What to Wear With Striped Pants
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Getting dressed every morning is always a feat. There’s so much that goes into planning a cohesive outfit from head to toe. Staple pieces are great, but we all know that it’s the trendiest styles and coolest patterns that turn a simple outfit into a great one.
And what’s one pair of bottoms that are a crowd-pleaser? Striped pants that come in all sorts of shades, silhouettes, and styles. Yet, like most bold pieces of clothing in your wardrobe, you may not know where to start when it comes to how to style striped pants.
All that being said, we’re here to guide you through what to wear with striped pants; all with pieces that are probably already in your closet. From outfits with striped pants to simply shirts to wear with striped pants—we’ve got you covered.
We’ll detail all the dos and don’ts, tips and tricks, and cutest fits to give you inspiration so you can start wearing your new favorite bottoms.
What Goes With Striped Pants – 15 Best Outfits Ideas
You’ve got plenty of choices in your closet, yet when it comes to what to wear with striped pants, you’re drawing a blank. Why?
Because the design is bold and it feels like a lot to work with. Especially when you have to put together an entire outfit around the loud accent piece.
Luckily, it’s not only what to wear with striped pants, it’s how to wear striped pants. Consider this—what do you already have in your closet? What pieces can you pair with them to create a look that’s true to who you are?
With all that in mind, we’ll share our tips on what to wear with striped pants with 15 different outfits down below. We selected different silhouettes, colors, styles, and more, to help you find a look that feels right for you.
1. Classic Striped Pants
The classic striped pants, which you probably already own, are black and white with vertical stripes. And to finish off the classic style? A straight leg fit.
For a chic and well-styled look, pair this pair of striped pants with a plain scoop neck tee, a warm leather jacket, and simple black chunky heels.
This look is simple, but that’s what makes it so great. The pants are bold, while the top, jacket, and shoes are closet staples. All the best looks are made up of 3 essentials and one unique item!
2. Colorful Striped Pants
If you’ve got a wardrobe chock full of color, chances are you’re going to want a pair of striped pants that match. Hey, go hard or go home, right?
Since a rainbow set of stripes has an eclectic look, it only makes sense to lean into the flowy, bright vibes with a loose silhouette.
On top of that (literally), try on a pale pink wrap top for a lighter look. Then, pair it with heart-shaped glasses and strappy heels that feature matching peach hues.
To finish off the cheery look, slip into a bright yellow blazer—pulling tones from the pants and bringing out the brightness of all the colors.
3. Wide Leg Striped Pants
Bootcut bottoms have always been known for being born from Western styles. And if you love warm tones and those classic chunky boots, this look is likely speaking to you.
The striped pants feature deep rust tones and a soft white, both of which are matched by the knotted graphic tee. With a hat on top and boots on the bottom, this look screams cowboy vibes.
4. Vintage Striped Pants
Colorful and eclectic tend to go hand-in-hand. These structured straight jeans are printed with patterned stripes in a range of colors reminiscent of the 70s.
With a pair of mustard-colored socks to bring out the warm tones and an ivory tee patterned with colorful butterflies, this look is vintage at every turn.
5. Palazzo Striped Pants
If you’re most comfortable in loose, flowy, oversized pieces, a pair of palazzo striped pants is exactly what you’ve been looking for. The super-wide leg calls for tall heels to create plenty of height while the baby blue stripes pair seamlessly with the balloon sleeve navy top.
The oversized wide brim hat finishes off the effortless and trendy look.
6. Sophisticated Striped Pants
When you’re heading to the office, striped trousers are a go-to. With a flattering slim fit and a stylish color, these bottoms add a light and airy touch to an otherwise moody look.
The fitted blazer and dark mock neck, when paired with the leather loafers, have a dark academia vibe. The light-colored bottoms add a more natural vibe for the perfect blend of business casual.
7. Bohemian Striped Pants
All boho chic looks are born from loose designs, light colors, and comfortable pieces.
A loose pair of linen bottoms with a subtle beige and white striping is an essential—especially paired with another classic: a plain white tee. A chunky pair of sunnies, messy bun, and matching beige headband pull the whole look together.
8. Casual Striped Pants
For a day out and about, jeans and a comfortable tee are always the top choice. Elevate the casual look by swapping those blue jeans for striped bottoms.
This subtle change turns this everyday look into something a little more unique, while still being super casual.
Paired with a brown leather belt, matching purse, and round sunnies, you’ll be feeling cool and fashionable wherever you go.
9. Matching Set with Striped Pants
A blazer and pants matching set is a must-have for any office environment. But why not add a unique touch with a pinstripe design?
