7 ways to wear your stripes

I feel like it’s been a while since we looked at stripes, even though they have been a wardrobe staple for most of us for as long as I can remember. While the classic Breton top still has a place in all our lives, there’s a whole new world of stripes to explore this season. We’ve seen the comeback of the rugby-style stripe top and the polo shirt, and they have been joined by striped denim, dresses, trousers and everything in between. It’s time to wear your stripes this summer, so let’s have a look at seven ways we can do just that.

THE STRIPE POLO SHIRT

Such a great alternative to a T‑shirt; there’s something about adding a collar and a few buttons that really elevates your look. Prada showed a very similar outfit to this in their SS25 catwalk and, as I’ve always said, ‘If it’s good enough for Prada, it’s good enough for me.’ Talking of Prada (and not about stripes at all), I bought this jacket from Uniqlo the other week and it’s a dead ringer for one of theirs, but for £2k less. Even better if you buy a logo badge on Etsy and add that!

DENIM STRIPES

No surprise that this is probably my favourite look of the week. Triple denim with added stripes – yes, please. What’s not to like? It’s OK, that’s a rhetorical question; I’m not here for negative answers surrounding too much denim. You can never have too much denim, in my opinion. You could, of course, lose the jacket and wear a bra vest under an open shirt, as that would break it up a bit if you fear the triple effect. I’ve discovered that the M&S bra vests are good. I like these ribbed black ones best.

MULTI STRIPES

There’s something a bit 90s about this one. I’m pretty sure I had a striped cardigan just like this circa 1995. Worn with baggy jeans, Travel Fox trainers, a wallet on a chain and a packet of Silk Cut in my back pocket. Probably wore it to the Camden Palace where we would be drinking vodka with a Hooch mixer and then being sick in a bush on the way home. I wouldn’t do that now, but I would still wear this outfit. What goes around, comes around, even if you were there first time.

SUBTLE RUGBY STRIPES

I’m not even sure if this would be classed as a rugby sweater, but it’s definitely a more upmarket take on it, as one would expect from COS. I would wear it with some large shorts. I have these from Toast and they actually got an airing over the weekend during our unseasonably warm weather. I look forward to wearing them more regularly soon.

STRIPED TROUSERS

I was in Worthing the other weekend. It reminded me of going to a club there in the very early 90s. It was called Sterns and was an in old stately home, and we used to drive there from Camberley every other weekend during the summer of 1991. One evening when we were haring down the M23, a car full of fellow clubbers pulled up alongside us, waving and shouting. We thought it was some good old raver camaraderie, but I had in fact been driving with the handbrake on and copious sparks and smoke were coming out of the back of my exhaust. The only reason I tell this pointless tale is that my favourite raving trousers were very much like a rainbow version of this pair below (and that car was never the same again, my poor beloved mini).

STRIPED DRESS

I wonder if a simple stripe T‑shirt dress will be the thing to get me wearing dresses again? I envision either of these worn with statement silver accessories and a sweatshirt tied around one’s shoulders.

THE FRENCH GIRL STRIPES

Because, sometimes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Classic stripe top, wide-leg jeans, ballet pumps. It’s a timeless look for good reason, and one you can pull out when you’re in a rush and can’t be bothered to overthink your outfit. Add your Sézane trench coat for extra French girl points.

I have been asked to do another event-dressing post as we’re heading into wedding season. I’ll have a think and try to come up with some ideas for you. But, be warned, it’s really not my forte.

K x

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...