For years, the striped top was fashion’s shorthand for minimalism—the neat black-and-white Breton that slotted seamlessly into capsule wardrobes, and screamed Parisian chic. But this season, the motif has undergone a striking transformation. At Copenhagen Fashion Week, influencers and editors stepped out in stripes that were anything but quiet: rugby polos in saturated shades, oversized cardigans with XXL bands of colour and knits that demanded attention.
The appeal lies in the balance. Stripes remain as classic a motif as you can get, but their new, bolder iterations open the door to more adventurous styling. Street stylers confirm their versatility—layered under clean tailoring, clashed with leopard print, or paired with metallic skirts, the striped top grounds eclectic outfits without ever diluting their impact. This season’s palette of punchy primaries and unexpected contrasts feels fresh, playful and perfectly aligned with fashion’s latest appetite for personality dressing.
Designers have also been instrumental in pushing stripes back into the spotlight. At Miu Miu, striped rugby polos and cropped have a added a playful, collegiate edge for seasons, while Rabanne’s striped tees anchored a number of its 2025 runway looks. Over in New York, Proenza Schouler explored the motif through asymmetric silhouettes in slim navy and camel, proving that even the most classic pattern can be pushed into new, directional territory. Across the runways, the message was unanimous: stripes are no longer a quiet basic but a focal point in their own right.
Whether you’re investing in a candy-coloured knit, a collegiate-inspired rugby shirt or a classic tee with a twist, the striped top is ready to take its rightful place at the centre of your new-season wardrobe for autumn 2025. Shop our favourite hero pieces below.
4 Key Striped Top Styles to Try This Season
1. Striped Long-Sleeve Tees
Style notes: A striped long-sleeve tee instantly elevates even the simplest outfit. Opt for classic black and white for a timeless feel, or lean into bold colourways for a playful, trend-forward twist. Just add jeans and your favourite trench coat.
Shop the Look:
ARKET
Iris Signature Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
The perfect Breton: clean, unfussy and cut to perfection. This is the one you’ll reach for Monday through Sunday.
COS
Slim Lightweight Long-Sleeved Top
Sleek and layer-friendly, this sits smoothly under blazers without bulk
Free People
Classic Striped Oversized Crewneck
Roomy in all the right ways, this drapes perfectly—ideal with leggings or denim.
Cropped and cool, this designer take pairs just as well with low-slung trousers as it does layered over a slip dress.
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton Everyday Fit Top
This comes in a handful of colours, but the subtle grape-hued stripe feels especially current.
2. Striped Knits
Style notes: My favourite way to weave stripes into a look is through knitwear. Liv’s pink-and-brown colour pairing feels especially fresh, but the high street is full of equally playful combinations. From punchy primaries to softer pastels, striped knits offer an easy route into dopamine dressing and will instantly lift your autumn collection.
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& Other Stories
Knitted Alpaca-Blend Sweater
Fuzzy, cosy and slightly slouchy—this is the knit you’ll live in once temperatures drop.
Reformation
Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater
Sustainably spun and perfectly oversized, it’s that “effortless luxury” piece every wardrobe craves.
COS
Cropped Wool Cardigan
Minimalist lines meet playful stripes—just add a slip skirt and ballet flats.
M&S Collection
Soft Touch Striped Crew Neck Jumper
Proof you don’t have to spend big: this high-street gem feels way more premium than the price tag.
Whistles
Multi Stripe Crew Neck Knit
Punchy stripes that brighten grey days—this is dopamine dressing, knitwear edition.
3. Striped Rugby Shirt
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style notes: Rugby stripes are having a real moment, bringing a sporty, collegiate edge to everyday dressing. I love the way they strike a balance between casual and statement—wear them half-tucked into wide-leg trousers or layered over a slip skirt for a modern twist.
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Striped Polo-Neck T-Shirt
Preppy but wearable—style with baggy jeans for that “Scandi woman off-duty” look.
Damson Madder
Ilona Striped Rugby Jumper in Burg Stripe
This is the kind of knit that makes a statement without trying.
Massimo Dutti
Striped Wool Blend Polo Sweater
Streamlined and soft, this is the elevated rugby you can wear to the office.
Miu Miu
Cotton Jersey Polo Shirt
The cult version you’ve seen all over Instagram—cropped, cheeky, and very much fashion-girl approved.
COS
Relaxed Striped Long-Sleeved Polo Shirt
Ideal layered over a simple white tee.
4. Striped Shirt
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style notes: A striped shirt is the simplest way to tap into the trend while keeping things polished. This season, the focus is on relaxed, oversized cuts styled with everything from wide-leg trousers to tailored skirts. The style set are layering theirs under knitwear, pairing them with leather, or buttoning them up beneath sharp blazers for extra impact.
Shop the Look:
Free People
Sabine Striped Articulated Shirt
Oversized with a fluid drape—perfect worn half-tucked into wide-leg trousers.
Damson Madder
Lux Shirt in Garden Stripe
This shirt adds instant fun to your weekday rotation.
Massimo Dutti
Loose-Fitting Striped Shirt
The colour combo of dreams.
ARKET
Cotton Poplin Shirt
Clean poplin and subtle colour play; this will look especially sharp with navy tailoring
& Other Stories
Oversized Shirt
Wear over a tee now or under chunky knits all winter.