This look perfectly marries the two pieces together with a chunky belt—adding structure and shape to the waist—while turning the blazer into a wrap top.
The bold red bag adds a bright touch to the dark and muted look, while the stark white sneakers create a more laid back and chic vibe.
10. Fall Day Striped Pants
As the cooler weather falls upon us, we start pulling out our cozy sweaters and chunky boots.
But don’t put your striped pants away just yet! These fitted striped bottoms pair seamlessly with the chunky, oversized knit, while the black boots and round hat are the perfect cool-weather accessory.
And if it’s especially chilly, swap for a beanie and you’ll be nice and toasty. And look good too!
11. Beach Vibes Striped Pants
We’ve mentioned that stripe pants fare well in cool weather. As it turns out, they’re ideal for warmer days too.
Made from a super soft linen with a wide, flowy leg, and bolder stripes, these neutral bottoms have the warmest vibes while keeping you cool. Paired with a one-shoulder cropped tank, sun hat, and a drink in hand, you’ll be ready for the beach ASAP.
12. Grunge Striped Pants
Deep and moody vibes are brought to life with black and gray striped bottoms with a straight leg fit.
Completed with a classic pair of combat boots, a black crossbody bag, and an oversized graphic crewneck sweater, this look is everything that grunge 90s style is made of.
13. Feminine Striped Pants
For a more girly, June in Santorini look, a pair of baby blue striped jeans is the move.
These bottoms have a wide-leg fit, which is complemented by the tight fitting white top featuring balloon sleeves and a strappy detail. The black heeled espadrilles feel summery and fresh, paired perfectly alongside the net market bag.
14. Neutral Striped Pants
Those of us with capsule wardrobes tend to follow a specific color palette—more than likely a neutral one. But that doesn’t mean we have to avoid patterns!
These bottoms feature a straight fit and a beige and white striping that is subtle yet warm. Paired with brown boots and creamy sweater topped off with a matching leather bag, this look is sweet and simple.
15. Mixing Patterns with Striped Pants
Just because your pants are striped doesn’t mean you can’t wear a patterned top. Fashion is all about playing with what you’ve got, and why not pair a few polka dots with stripes?
The secret here is the simple black accessories and the blending of a neutral black and white pattern; all tied in with some vertical green and white stripes.
Shirts To Wear With Striped Pants
Now that we’ve shared all the details on potential outfits, you may be wondering about our list of shirts that go with striped pants. Below, we’ll outline our favorite tops that truly bring out the eccentric style.
1. Plain Tee and Striped Pants
The number one top on our list? A plain one. It’s hard to go wrong with your classic plain white tee, especially if your name is Delilah and you live in New York City.
But a simple color doesn’t mean you can’t have texture, so little pockets and frills will definitely add a unique touch.
This is something you most definitely have in your closet, but the striped bottoms will elevate the look. This means you don’t really have to think about what you’re grabbing as you head out the door.
2. Oversized Sweater and Striped Pants
Another seamless option, especially for cooler days, is an oversized chunky sweater. It’s already hard to go wrong with this fan favorite, and it only makes the striped pants look more sophisticated and styled.
Plus, there are so many different types of sweaters to choose from that will create a different vibe depending on color, silhouette, and pattern.
3. Bold Color Top and Striped Pants
If you’re looking to match your bold bottoms with a bold top, go for an eye-catching color like a firetruck red or hot Barbie pink. This way, your outfit will look like it took a lot more thought than it really did.
There’s nothing easier than finding your go-to bold top and pairing it with striped bottoms—but the unique pairing looks fully styled and trendy.
4. Button Up Shirt and Striped Pants
A button-up shirt can be cool and casual or sleek and professional depending on how you wear it. The same goes for striped pants.
With an oversized fitting pair of striped bottoms and a knotted button-down, you’ll be ready for a walk in the park. Tuck in the shirt and roll the hem of the pants, and you’re suddenly prepped for a day in the office.
5. Graphic Tee and Striped Pants
Simple yet fun, a graphic tee adds even more visual interest to your look, while still feeling comfortable and casual. Whether you want to match the colors of your bottoms or rep your fav band, this look will have a grunge and comfy vibe.
And if you want to make things a little edgier, opt for black Chelsea boots. If not, try on some white sneakers to lighten the look.
6. Blazer and Striped Pants
Last but not least, a blazer is a seamless pairing to your striped bottoms, especially if they’re matching. And if they’re not, the look will still feel pulled together and business casual.
For a more cohesive look, try matching the color of the blazer to one of the stripes in your pants, while choosing an undershirt in a color similar to the other stripe.
How to Style Striped Pants?
