What do you consider synonymous with summertime? While travel might come to mind, fashion people are always thinking about one thing: print trends. Yes, really! Don’t get us wrong. We love an emerging destination too, but we find just as much excitement in exploring things closer to home—in this case, within our closets. It’s a phenomenon no more apparent than at the start of summer, when our social media feeds are flooded with new print trends. Blame the heat, but there’s something about this time of year that makes people want bolder wardrobes, and the default is patterns like leopard, gingham, and polka dot. While there’s nothing wrong with these timeless prints, they’re not the most thrilling options for those who are craving more adventure. Enter colorful stripes into the chat. We know stripes aren’t groundbreaking, but hear us out. These aren’t the ubiquitous ones that are often associated with summer.
We’ve seen countless fashion houses, from Jacquemus to Ralph Lauren, give this pattern a contemporary spin by embracing thicker, often Technicolor versions that resemble the umbrellas you’d spot at a beach club in the South of France. The result is a print trend that can make you feel like you’ve escaped to a far-off destination, hence the appeal. Beyond inducing wanderlust, what’s made this print trend so popular among the fashion crowd comes down to two things: It’s not as played out as polka dots, and it’s pretty versatile. Colorful stripes can be worn effortlessly to the coastline or the coolest brunch spot, and with so many classic staples being adorned with this print (e.g., T-shirts, tote bags, and trousers), it’s never been easier to incorporate it into your closet. Need proof? We’ve rounded up a few styling examples of how to wear stripes this summer along with a curated selection of the best striped pieces to buy. Adventure awaits!
We’d recommend pairing these striped pants with a simple tank and sleek thong sandals so they stand out.
Sorry, denim shorts! You’ve got competition.
The red-and-white combo makes these pants even more trend-forward.
These shorts make us want to start singing “Watermelon Sugar.”
The way these pants scream, “Book a flight.”
We’re suckers for a matching set.
You don’t have to be out of the office to wear this striped wrap top.
This viral tee keeps on selling out.
We’re dreaming of wearing this top somewhere by the Mediterranean Sea.
You can dress this up or down depending on your mood.
Everything about this blouse is sublime—the color palette, the puff sleeves, the nipped-in waist.
It’s time to secure the reservation because this shirt deserves a night out.
If you’re nervous about embracing this trend, start small by styling your swimsuit with a striped cover-up.
There’s nothing we love more than a cute triangle swimsuit.
Shop the matching Elle Tie Side Bottom ($95).
The stripes on this suit resemble a sunset over the sea in the South of France.
Shop the matching Michelle Printed Bikini Bottoms ($108).
We would immediately re-create the styling of this one-piece swimsuit.
The beaded strap on the bikini bottoms is *everything.*
Shop the matching Pernille Reversible Striped Bikini Briefs ($180).
European summer, embodied.
Shop the matching Juni Bikini Top ($89).
Frankly, we get why everyone’s obsessed with this dress right now.
The ideal dress to style from day to night.
Love, love, love.
The fashion set is currently loving this Colombian brand’s colorful printed dresses.
You’ll constantly rewear this dress long after you’ve returned home from your trip.
It’s not summer if you’re not wearing something from Jacquemus.
Staud always understands the assignment.
Your beach tote is about to get a bougie upgrade.
Oh, she’s fun!
When you want to add a pop of color to your neutral summer staples, simply grab this striped mini bag.
*Cue wanderlust.*
At the top of our wish list.
The versatility of this colorful striped set is unmatched.
Shop the matching Striped Shirt ($70).
Beach vibes on deck.
The beauty of this set is that you can style the pieces separately too.
Shop the matching Cotton Poplin Side-Tie Midi Skirt ($120).
The drop-waist detail on this skirt is divine.
Shop the matching Call Me Maybe Striped Halter Top ($325).
It’s not sorbet, but the shades on this set are just as delicious.
Shop the matching Siloé Skirt ($165).
The only thing this striped set is missing is a few scoops of ice cream.
Yes, kerchiefs are still trending.
Don’t be afraid to tie this scarf around your waist, your head, or even your tote bag.
When you’re tired of wearing your trusted bikini the same way, add this little bucket hat.
Honestly, it doesn’t get chicer than styling a striped scarf as a top.
Yep, it’s totally worth the space in your suitcase!
Consider this striped crochet scarf the permission slip you needed to put your polka-dot pieces in storage.
