The Stripe Effect: Why These Classic Lines Feel So Right, Right Now

Mood-lifting, endlessly chic, and forever evocative of sun-drenched escapes, stripes are my go-to for a daily dose of Capri vibes.

There’s something about stripes.

They’re timeless yet modern, polished yet playful. They can be crisp and preppy or slouchy and effortless. And right now, they feel right—a visual serotonin boost that channels seaside escapism and easy elegance a la David Hockney in equal measure.

Maybe it’s because winter has me dreaming of sun-drenched days in Capri, sipping an Aperol spritz while gazing at the sea. Or perhaps it’s because stripes have a way of grounding an outfit (or a home) with a sense of structure and ease. Whatever the reason, I’m leaning hard into them, from classic pinstripe button-downs to lush striped towels and the perfect Breton-inspired sweater.

Here’s a roundup of stripe-centric finds that are lifting my mood and making everyday moments feel a little more like a Mediterranean getaway:

The Perfectly Tailored Stripe is an oversized tie-neck shirt from The Frankie Shop that adds polish to denim or wide-leg trousers. TFS does striped shirts so well. 
I pack one every time I travel, and it’s a great staple.

A Rich Espresso Pinstripe: The silk pinstripe shirt from Donni is sleek, understated luxury in the season's hue.

A Perfectly Mismatched Set: This top and pants from Simon Miller are dopamine-boosting. They make good travel companions, too, and can be worn together or separately.

Spa-Worthy Stripes: Brooklinen’s Kule towels and robe bring playful cabana stripes into the bathroom.

A Classic Notebook: When Paul Smith had his store on Fifth Avenue by Union Square, I would pop in and purchase one of these notebooks, which were used when notes were taken by hand. They are a beautiful gift and monogrammable, too. Hot tip: hHealso makes THE BEST striped men’s socks. 

A Happy Rugby: These are my two favorite colors in one preppy rugby shirt from the classic menswear brand J.Press. Here’s another one, too; it's a bit more dialed down, but it's also so good.

Breton but Better: La Ligne’s Marina sweater is a forever classic with a luxe wool-cashmere blend. I would love it with white or ecru jeans.

Stripes by the Sea: J.Crew’s pinstripe bathing suit is effortless, chic, and ready for a weekend getaway and so cute with denim shorts or an oversized white button down as a cover-up.

Pants to Live In: I'd choose these over jeans any day. I’d wear them with a tank and flat sandals all summer long. Bonus points for that cool adjustable tab waist detailing and the mix and match print styling.

Outerwear with a Twist: A striped coat from Nuuly that pairs perfectly with denim or khaki, sure, it’s a bit of a bathrobe, but that’s what makes it so chic.

Stripes in Bed: Dusen Dusen’s green striped sheets bring energy to a sleep space and remind me of a '70s tennis club.

A Throw with Presence: The Block Shop Textiles throw is artful and rich.

Portofino Vibes: Staud’s striped skirt is perfect for a warm weather holiday and would pair so well with a simple tank, over a bathing suit and with a straw hat and flat sandals.

A Luxe Dog Sweater: Because even your pup deserves stripes and cashmere—courtesy of 4 Loving People. Perhaps it's a little over the top, but he/she is not going to Harvard, so have at it.

The Ultimate Preppy Tote: Alex Mill’s cabana-striped tote is just right for city-to-beach runs. I love her.

Stripes from Head to Toe: Striped socks that add a little joy to every step.

A Striped Caftan Dream: Marrakshi Life’s V-neck caftan is a wearable vacation.

Stripes for Him: Cosmic Surfer’s pinstripe scarf adds a sunny, quirky touch to a classic button-down or army jacket and is crafted in Scotland, where they do wool very well.

And this blazer from J.Press is worth buying for him so you can borrow it ad infinitum.

Stripes remind us that fashion (and life) can be structured, spontaneous, classic, and playful. Right now, they feel like the sartorial equivalent of a belly laugh, a sunkissed afternoon, or the promise of something effortlessly fun ahead.

Oh, and on a self-promotional note, I was so pleased to speak to my friend Christine Morrison, author and former fashion exec, for a profile on The Ageist. Her brilliant Substack on aging and style is genius, and she’s even wearing a striped sweater in her pic! J’adore.

Are you feeling the stripe effect, too? Let me know in the comments! XO