9 Chic Ways to Wear Stripes This Spring (Without Looking Wider!)

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Gurls, you know I love a classic, and stripes are one of those timeless patterns that never go out of style. But this spring? They’re stealing the show! And let’s be honest—stripes can be tricky. Some make you look taller, some wider, and some just make you feel fabulous. So today, I’m breaking it all down—how to wear them, what works best, and where to snag the cutest striped tops, dresses, and cardigans of the season. Let’s jump in!

What’s the Difference Between Stripes?

Stripes are a timeless pattern, but how you wear them can make all the difference in how they flatter your figure. Vertical stripes create a lengthening effect, drawing the eye up and down, which can make you appear taller and slimmer. Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, tend to widen the appearance of an area because they lead the eye side to side. That’s why a striped top can emphasize the bust or hips, while vertical-striped trousers can elongate the legs.

The width of the stripes also plays a role. Thin stripes are more subtle and less likely to add visual bulk, whereas wide stripes can create a bolder, more expansive look. If you love horizontal stripes but don’t want them to make you look wider, try layering with a structured blazer, open cardigan, or solid-colored vest to break up the pattern. Another trick is to opt for stripes that vary in width or direction, which can create movement and balance instead of a blocky effect. Stripes are all about how you style them, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

Striped Button-Up + Blazer (Classic Chic!)

Tania Stephens wearing wide leg jeans, a striped button up and a blazer
Alexandra Blazer in Stretch Linen Blend (Size 10) | Garçon Classic Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin (Size 10) | Low-rise Denim Trouser (Size 29) | Sandstone Suede Ankle Boots (TTS) | Italian Leather Convertible Crescent Handwoven Shoulder Bag 

I love a crisp striped button-up! The Striped Cotton Poplin shirt is polished but still laid-back, perfect for working from home or grabbing lunch with a friend. The black shadow stripe on this one makes it feel modern, and layering it under a blazer gives it that “elevated casual” look.

Before & After: The Power of a Long Cardigan

Tania Stephens is wearing a striped sweater skirt set
2 Piece Sweater Skirt Set (Medium) | Old Tory Burch Boots – Similar Faux Suede Boots
Tania Stephens wearing a black and white knit skirt set with a black long cardigan from Amazon
2 Piece Sweater Skirt Set (Medium) | Long Cardigan Sweater (Medium) | Old Tory Burch Boots – Similar Faux Suede Boots

Gurls, here’s the trick! If you ever feel like horizontal stripes make you look wider, throw on a long cardigan in a solid color. The edges create a vertical column, visually slimming the body. It’s one of my go-to tricks for wearing stripes with confidence!

Stripes From Ann Taylor: My Picks

This gray-striped blouse from Ann Taylor is a total classic. The neutral palette makes it versatile for so many outfit ideas, whether you pair it with dark blue jeans for a relaxed fit or tuck it into a pencil skirt for office attire. I love the vertical stripes, which create a flattering, elongated look. I’d wear this for a simple coffee run. You could dress it up with a necklace and classic pumps or keep it casual with white sneakers.

Gurls, I keep saying how much I love a square neckline. This top is giving all the preppy vibes! The wider stripes feel modern and fresh, and the square neckline is perfect for showing off a cute necklace or layered accessories. Imagine this with ankle pants or wide-leg trousers—it’s the ideal spring-to-summer transition piece. Add a belt for definition, or wear it loose for a relaxed look. You’ll be turning heads in no time.

Stripes From Chico’s: No-Iron & Chic!

This no-iron shimmer stripes shirt from Chico’s is perfect for Gurls who hate ironing (like me!). The metallic sheen gives it a trendy, polished look while keeping it lightweight for warmer days. Pair it with linen pants for a breezy feel, or tuck it into a midi skirt for a chic dinner outfit. Available from XS to XXL.

This striped sweater feels like spring in a knit—light, airy, and stylish. I love the feminine touch of the eyelet details, and the horizontal stripes make it look so playful. Pair it with stripe pants or classic jeans for a layered outfit. Joe might call it my “fancy sweatshirt,” but it’s so much more than that! Add bracelets and a tote, and you’re ready to head out for just about anything.

Stripes From Amazon: Budget-Friendly & Cute!

