Today marks the second annual National Stripes Day, a fashion-forward holiday dreamt up by the team at J.Crew. While most marketing holidays drive me nuts (like Sweetest Day and random holidays like National Talk Like Shakespeare Day), stripes are always something to celebrate! National Stripes Day may only be one-day holiday, but stripes are a pattern I endorse (and wear) year round.
Stripes are classic, timeless, effortless and elegant. I first fell in love with stripes after seeing photos of my style icons – Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly – wearing them in sleek, sophisticated ways (like here, here and here). All of their outfits still hold up today. In fact, you could walk into any major department store – Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales or Saks Fifth Avenue – and find these exact same outfits available for sale. Love that!
In celebration of the holiday, J.Crew is asking everyone to “Get Horizontal” and wear their favorite stripes. Some of my favorite outfits on this blog have been stripes – including this multi-color striped statement jacket and high-low ruffle skirt.
I thought it might be fun to do a round-up of some of my favorite striped looks from the blog, along with tips and tricks for pulling off this print for any occasion.
How to Wear Stripe Dresses
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, gala, party or night out with friends, striped dresses are a perfect option. In fact, some of my favorite looks on the blog have been striped dresses. How you choose to wear stripes is key, though.
Striped Midi Dresses
If I could wear one outfit for the rest of my life, it would be a striped midi dress. Midi length dresses look great on every body type. Whether it’s a form fitting midi dress (like this) or more fit and flare (like this or this), striped midi dresses are comfortable, classic solutions for any event or occasion.
Striped Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are my go-to style for work travel. I always toss at least one of them in my luggage for a trip. Since I prefer to dress casually on flights, I’m always in need of a dress that doesn’t need to be steamed or ironed for work meetings. Wrap dresses do the tricky every time.
This Diane von Furstenberg striped dress in New York is one of my favorite purchases to date. The colors are SO pretty in person. I also fell in love with this teal striped wrap dress in Charleston, and this rainbow striped dress in Houston. Trust me – midi dresses are a great investment for your wardrobe. You’ll never regret it!
Striped Maxi Dresses
Striped maxi dresses should only be worn if you’re ready to make a major style statement. This look isn’t for everyone – and you need to be confident to pull it off. However, when worn correctly, the pattern from head to heel is pure MAGIC.
Take this blue striped maxi dress in San Diego. So chic! Also, if you asked me to pull my 10 favorite pieces in my closet, this striped maxi dress and this watercolor striped look would make the cut.
How to Wear Stripe Skirts
My other favorite category of striped apparel? Skirts – think midi and maxi lengths, and anything with sequins. I still remember getting so many compliments from strangers in Portugal when wearing this blue version. I’m fully convinced striped skirts are the ultimate compliment-inducing styles.
Stripe Midi Skirts
If you’re looking to invest in one striped skirt style? Start with a midi style (like this). Midi styles hit slightly below the knee, and pair well with white or chambray button-down shirts, t-shirts and even turtlenecks during colder months.
Multi Sequin Stripe Skirts
I LOVE multi sequin striped skirts. My three favorites of all time? This pastel version, this midi tulle option and this colorful style from Nordstrom.
Stripe Tops Mixed with Floral Skirts
One of my favorite pattern combinations is stripe shirts mixed with floral prints. Take this look from my recent trip to Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf & Spa resort. You really can’t wrong with the duo!
FIVE STRIPE BRANDS TO WEAR RIGHT NOW
Sure, most brands offer at least one striped option every season. But not all stripes are created equal, my friends! Here’s the best go-to brands for stripes:
J.Crew
No ultimate “stripes” list would be complete without J.Crew. They made the National Stripes Day holiday to begin with! If you buy only one thing at J.Crew, I recommend purchasing their striped cotton shirts (as seen here). They last forever and pair well with both denim and skirts. Shop the collection here.
MDS Stripes
MDS Stripes practices what it preaches. After all, the word “stripes” is in the company name! Mark D. Sikes is the master of stripes, and I love every single style he creates for the collection. Shop the collection here.
Saint James Paris
No “stripes” list is complete without this brand. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn’t know the print, lol! Since 1850, this quintessential French brand known has been known for offering striped apparel of all kinds. In fact, their Breton Striped Jersey was the official uniform of the French Navy. Let’s just say they’ve earned their “stripes,” lol. I own several of their shirts (like here in Kennebunkport) and also one of their dresses (as seen here in Newport). Their fabrics are INSANELY comfortable. Shop the entire collection here.
Eliza J
It’s no secret I’m a HUGE fan of all things Eliza J. I NEVER get rid of their dresses, and love they keep everything at attainable price points. Their dresses will be in my closet forever since I wear them on repeat (like this blue midi dress and this red striped chevron style). Shop their entire collection here.
kate spade new york
From handbags to jewelry, dresses to home and even laptop cases, kate spade new york always has great stripe options in every seasonal collection. This pastel striped dress is still one of my go-to outfits for work meetings and trips. Shop the collection here.
Tuckernuck
Although it’s not a brand in and of itself, Tuckernuck always has a great array of striped apparel and accessory options. Shop their site here.
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