Tops with horizontal stripes continue to be very on trend, although I think of the item in neutral tones as a modern classic piece with high longevity. Matching up a tailored striped top with a pair of bootcut or skinny jeans and casual boots is a great look, but there is style life beyond this pairing. 

Here are ways to wear a variety of striped tops with an assortment of bottoms that create a different vibe for Autumn. I’ve stuck to black, Winter white, cream, oatmeal, navy, grey and denim to create a neutral, texture-rich outfit statement.

Choose a striped top that works for YOU: Fitted, roomy, cropped, tunic, dark, light, boatneck, V-neck, high-low hemline – take your pick. Personally, I prefer my striped tops dark with a light stripe, a high neckline, and fairly tailored. I have my eye on the ink blue and white turtle neck shown above because it’s a true modern classic that will take me all the way through a Seattle Spring. 

The unexpected bottom: Pair the top with leather or leather trimmed pants, a leather skirt, distressed boyfriend jeans, slouchy trousers, harem pants, camouflage pants, white jeans or trousers, tuxedo pants, a lace skirt, baggy tweed shorts, or a flared mini skirt. Some of the juxtapositions are extreme, but that’s the point. Also, wearing white or off white jeans year round is fab. Why not! 

Footwear: Choose a shootie or bootie. Throw in an animal print pattern for a pattern mixed effect. Or brogue detailing for an androgynous look. Or white booties because shades of white work well year round. 

The Finishing Touches: Think daytime clutches with texture and patterned handbags like snakeskin. Mix up a black, white and grey outfit with a navy bag. Add in a fun hat like a felt fedora or fingerless leather gloves. 

As with all the outfit formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items so that they reflect your style persona. Have fun pairing your striped top with an item other than basic jeans.