10 ways to wear a blue striped shirt in the summer
A love letter to the one shirt that always knows what the outfit needs
I’m a big fan of no duplicates in my closet. Once something fills a role, I move on. Sure, I make exceptions (the Liam vests in brown and navy are absolutely two different vests, don’t come for me), but in general, I like one piece per purpose.
Except! When it comes to blue striped shirts. My collection:
I can explain! Each one in my closet does something a little different. But even if they didn’t, I’m a sucker for them. I said recently that a blue striped shirt is for me what a white T-shirt is for most people (and for the record, I only have one of those).
even did a cool style experiment around this idea, and you should totally check it out because she is brilliant. Theory checks out!So, if you already love a good blue stripe, welcome to this post. If not, let me try to convert you (only if you’re open to it. This is a chill cult, I promise).
It’s also just so good in summer. Lightweight but not flimsy, structured but not sweaty, and somehow always appropriate whether I’m at work with AC cranked to arctic (aka any corporate office, what’s up with that) or wandering outside in 85° heat and need skin coverage from the harsh sun.
Which brings me to this blue striped shirt—the Tibi x Casa Caroseno collab. It has a beautiful origin story you can read in
’s words here, but what struck me is this: nothing Tibi puts out is meaningless. And yet this shirt pulled me in, more than their other special drops.Why? Well, because this one is a blue striped shirt, and we already established that’s a draw for me! They embody the Blue Striped Polarity Principle: One shirt. Two powers.
It chills down the too-formal and elevates the too-casual.
Do you see it? Somehow, the right blue striped shirt can be the perfect friction tool. It adapts to the outfit around it and recalibrates the vibe. Now I will say my work is not very formal, yet I do believe this could truly work in even the most formal workplaces. And of course it works in super casual settings too (you’ll see).
Now of course, a shirt works in all weathers. BUT, what I especially appreciate about it in the summer time is how it adds so much with one single layer. It is the perfect basic that is not to basic, a no-print print (well, technically a pattern but you know?), and style without too much hassle.
And now, some proof. Btw, if you are wondering if you need THIS Tibi shirt to try any of this? You don’t. However, I will say not all blue striped shirts are made alike. See, you need something with the right balance of nostalgia, classic feel, and modernity. Keep that in mind as you play with what might already be in your closet, or if you go shopping for one. So get whichever shirt you’d like, but if it’s not working check if the cuff width, overall cut, shirt length, and collar shape are giving what you want it to give. Now with that out of the way, let’s go:
Side note: I had SO much fun doing this styling. You can probably tell. Also side note, there are no affiliate links in this post. Most of what is shown here is Tibi, when it is not I will note it. That said, if you’re wondering about anything—outfits, links, fit tips—ask away in the comments. I love helping with that stuff.
So, how many ways can you style the same shirt?
1. You can wear it with shorts
Bare legs + a button-up = instant balance. You can wear the combo to work:
And to brunch:
And even to the beach, as a cover up:
2. You can bring softness to structured pants
This is where the shirt softens things. It un-stiffens a tailored pant, especially if you unbutton the cuffs, roll the sleeves, and let it flow.
But hey, if that’s not your thing, even all buttoned up it still brings softness to a look. That’s the magic of the polarity principle.
3. You can bring structure to more fluid pants
Now the shirt brings structure. It anchors the ease of the pants with just enough crispness to keep the outfit from melting into pajamas. If you ask me, these are all work appropriate looks, just depends on your personality and preference.
4. Add visual tension (and modesty) to a sheer skirt or dress
Hello, visual tension. The shirt adds contrast and modesty, but in a way that feels intentional.
I LOVED adding a tie here to make this a ‘ton’.
Or you keep it easy and chill
Next, I tried it on with a sparkly sheer dress, worn UNDER the shirt. With jeans on, I literally wore this outfit to work.
But you can also wear it with shorts!
And I am not really a ‘tie your shirt into a knot’ person but I did it anyway here and didn’t mind it!
5. You can style it with a sculptural skirt
This is where proportions come to play. Tucking or knotting the shirt against a more architectural bottom creates that “I planned this” energy without overworking it. Also, are we LOVING white belt on white skirt?
6. And bring structure to a more fluid skirt
Same principle as with the pants. The shirt tightens the vibe just enough so the outfit doesn’t feel sleepy. Add an open collar or messy tuck for movement.
I would 100% wear this to work:
And this for play:
Shoutout to
for finding that beautiful starfish necklace. You should subscribe to her for stellar vintage finds.7. Obvi, you can wear it with jeans
Classic on classic. But what makes it work is the intentionality. You’re pairing softness with structure, polish with ease. Style the shirt however the mood strikes that day. Tucked in or out. Sleeves rolled up or not. Your call!
8. You can use it to layer
Ok, before you protest, remember some of us live in California and our summers can be anywhere between 60 degrees to 80 degrees, sometimes the same day! The trick is to layer with thin fabrics, that you can take off easily throughout the day.
I tried it under a blazer here:
And here under a sleeveless vest summer sweater:
Or under a vintage cotton tee:
9. Convert a dress into a skirt
This adds versatility to your capsule! Throw it over a slip dress (or any dress). Suddenly your slip dress becomes a bottom half. Bonus points for friction: crisp top + slippery base = chef’s kiss.
I would style it just so for work, credit for ICOE (In Case Of Emergency) outfit concept to
:
And this for play:
10. And use it as a shacket
Open, oversized, and worn like outerwear. It reads cooler than a cardigan and lighter than a jacket.
Thoughts? If you’ve ever written off the blue striped shirt as “too office,” I hope this convinced you otherwise. If not, fine I respect all POVs no matter how wrong they might be, but I’ll be over here wearing mine with everything from shorts to sheer skirts, giving every outfit just enough polish or chill depending on what it needs.
That’s the Polarity Principle in action, summer style. And that’s why I keep reaching for this shirt.
Thank you for reading!
If this post gave you outfit ideas (or made you reconsider that shirt in the back of your closet), I’d love it it if you gave it a like, shared it with a blue-stripe-loving friend, and hit that restack button so it reaches more style nerds like us. I super appreciate your support, friend!
Confession: I am terrified of the blue striped button down. As much as I love it in this post and other fashion newsletters, I’m afraid that if I wear it it just going to scream frumpy middle aged mom, which is what I am and yet also the look I’m most desperate to avoid. Basically, I love her, but I don’t wanna look like Pam Beasley from the office. Any advice? I would love to look good in this shirt!
I like that your style is so different from mine you can say that this shirt adds softness to the structure! For me, this is 100% the other way around. My entire style is so loose and soft that the shirt would add the structure and "formal-ness", even when worn in the most casual way.