All-over stripes: how to style striped outfits this spring summer
From the navy to the city look: stripes are once again setting the course for summer style. A timeless classic that reinvents itself season after season. Here's how to make them even cooler
Stripes have stood the test of time, evolving from a symbol of marginality to an emblem of refined style. In the Middle Ages, stripes were associated with outsiders—jesters, prisoners—seen as visually disturbing and pushed to the fringes of society. Over time, however, the pattern underwent a significant transformation.
In the 19th century, blue and white striped jerseys became part of the official uniform for French sailors, chosen for their visibility at sea. In the 1920s, Coco Chanel reimagined this masculine garment, introducing the marinière into the women’s wardrobe and turning it into a timeless symbol of elegance.
Cinema further cemented stripes as a style icon. Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour (1967) wears a striped dress that reflects her sophisticated ambiguity. Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (1977) sports striped palazzo trousers, embodying intellectual chic. Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (1990) makes a striped shirt effortlessly sensual. Films like Beetlejuice and American Psycho also use stripes to visually define their protagonists, proving the motif’s versatility.
For Spring Summer 2025, stripes come in new forms: fluid silhouettes and bold color combinations. Vertical, horizontal or diagonal; thin or wide; monochrome or multicolored—stripes take center stage, offering endless possibilities for personal expression.
Diagonal, Vertical and Horizontal Stripes: Which to Choose?
The direction of the stripes can deeply impact the style of a garment. Vertical stripes elongate the silhouette and offer a more formal tone, ideal for tailored suits. Horizontal stripes convey a relaxed vibe, perfect for casual looks. Diagonal stripes bring movement and modernity—ideal for those seeking a contemporary twist.
A striped shirt is a wardrobe classic, it's all about attitude
Some wear it buttoned under a double-breasted jacket. Others leave it open over a tank top. Some let it hang loose over trousers like a statement of nonchalance.
Women's versions drift between masculine cuts and delicate details, oversized sleeves and pointed collars. Men’s shirts are increasingly hybrid: soft, unstructured, perfect with sporty trousers and suede loafers.
Whether in poplin, linen or crisp cotton, a striped shirt is the right answer when you don’t want to look overdressed—but not underdressed either.
The perfect moment to wear a striped shirt?
Office, brunch, a weekend in Marseille. The truth is, a striped shirt doesn’t need an occasion—it creates one.
Wear it with tailored shorts for a seaside aperitivo, or pair it with a washed denim suit to go anywhere without looking like you tried too hard.
Weather turning? Layer it under a masculine blazer for effortless cool.
Looks with brightly colored striped trousers
Bold and contemporary, colorful striped trousers make a strong statement. Pair them with neutral tops or complementary shirts to strike a stylish balance. Minimalist accessories let the trousers shine as the outfit’s focal point.
How to style a striped dress: casual and evening ideas
A striped dress can be worn both casually and elegantly. For daytime, opt for a lightweight cotton design paired with flat sandals and natural accessories. For the evening, go for a glossy fabric with fine stripes, paired with heels and discreet jewelry for a sophisticated effect.
