Tips For Rocking Pinstripes Outside Of The Office

You already knew a pinstriped suit is a safe choice for a summer office look, even if you work in banking, legal services, or government where conservative apparel is required. It might not have occurred to you that there are many creative ways you can wear pinstripes outside of the office, too.

Pinstripes are wearable in every season. Lightweight pinstriped fabrics work for spring and summer, especially when they're made into summer-friendly garments including strapless dresses or shorts. Heavier weight wool and wool-blend pinstripe fabrics are ideal for the cooler fall and winter months; pinstriped coats and jackets make outstanding layering pieces to keep you extra warm. Right now, roomy, oversized blazers are stylish — if you need to shop for a new blazer, you'll be right on trend if you size up enough to leave room for layering a sweater underneath.

Lately, fashion designers have been incorporating pinstriped fabrics into every type of ensemble, including streetwear, eveningwear, and everything in between. If you're headed out for a fun evening of socializing, you'll find glamorous pinstriped outfits well-suited. You also have many options for unassuming, everyday outfits featuring pinstripes. Let's take a look at a variety of ways to wear your pinstriped pieces in your off-duty hours.

Here's an idea for how to transition your pinstriped suit to be wearable after work without having to change clothes. When you get dressed for work in the morning, put on your suit with a sleeveless, collared button-up shirt and matching bracelets. When you've concluded your workday, you can take off the jacket, unleash your hair from any hair accessories that might have been holding it captive, and hide the aftermath under a chic fedora.

Here's inspiration for combining several of the latest fashion trends into one dynamic evening ensemble. Gilets and vests are ubiquitous right now; if you're planning to update your wardrobe for 2023, a pinstriped vest with jeweled buttons would be an elegant, fashionable, and versatile addition to your closet. To get the look pictured here, wear your new vest with matching flared pinstripe pants, and accessorize with glossy black gloves, a heart-shaped evening purse, a pretty pendant, and just the right belt.

Bold colors like red, orangey-gold, and sunny yellow are popular in 2023. If you feel shy about wearing reds and other bright hues in all their glory, layer a bright-colored top under a pinstriped coat. Little bits of color will peek out from under the coat, but the pinstripes keep the look from getting too intense. Wearing jeans on the bottom results in an even more restrained overall effect. When you choose footwear, echo the predominant color in your pinstriped coat to keep the ensemble unified.

If you're in need of a casual ensemble that makes a strong visual impact, consider pairing pinstripes with solid, vibrantly-colored accessories such as a beanie and bucket bag. To mirror the look pictured above, choose a top and pinstriped blazer in the same color family. Add skin-hugging leggings that contrast with the color of your blazer. Pull on a pair of tall boots over the leggings. Customize the look by choosing accessories in your favorite bright color. Fiery red works, but neon green, Barbiecore pink, or sunshine yellow would also be outstanding color choices for your accessories.

Unless you're planning to go to work, there's no need to restrict yourself to wearing perfectly matched pinstripes. It can be satisfying to pair different striped designs together. If you decide to experiment with this, start by choosing subtle striped patterns in colors that play nicely together. The dress and jacket pictured here give you an example of how to make this idea work; the darker gray striped blazer makes the perfect complement for the lighter gray stripes on the dress. Tall black boots anchor the look, and a pretty choker furnishes a focal point.

Pinstripes and jeans are a fantastic combination to reach for when you want people to notice you rather than your clothes. Pictured here is a failsafe look you can fall back on wearing any time you need a casual outfit. Start with wide-legged jeans and a form-fitting white shirt. Add a long, double-breasted pinstriped coat, and accessorize with sunglasses, a printed bandana or scarf, and loafers in the same color as your coat.

Pinstripes and denim are a workable weekend combination. They look stylish together and create a super comfortable look. To formulate an outfit similar to the one pictured above, start with any pinstriped bottoms you happen to own — a pinstriped skirt, pair of pants, culottes, or shorts would all work well. Pick a soft tee-shirt, and top it off with a studded denim jacket. If you don't have a studded denim jacket, substitute any long-sleeved denim shirt. Accessorize with bracelets, shades, and a backpack purse in lavender or any pretty color.

Black and white is an enduring color combination you can always turn to when you need to look your best. Bold black and white pinstripes give you a trendy way to reinvent this classic color pairing, making it look fresh and innovative. To copy the style pictured here, start with a long-sleeved, skintight black top and pull on a high-waisted striped pinafore overtop. Slip a classic pair of boots on your feet and grab a black overcoat if you're expecting to encounter chilly weather.

A strapless belted pinstriped dress is easy to wear because it streamlines your decision-making process — you don't need to worry about pairing up other garments that have to harmonize with it. You do have the option to throw on a shawl, wrap, jacket, or sweater overtop if you suspect the temperatures might drop after sunset where you'll be spending your evening. In that case, you can't go wrong choosing a solid white or black garment to layer on top. Hosiery is optional. Finish off the look with simple flat sandals.