This classic striped shirt is a wardrobe must-have! The button details make it easy to style, whether you wear it as a layering piece or on its own. Picture this with a pair of white sneakers and a tote bag for a casual look. It’s relaxed but polished, perfect for weekend errands or a casual Friday at work. And it’s available in several great colors.

This striped midi dress is everything! The flowy fit and button-down design make it a spring go-to for both casual and dressy occasions. Add a belt for a more defined waistline or let it flow for a relaxed fit. The stripes feel so fresh and feminine—perfect for a trip to the beach. Pair it with sandals for a brunch look or even white sneakers.

Stripes From Amazon: Budget-Friendly & Cute!

Comfy & cute? Yes, please! The wide stripes give it a modern edge, while the v-neckline is super flattering. Wear it over a tee-shirt or a cami for added layers. I’d toss this on for a Saturday stroll or a road trip. Pair it with trousers or skinny jeans for a versatile look. And the best part? It’s comfy enough to live in all season.

This striped cardigan gives major classic vibes with a twist. The buttons are an adorable touch and great for layering over a tee or blouse. Pair it with a midi skirt for outfit ideas that work for church or errands. I’d throw on a scarf for extra flair and call it a day! Gurls, it’s available in neutral tones, making it easy to mix and match. It’s a wardrobe staple, for sure!

Finally, this baggy striped cardigan is what I call effortless chic! It’s perfect for lounging at home or running to the store while still looking put together. The oversized look pairs wonderfully with leggings or wide-leg pants, and the diagonal stripes are so flattering. Add some cute accessories, and you’ve got an easy, stylish look for spring!

There you have it, Gurls! Nine great ways to wear stripes this spring—each piece is unique, versatile, and totally fabulous. Let me know in the comment section which one’s your favorite! 💕

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Verse Of The Day

Matthew 18:12 (NIV)
12 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

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283 Comments

  1. Mary Carol says:

    FOUND IT!!
    This is so funny that I find myself scrolling back and forth through your photos. Maybe it’s helping my brain stay active.

  2. Found it. ….and it wasn’t so easy for me;)

  3. Found it 😊
    Love the color green in the 1st Ann Taylor stripped shirt.

  4. Maridee Clark says:

    FOUND IT!
    Thanks for the fun!

  5. There are some really cute striped options here.

  6. Cynthia C. says:

    Found it!! So fun!!

  7. Found it. Love this article!

  8. found it.
    I love stripes and you showed so many gorgeous options. I like your first picture the best – the blue stripe with the blazer. So very classy but so comfortable too.

  9. I enjoyed tips on horizontal stripes.
    Found it

  10. Linda Schroeder says:

    Found it.
    I look forward to your posts.

  11. Found it!
    Love all the stripes too.

  12. Found it! Also, I bought the two piece sweater skirt set and it’s super cute! Already had a black long cardigan. Great outfit for my birthday dinner!

    1. I’m s glad you like it. The materials is great quality!

  13. Grandma judy says:

    found it!!! many years ago I read a book on petite dressing. it said that horizontal stripes were ok since it would be like a ladder going up. I have never heard anyone else say that but I use it as my excuse when wearing them. lol!!

  14. Joyce Raglin says:

    Found it! Yes, I enjoy the game!

  15. Found it! I do like all the horizontal striped cardigans shown, however vertical stripes work better on me.

  16. FOUND IT
    LOVE THIS GAME

  17. Found it! Green striped cardigan would be cute in March for St. Patrick’s Day.

  18. Finally found it! Love a striped shirt.

  19. Found it! You cant go wrong when wearing blue stripped button down shirt

  20. Found it! Great post today. So sorry about the mystery black eye though!!

  21. Found it! Love stripes.

  22. Did you tangle with a FedEx driver?? LOL!!

  23. Susan in the 'burbs says:

    Found it.
    Fun.
    I admit I’m kinda over the high contrast horizontal stripes. Maybe I overdid it? But I’m loving the vertical stripes. I’ve even seen a couple in pinks!

  24. Found it!
    Love your selection of stripes!

  25. Gayle Davis says:

    Found it!! I love the striped midi dress!

  26. FOUND IT!

    Love the stripes, Tania.

