On your list of closet essentials should be a striped shirt, whether it's a classic stripe button-down or a Brenton stripe top (a favorite of Kate Middleton's). The reason? It's an agreeable and wearable print you can layer with other designs like florals for summer or plaid for winter. Striped shirts can be exciting too, especially if you choose color block options or a stripe sweater that mimics the color of the rainbow. Since the stripe top is likely a piece everyone already has in their closet (if not, we have plenty of shopping recs, ahead), we rounded up 25 different ways to style it—just in case you need some fresh ideas. Let the street style ahead reignite your excitement for your favorite stripe shirt.
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Style Under a Dress
The best way to revive that old button-down you've had for ages? Layer it underneath something unexpected like a loose fitted dress that is colorful, printed, or both. This outfit is full of life, which might make you appreciate your stripe top even more.
Shop a similar top: ASOS stripe shirt, $56
Wear With Like Colors
If your stripes or top come in color, match it with bottoms of the same hue. This creates an instantly cohesive and effortless look. We love the versatile beige tones here.
Shop a similar top: Madewell top, $48
Mix With Prints and Colors
Don't be afraid to mix and match prints. Stripes work well with a plaid design that has similar tones. This outfit called for pastel colors.
Shop a similar top: Isabel Marant stripe shirt, $300
Layer It Up
Stripes on stripes on camo—we love it. This ensemble has a lot of depth, and the mix of all three different prints surprisingly work well together. The next time you can't decide between prints, just wear them all at once!
Shop a similar top: Paco Rabanne wool sweater, $295
Make It All Stripes
Proclaim your love for stripes loud and proud by wearing two different striped pieces, such as a button-down and then a stripe dress.
Shop a similar top: Weekend Max Mara stripe shirt, $177
Look for Unique Details
Skip your run-of-the-mill stripe button-downs and opt for ones that have a unique design such as this cold-shoulder style on Mandy Bork. Since the top already makes a statement, tone it down with a simple pair of jeans.
Shop a similar top: Monse stripe shirt, $771
Opt for a Shirt Dress
How about a stripe shirt...dress? This is a good alternative to a stripe top when you want to throw on one item and call it a day. Stylish accessories are a must with this look too, as Raissa Santana proves.
Shop a similar top: Frank Eileen linen dress, $258
Style With a Leather Skirt
Stripe tops look good with anything, but especially with a leather skirt if you're going for that polished city-gal vibe.
Shop a similar top: Alex Mill shirt, $71
Go for a Matchy-Matchy Set
Take the pain out of matching by going with a set. This maroon two-piece ensemble spotted on model Pritika Swarup can styled as separates too, which means your options for wearing them are limitless.
Shop a similar set: Free People stripe set, $98
Pair With Another Bold Print
Stripes and abstract florals are a do in our book. Elsa Hosk keep her outfit bright and lively with a lavender pink button-down, wine-colored printed jeans, and coordinating boots.
Shop a similar top: Citizens of Humanity shirt, $223
Change Up Your Stripes
Jeanette Madsen has a message for us: Give your classic vertical stripes a break and slip into animal stripes. This zebra sweater can be toned down with black jeans or neutral trousers if you're feeling shy about wearing it with another vibrant print.
Shop a similar top: MSGM zebra sweater, $460
Do the Half Tuck
The next time you're heading into the office in a button-down, try the half-tuck styling trick courtesy of Storm Westphal. It's a simple move that gives your whole outfit a new feel.
Shop a similar top: Gabriela Hearst linen shirt, $718
Let the Designer Label Speak for Itself
If you're going to splurge on a designer stripe top, let that be the focus in your outfit. The colorful stripes coupled with the Chanel logo on this piece worn by model Ophelie Guillermand make a street style statement all on its own.
Shop a similar top: Gucci knit top, $1,650
Layer Over a Leather Top
To make your stripes look edgy and less delicately feminine, layer your dark oversize button-down shirt over a leather button-down shirt dress. Bonus points if you have the top sliding off one shoulder. (Disclaimer: This could very well be a one piece ensemble, but you can easily re-create with two items.)
Shop a similar top: True Royal striped shirt, $329
Pair With a More Exciting Jacket
So your stripe outfit is feeling a little meh. Don't fret, throw on your most unique jacket. Stripes are the perfect base for showing off the more outrageous pieces in your closet.
Shop a similar top: Re/Done stripe t-shirt, $125
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
A fanny pack, waist bag, belt bag—what have you—will break up any stripe top and make your friends do a double take to compliment you on your choice of accessory. Pauline Darris styled her top over a skirt and tights.
Shop a similar top: Rag Bone shirt, $207
Swap With Your White Tees
When you're about to reach for a plain white or black tee to wear underneath your dress, STOP. Go for a coordinated stripe top instead. Hannah Bronfman went the blue route.
Shop a similar top: Michael Kors Collection crop sweater, $490
Stay Bright
The perfect spring to summer or summer to fall outfit. Don't be afraid to wear stripes in bright colors such as yellow, orange, or even green. This sunny outfit on Ally May Carey, when paired with a smile, is A+.
Shop a similar top: Isabel Marant shirt, $315
Keep It Simple
You can't get any more classic and simple than this blue stripe shirt and black trouser pants combo as seen on stylist Noey Park. This is an effortless ensemble you can wear Monday through Sunday. If you want to have more fun with it, experiment with cool accessories.
Shop a similar top: Comme des Garcon shirt, $125
Leave It Unbuttoned
The next time you're feeling overly stuffy in your stripe top, leave a few buttons unbuttoned. Swantje Sömmer flashed a hint of skin and was able to show off her high-waisted Fila cargo pants.
Shop a similar top: Ética long-sleeve shirt, $88
Shoot for the Rainbow
You're all about color, so this multi-striped rainbow sweater is perfect for you. Since there are stripes of every color in here, finding a bottom to match with your top will be super easy.
Shop a similar top: La Ligne sweater, $275
Play With Texture
Look for stripes in textured tops like this crochet fringe piece. It's an easy wear to wear stripes without resorting to your usual button-down or sweater options.
Shop a similar top: Missoni crochet knit tank, $880
Opt for Short Sleeves
We love the two different stripe combinations in this button-down top on Tina Leung. You have your white and blue design then a pop of red and white on the sleeves.
Shop a similar top: BB Dakota sweater, $79
Wear Similar Stripe Sizes
Narrow and thin stripes go well together, especially if they also run in the same color family. This light blue top paired with navy blue billowy trousers feels tasteful and stylish as seen on Linda Tol.
Shop a similar top: Everlane poplin shirt, $55
Keep It Oversize
Grab your SO's button-down top and throw it over a skirt to get Charlotte Groeneveld's look. Your bae will have to admit: the shirt looks ten times better on you.
Shop a similar top: Denimist stripe shirt, $225