Intro to Stripes at Sturm University
A New Course on the Basics of Why Stripes Work and Why I Love Them
Last week,
recently wrote a great piece on Cohesion Dressing and the style themes we all tend to gravitate toward. In the comments, I immediately shared “ruffles or a puff sleeve” — it’s defined my style for years. But when both Kelly and pointed out my ‘holy grail’ striped pants, my mind started spinning. Were they onto something? How did I not see the signs myself? After all, one quick glance at my closet, and the case is closed. Stripes are the theme I’ve been ignoring all along.I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point this summer, the stripes started multiplying. Each morning, staring at my options, it hit me: I was running a small stripe boutique out of my bedroom. One new skirt here. A dress there. A knit I convinced myself was “different enough.” A pattern staple I subconsciously keep gravitating toward.
It all makes perfect sense. Stripes sell. Always have. Always will. Brands know it. Merchants rely on it. Customers (myself very much included) keep coming back for more.
Which got me thinking about the bigger pattern. Once I started noticing… I couldn’t stop. There’s a flood in my closet. Each stripe packs its punch. I’ve unintentionally built a full curriculum, and now I’m the self-appointed Dean of Stripes at Sturm University.
Welcome to STRP 101: Foundations of Pattern Repetition and Emotional Justification.
Unsolicited lessons. Strong opinions. A breakdown of every stripe I own — and probably a few in your closet too. Loud or quiet, each has something to teach.
The Boldest | Awning Stripe
Awning stripes are wide and bold, the kind of pattern you can clock from across the boardwalk. Named for the canvas stretched over cabanas and shopfronts, they scream summer. This J.Crew ruffled tank from 2018 has held up beautifully, now joined by the Loeffler Randall Melody dress in a wow-worthy color combo (you’ve outdone yourself,
). The crisp white-based stripes hold their charm from J.Crew, but lately, it’s the gutsier palettes like Loeffler Randall’s that keep catching my eye.How I Style It: Both feel most complete with denim to let the stripe pop. For the tank, it’s my SEA NY Idun denim shorts that get me beach-ready. For the dress, it’s my A.P.C. Nikkie Logo Jacket, best served against the high AC of the office. Either way, Salt Water sandals are the finishing touch. And if you want to go the extra mile, pull a color from the print and echo it in a playful earring.
The Wild Card | Variegated Stripe
Variegated stripes never play by the rules. They mix widths, spacing, and sometimes even colors, creating a rhythm that feels a little unpredictable but never chaotic. There’s a looseness to them that feels creative and modern, and nobody does it better than La Veste with their signature Pippi Pants 01. When I put them on, every conversation usually starts the same way: Those pants…
How I Style It: Because variegated stripes already have so much going on, I keep the rest simple. A slim knit balances the energy, and I’ll add a classic hoop or fisherman-type sandal to echo the artistic vibe without competing.
The Classic | Breton Stripe
Breton stripes are the blueprint. Even, horizontal, and usually black/navy on white/cream, they’re rooted in French naval uniforms but have been claimed by everyone from Picasso to Parisian It girls. Clean, reliable, and forever chic, they’re the stripe you reach for on repeat. I’ve been searching for an easy Breton-striped dress for years, and this one from Zara does not disappoint.
How I Style It: The easiest of them all. With jeans, under a blazer, tucked into a midi skirt, or layered over a slip dress, it goes with everything. On the 4th, I paired it with a red sweatshirt — a cliché patriotic outfit, but I think she’s perfect.
The Sharpest | Pinstripe
Pinstripes are all precision. Thin, evenly spaced vertical lines that sharpen up anything they touch. Born in the world of bankers and boardrooms, they still carry that quiet authority. María de la Orden does pinstripes exceptionally well, and her Mizou Shirt feels like it was made for me. Eventually, my wallet gave in to the Kyria Circle Skirt from Suzie Kondi, and she’s proving to be everything I hoped for in my office lineup and more. Both are poplin standouts, no matter the season.
How I Style It: My favorite move is to pick up the color of the stripe somewhere else in the outfit — it brings the classic print to life without overcomplicating it. Don’t forget the loafers. When I want to soften the edges for a weekend look, I’ll swap in a vintage tee and/or sneakers.
The Workhorse | Railroad Stripe
Railroad stripes are the sturdiest by design. They were born from workwear, typically thin, evenly spaced stripes slightly wider than a pinstripe, and often show up on overalls, chore jackets, and structured bottoms. They’re utilitarian in spirit but undeniably stylish in practice, especially with Prisha Trousers from Bellerose. I recently snagged these deeper-hued, long shorts from Zara for a more modern approach, channeling my inner
for the win.How I Style It: Most of the time, I lean into the workwear roots with something relaxed but polished. A classic solid sweater in a similar hue to the print’s ground and a belt to add structure and finish to the look. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll lean towards Avril Lavigne and pair the shorts with a WSLY Rivington black tank and Chuck Taylors for a cool, intentional contrast.
Students, that’s a wrap on your intro class. Summer break is here — go enjoy it!
But don’t get too comfortable. The next syllabus is already underway, and STRP 201 picks up right where we left off. Leave your favorite in the comments to secure your spot on the waitlist.
In the meantime, consider this your 📚 summer reading: a few of my favorite Substack posts on stripes and style.
- makes the case for stripes as summer’s happiest pattern — in your closet and even your home.
- makes pattern mixing feel easy with her three go-to ways to style stripes beyond the basics.
- makes the case for Bretons on a budget — sustainability made simple.
Your writing is amazing! I was just drafting a post on stripes but now I don’t need to because this is a masterclass 😘
I LEARNED SO MUCH. Love hearing your how/why on stripes. I'm a puff sleeve or die person too, but as I'm typing this, I am probably more invested in stripes than I'd realized. Fascinating to note that they're a reliable seller, too.