If you’re unsure about whether stripes are a good choice for your business casual wear, then our guide gives you all the information on the best types of stripe to choose, how to pair them with the rest of your wardrobe and some of the dos and don’t of the perfect professional look.
Stripes—some people love them, some people hate them. But when it comes to making a statement in the office, stripes can be a versatile choice that elevates your professionalism to new heights. Whether it’s a striped dress shirt, blazer, or even a striped polo shirt, those little details can add depth, sophistication, and a touch of personality to your office wear.
However, with ever-changing office dress codes, and more of us working hybrid office/home schedules than ever before, how can you be sure your stripes are both professional and stylish? Well, since I’m a big fan of a sharp pinstripe suit, here are some of my top tips for choosing smart stripes for your business casual attire!
Types of Stripes and Their Suitability
Of course, not all stripes are created equal. In fact, there’s a whole range of different patterns that incorporate stripes. Generally speaking, I would suggest that you keep the following rules in mind when choosing the right type of stripes for your business attire.
Pinstripes vs. Bold Stripes — Which to Choose?
Pinstripes and bold stripes are already well known in the workplace, but their suitability depends on the formality of your office and your personal style. I would suggest that pinstripes are typically more subtle and are often associated with business formal attire, such as suits or blazers—ideal for when you want to dress smart. However, these thin, vertical stripes can give a slimming effect, making them ideal for dress shirts and suits in a corporate setting.
As you might have guessed, bold stripes make a more striking statement. While they can still be part of a business casual outfit, you probably need to be a little more cautious with them. I think that bold stripes are best suited for more laid-back or smart casual environments. For example, you might see bold stripes on a button-down shirt, casual shirt, or even a striped blazer. The key is to balance the bold pattern with neutral tones elsewhere in your outfit, ensuring you maintain a polished look.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Stripes — What Works Best for You?
Another important consideration is in what direction are your stripes headed? Often, choosing between horizontal and vertical stripes depends on your body shape and the look you’re going for. Vertical stripes are often more formal and slimming, making them a popular choice for dress shirts, blazers, and dress pants. They elongate the body, giving a more streamlined appearance.
Horizontal stripes, on the other hand, can make you appear broader. These are more common in casual shirts or t-shirts and can be a good option for a more relaxed business casual look. However, if you want to incorporate horizontal stripes into your office wear, opt for subtle designs like thin stripes on a polo shirt or cardigan.
Color Coordination with Stripes
Since stripes are often a bold fashion choice, it’s crucial to get your color coordination right. Here’s some of my top tips for mixing and matching striped clothing with the rest of your wardrobe.
Classic Color Combinations
- Navy and White Stripes — Timeless and sophisticated, especially on dress shirts or blazers.
- Light Blue and White Stripes — Perfect for button-down shirts and business casual attire, offering a polished and professional look.
- Gray and White Stripes — Subtle and versatile, ideal for pairing with solid-colored trousers or a sport coat.
Modern and Trendy Colors
- Burgundy and Navy Stripes — A rich, bold combination for blazers, polo shirts, or sweaters in a smart casual setting.
- Olive and Cream Stripes — Perfect neutral colors for fall business casual dress codes, especially on cardigans or casual shirts.
- Dark Green and Black Stripes — A bold and modern choice, suitable for blazers or striped sweaters in a business casual look.
Seasonal and Fashion-Forward Colors
- Mustard and Navy Stripes — Ideal for fall and winter, offering a warm yet fashionable look for sweaters or dress shirts.
- Dusty Rose and Charcoal Stripes — Soft and stylish, perfect for spring attire in lightweight sweaters or blouses.
- Teal and Gray Stripes — A vibrant, modern pairing that works well for polo shirts or casual button-downs.
Type of Striped Clothing for Business Casual
If you can think of a garment, then there’s probably a striped version of it somewhere. Here are some of my favorite types of clothing for business casual wear.
- Striped Dress Shirts — A staple for business casual attire, offering a clean and polished look, especially in light blue or gray stripes.
