This season’s stripes come in every possible mood. There are washed-out collegiate variations at Cos and Zara, joyful ice-cream shades at Pink City Prints and Clary & Peg, polished Riviera classics at Sezane, and playful co-ords at Me+Em that practically demand a spritz and a basket bag.
Stripe Hype: The Joyful Summer Trend We’re Wearing Everywhere
From sun-faded shirting to candy-coloured co-ords and Riviera-ready dresses, stripes are having a particularly playful moment this summer.
There are certain prints that never truly disappear, merely slipping quietly in and out of prominence depending on the season’s mood. Stripes, however, feel especially right for now. Perhaps it is their inherent optimism: the deckchair nostalgia, the seaside associations, the slight whiff of long al fresco lunches and European holidays. Or perhaps fashion has simply tired of minimalism’s more austere impulses and is ready once again for something a little breezier, brighter and more spirited.
This season’s stripes come in every possible mood. There are washed-out collegiate variations at Cos and Zara, joyful ice-cream shades at Pink City Prints and Clary & Peg, polished Riviera classics at Sezane, and playful co-ords at Me+Em that practically demand a spritz and a basket bag.
This season’s stripes come in every possible mood. There are washed-out collegiate variations at Cos and Zara, joyful ice-cream shades at Pink City Prints and Clary & Peg, polished Riviera classics at Sezane, and playful co-ords at Me+Em that practically demand a spritz and a basket bag.
Me + Em
Polished but playful, Me+Em’s striped pieces strike that elusive balance between pulled-together and holiday-ready, with clever cuts and elevated colour combinations that make everyday dressing feel instantly fresher.
Sezane
French-girl stripes remain Sezane’s speciality, from effortless Breton-inspired knits to softly romantic blouses that feel made for Riviera escapes and long summer lunches.
Boden
Bright, cheerful and impossible not to smile at, Boden’s striped edit leans fully into summer optimism with candy colours, relaxed linens and easy holiday staples.
Cos
Minimalism gets a softer, more relaxed update at Cos this season, where clean-lined striped dresses and shirts bring an understated Scandinavian feel to warm-weather dressing.
Pink City Prints
Known for joyful colour and artisan-crafted fabrics, Pink City Prints delivers stripes with a distinctly bohemian energy, full of sunshine shades and easy throw-on appeal.
“EDITOR’S PICK: Pink and green is always a good idea. The Susie dress instantly lifts the spirits – perfect for everywhere from beach to dinner
”
Toast
Toast approaches stripes in its signature artistic way, favouring natural dyes, textured cottons and softly faded tones.
Clary & Peg
Clary & Peg’s striped pieces channel the charm of vintage market finds and long English summers.
Brora
Brora’s stripes feel classic in the best possible sense: elevated knitwear, beautifully made dresses and cheerful accessories designed to slot seamlessly into a forever wardrobe.
Zara
From striped barrel-leg jeans to retro knit polos, Zara’s latest drop taps neatly into the season’s playful preppy mood without blowing the budget.
H&M
Affordable, easy and surprisingly chic, H&M’s striped basics offer an effortless way into the trend, whether via oversized shirting, relaxed dresses or simple cotton separates.
The White Company
The White Company brings its signature laid-back luxury to stripes with soft towelling co-ords, relaxed sleepwear and easy linen blends designed for slow summer mornings and weekends away.
FAQs: Stripes
How do you wear stripes without looking too nautical?
The trick is colour and styling. Move beyond classic navy-and-white Breton territory into softer sorbets, earthy greens, tomato reds or sun-faded pastels, then pair with relaxed separates like linen trousers, raffia accessories or denim.
Are stripes still in fashion for 2026?
Very much so. Stripes are one of this summer's biggest recurring trends, appearing across dresses, tailoring, knitwear, pyjamas and accessories in both designer and high-street collections.
What stripes are most flattering?
It depends on the effect you want. Vertical stripes tend to elongate the silhouette, while softer, irregular or wider stripes can feel more relaxed and forgiving than sharp pinstripes.
How do you mix stripes with other prints?
Keep the colour palette cohesive. Stripes work surprisingly well with florals, checks and even polka dots when there is a shared tone running through the outfit.
What are the best striped pieces to invest in?
A striped cotton shirt, relaxed trousers, an easy summer dress and a classic Breton-style knit are all pieces you will return to year after year.
By
Nancy Alsop
·
Published May 2026
Nancy is a magpie for the best in design and culture.
