Grab a White Tee: Striped Tops Are the Chicest Summer Basics

If you’d asked me a few years ago whether I’d be lusting over a striped top this summer, I’d have told you that the trend had long been retired, alongside the pleather leggings, wedge trainers and faux-fur gilets that millennials follow religiously. Now, if you were to ask the same question, you would get a completely different answer.

It is surprising to think what can be done for a few years without fashion in silhouette, as this summer sees the resurgence of simple dresses with stripes that have been sported by fans of French beauty. As was the popular Breton stripes—especially in the 2010s, by the two enthusiasts Alexa Chung and the young art teacher, Phoebe Philo, during Céline’s reign—the high-striped redux ushers in a new era of bright colors and candy-colored combinations spread over the top.

The rise of this motif, many of the most memorable fashion trends, can be traced back to Mrs. Prada, especially her designs for Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 collection. Continuing to shape preppy subcultures, he also incorporated indie sleaze Ivy League styles from the late 2000s—think: little bros and tech guys fromSocial Network—by introducing a variety of oversized blazers, loose bubble skirts and, of course, striped tops.

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Now, after a bit of a burn, the striped top is here to claim its place as the most revered summer staple. And after the reign of quiet luxury and muted minimalism, I can’t think of a better solution than these saccharine tops. While there will always be a place for those crisp white t-shirts and clean cut ribbed tops, I follow the style set and pair these wardrobe essentials with other cool essentials like cobalt pants and red and black flip-flops. High octane and effortlessly high, buy the trend ahead.

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