Stripes & Checks Edit | Pieces That Work
Summer 2026… Effortless Chic with Stripes & Checks
It feels like it’s 900° here. So we are looking for cool, light and breezy clothing, right? And this year, in particular, stripes, checks and even gingham have been trending and are so appealing. It’s great classic style that always looks good, year after year. Whether it’s trending or not!
I lean toward blue and white, but any color combo is good. I’m into it.
The first thing I ask these days before I buy a piece of clothing, is “where am I going to wear it?” There are fewer events and places for which to dress up. And light and bright stripes and checks work anywhere - dress them up with jewelry and down with jeans…Your favorite, most worn items are the ones you will still be wearing in 4-5 years.
And scroll to the bottom for a myth about stripes.
See if any of these are helpful to your wardrobe or solve a problem. Get a cold drink, sit back and enjoy! And most of this is now on sale!
Click images for links
This is a great summer skirt with its’ matching top or just a white tee. Change to a black tee in early fall. This comes in a pretty light coffee color as well.
I have had this top for at least 4 years. Still good. Great with white jeans or shorts and with denim.
Super simple from Quince. Roll up the leg. Wear with anything. Great price.
How comfy does this look? From Madewell. Great casual top that goes with lots.
On Sale
Love this Faherty classic boyfriend shirt. it comes in several different stripes and most are on sale.
The great Anthro Collette pant - in classic checks and also comes in a nice brown pinstripe for early fall.
On Sale!
Great palazzo crop pant from Land’s End. On super sale! The whole site is on super sale!!
J Crew Stripes
On Sale!
The classic Breton stripe boatneck ¾ sleeve. Several colors and all on super sale at Land’s End.
This tee is not for super hot weather, but it is a great one. Comes in several great stripes. I have this - love it. You look effortlessly put together.
If it hits you properly at the waist, a peplum top can be super flattering. This matches the pants shown below. From Gap.
These are from Gap - an easy gingham cotton gauze. Love these with any color top or the matching ones shown here.
Emerson Frye Top
I have shown this dress before, but it’s really good. I have it in three colors, I wear them all the time. To the grocery store, as a coverup, around the house, and even in Europe while traveling.
on sale!
A great basic from Madewell - I have this and have worn it so much. Comes in lots of colors and most of the stripes are on sale.
Great looking classic shorts that are longer. I would probably button my shirt though…
This is the Coolibar top that I have listed as a favorite for June. And I’m showing you the back because it is so flattering from the back! Rarely is that the case! It’s an SPF top and you can roll and snap the arms if you want. It looks great with leggings (it’s CYA approved) or a tennis skort, for on vacay or quick errands. I have had mine for 4 years.
On Sale!
Hold The Phone! I know this isn’t easy, breezy. In fact it’s merino/cotton. BUT it’s less than half off $200 for like $60. And it’s great looking. Final Sale but check it out.
This easy dress from Tuckernuck is simple and classic. Great for hot weather.
I have this top in a few patterns. And I have had the striped one the longest. This is a forgiving top and is one size.
Another great top that goes with the gingham pants shown, or with EVERYTHING in your closet.
Also from Quince - so flattering and a great price.
This basic tee from Madewell is so great. It comes in tons of colors and stripes, and is good enough quality (thicker and not see through) that you can dress it up if you need to. Great under jackets.
On Sale!
I have this gingham dress and love it. It’s so good it’s trademarked! Yes it was a splurge, but it is crazy comfy, has pockets, and looks great on. Comes in lots of patterns. Cotton seersucker, so doesn’t need ironing. This is great for someone who doesn’t have great legs, but has ok arms. Like moi.
Madewell Shirt
This easy top has a button up back and a matching pant. The set together is pricey, so I would just get the top.
On Sale!
This pretty lightweight classic comes in lots of colors and stripes. All on sale!!
A pretty classic dress. Or a coverup if needed. And great for the 4th. (Get it on sale for next year!)
Another great boatneck t-shirt - this one with long sleeves.
Many women still believe horizontal stripes make you look heavier, but the evidence doesn't really support that. A large study on clothing perception found no meaningful difference in how heavy people appeared when wearing horizontal stripes versus similar solid-colored clothing. Fit, fabric, and garment shape mattered much more than stripe direction
Hope you enjoyed this grouping and you found something for your forever wardrobe. Stripes are always classy and chic and gingham is a summer classic.
Thanks for reading! 😎 Talk soon.
