How to Wear Stripes in Summer: Stylish, Flattering Outfits for Women Over 50
Stripes Are Having a Moment This Summer, Here’s How to Wear Them at Any Age
If there’s one trend that returns every single summer like clockwork, it’s stripes. Classic, clean, and always in style, striped tops are one of those pieces that feel fresh year after year. And the good news? They work for everyone—including those of us over 50 who want to look modern without feeling like we’re dressing too young.
Today, I’m sharing three striped outfits that feel light, fun, and polished for summer. Each look is easy to wear, comfortable, and put together in a way that flatters a mature body type. I’ll walk you through how I styled each one and why these pieces are perfect for real-life summer days.
A Pop of Green Over Black-and-White Stripes
Let’s start with this cheerful look that feels bright and upbeat, just like summer should! I’m wearing a black-and-white striped tee, layered under a vibrant green cardigan with eyelet details. The bold color instantly lifts the outfit and gives it a little personality without being too loud.
I paired it with crisp white wide-leg pants that feel light and breathable, perfect for warm weather. These pants skim the body without clinging, making them a flattering choice for most shapes. I love how they create a fresh, polished look without feeling fussy. For more lightweight summer jeans, check out this post.
On my feet, I went with a pair of Slim Boat Shoes that keep the look light from head to toe. And for a neutral balance, I added a Canvas bucket bag in beige and brown tones.
Style Tip:
Layering a colorful cardigan over stripes is a great way to ease into color if you typically stick with neutrals. This combination keeps the base classic while still adding some fun.
Soft Stripes and Summer Blues
This next outfit is so easy and comfortable, it’s practically made for a weekend stroll or lunch with friends. I’m wearing a short-sleeve Striped Relaxed Beach Sweater in a soft, almost linen-like knit. The horizontal stripes are subtle and evenly spaced, making the print feel light and balanced.
The slightly cropped fit pairs perfectly with high-rise wide-leg jeans. These jeans are relaxed through the leg without being overwhelming, and the lighter wash gives them a laid-back feel that’s just right for summer.
I added my tan NAOT Sandals with Cork Footbed and Arch Support to show a bit of ankle and elongate the leg. My Medium Canvas Tote with a Lemon Bag Charm keeps the outfit grounded and easy to carry all day.
Style Tip:
Look for horizontal stripes that are soft and not too wide. Thin to medium stripes in muted tones can feel more flattering and less bold if you’re worried about looking wider.
A Classic Black-and-White Striped Tee with Denim
There’s just something about a navy-and-white striped tee that never goes out of style. This Striped Sweater Tee has a slightly structured shape that holds its form, and the fabric is breathable enough for warmer days. It’s the kind of sweater tee you can throw on and instantly look pulled together.
I paired it with the same light-wash Trouser Jeans for a casual but clean look. And to add some warmth and contrast, I used a rich caramel-toned Handwoven Shoulder Bag and Pointy Bow Flats in a similar color.
A few layered necklaces finish off the look without overdoing it, just enough shine to catch the eye.
Style Tip:
If you’re hesitant about horizontal stripes, try styling them with a third piece like a structured bag, cardigan, or jacket. The added dimension helps break up the lines and balance the outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wearing Stripes Over 50
Are horizontal stripes unflattering?
Not necessarily. It depends on the width and spacing of the stripes, as well as how the garment fits. Narrow stripes and a well-cut top can actually enhance your shape rather than widen it. It’s all about proportion.
Can women over 50 wear bold stripes?
Absolutely! If you feel confident in a bold stripe, go for it. But if you’re new to stripes, start with classic black-and-white or neutral-toned ones. You can always add color with accessories or layering pieces.
How do I style stripes without looking too busy?
Pair your striped top with solid, neutral bottoms to keep the look balanced. Keep your accessories simple or in coordinating tones. The key is to let the stripes be the star and keep the rest of your outfit grounded.
What types of striped tops are best for summer?
Lightweight knits, breathable cottons, and soft sweaters are all great choices. Look for tops that have a looser, slightly boxy fit if you want to keep cool and comfortable.
More Ways To Wear Stripes In Summer:
Don’t Be Afraid of Stripes, They’re More Flattering Than You Think
I know a lot of women shy away from stripes, especially as we get older. But I’ve found that the right stripe can actually feel fresh, stylish, and incredibly flattering. Whether it’s a simple black-and-white tee or a subtle striped sweater, this pattern adds just the right amount of interest to your outfit.
Stripes are one of those timeless trends that will always work in your wardrobe. And with summer in full swing, there’s no better time to bring them out. Start with one piece you love and build from there. You might be surprised by how many compliments you get!
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😊 Stripes are classic especially in navy!
🙂 Great summer look!
love your page & love the biblical inspiration & verse of the day that you include thank you
😊 love all the stripes and especially the green sweater
🙂 I love stripes!
🙂 Enjoy!
Found it! Nautical stripes are always in style and look good on everyone.
Found it ! Really cute outfits! I’m right up the road from you at our beach home in Sunset Beach.
🙂 Nice selection
Found it!😊
Love all the striped tops!
🙂 Glad the weather improved for you!!
😊 I love the striped vest and beach sweater!
🙂 Great options!
I’m loving that woven crescent bag!😊
🙂 Recently bought a striped top. Have a wonderful vacation.
🙂 Enjoy your beach time!!
😊 I love all the stripes. In fact people think that’s is all I have in my closet!
I love your chic casual style. I have been following you for a couple of years now. I would really like to see you mix high end designs with low end please. Thank you for all your tips.
😊
some cute outfits.
Enjoy Myrtle Beach!
