I love a classic white T-shirt as much as the next person, but lately, I’ve been feeling like my cold-weather outfits could use a little something extra. Don’t get me wrong—a plain white tee will always have a place in my wardrobe, especially when I need something easy to throw on with jeans, pants, or a skirt. But sometimes, the simplest outfits are the ones that could benefit most from a small styling switch, and I’ve found that swapping my usual basics for a striped long-sleeve tee or sweater makes all the difference.
There’s something about a striped top that makes an outfit instantly feel more interesting without looking like you’ve put much thought into it. It has that slightly undone, effortlessly cool quality I tend to associate with French-girl style, but it’s just as versatile as a plain tee. Whether it’s a lightweight striped shirt tucked into tailored trousers or a cozy knit worn with a skirt, the combination always looks a little more considered. The best part? You don’t have to rethink the rest of your outfit. Just swap out your white tee, and suddenly, the pieces you already own feel fresh again.
How to style: striped shirt with black blazer, black wide-leg jeans, and statement clutch. (Image credit: @nlmarilyn)
Open Edit
Icon Twill Relaxed Blazer
COS
Clean Cut T-Shirt
H&M
Wide-Leg Dress Pants
Toteme
T Lock Suede Clutch Bag
How to style: striped shirt with black wide-leg jeans, and trench coat. (Image credit: @lucywilliams02)
Gap
Knit Oversized Crop T-Shirt
Frame
The Low Bow
Joe’s Jeans
The Elizabeth Trench Coat
How to style: striped shirt with trench coat, light wash wide-leg jeans, and oversize suede tote. (Image credit: @thealiceedit)
ZARA
Striped T-Shirt – Red / Navy – S
ZARA
Water-Repellent and Wind-Resistant Belted Trench Coat
AGOLDE
Vintage Loose Jean
Little Liffner
Mega Sprout Suede Tote
How to style: striped sweater with straight leg jeans and silver arm cuff. (Image credit: @livvperez)
Reformation
Cashmere Blend Sweater
AGOLDE
Harper Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans
Madewell
Wide Cuff Bracelet
How to style: striped shirt with black cargo pants, black loafers, and black leather belt. (Image credit: @smythsisters)
Topshop
Stripe Long Sleeve Slouchy Skater Tee in Gray
Quince
Organic Stretch Cotton Twill Cargo Pants
Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Leather Belt
Amie Rafa
York Ruched Leather Loafers
How to style: striped polo sweater with leather jacket, pointed-toe black boots, and baggy light-wash jeans. (Image credit: Getty Images)