How to wear stripes: get some outfit ideas to make use of this classic staple

(Image credit: M&S)

By Manuela Rio Tinto published 28 April 20

There are so many ways to style stripes that you’re sure to find what fits your figure best.

When it comes to prints, there’s nothing as classic and timeless as a stripe. Different colours, shapes, and directions… the possibilities for stripes are almost endless.

If you’re feeling edgy and want to jazz up a simple outfit, you can choose a bold coloured striped top or skirt; go for an all stripe look in different widths and shapes or take it to the next level mixing prints. Think a ditsy floral or tropical print with stripes – but just make sure they have at least one similar colour and the proportions work well together.

On the other hand, if minimalism is more of your thing, you can still put together cool striped outfits that are far from boring. Instead of bold and bright colours you can opt for subtle stripes in maybe a sleeve or a hem detail, or even an elegant pinstripe blazer with statement accessories.

We know that having plenty of choices can be quite overwhelming so if you’re feeling a bit stuck and need some inspiration, scroll down to find some ideas...

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H&M Jersey T-shirt

£3.00, H&M

VIEW NOW: H&M Jersey T-shirt

Boden Portia Skirt - Conker And Azelea Multistripe

from £85 to £59.50, Boden

VIEW NOW: Boden Portia Skirt - Conker And Azelea Multistripe

Zara Pleated Bucket Bag

£19.99, Zara

VIEW NOW: Zara Pleated Bucket Bag

Zara Soft Leather Ballerinas

from £29.99 to £19.99, Zara

VIEW NOW: Zara Soft Leather Ballerinas

Joggers + monochrome blazer

Jogger style trousers are perfect for weekend wear. Team up with a monochrome blazer and leopard print trainers for a smarter yet modern look.

Monochrome Striped Textured Blazer

£22, Tu Clothing

VIEW NOW: Monochrome Striped Textured Blazer

H&M Ribbed jersey top

£9.99, H&M

VIEW NOW: H&M Ribbed jersey top

New look Khaki Drawstring Waist Textured Joggers

£17.99, New look

VIEW NOW: New look Khaki Drawstring Waist Textured Joggers

Joules Coast Pump Faux Leather Trainer

from £39.95 to £19.95, Joules

VIEW NOW: Joules Coast Pump Faux Leather Trainer

Blouse + chinos

Add a pop of colour and a couple of inches with heeled chunky sandals and play with different textures with a mock croc bag.

Blue & White Striped Top

£24, Next

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M&S Collection Pure Cotton Tapered Ankle Grazer Chinos

£19.50, M&S

VIEW NOW: M&S Collection Pure Cotton Tapered Ankle Grazer Chinos

Zara Animal Print Midi Tote Bag

from £19.99 to £9.99, Zara

VIEW NOW: Zara Animal Print Midi Tote Bag

George Rust Suede Leather Chunky Sandals

£22.50, George at Asda

VIEW NOW: George Rust Suede Leather Chunky Sandals

Maxi dress + trainers

A maxi lightweight dress is an easy and hassle free option for sunny days. Drop earrings and khaki trainers complement the look. Add a bold coloured bag to brighten up your outfit.

JUNAROSE Stripe Maxi Dress

£45, Tu Clothing

VIEW NOW: JUNAROSE Stripe Maxi Dress

New Look Petite Blue Boxy Denim Jacket

£25.99, New Look

VIEW NOW: New Look Petite Blue Boxy Denim Jacket

Matalan Glitter Paper Stick Drop Earrings

£4, Matalan

VIEW NOW: Matalan Glitter Paper Stick Drop Earrings

Matalan Khaki Lace Up Espadrille Trainers

£14, Matalan

VIEW NOW: Matalan Khaki Lace Up Espadrille Trainers

Manuela Rio Tinto

Manuela has worked for Woman & Home since June 2019, when she joined as a Freelance Fashion Assistant to help compile the magazine's shopping pages and to write on-trend, fashion-focussed features for the web.

She describes herself as "a dedicated and self-motivated fashion and lifestyle writer and copywriter with years of experience working in media" and has worked in the high street and luxury markets for brands including Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly, Chat and MailOnline as well as Woman & Home.

Manuela is fluent in two languages and describes herself as a 'Brazilian in London'. She currently writes celebrity-driven fashion content for the Fashion Finder section at MailOnline.