One of the most important staples in a classic wardrobe is the striped top. You can wear it all year long, but the summer is the season it really shines.
You can wear it so many ways and it’s simple to pair with the items you already own.
Today, I’m showing three options that you can alter to fit your body type and budget. Every item featured, I’ve either showcased before (so you may already own it) or I recommend.
But remember, you can also use this as a guide and find something similar that fits your specific needs.
These posts are designed to both inspire your own creativity and help provide product recommendations.
How to Wear a Striped Top Three Ways
For the striped top I am featuring the popular Boden striped boatneck top. This lady sells out all the time but is currently available so scoop it up. It’s under $40 and runs true to size.
For other options be sure to check out our post from last month rounding up striped tops in all sizes.
I created three looks including one with shorts, one with a white jean and then a fun skirt outfit that will help you understand how to mix pattern and shapes together.
Let’s get started.
Shorts
Striped Top, $38 | Shorts, $49.50 (ON SALE FOR $20) | Sandals, $100 | Crossbody, $22 | Earrings, $56
This look is something I live in all summer.
Whenever I wear shorts, I always pair them with a 3/4 sleeve top. It brings a sense of balance to the outfit.
These shorts by LOFT are available in missy and petite. They have a mid-rise cut, with a 4″ inseam and front pleats – which makes them feel a little bit dressier. If you want to try these, go for it, they are currently on sale for $20 and go up to an XXL which is about a size 18.
Plus size? Inventory is limited, but these chambray shorts from Old Navy are fantastic. They’re a similar mid-rise, from a size 16 – 30 for only $16.
Then I added these simple Sam Edelman slides in white ( available in lots of other great colors).
This $22 crossbody bag I found at Target is a steal and these fantastic studs from QVC that look like the real deal for under $60.
White Jeans
Striped Top, $38 | Jeans, $31 | Clutch, $48 | Sandals, $59 | Earrings, $68
We’ve established that white jeans go with everything. Above, I used a pair by Wit & Wisdom, but I also highly recommend NYDJ (see my top picks here).
Generally, a white jean looks best in either a skinny or straight leg that hits at the ankle or is full length and slightly breaks on top of your foot. I used this comfortable wedge slide from Aerosoles in a go-with-everything tan for under $60.
For earrings, these Soho “X” earrings by Julie Vos are under $70 and are a fresh interpretation of a classic stud. I ordered a pair for myself.
Finally, a leopard print clutch because I love an animal print and a stripe together. This one from Turkernuck is under $50. It’s a beautiful piece to familiarize yourself with the brand. I ordered it too because I plan to be extra social the second half of 2020 to make up for lost time.
Full Skirt
Striped Top, $38 | Skirt, $128 | Sandal, $70 | Clutch, $27 | Earrings, $28
Finally, a striped top, when styled correctly, can be used as a neutral. If you have ever wanted to learn how to mix and match patterns, the easiest place to start is to pair the stripe with a floral or floral-like pattern.
Because we completely skipped over the spring season, we missed the forecasted trend of fuller skirts. These were meant to balance out all the maxi lengths we’ve been seeing. It’s safe to say they aren’t going anywhere, so if this lady like style is for you there are tons of options out there.
I found this cheerful yellow daisy print skirt, with deep pleats around the waist, at Nordstrom. It’s available in an XXS – XXL or about a size 18. There is also a plus size option here.
To pull of the look you have to fully tuck the top in, so keep that in mind, it won’t work for every body type.
I used a simple, white block heel sandal I found at DSW (all sizes still available). To play off the whimsy of the look, I used these oversized pearl drop earrings for under $30.
But the real steal of the outfit is this straw circle clutch from Nordstrom marked down to under $30.
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