Not the same old stripes…
Look, I love a marinière or Breton stripe top, and think they’re timeless. But if they’re not your thing, or if you’re looking for a little variety, here are some cute striped tops and other pieces I’ve recently spotted…
Stripes for all types…
While stripes are a style perennial, this spring they seem to be very much on-trend again, judging from the number and variety I’m seeing.
Shirting the issue…
Seems like you can’t throw a rock this season without hitting a blue and white striped shirt. I like the mix of stripes on this one, which is playful, but not clownish. (Good for Summers, some Winters & Springs.) Sizes 00-24.
Here’s a version of a chevron-striped blouse that’s a little more subtle and sophisticated. Available in sizes X-Small to XX-Large. (Best on Winters.)
Autumns, here’s one in your colorway. (It’s also offered in Blue and Lilac for Winters & Summers.) This poplin “boyfriend shirt” is available in Misses, Petite, Plus and Plus Petite sizes.
Here’s a more relaxed and oversized style in a sunny yellow. (Though I haven’t seen this one in person, it looks good for some Springs. There are also both pink stripe and blue stripe options that look good for Summers.) Offered in Misses, Petite & Plus sizes.
Knits & sweaters
Spring may be here, but in many climates (including mine) “sweater weather” will be with us for a few weeks yet. So I’m including some longer-sleeve tops and sweaters in cotton blends. And I often get requests for more v-neck styles, so have rounded up a few.
Above, this “Johnny Collar” pullover is a cotton silk blend, available in Misses, Petite, Plus and Plus Petite sizes. (Black and white is best on Winters, though I won’t tell you not to wear it if you love it.)
Here’s a cute chevron-stripe sweater in a cotton-linen blend. I haven’t seen this one in person, but on my monitor it looks like one of those “in-between” blue-greens that can work for some Springs, Summers, and Autumns. Sizes S-XL.
Another non-nautical option, in 100% cotton. This looks like a Summer pink on my monitor, though it may be warm enough to work for some Autumns. Sizes XS-XL.
I’ve been seeing boatloads of striped cardigans for spring. This one is a nice option if you prefer a lower-contrast stripe, or if your style is more natural than nautical. It’s 100% cotton, in Misses & Plus sizes. I think this one’s best for Autumns & Springs, though it may work for some Summers as well.
Here’s another option (though this one’s more spendy, it does have a more tailored look including set-in sleeves…) Also 100% cotton, sizes XS-L.
Here’s a classic-leaning style, in a longer cardigan. This one’s also 100% cotton. I really like how the wider bands of solid navy and patch pockets break up the pattern a bit, and keep it from looking generic. Sizes XS-XXL. (On my monitor, this looks like it skews pretty cool, so I’m calling it for Winters. Yes, the buttons are gold; you could either replace or just paint a couple of coats of silver nail polish over the top to cool them down.)
I love offset stripes like these. This cotton-blend sweater is offered in Plus & Misses sizes.
Skirts & dresses
This casual cotton skirt reminds me of something you’d see in French shop windows in the summertime. It’s available in this brighter blue and a soft navy stripe. (Both great for Summers.) Sizes XS-XL.
Here’s a vacation-ready linen shirtdress, offered in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes. I think this color could work for Springs, maybe some Summers too.
A slightly dressier skirt, in sizes XS-XL.
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I’m a big fan of stripes. The open stitch cardigan would be on its way to me but for the dropped shoulders, overly boxy shape and too long sleeves. I used to sew my own clothing and I know that the dropped shoulder is easier (and cheaper) to produce than a set in sleeve. Its not a good look for me as it creates a very boxy shape. I’m petite and have slightly narrow shoulders and that makes this style hang all wrong. Guess I’ll be saving money as long as this style dominates the market. I am thrilled with the petite shirt jacket from Talbot’s that you showed a week or so ago. The proportions are perfect. Thanks so much for that.
Kathie, I completely agree, except it’s not just an issue for petite women. I’m 5’9″ and dropped shoulders make me look like a linebacker. You’re right — they are cheaper to sew, being a straight seam instead of a curved seam. Eileen Fisher has almost nothing but dropped shoulders these days, and my sense is, this cost-cutting move isn’t going away anytime soon.
I agree, I don’t like the dropped shoulder and hope it doesn’t stay in the stores for long.
I have no idea what season I am. Never had one of those assessments. I live in Georgia, can you give an overview of seasons and appropriate colors ? That would be helpful since that is how you are describing things these days.
Hi Pat, very simply, here are qualities of the seasonal palettes:
Spring: warm, bright, clear
Summer: cool, soft, muted
Autumn: warm, soft, rich
Winter: cool, bright, clear
Also, if you visit my SHOP page, at the top of each of the seasonal palette sections you’ll see a color chart, which can give you an idea of some of the colors for each season.
If you’re interested in having a color analysis done to determine your best colors, and can’t come see me in Los Angeles, 😉 here’s a website to find a color analyst in your area who uses a color system similar to the one I was trained in: https://houseofcolour.com/index.php/find-consultant
Have you seen the Ines de la Fressange line at Uniqlo? There are some lovely and affordable striped sweaters that seem in line with your casual and stylish French vibe:
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E457353-000/00?colorDisplayCode=30&sizeDisplayCode=003
Yes, they look nice, though there seem to be very limited sizes available. Her Uniqlo collections seem to sell out pretty quickly.
Thanks so much for providing lots of options, Susan. I am interested in the cotton pull-on skirt because it looks comfortable, but I don’t think it would work on my pear-shaped 8Petite body. It looks like there is too much gathered material/loose pleats, and it would definitely need to be shortened.
Waiting fora Talbots coupon to order that beautiful sesame striped shirt…thank you for the recommendation!
FYI-The wonderful denim tweed knit blazer from Chico’s is on STEEEP discount at $59.99.. Right now all sizes seem to be available. I bought it when you first posted your
topper reviews, and it is really nice!
I am guilty of buying another blue and white striped sweater. It has long wide sleeves as variation.
Greetje
I have worn stripes forever. I can’t kick my stripe habit, but why would I? I welcome more variety, as you have shown here. A non-clown look can be achieved by sticking to one color and varying stripe width, or adding pockets cut on the bias to a shirt with vertical stripes. Voilà! Very little imagination needed.
Love this post! I’ve never met a stripe I didn’t like! so glad they seem to be back.