😊 Love all the looks especially the green sweater and stripes top. That’s my favorite shade of green.
🙂. Enjoy your time at the beach!!
Love North Myrtle. Inspired by your post, I went out for lunch with navy stripe top and a bright green sweater today. Barefoot Landing & Tanger outlets in North Myrtle are a must! 😊
😊 I love stripes! Thanks for the cute outfit recommendations.
My favorite is the shirt that has blue and white vertical stripes! Love it! Have a great weekend. 😊
🙂 I like all of the stripes, especially the striped beach sweater.
My favorite is the shirt that has blue and white vertical stripes! Love it! 😊
🙂 You make stripes look good! I had a striped boat neck tee years ago that I really liked. Will go shopping!!
😊Love the brown pointy bow flats!
🙂 Super options!
Love the J.Crew knit striped “mixy” dress you showed in today’s blog introduction! I’ve been a fan of striped clothing (horizontal and vertical) since I was a kid, and I still wear stripes when I can. I have the J.Crew canvas bucket bag you showcased here, too. It’s a classic. Thanks for highlighting stripes today!
😊.I love there pop of color that the green sweater adds.
😊. I love the pop of green with the strips!
Love stripes! I especially like the first outfit. Cute outfits and good advice about stripes. I have many stripes in my wardrobe. 🙂 found it!
😊I liked all the outfits, accessories, and shoes.
I have always steered away from stripes because I thought they would make me more boxy up top especially since I have broad shoulders and I am busty and have an athletic build kinda straight up and down plus being petite . I may give them a try . They look great on you !!
found it!
I have lots of striped shirts, I love them! And that green cardigan is so pretty!
Enjoy your beach vacay!
😀 thanks for the share
Stripes look so fresh on a lot of gals. Love the look on you, especially with the green cardi. I tend to wear solids, but if I go for a print, it’s usually florals or animal prints, more so than stripes.
🙂 Found it! The stripes are very nice! I really love the canvas bucket bag.
🙂I have so many striped tops, I have to stop buying them!
☺ The green Pointelle cardigan is my favorite stripe outfit and a formula that I often use for a pulled together look.
☺️ I love the blouse with vertical stripes.
🙂Love the beach. Enjoy & relax
I like the look of a cardigan over a striped top. It helps to narrow the width of the stripes. The green cardigan is so pretty.
🙂
😊 cute tops! Have fun at the beach 😎🏖️
Yes, those beach storms can be fierce.
😀that green sweater is stunning!
😃 I hope that you and Joe have a wonderful time at the beach! You shared some very nice striped tops. I have several striped tops in my closet that I enjoy wearing.
I love the green sweater with the striped top.
🙂
🙂 After reading this and seeing your pictures I need to give stipes a try.
🙂
Thanks for the tips. I don’t have any striped tops but I’m definitely going to try them now.
😀love stripes when worn well!
😀 hope ur beach weather is better than ours today! I am a stripe fan!!! So classic.
😊. I like the striped tops
We go every year to North Myrtle Beach and stay at Kingston Plantation… and several years ago, a tornado hit while we were at the outdoor bar!
Love the green sweater with the striped top.
😀 I love stripes. That green sweater really pops!
Found it!! Love the bright green cardigan!
😀 I love stripes. Love north Myrtle Beach. Barefoot Landing is so nice it has everything.
😊 I love the JCrew sweater! So cute
😁enjoy your time at the beach! I have to hold myself back when it come to stripes lol.
Love the stripes summer sweater ☺️
🙂 Have many Lands End totes, zippered so nothing falls out.
Mine is zippered. too!
Like the stripes! Found it!
The blue and white looks so good ! Have a wonderful beach trip!!!!
The stripes with the green sweater is my favorite! Nice combo!
🙂 Have fun! Really like the untucked almost tunic length striped blouse.
😊 Super cute tops. I like the stripe short sleeve button down shirt. We’re looking for a trip to a beach. I’ll check out Myrtle Beach. Enjoy your weekend!
😀didn’t find it & I like beach storms for some reason & great sales!
Have a great vacation!!! Happy Saturday ❤️❤️❤️
😊 All of the first three you styled were right on. I can’t resist a stripe.
😊 Glad the storm wasn’t worse than what it was. Enjoy your time at the beach 🏖️!
I love stripes and really like the way you style them here.
I Love the stripes. Have fun at the beach .. Found It. 😊😎
Found it 🙂 I like the essential tee.
I love a striped top! Recently we went out of town for a week and I packed my favorite most comfortable stylish outfits. When I came home and did the laundry, I realized I just wore a different striped top for seven days in a row!
😊 Thank you for the helpful comments on stripes!
😊
Have fun at the beach 🏖️
I like the green sweater, the personalized tote and the striped blouse.
🙂 I love stripes too. So classic.
😎have fun at the beach. love the green cardigan
🙂I like the stripes
Lots of great choices. I loved the handwoven hobo shoulder bag!
😊Every outfit is super cute! The sound of waves while drinking a cup of coffee sounds like the perfect way to start a day!
Love the stripes!
Found it
ENJOY your beach time with your honey☀️
Absolutely love the last two outfits! 😀
😊The blue striped short sleeve top was my favorite. Have a wonderful time at the beach
Tania, I love stripes! You should see my closet. I most often wear a striped tank top with white pants and a matching light jacket or sweater. That combination never fails! Thanks for the reminder.
🙂 classic stripes…always in style, especially navy and white.
😀 so many cute striped tops!
I found it 🙂 Thanks for sharing the stripe options. Enjoy the beach.
I’ve never been to Myrtle Beach but high on my list. Can you recommend where to stay? Enjoy!