Horizontal striped tees, knitted tops, and pullovers are a Modern Classic, although there are also trendy and fashion-forward versions to choose from every season. Fits vary from body-con and tailored, to fluid and oversized. There is a range of stripes, which can be broad or narrow, loud or subtle, tonal or high contrast, and neutral or non-neutral. Fabrics are usually knitted, although the occasional woven is available too. The collection below shows some good examples.
Although most of my clients have a striped top of sorts, their preferences for stripes run the gamut. Many prefer the traditional and relatively quiet navy/black and white French Breton version, because it looks the most streamlined and is easy to incorporate into outfits. Many prefer a narrower stripe as opposed to a bold rugby or jailbird stripe. Some will only wear low-contrast and narrow stripes like grey and black versions because they are the most subtle. But some will happily wear bold stripes and feel fabulous. Some have twenty striped tops in the their wardrobes, and some have exactly one. No one feels that horizontal stripes are unflattering and widening if they wear the right-stripe-for-them.
I love horizontally striped tops and have several of them. The collection below shows the exact striped knitted tops and pullovers in my wardrobe. I’ve kept many of the stripes classic, because those are my favourite. Most of the silhouettes have interesting design details like ruched, lantern and flutter sleeves, a hood, staggered hemlines, and a peplum so that I’m wearing more than just a basic tee. I like bold rugby stripes too and would happily add an item with those to my wardrobe.
I’m a big YAY for the horizontally striped top for these reasons. I adore the clean and crisp geometric integrity of the classic pattern, and do not tire of it. I absolutely do tire of other patterns. A striped top is an easy way of adding punch to an outfit made up of simple essentials. Striped tops are fun pattern mixing tools, making them versatile and maximal. And I somehow feel comforted by seeing their no-nonsense familiarity in my wardrobe. They’re like good friends that don’t let you down. I wear horizontally striped tops year round across warm and cold-weather fabrics (from cotton to cashmere).
Over to you. What’s your take on horizontally striped tops, and what’s their role in your style? Do they look fresh and comforting each season, or are you bored with them?
