My spring mission, other than finding the cutest and most comfortable shoes (don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about that), is finding the perfect striped top for spring 2020.
Or, maybe a couple perfect striped tops…it’s quite difficult for me to stop at just one of anything.
I wrote in my 12 Most Worn Items In My Winter Closet post that when I’m faced with not knowing quite what to wear, a striped top is often my answer. It’s more interesting than a solid color…but isn’t too flashy…and is super-easy to dress up or down. I’ve worn plenty of traditional long-sleeved striped tees (this Boden one, this J. Crew one, and this St. James one are all really good), but I’ve been wanting something a little different from those–either a more current shape or a different take on the classic striped tee. Something fresh for spring.
Cute Spring Outfit Inspo: 10 Fresh Striped Tops
I tried on several striped shirts during my Madewell spring tops try-on sesh, and although I didn’t come home with this striped sweatshirt, I’ve been thinking about it ever since and am definitely going back to get it. It’s not quite as cloud-soft as I want it to be, but it IS a fabulous classic stripe, a perfect weight for spring, and a really good easy-to-wear sweatshirt shape (different from my more fitted striped tees). I’ve been wanting to wear it even on these cold days under my puffer, and then I’m sorely disappointed when I search for it in the dirty laundry (where all good shirts live, yes?) and then remember that I didn’t actually bring it home.
Yesterday, I visited Voloshin’s studio and got a peek at their absolutely beautiful spring line that just arrived. They generously gave me this tie-dyed stripe to try out (pictured above) — THIS is the cloud-soft feeling I’m talking about! Their gauze and hand-dyed pieces are heavenly (AND sustainably made). This is definitely in the running now for favorite. Below are a bunch more I’m considering…
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
Top 10 Striped Shirts For Spring
1. Classic Stripe—Sweatshirt
TME Why: Great fit, great spring weight, and easy-to-wear sweatshirt style.
A Small Negative: It’s not QUITE as cloud-soft as I want it to be, but it’s still my favorite (as of now) of all the classic stripes for spring.
2. Square Neck Stripe — Puff Sleeve Tee
TME Why: Flattering neckline and budget-friendly.
I Would Wear: With light-wash, high-rise flares and tan clogs to dinner parties, or a black “work skirt” to something more official.
3. Slouchy Stripe — Sweater
At Free People | At Zappos | At Nordstrom
TME Why: Such good dropped shoulders, and loving the cool girl relaxed dolman sleeves.
I Would Wear: With my black vintage-cut denim and tan sneaks.
4. Sporty Stripe — Long-Sleeve Tee
The TME Why: SUPER-cute retro ringer neckline and cuffs.
Wear It With: Joggers and fashion sneaks for a comfy sporty weekend vibe.
5. Feminine Stripe — Button Back Top
TME Why: On-trend puffed sleeves and cute button-down back.
Perfect For: Dressing up with linen pants or dressing down with destroyed denim.
6. Boxy Stripe — Long-Sleeve Top
TME Why: Budget friendly and cute modern cut.
I Would Wear This: With a long black cardigan and red lips.
7. Rainbow Stripe — Long-Sleeve Shirt
TME Why: Boden has the HUGEST selection of fabulously fun rainbow stripes.
Perfect With: A flouncy skirt for lots of sweetness or your fav moto jacket for some contrasting edge.
8. Oversized Stripe — Sweater
At Verishop | At AllSaints | At Nordstrom
TME Why: ALL the reasons. The scuffed stripe, the oversized fit, the AllSaints quality, the way she is half-tucking it into her jeans.
Perfect For: Transitioning to those spring days that are still cool (with light-colored sneakers)–but prominently placed in your closet for fall and winter too.
9. Ombre Stripe — Rainbow Sweater
TME Why: Because hello…these colors are SPRING FUN FUN FUN!
I Would Buy This For: TME’s fabulous intern Abby. She would rock this with her mom jeans.
10. Tie-Dyed Stripe — Sustainable Top
TME Why: Voloshin’s gauze cloud fabric is PERFECTION! Absolute perfection. Hand-dyed, sustainable, and a dream to wear.
Perfect For: Every. Single. Day. This is what I will be wearing.
Shop All The Striped Tops, Tees & Blouses
Shop Stripes In Black & Navy
Shop Rainbow & Colorful Stripes
Let me know which of the ones above (or any others) you guys are loving. Also…how do you style your stripes? Beware…I can talk about striped tops for about as long as I can talk about winter puffer coats and clogs. Let’s start the conversation NOW, so we have plenty of time to discuss before our first Look-Cute-For-Spring day!
-Linzi
OMG that Voloshin top!!! What size are you wearing in the photo at the top?
I know!!!! It’s SO good. I’m wearing an xs.
Same sizing question. Can you also share your typical Madewell and jcrew size as comparison?
Voloshin tops generally are fairly roomy–I’m wearing an xs. In general, I do wear an xs in most tops–I’m 5’2, 130 lbs, 32B if that helps.
Also…you can always order 2 sizes if you’re unsure and Voloshin will pay for shipping to return the one that doesn’t work.
So, I clicked on the link for the J. Crew one you mentioned and realized it’s the same one I ordered last week. ? I am on a mission to find the perfect striped shirt to replace my favorite shirt ever which I literally wore until it fell apart. It was black and white stripe, 95% viscose and 5% spandex. Perfectly drapey, super soft. It was the unicorn of all striped shirts. It still lives in my pajama drawer because I can’t bear to part with it. I really love some of these suggestions here. Especially that Voloshin top. It looks perfect on you!
Thanks, Elizabeth. So…you have to tell…what was the brand of the perfect unicorn striped shirt that still lives in your pajama drawer?
Linzi, I got it at a Gap Factory/Outlet store. It was just the perfect shirt. I may send you guys a picture of it to see if you have seen any like it. I loved that shirt so much! Haha!!