Despite the fact that the bold design may seem overwhelming, striped pants really aren’t all that difficult to style.
If you’ve got a plain top, you’re all set. And if you’re looking to mix patterns, the options are endless. All that’s really left are accessories. (Plus staying true to the color palette.)
All that being said, we hope that our list of outfits and shirts to wear with striped pants helped you pick out a few pieces from your wardrobe or discover options you didn’t know you had. Got a few more questions? Check out some of our answers down below!
Styles
When it comes to styling, a key detail to remember is balance. If you’ve got something tight on the bottom, it makes sense to pair it with something loose on top, and the same goes for the other way round.
This rule remains true with colors and patterns: a bold pattern is easily paired with a solid color.
That being said, mixing patterns, silhouettes, and colors can be a lot of fun. So, if you’re comfortable pairing oversized tops with oversized bottoms, no one is going to stop you—and it will always look good if you rock it with confidence.
The same goes for mixing patterns and bold colors as your outfit will always make an impression.
And if you’re wondering what to wear with striped pants that will make them look most beautiful, the answer will always be something plain on top.
Why? Because a plain tee, textured blouse, or neutral blazer will let the bold stripes do all the talking, while you still let your personality shine through with your choice of top and accessories.
The truth of it all is that striped pants will go with anything in your wardrobe. And whether you’re into some wide-leg bottoms, a flowy silhouette, or a tight fitting skinny, you’ll find a pair for any style that can easily be dressed up or down, from casual to business chic.
What Not to Wear With Striped Pants – Fashion Tips to Avoid
When you’re wondering what to wear with striped pants, it helps to consider what you should avoid. And now that we’ve shared our list of what to wear with striped pants, here’s our list of fashion faux pas when it comes to the classic bottoms:
- Vertical striped t-shirts
- Plaid
- Opposing colors
- Knee length boots–you don’t want to cover up the cool style!
What Colors Go With Striped Pants?
So, what colors look best in terms of striped pants? The answer is all of them. If you’re looking for a more cohesive, put-together look, it helps to pair your bottoms with a top that complements the colors. I
n other words—if you’ve got blue and white stripes going on on the bottom, a solid blue or white top will pair seamlessly with the design.
In saying that, if your pants are black and white and you don’t want to look edgy, try a pop of color for a more preppy look (a bright red or cool deep green might work). On the other hand, shades of black and white will never let you down.
So, if you’re wondering what to wear with striped pants when it comes to color, your options are basically endless. Just remember that pulling shades from the main piece of your outfit is always a great call!
Are Striped Pants in Style?
As you have flipped through our list of what to wear with striped pants, you may be wondering ‘Are striped pants in style?’ If you flip through a few magazines, no matter the year is pasted on the cover, you’ll find at least one pair of striped pants.
Why? Well, the bold design is also quite simple. And the truth is, which we hope our list of what to wear with striped pants has revealed, is that they pair quite well with anything. And, as we mentioned, they blend seamlessly into any style, from boho to neutral to grunge.
Does a more versatile pair of patterned bottoms exist? We think not! They’ll always be at the front lines of the trendiest looks.
Can You Wear a Striped Shirt With Striped Pants?
If you’re wondering what goes with striped pants, the answer isn’t a vertical striped shirt. The reason? You might look a little like Beetlejuice. Or you’ll look like you’re in pajamas. There’s something about too many straight up and down lines that just clashes.
But what do we suggest instead? Try pairing those vertical stripes on the bottom with some horizontal stripes on top, with different colors preferably.
This will create a little more visual interest, widening your hips and lengthening your legs for an especially eye-catching silhouette.
Keep in mind that we’re not talking about the blazer bottom combo, in this case, since it has a chic and put together look. Especially if you’ve got a different top underneath to break up the design a bit.
Do Striped Pants Make You Look Taller?
Ever noticed how models point their toes in pics and poses? What about stretching one leg in front of the camera? Basically, those moves make their legs look more elongated, making them look taller. And funnily enough, the same goes for striped pants.
If we’re talking science, it’s the vertical lines that create the illusion. This is only enhanced by silhouettes like skinny and wide legs as they draw the eye downward.
So, now that you know what to wear with striped pants, try on a pair. Especially if you want to look like you’ve got legs for days.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, picking your outfit doesn’t have to be hard. You’ve got plenty of items in your wardrobe to choose from, especially considering that striped pants look good with almost anything.
There are so many different styles and silhouettes to choose from that will match seamlessly with your vibe. And if you’re not sure, simply revisit our list of what to wear with striped pants, and what not to wear with striped pants!
For more clothing-related do’s and don’ts, check out some of our other guides:
What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
How to Wear Socks With Loafers
