How to Style Striped Trousers: Easy Outfits for Summer

Striped trousers are one of the easiest summer wins. They bring print and interest to an outfit while still feeling relaxed, and they take far less thought to style than you might expect. The trick is to let the stripe lead and keep everything else simple. Here is how to style striped trousers, from the tops that work best to wearing stripe with stripe.

Two striped trousers, two moods

We make the stripe in two shapes, so you can choose the silhouette you prefer. The Billie Barrel Leg Striped Trousers bring the signature barrel cut to a lighter, year round fabric, with the same streamlining front panels that keep the volume feeling considered rather than overwhelming. They have a cool, slightly directional feel while the blue and white stripe keeps them classic.

The Joelle Wide Leg Trousers in cotton stripe are the easy, breezy option, designed to do the job of a jogger for high summer. A light cotton blend, a frilled, fully elasticated waist with a tie, and a slightly cropped wide leg make them as comfortable as they are smart looking. They are a brilliant holiday trouser, and they do not crease.

Keep the top simple

With print on the bottom, a plain top lets the stripe do the talking. A white tee feels fresh and summery: the Skylar Shoulder Pad T-Shirt in white adds a little structure at the shoulder and a clean line, just tuck it in. For a more classic, French feeling outfit, navy is your friend. The Sage Shell Top or the Mabel Button Down Vest, with its long placket of buttons, both bring a quiet Riviera feel. When the weather is cooler, a fine knit such as the Netty Notch Collar Cashmere Blend Jumper tucked at the front smartens them instantly.

How to wear stripe with stripe

Mixing stripes is easier than it looks, and it is a lovely way to add a bit of playfulness. The single rule is to stay within one colour palette. With a blue and white striped trouser, pair a blue and white striped top and the outfit reads considered rather than mismatched. The Polly Pointelle Jumper in blue and white, or the Bali Shell Top in blue stripe, both work beautifully for this. Keep the rest of the look pared back and let the two stripes be the whole story.

Dress them up or down

Striped trousers flex easily across the day. For relaxed weekends, a boyfriend tee with a small front tuck and flat sandals is all you need. To smarten them, a neat shell top and a slimmer shoe lift them for lunch or the office. On holiday they earn their place as a beach trouser, easy over a swimsuit with a linen shirt thrown on top. Because the Joelle is so light and packable, it travels well and works from morning to evening with a change of top and shoe.

Proportion and length

Both shapes are designed to sit slightly cropped, which is part of their ease. Show a little ankle, roll the hem if you prefer, and keep your shoe on the narrower side so the look stays light rather than bottom heavy. As with any trouser that carries volume or print, showing the waist with a tuck keeps the proportions balanced. For more on building outfits around the barrel shape, see How to Style Barrel Leg Trousers.

Frequently asked questions

What top goes with striped trousers

A plain, neat top works best so the stripe leads: a white or navy tee, a shell top, a rib vest or a fine knit, tucked at the front. Keep colours simple and let the trousers be the focal point.

Can you wear stripe with stripe

Yes. Stay within one colour palette, so a blue and white stripe with another blue and white stripe, and the outfit looks intentional. Keep the rest of the look pared back.

How do you style striped trousers for summer

Pair them with a simple white or navy top and flat sandals, show a little ankle, and add a linen shirt or fine knit when it cools. Light striped trousers also work as an easy beach or holiday trouser.

Are striped trousers smart or casual

Both. A boyfriend tee and sandals keeps them casual, while a neat shell top or fine knit and a slimmer shoe dresses them up for lunch, the office or evening.

What shoes go with striped trousers

Keep shoes narrow so they do not compete with the leg. Flat sandals, slim trainers, loafers and ballet flats all work, and a little ankle on show keeps the outfit light.