It's Official: This Is the Only Print All of Our Editors Agree on This Season

As a new season rolls around and we pore over the runway shows in search of inspiration for the months ahead, one thing we can always count on is the emergence of a new print trend. The S/S 23 shows treated us to a host of new colours, textures and key pieces to love, but one of the most exciting things to come out of the collections was a print you're likely to already have in your wardrobe: Stripes. 

From the Breton top to crochet, pinstriped blazers to rugby shirts, stripes are as much a part of our everyday as the plain white tee, and even if you hadn't realised it (go ahead, quickly check your wardrobe), there will be some subtly sitting at the back of your closet, more than likely relegated to the lower ranks as the humble print can sometimes feel a little bit…boring.

Well, in defence of the reliable stripe, I've scoured the feeds of some of the most stylish influencers on Instagram in a bid to find ways to breathe life into an old pattern, and boy, was it tough to narrow down. As it turns out, stripes are one of the most versatile prints to wear, and after looking through hundreds of dresses, jackets, skirts, shirts and even accessories, I've compiled some of the easiest ways to style up stripes for the season ahead. Keep scrolling for 13 ways to wear stripes this season and beyond. 

1. Statement Stripes + A Midi Skirt

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Style Notes: It is almost impossible to scroll through Instagram now and not spot a striped, collared knit. From Annabel Dahl's slouchy Khaite jumper to & Other Stories' iteration, everyone is wearing the same silhouette, but it looks particularly chic with this season's hero skirt, the maxi. Sorry crew-necks. 

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2. A Layered Oxford Shirt

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(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

Style Notes: Tank tops are proving to be one of the most versatile items in our wardrobe and adding an oversized shirt is a great layering option.

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(Image credit: @aemiliafay )

Style Notes: On colder days you can repurpose your shirt by wearing over a polo-neck. 

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3. All-In-One Stripes

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Stripes aren't just refined to shirts or knitwear. Why not go a little out of your comfort zone and opt for a pair of dungarees? Add navy separates and polished accessories like Marianne to ensure the whole outfit still feels put-together. I'll be copying this whole look this weekend...

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4. Striped Trousers + Shirt

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(Image credit: @honeybelleworld)

Style Notes: Is it just us, or are striped trousers all over Instagram right now? And we can see why... Paired with a shirt, the they have "weekend uniform" written all over it. 

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5. Jeans + A Knit Top

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Style Notes: Not quite jumper, not quite jersey, a knit top is the perfect transitional piece for unpredictable weather and pairs particularly well with blue denim. Dress it up with heels, or keep it casual in flats. 

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6. All White + Bright Stripes

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(Image credit: @annaaborisovna)

Style Notes: I think Anna Borisovna just found the chicest solution to the "I'm too hot, now I'm too cold" dilemma that comes with transitional dressing. Make stripes the point of interest in a fresh, all-white outfit that looks like it's just stepped off the French Riviera. Spring, I'm coming for you.

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7. Pinstripes + Loafers

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(Image credit: @borislavasekova)

Style Notes: Pinstripes mean business, so what better way to maximise on power dressing than with a polished, structured shoe like the loafer. Two key pieces that we've borrowed from masculine tailoring this season.

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8. A Striped Dress

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: It just wouldn't be a "Who What Wear: How to Wear" story without including a dress. Dresses are, after all, an instant outfit and one of the easiest and most flattering pieces in our wardrobes. There's nothing that makes more of a statement than head-to-toe print, and bold dresses are the easiest way to celebrate the stripe. 

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9. Stripes + Tailored Trousers + Ballet Pumps

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: When we're looking for new inspiration on what to wear, we tend to look to two stylish sets first: the French set and the Scandi set, so who better to inform our striped styling? Anouk Yve just singlehandedly made us reinvest in ballet pumps and tailored trousers, stat. 

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10. Stripes + More Stripes

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(Image credit: @styledbya)

Style Notes: You read that right. The best way to double up on impact is to pair your print with even more print. Co-ords are ideal (but you score extra points for print clashing). Play up the pyjama feel with laid-back slippers or slides; it's the easiest transition from bed to boardroom. 

A photo posted by on

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11. A Breton + A Blazer

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek)

Style Notes: What better pairing than two of our favourite staples, the blazer and the Breton? Nothing says smart-casual like this high-low look, and while we love Emmanuelle's addition of shorts for summer, we'll wear with a midi skirt or tailored trousers for winter. 

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12. Mini Skirt + Striped Knit + Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Mini skirts had a resurgence last year, and we're pleased to report they're sticking around for 2023. Make yours work for the colder months by adding a chunky polo-neck jumper and wool coat, as well as knee-high boots.

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13. Boyfriend Jeans + Striped Knit + Brown Boots

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Style Notes: Sasha's look might just be my favourite. Casual, cool but still so chic, it's the perfect outfit for weekend errand-running, lunch with the family and even drinks with the girls. Add a camel blazer over the top and gold jewellery for extra polish.

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14. Striped Polo-Neck + Wide-Leg Trousers + Converse

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: Francesca gives us a masterclass in how to pair 2 wardrobe staples here. She's paired her classic knit with grey, wide-leg trousers before and my oh my does it look good. Converse and slick sunnies complete the look. 

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Up Next: 6 Minimalists Just Shared Their Trend-Proof Wish Lists With Me

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.