Martina Appendino Writing

Ways to repurpose a mannish striped shirt—whether purchased to follow a trend, or ‘borrowed’ indefinitely from a family member. (A mood board)

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I remember begging my cousin and grandad to part with their pure cotton striped shirts, swept up by a trend from a few years ago—when wearing a men’s shirt over a bikini at the beach was the ultimate fashion statement.

But with salt-crusted cotton clinging to my skin, I quickly realised that not every social media trend is worth following. The shirts were soon banished to the back of my closet, untouched for years.

Now, after research and observation, I’ve gathered a few easy-to-replicate tricks to reattempt the effortless ‘striped shirt’ look, accommodating all-year-round needs.

No introduction is needed for this wardrobe staple: the striped shirt is a timeless, unisex classic. Vogue Italia featured it in March 2025, and it remains a fixture in both major and independent ready-to-wear collections.

1. With A Neck Foulard

A foulard is a delicate, soft material made of silk or a silk-cotton blend, usually featuring a printed pattern. A detail like a scarf framing the collar adds an interesting touch to the look. Pure silk foulards can be found on second-hand marketplaces. Alternatively, an old tie can work wonders!

2. A Neutral Pairing

A chic option is to tone down the boldness of a colourful shirt with camel, white, or black hues. The visual lightness of these neutral tones allows for playful experimentation with volume and shape—think an oversized blazer or a flowing maxi skirt.

3. Denim, Denim, Denim

I found the shirt below after a quick search on eBay—just type in “striped shirts men’s vintage.” The keyword “vintage” helps filter pieces from often-discontinued brands that used high-quality fabrics, gentle on the skin. To contrast the ‘retro’ feel of the shirt, I opted for Bermuda shorts in line with the current raw denim trend, featured by Damson Madder, whose collection features sharply pleated jorts. Meanwhile, Spare Jeans, a Montreal-based brand, has long been crafting hand-made denim inspired by Japanese craftsmanship and aesthetics.

To complete the look, we can pair it with accessories and shoes that soften the overall feel—depending on personal preference. One option is a supportive sandal, such as the classic Birkenstock Arizona.

4. Popping Out of A Sweater

Francesca, stylist: “I wear my oversized BLANCA shirt layered with a jumper during winter time – I like the collar coming out. In the summer, I style them with a tall boot, or sandals”

The look shown above is a colour combination that feels classic and sober, featuring a chunky sweater, and soft-toned colours. In winter, linen pants are swapped for wool pieces. My advice: MaxMara.

5. A triumph of patterns

In conclusion, my last suggestion is about embracing the playful spirit of a colourful striped shirt. It echoes the same cheeky humour that, in classic films, placed the rebellious character and a Breton striped shirt on equal footing. This is exactly the idea I’m presenting as my fifth and final suggestion.

It’s a bold combination that, in its cliché, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Prada’s 2020 collection is a perfect example, showcasing vibrant prints paired with stripes, checks, puffed elements, and structured shapes all on the same runway.

My goal is to provide tips and ideas that cater to the needs of everyone—whether it’s staying on trend, expressing creativity, or keeping costs accessible. What matters most to me is suggesting styling options that, with a few adjustments, can be reinvented for any season. A striped shirt is the ultimate versatile piece—equally perfect for a day at the beach or layered under a cosy wool sweater on a crisp October day in Milan.