Long Live Striped Shirts
Print magazines as gifts, French Girl nostalgia, and pens.
From 2013-2015, my Instagram bio read, “Probably wearing stripes + singing Les Mis.” Presently, one of these estimations remains true. I love stripes. Just before creating an Instagram and an identity randomly close to musical theater, I collected thirty-two stripes shirts from local thrift shops. I lined them all up in my walk-in closet in my suburban Iowa basement bedroom. Stripes were foreign, in a world of chevron and teal accents. Stripes were old-fashioned, and chic, and French, and when I wore them in the carpeted halls of my Christian high school, I felt transported.
Cut to adulthood in New York and stripes are borderline boring. They’re almost too obvious for those of us who survived the Francophile blogger madness of 2015. The thing is, stripes are the right call, almost every time.
I’ve compiled this very Lucky (RIP) esque compilation of ways I like to a striped Saint James shirt I’ve replaced three times from excessive wear. It’s always the MINQUIERS MODERN in Medium, for me.
Let’s talk about what makes this version the Holy Grail of striped shirts, and what you should look for in your very own wardrobe workhorse.
#1 Thinner stripes are better.
Do you remember that bizarre time where it felt like every women’s magazine was advocating for vertical stripes over horizontal? The idea of a pattern being “flattering” is so creepy and outdated. I’m here to say that horizontal stripes are best, and thinner lines feel less trendy.
#2 Watch the neckline.
By all means, wear a boatneck striped top. I’m partial to something a little closer cut. Best of all, a striped turtleneck! Subtle details like buttons on the shoulder or ruffles can turn the classic into something a touch too trendy.
#3 Know yourself. Know your stripes.
I’m in the camp of mostly black and navy when it comes to stripes, but if you’re a colorful dresser, get in there! This blue colorway is a great time. Plus this shirt from Kule feels like a less preppy take on the pattern.
Archived Outfit
It’s hard not to reference the obvious choices—Bardot, Picasso, Hepburn—but I love Poesy’s take on the stripe in this photo. It feels formal enough to pair with a tweed skirt of strange proportions (ignore the clutch), but also incredibly relaxed. The sleeve rolled up, the hair tousled, it’s all on point.
This Saint James top is $40 and begging to be worn under overalls.
Go for green with this $25 option that comes in tons of colors/sizes.
There’s always going to be a wildcard and this week, it’s this tiny vintage PE shirt for $15. I’d style it like Poesy with a mini skirt.
Honorable Mentions
Find yourself with enough writer friends, and you’ve likely backed yourself into a conversational corner about pen preferences. I like something a bit on the gel side without feeling like I’m bleeding into the rest of my notebook. The Uni-Ball 69000 Vision Elite Rollerball Pens, Micro Point (0.5mm) are my pen of choice, just in time for back to second semester. Le Pen’s my official runner up. If you’re in Brooklyn, the best spot for pen hunting and generally craft-induced relaxation is Artist & Craftsman Supply.
I spent the weekend with my best friend in Delaware, which ended in a dull, Sunday afternoon drive. The good news? Eyewitness Beauty is back! Other podcasts in the beauty category I’m into include Breaking Beauty and Gloss Angeles. Non-beauty listeners, try Sweet Bobby for true crime (yours truly is on the Q+A ep, like a proper fan girl) and Thresholds for creative inspiration.
Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift that’s nostalgic, affordable, and sort of cheeky. No, it’s not a mixed CD. It’s a magazine subscription! There are deals to be had, especially if you’re willing to bundle. It’s a version of the monthly subscription model that doesn't feel tacky. I would go for GQ or Vanity Fair.
Thank you so much for reading. This week, I wrote about designer sweatpants. See you next Thursday! x