Eight Ways to Style a Simple Striped Top From Casual to Business

Do you get stuck in a pattern of wearing a specific top with the same bottoms or as part of the same outfit? I think we all get comfortable with our “go to” outfits and it is hard to find the time to explore our closets and find new ways to wear old or basic pieces. This black and white striped top has been in my closet for a couple years and is well-loved. However, I find myself always pairing it with the same black jeggings (the Democracy ones I LOVE from this post). While I still like that look, especially with the blazer in that post, it was time to see what this top could do!

Pattern Mixing

In addition to pairing the striped top with shorts and sandals for a very casual look, I added in a floral scarf for a bit of pattern mixing. Mixing stripes and floral is popular, but I know it can be out of the box for some people. However, the floral scarf adds a pop of color and dimension to the outfit.

Colored Chinos

For this outfit, I paired the striped shirt with a pair of blush colored chinos. I added in a jean jacket and the blush colored hat I just got from Pat Pat. The hat draws the top and bottom of the outfit together. You could easily wear a black and white striped top with other colored pants, such as sage or coral.

White Denim

A black and white striped top looks great with white denim in the summer. This pair is a capri style and I also paired it with a white headband and red sandals. The red sandals add a pop of color, but you could certainly add in your pop of color with a handbag, piece of jewelry, or scarf.  

Linen Pants

Instead of pairing this top with traditional black pants, I tried linen-cotton drawstring pants from J. Crew Factory. These pants are comfortable and lightweight, and less formal than a structured pair of black pants. I think you could still get away with wearing this outfit to the office, but it has a more casual aesthetic.

Sweater Time

I love the addition of this cardigan over the black and white striped top. I would typically add a solid sweater over this top, probably black, but the white sweater brightens up the entire outfit, especially for summer. The vertical stripe adds in an element of pattern mixing and dimension. I also added in a red headband for a pop of color.

Under a Dress

For this outfit, I styled the striped shirt underneath a basic black sheath dress. You would typically wear the dress without anything underneath it, or with a blazer over it. However, placing the top underneath the dress gives it an entirely different look. From most angles, it looks like the sleeves are a unique element of the dress itself.

Colored Skirt

For most of the outfits, the pop of color is subtle. I wore colored sandals or a colored headband. However, for this outfit, the red is BOLD, and I love the contrast. It would also look great with a coordinating necklace or pair of earrings.  

With a Suit

Pro tip, you can wear a casual cotton top under your suiting pieces. I love how the stripes break up the dark suit and add some personality. I typically take my suit jacket on and off during the day, so it is great that the shirt tucks nicely into the pencil skirt and can be worn without the jacket.

If you have a basic striped top, go ahead and pull it out, it is time to breathe new life into it! If not, ADD ONE to your wardrobe because it is a versatile basic.

If you are in the market for a new striped top, this one is similar to mine. You could also try one with short sleeves.

How will you style your striped shirt?

Katie G.