  27. Found it. Love the Chicos no iron blouse!

  28. Found it!! Enjoy your posts and inspiration!!

  29. Heather Hansen says:

    Found it 😉

  30. I don’t know it I am the dumbest person on earth or I don’t even know what I am looking for . Is it black and white or colored emoji ? The next day could you tell us where it was the previous day .

    1. It is either black or white, not colored. I put them in the photos instead of the text to keep them from changing colors.

  31. Found it! And I love the stripe button down shirt from Amazon. Ordering today!

  32. Found it! Had to look a few times…that was tougher. LOVE the tiered stripe dress. Already in my cart!

  33. Found it!
    These are excellent choices.
    I love the white and black sweater and skirt.

  34. Found it! (Also found that nice shirt from J. Crew!)

  35. Found it!
    You look great in the striped skirt & top with or without the long sweater!

  36. Connie Ritchie says:

    Found it! love the stripes!

  37. FOUND IT. I love stripes. I’m actually wearing the blue and white striped button down from above right now! ha

  38. Wendy Hoff says:

    Found it! I plan to check out the Chicos sweater. So cute for Spring.

  39. Found it. Bit more tricky.

  40. Found it!
    I love stripes, but don’t always love them on me. Thank you for some great ideas/suggestions.

  41. Love the 2-piece striped set! Found it! 🙂

  42. Found it. Love this game.

  43. Found it. Two times for this one. 🙂

  44. Joyce Wonderly says:

    Found it. The eyelet trimmed pointelle sweater is my favorite! A sweet feminine touch.

  45. found it! Love all those cardigans!

  46. Jenniffer Groski says:

    Found it!!
    I looooooooove stripes so I’ll have to hold myself back from getting too many!

  47. Paula Presbrey says:

    I found it !
    Yikes stripes ! Loving the sweater options !

  48. I found it. Stripes are so classic.

  49. Found it. I love stripes.

  50. Found it!
    Love stripes. Great info

  51. Found it
    Love all stripes – my husband says that’s all I have in my closet!

  52. Love the stripes. I have noticed the striped sweater skirt set is especially striking. I have seen in a couple of previous posts. Does it cling to your midsection or fit without showing off the lumps and bumps of the midsection?

    1. No, it doesn’t cling.

  53. Found it. Love stripes

  54. Carol Ann Jablonski says:

    Found it
    Yes, the striped two piece top/skirt does look better with the addition of the navy long cardigan.

  55. Found it. Btw, that stripped sweater skirt set is so flattering on your body type, with or without the long cardigan.

  56. Julia Rowan says:

    FOUND IT🙂. Love the puff sleeve blouse & the cable knit cardigan!

  57. Susan Lindsay says:

    Found it
    Love the striped tiered dress!

  58. Found it! Thanks for the post. I’m on the hunt for a striped button down shirt.

  59. Andrea Hiser Talley says:

    Found it! Love the picks from Amazon.

  60. Cathy Treadway says:

    Found it!
    😊

  61. Danielle P. says:

    Found it! Love the shimmer striped top and midi dress! So cute!

  62. FOUND IT! Love stripes, I ordered the blue and white striped shirt from Amazon when you styled it awhile back, love it with my navy sweater vest.

  63. Found it!!!! Again. Ha

  64. Terry Dupree says:

    Found it – I love stripes – wish I was brave enough to wear the horizontal stripe skirt/top outfit. I am proportioned much like you and same size clothing and the outfit looks great – stripes certainly would jazz up my wardrobe.

    1. Give it a try, you might actually end up liking the look.

  65. FOUND IT! I love stripes and ordered the one you styled from Amazon, navy and white shirt, awhile back and I love it.

  66. Found it! Love the post! Love stripes!

  67. Found it! And a couple other things I now have in my cart.

  68. I found it! (It’s so much easier to find on my computer screen as opposed to my phone. LOL!)

    1. I know. They are much larger on the computer. 🤣

  69. Jan Canapp says:

    FOUND IT.

    A striped button down shirt is a classic. Definitely a wardrobe basic.

  70. All good idea & didn’t find it in the striped photos.

  71. Found it! Having fun with this game.

  72. Leslie Bolgrin says:

    Found it 😊

  73. Sheena Donaldson Rawlings says:

    Found it!