3 Fresh Ways to Dress Up a Striped T-Shirt
I always have a couple of cute striped t-shirts hanging in my closet because I love the way stripes give casual outfits a sporty, youthful vibe. Lines are also considered classic and neutral because they can be worn with almost everything.
Here are three cute striped spring tees and some popular “now” ways to mix and match them.
1) Stripes with a Bright Pop of Color are Fun
Since stripes are considered a neutral backdrop to an outfit, most of us are used to wearing them with other neutral shades like white, black, or navy. But a newer way to style stripes is to wear them with bright, bold colors. Here’s how to do it.
Start with an all-black base of black cropped pants, chic black shoes, and a black and white striped top. Then toss on a color jacket or sweater like this darling hot-pink jacket and add a colorful bag like this bright blue shoulder purse. The outfit instantly looks dressier and a whole lot more fun. After a long winter, I love the way bright colors give a little lift to this classic look. A black or white tee would also look fine, but the stripes add energy and life.
2) Stripes + A Touch of Leopard Looks Cool
Leopard and stripes? Oh yes, it’s in, and a straightforward way for you to bring a little pizzazz to your basic striped t-shirt. The style recipe follows: Start with white cropped jeans, always a spring and summer favorite, and add this super flattering striped navy and a white t-shirt.
A quilted vest is perfect in early spring when it’s still chilly, and the layering gives the outfit a very sporty look. Next, add a neutral bag and a pair of cute leopard-print shoes. d’Orsay flats up the face by revealing the sides of your feet, and the leopard print adds a touch of excitement.
The reason leopard print works? Like stripes, it’s neutral, which means you can combine it with pretty much everything!
3) Stripes & Florals = Modern and Hip
Stripes and florals are two classic prints; the result is pretty, unexpected, and youthful. Now, mixing prints isn’t for the faint of heart, so I recommend you take things slowly.
To stand out, pick one key piece, like this dark floral skirt, and make your other print play a supporting act. I’ve done that here with a simple striped t-shirt in soft gray. Keep accessories neutral. If the weather is still chilly where you are, definitely go ahead and swap out the nude shoe for a black boot or bootie. This is perfect for that transitional period between late winter and early spring.
How do you wear a striped t-shirt?
I love all the options for styling with stripes. All of these looks are so doable and look great!
I love the ideas.
Cute shoes.
What do you do if you don’t look good in horizontal stripes, no matter what width? All it seems to do is make one look wider all over. Can you do some ideas with Vertical lines also?
I love colored jeans with stripes. Holy moly! I had read somewhere not even to consider the colored skinny jean trend if you were over 40 -nonsense. I am on my way to Naples, Fla, for two months and have been doing a dress rehearsal, but nothing in my suitcase looks that good!
I just went to a party and was too nervous about wearing jeggings. I thought I would be the only one wearing them. Instead, I was one of the few who wasn’t.
My new year’s resolution is “if it looks good, wears it!”.
Love it! Especially the stripes with the jeans. I’d toss on a leopard scarf and a cardi instead of the jacket.
Hi MamaValveeta…Great idea! I will have to try that one day soon!
I enjoyed seeing the suggestions for three different looks. Thank you.
Stripes are my favorite! I think I have 30 pieces of clothing with stripes! I love the way you put the outfits together!
xoxox,
Sandee
from kate spade-aholic.com
OMG! I so bought this top the week following Thanksgiving and first wore it on a long weekend trip to NYC (my 1st) and got so many comments/compliments. I wore it with a gray, deep V short sleeve sweater, skinny jeans tucked into gray boots, a turquoise scarf & black/silver jewelry.
Hi Leah,
Great style recipe! You are making it look great with your “cool” coloring! Great job! Keep it up, and thanks for sharing your story with me!
Bravo, Deborah . . . . these are great (and affordable) tips. Thanks for sharing . . . BTW love the necklace. Where is it from?
I love all three looks! You help me think outside the wardrobe box. Thanks!
I love all three looks.
I have to say, this is adorable! My mind would have only gone as far as the jeans. But you all are helping me to think a little bit more outside the box with some small touches that make a difference—limited funds. But just a teensy bit more creative. Baby steps. I recently took the train to my brothers in New England for Christmas, and I put together an outfit I would not have thought of or worn with things I learned from you. Being on the train away from home also helped a bit; it made me a little braver. I had a dress that I have not worn much of b/c it is a bit short (for me), and I didn’t feel comfortable in it. It is brown and cream with a geometric type pattern. So with what I have learned from you all, I said, hmmm, I think I’ll throw on some black tights with that and wear my casual boots with buckles that are tan and come to mid-shin. I looked for and found a brown marled long sweater with a shawl collar and a satin ribbon tie closure–on sale for $20 (originally $48) at Sears, which my sister-in-law bought me as a Christmas present! And voila, I had a creative outfit I felt comfortable in for travel–stylish and just a little edgy and fashion forward. I wore the outfit on Christmas day, and my sister-in-law loved it. I decided to wear it home on the train. I had to smile b/c I had a big suitcase I couldn’t lift overhead, and I had several gentleman helpers assisting me; one gentleman even carried my bag off the train for me and offered to carry it down to the station. When you take time to look nice, respect yourself and feel confident, It causes others to respond pleasantly and respectfully to you. At any rate, it made my day. Smile. Thanks for the tips and tricks you share with us that are especially helpful when the funds are low or non-existent. Happy New Year!
Hi Loretta, What an incredible story!!! Thanks so much for sharing! Now, your account might inspire others! That’s how it goes. We keep passing all this great info along for others to “tweak” and do their own thing! You are so right about feeling good about yourself; one part is dressing a little nicer. It will give you confidence, and others will see that and respect it. Happy New Year to you too!