- Striped Blazers and Jackets — A slim fit pinstripe blazer adds a sophisticated touch to an outfit, perfect for elevating casual styles.
- Striped Polo Shirts — A comfortable yet professional choice for more casual office environments, combining style and ease.
- Striped Sweaters and Cardigans — Great for layering in cooler months, adding texture and warmth without losing professionalism.
- Striped Trousers — Vertical stripe chinos and trousers help create a slimming effect, ideal for pairing with solid-colored button-down shirts or blazers.
- Striped Ties — A versatile accessory that can be worn with business formal or business casual outfits, adding color and dimension.
- Striped Casual Shirts — Perfect for smart casual settings, offering a more relaxed approach while maintaining a neat appearance.
- Striped Skirts — Vertical or diagonal stripes can be flattering and stylish, especially paired with solid-colored blouses or blazers.
- Striped Vests — An elegant option for layering over a dress shirt, adding a hint of formality while staying within the business casual boundary.
- Striped Scarves — A subtle accessory that can add both warmth and a stylish accent to an otherwise plain outfit.
Dos and Don’ts of Wearing Stripes in the Workplace
As with any other type of business casual wear, there’s a bunch of dos and don’t that always come in handy when building an outfit. Here are my thoughts on what works and what doesn’t.
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Do stick to classic color combinations Colors like navy and white, light blue and white, or black and gray are safe, professional, and versatile choices that pair well with other business casual pieces.balance stripes with solid colors. | Don’t mix multiple bold stripes Avoid combining two or more bold striped pieces in one outfit (e.g., a striped blazer with striped trousers), as this can look chaotic and distracting. |
| Do balance stripes with solid colors If you’re wearing a striped shirt or blazer, pair it with solid-colored dress pants or skirts to avoid overwhelming your outfit. Mixing stripes with too many patterns can clash and look busy. | Don’t forget about texture and fabric Avoid striped clothing made of cheap or overly casual materials like jersey or synthetic blends in a business casual setting. These fabrics can make stripes look more relaxed or sloppy. |
| Do opt for vertical stripes Vertical stripes create a taller, more streamlined silhouette, making them ideal for dress shirts, blazers, and trousers. | Don’t wear oversized or ill-fitting striped clothes Stripes tend to emphasize the shape and fit of a garment. Ill-fitting clothing can look sloppy, and bold stripes can make this more noticeable. |
| Do experiment with subtle stripe patterns Pinstripes and thin stripes can add sophistication without being too bold, perfect for a professional office environment. | Don’t choose overly bright or loud striped patterns Neon or excessively bright stripes can be too casual or distracting for the office. Stick to muted or neutral tones for a professional look. |
| Do choose the right fabric Stripes on high-quality fabrics, such as cotton, wool, or linen, enhance your overall look, while low-quality materials may make stripes appear distorted or uneven.Do wear stripes that complement your body type | Don’t wear horizontal stripes if you’re aiming for a slimmer appearance Horizontal stripes tend to widen the body visually. If you’re looking to maintain a sleek look, vertical stripes are the better choice. |
| Do keep accessories minimal If your clothing has stripes, keep accessories like ties, scarves, and belts simple and neutral to avoid clashing patterns. | Don’t ignore the dress code Even if stripes are part of your personal style, be mindful of the company’s dress code. Some workplaces may have stricter rules, and it’s important to keep your look aligned with the office environment. |
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Striped Look for Business Casual
Whatever your current wardrobe, adding a few well chosen stripes to your collection can help you stand out from the crowd. However, don’t forget to plan your outfits using my tips above, and always make sure that you consider your body type, choose the right color combinations, and balance stripes with solid pieces to maintain a polished look.
Finally, if stripes really aren’t your thing, then check out our athleisure outfit ideas for the office and really rock that modern business casual wardobe.
About the Author
Nick Warrick
Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with hundreds of clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Information Technology, Nick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience.