In the quest for timeless shirting, it’s far too easy to fall into the habit of reaching for a crisp white basic.

By Livia Sharp

In the quest for timeless shirting, it’s far too easy to fall into the habit of reaching for a crisp white basic. And I’m certainly not going to tell you to throw out your classic white shirts by any means, (in fact, I’ll do a round up of the best of them for you in the coming weeks), however I want you to consider broadening your sartorial horizons by adding some stripes. Stripe shirts are always on trend, but as an added bonus, they’ve had a bit of a re-surface and are suddenly everywhere this spring. Here are my picks for all tastes and budgets.

Entry level — Arty: Striped Shirt from Zara

Play with proportions with this fun ‘origami sleeve’ option from Zara. The timeless blue and white stipe will keep it relevant for multiple seasons, yet the arty detailing on the sleeve gives it personality and adds interest. Wear it with wide leg denim jeans or white linen palazzo pants and add a touch of colour at the neckline with a bold beaded necklace.

Price: $105.00

Mid range — Coloured: Striped Cotton Shirt from Ralph Lauren

There are lots of colour options available from well priced mid-range Aussie brands like Sportscraft and Country Road, however I’ve selected this effortless Polo Ralph Lauren shirt as it combines all the best of the mid-price category. It’s a well-cut shirt in a quality cotton and a classic lilac colour, with the longevity of an internationally renowned heritage brand. It’s an investment piece that will offer an excellent cost-per-wear return which is a justification we all love, right?! 

Price: $299.00

Luxe — Elaborate: Strike Patchwork Stripe Shirt from Alemais

In support of quality Australian brands, this stunning Alemais offering combines the very best of a ‘designers spin’ on a classic wardrobe staple. The eclectic mix of sequin embellishments and bold colour offset by the simple blue-and-white-stripe cotton base makes this shirt a classic for the ages. It’s important to note that although this shirt appears very “on trend” due to its details, it’s actually a piece that you will be able to hold onto for a long time and style in many different ways. Play up the casual cotton stripes as resort wear on your next holiday or lean into the embellishments as evening wear for a night out. Either way, this shirt is more versatile than meets the eye. 

Price: $695.00