In the world of fashion, there are classic styles and patterns that are reworked over and over again by designers. At the top of that list is the striped knit shirt! There are so many variations to this striking pattern that it would be hard to list only a few of them. So instead, we’ll stick to practical and fashionable ways to wear this hot trend.

When shopping at your favorite Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center, you should always check out anything with horizontal stripes. I know that people say that they may be unflattering to the larger folks out there, but I disagree. In that case you should just opt for a smaller stripe instead of a wide stripe, and keep the colors a little more classic, like blue and white, red and white, or black and white. This will allow anyone access to the hottest looks this spring and summer!

As you can see from the pictures, the world wears stripes! There are striped polos for that classic “preppy” style, which always looks terrific. Considered more of a sporty look, this shirt will work well with khaki pants or shorts and some deck shoes for a nautical feeling. If you want to go more “Ivy League,” pair your polo with a cardigan sweater, blazer or other type of jacket. For girls, the bottom would be a pleated skirt or jeans, and for guys, jeans, cords, or your standby khaki pants.

But it’s not just polos that show their stripes! There are lots of v-neck, turtleneck, long-sleeved and other types of striped tops out there that will take you into a more fashion forward realm. Any of these tops could be worn with the summer’s go to color: white. Whether a pair of white jeans, shorts or a skirt, nothing quite makes the geometric stripe “pop” like white. Just keep in mind that the brighter the colors of your stripes, the more neutral the other pieces in your ensemble should be.

The easiest and most versatile of all is the black and white striped top. This can be worn layered with other garments or by itself with a nice pair of jeans, a great belt and some killer shoes. These kinds of tops are a great way to break free from boring solid colors without the risk associated by many people of doing a print. It’s easy to add color to a black and white stripe with great accessories. If black and white isn’t your thing, keep looking until you find the type of stripe that suits your taste and style; after all, that’s what fashion is about!

Everyone should have a striped top or two in their closet to keep things fresh. The pattern is both familiar and classic, fresh and modern, making it an easy choice for a summer essential. So what are you waiting for, an invitation? Head to the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you today to get your summer style together, and you may just “stripe it rich” with fashion this year!

askbjorn@goodwillsew.com

Save this article (PDF)

Archived Articles

Photography by
John Grant Photography