The striped shirt is one of fashion’s most reliable style staples. Whether you’re heading to a client meeting or catching up with friends, this wardrobe essential works for every occasion. Clean lines, minimal prints, and versatile color palettes make striped shirts a must-have for both men and women. No matter your style—classic, preppy, street, or chic—there’s a striped shirt look that fits you perfectly.
Why Everyone Needs a Striped Shirt
A striped shirt is effortlessly stylish. Its pattern naturally adds depth and structure to any outfit. The best part? It can easily transition from formal to casual with just a few styling tweaks. While neutral stripes offer timeless elegance, bold and colorful stripes bring in freshness. Whether you're dressing up or down, a striped shirt outfit will never look out of place.
Types of Striped Shirts You Should Know
There’s more than one type of striped shirt and each gives off a different vibe.
Vertical striped shirt: Best for elongating your figure and giving a slimming effect. Great for both formal and semi-formal events.
Horizontal striped shirt: Gives a more relaxed, casual look. Great for layering under jackets.
Pinstripe shirt: Often seen in business attire. Slim, subtle stripes that work perfectly in formal environments.
Bold, wide-striped shirt: Eye-catching and expressive. Ideal for casual or fashion-forward looks.
How to Style a Striped Shirt for Men
1. Business Casual Look
A men’s striped shirt paired with navy chinos and loafers creates the perfect business casual vibe. Stick to soft colors like pale blue or grey stripes. Add a leather watch and a belt for that polished finish.
2. Layered Streetwear
Try a vertical striped shirt left open over a white or black crew-neck tee. Combine with ripped jeans, sneakers, and a bucket hat for a trendy streetwear look. This works well with oversized shirts in bold or contrasting stripe patterns.
3. Summer Smart
Go for a short-sleeve striped button-down shirt with white shorts or beige linen trousers. Pair with espadrilles or sandals. Add sunglasses and you’ve nailed the modern vacation aesthetic.
Women’s Striped Shirt Outfits You’ll Love
1. Chic Workwear
A striped shirt for women looks incredibly professional when tucked into a tailored pencil skirt or high-waisted trousers. Choose thin vertical stripes in black, navy, or burgundy. Complete the outfit with pumps and a leather tote.
2. Laid-Back Casual
Go oversized. Pair a loose striped shirt with biker shorts or mom jeans. Add white sneakers and a messy bun for that "off-duty model" look. Bonus points for layering a cropped vest or denim jacket on top.
3. Date Night Ready
Style a fitted striped shirt with a faux leather mini skirt and heeled boots. Add bold lipstick and a sling bag. Look for stripes with a pop of red, mustard, or emerald to elevate your date night style.
Mix & Match: What Goes Well With a Striped Shirt
Denim: Whether it’s skinny jeans, a denim skirt, or a jacket, denim and stripes are a perfect match.
Neutral bottoms: White, beige, or khaki pants tone down bold stripes and keep the look clean.
Printed accessories: If you're feeling adventurous, mix stripes with polka dots or florals through scarves, bags, or shoes—but keep one element dominant.
Leather pieces: Jackets, belts, and boots in leather create an edgy contrast with soft stripes.
Seasonal Styling Tips for Striped Shirts
Spring/Summer: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Go for bright or pastel stripes. Pair with shorts, espadrilles, and straw hats.
Autumn/Winter: Go for darker tones like navy, forest green, or maroon. Layer your striped shirt under a chunky sweater, coat, or cardigan. Don’t forget boots and a beanie for a cozy touch.
Choosing the Best Striped Shirt for Your Body Type
Petite figures: Opt for thin vertical stripes to elongate your body. Avoid bold horizontal lines.
Tall or lean builds: Wide horizontal stripes can add dimension and balance.
Curvy shapes: Diagonal or slightly curved stripes can complement your curves better than straight lines.
Broad shoulders: Subtle pinstripes or broken stripes can tone down broad upper bodies.
Mistakes to Avoid with Striped Shirts
Too many patterns: Stripes don’t always mix well with other prints. Use caution when combining patterns.
Wrong stripe size: Oversized stripes on a small frame can overwhelm the look. Stick to proportions that match your build.
Untucked for formal: A striped shirt should always be tucked in for professional or formal settings to maintain a sharp appearance.
Clashing colors: Bright stripes with equally bold pants or accessories can look messy. Balance is key.
Where to Shop for Trendy Striped Shirts
Looking for the perfect striped shirt? Here are some places to start:
For Men: H&M, Uniqlo, Jack & Jones, Zara
For Women: Mango, ASOS, Forever 21, Urbanic
Sustainable Choices: The Indian Ethnic Co, No Nasties, and Brown Living have eco-friendly stripe collections.
Celebs Who Love Stripes
From Harry Styles in his signature bold striped tees to Deepika Padukone rocking oversized striped shirts at the airport, celebrities have embraced this fashion staple for years. It’s safe to say that stripes aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
The striped shirt is more than just a trend—it’s a fashion foundation. Whether you're dressing for work, a night out, or a lazy Sunday, a well-styled striped shirt can elevate your outfit in seconds. The key lies in choosing the right type, fit, and combination. So the next time you’re stuck in a style rut, remember: when in doubt, stripes it out.