The most flattering way to wear stripes – and it’s not what you think

Jacquemus spring/summer 25 runway

Stripes take centre stage this summer, as seen in bold, playful form on the Jacquemus spring/summer 2025 runway - Filippo Fior

Stripes are so perennial in their appeal that they can often feel more like a neutral than a pattern. This is thanks in large part to Coco Chanel, who is credited with turning the Breton stripe from French naval uniform into chic everyday attire. While this remains a classic iteration, modern designers are playing with stripes in ever more inventive ways.

In nautical hues of navy, cream and black, stripes offered a contrasting note of regularity to asymmetrically draped tops and fringed-hem skirts at Proenza Schouler’s spring/summer 2025 show (a twist that can now be found on the high street at Mango).

Under £100

Meanwhile, multicoloured stripes brightened up Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer collection, and combinations of multiple colours and widths have become a signature at Miu Miu. Here, sporty pieces – including popular rugby-style tops – are fashioned in 1970s-inspired shades including burgundy, mustard and orange.

Multicoloured lines brought a playful twist to Bottega Veneta’s spring/summer runway - Victor Virgile/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

“Typically, stripes stick to classic nautical colours, however we are also seeing designers adopt a more maximalist approach, experimenting with bold, clashing colours,” says Kay Barron, fashion director at Net-a-Porter. The online retailer has noted a 120 per cent rise in searches for “stripes” in the past three months.

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“Like any classic print, stripes are perfect for layering and can really elevate an outfit,” Barron adds. “They work in any season too; they’re perfect for summer as part of silk or linen co-ords, and just as stylish on a chunky knit.”

Brigitte Bardot gave layered lines a sultry edge on the set of ‘Le Mépris’ - Sunset Boulevard/Corbis Historical

As well as colour, the direction of the stripes can make all the difference. Popular belief might suggest that vertical lines have the best “slimming” effect, but a new school of thought is taking hold thanks to the London-based brand Talia Byre, a fashion insiders’ favourite.

Anna Wintour added polish to pattern at the Ralph Lauren show in New York, April 2024 - The Hapa Blonde

“For us, the most flattering and modern way to work with stripes is on the bias, which guides the eye diagonally across the body,” says founder Talia Lipkin-Connor. With points of interest such as layered details, her popular tops also offer further twists on classic striped pieces – the green-and-white long-sleeved style here is a case in point. It may be an investment, but given the stripe’s enduring allure, you can be sure of a smart – as well as stylish – purchase.

Over £200

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