• Men's Fashion Guides

5 New Ways To Wear Pinstripes

The Season Of The Stripe

This SS15, the pinstripe is set to experience a revival. Finally free from its negative power dressing banker and Prohibition gangster connotations, this classic motif has never looked more relaxed, contemporary or, frankly, cooler.

To get ahead of the game, here are five easy ways you can introduce pinstripes to your current wardrobe:

1. Trouser Separates

Pinstripe trousers have relaxed a little, literally. Tiger of Sweden sent an almost slouchy pair down its SS15 runway, while Christopher Kane and Topman offered them in loose flare cuts.

Dressing down your pinstripe trousers is simple: trade in the matching blazer for a rugged denim/shearling jacket and combine with a simple roll neck/white tee and white trainers for the perfect balance of smart and casual.

Get The Look

Blue Navy Pinstripe Trousers, available in selected Bally stores, now.

2. Sporty Stripes

These days, the boundaries between formal wear and activewear aren’t so clean-cut. Many designers are actively blurring the boundaries and Casely-Hayford’s SS15 pinstriped shorts, sweatshirts and baseball caps are a prime example of this, taking the cloth out of the office and onto the sports field.

For a high street take on the trend, check out the Majestic New York Yankees Longline Baseball Jerseys below, which are exclusive ASOS. Wear either with some black skinny jeans and a pair of on-trend trainers like Nike Air Max 90s or Nike Air Force 1s. If it gets cold, throw a luxe black bomber jacket over the top.

Get The Look

Majestic New York Yankees Longline Baseball Jersey, available in two colour ways, exclusive to ASOS.com. 

3. The Shorts

Okay, so it’s not shorts season just yet, but these are an option for when temperatures rise.

After spotting pinstripe basketball shorts on Casely-Hayford’s SS15 runway, we’ve been praying for warm weather ever since.

For a smart, summery look, try wearing your pinstripe shorts with a lightweight linen jacket and pair of brogues or, to keep things casual, a denim jacket and pair of minimal trainers.

Get The Look

Grey Pinstripe Shorts, available at suitsupply.com, priced £89.

4. The Scarf

After a subtle way of incorporating the trend into your wardrobe? Try a pinstripe scarf.

Whether you opt for a chunky design to see off the remainder of winter or a lightweight version ready for spring/summer, it offers the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, smart or casual.

Get The Look

Smokey Silk Blend Scarf, available at reiss.com

5. The Suit

Of course, the pinstripe suit is a timeless classic and undeniably dapper. Bringing it bang up to date is simply a matter of cut and details.

First, go for a slim-fitting design – everyone from Mango Man to River Island are stocking low-cost options this season, or if you fancy making more of an investment, Burberry have produced a couple of really special versions in wool and cashmere blends. Second, team it with a crisp white shirt and a pair of penny loafers (socks optional).

Get The Look

Pinstripe Suit, available at mango.com.

Ted Stansfield