beige, black and denim always work. A color accent works too, as long as it stands alone and does not compete with the pattern.

• Jeans. A simple pairing for a striped top, whether straight, wide or as shorts. You will find styles among our jeans.
• Wide tailored pants. In beige or black they make a striped top look calmer and office ready.
• Skirt. A plain skirt in one of the stripe colors turns the top into a soft summer outfit.

How to style a Breton top and a striped long sleeve top

The Breton top with even horizontal stripes is the classic among striped tops. It works with jeans and white sneakers as well as with calm tailored pants and loafers. How stripes are worn in the French look is covered in the guide “Parisian style for women”.

A striped long sleeve top is the option for transitional weather and fall. Wear it on its own, under an open jacket or under a sweater vest, where only the sleeves and collar show the stripes. You will find styles among our striped long sleeve tops.

Proportions: wide below, slim on top

The rule for stripes is the same as for any other pattern. If there is a lot of fabric below, keep everything slim on top, and vice versa.

The same principle is explained in more detail in how to wear oversize: a wide piece needs a slim counterpart, otherwise the line disappears.

Wide striped pants therefore call for a slim top, preferably loosely tucked in at the front. That way the waist stays visible and the vertical lines run through undisturbed.

Our picture above is built the same way: wide pants with vertical stripes and a cropped top in a single shade that picks up one of the stripe colors.

If a striped top feels too dominant, a simple trick helps: an open plain jacket on top narrows the patterned area in the middle. Cardigans work well for this.

Stripes with stripes: does it work?

Yes, and more easily than you might think. Two striped pieces get along when they clearly differ from each other rather than resemble each other.

Three routes work reliably: different directions, clearly different widths or the same color family in two shades. What does not work is two almost identical patterns side by side, because the eye starts comparing them.

An easy special case is a matching set. Top and bottom are made from the same fabric, so the pattern matches by itself and you do not have to weigh anything up.

Striped top outfit: three ideas to copy

• For every day. A finely striped top, straight jeans and white sneakers. Keep jewelry minimal, a fine necklace is enough.
• For hot days. Wide pants with vertical stripes, a simple top in a color from the pattern and flat sandals. In the evening, add a light blouse worn open.
• For the office. A striped top in a muted color, tucked in at the front, with calm pants and loafers. Anyone who likes stripes with a knitted vest, blouse and pleated skirt will find ideas in the guide “Preppy style for women”.

One Size and sizing

One Size is not standardized and can vary by style. The available sizes, the material and the product photos are shown for each item. How to judge the size of deliberately loose pieces is explained in our size guide for relaxed womenswear.

Shop the look: striped fashion for women and T-shirts for women.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear with a striped top?

Plain pieces in a color from the pattern go well with a striped top, for example jeans, beige or black tailored pants or a plain skirt. White sneakers or loafers keep the look calm.

How do I style a Breton top?

A Breton top looks calm with jeans or plain pants in one of the stripe colors. A Breton top has even horizontal stripes, and the classic is white with blue or white with black.

Can you combine horizontal and vertical stripes?

Yes, it is actually a reliable combination because the directions clearly differ. It looks even better when the colors come from the same family and one piece has a calmer pattern.

Can you combine polka dots and stripes?

Yes, if one pattern clearly leads and the other is smaller. A finely striped top with a skirt with small dots in the same color family looks coherent, while two equally large, bold patterns look busy.

How do I start with stripes if I am unsure?

Start with a finely striped top in calm colors and wear it with something plain you already wear often. How patterns work on the bottom half is explained in how to style patterned pants.