Stylist Tells Us The Wardrobe Pieces That Pair Perfectly With Striped Pants

Certain patterns may come and go when it comes to trends, but stripes are always in style. There's nothing more classic and elegant than a pair of striped pants — whether you go for long trousers or silky pajama bottoms, you just can't go wrong. However, what can go wrong is your overall 'fit if you pair your pants with pieces that clash with them. In this case, stripes can be a bit tricky, but luckily our fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz, whom you can book for a Skype Style session or find on his YouTube channel, exclusively gave us tips on how to perfectly pair your wardrobe pieces.

While striped pants are usually associated with warmer weather, you can totally incorporate them into your fall and winter wardrobe. Just be sure to pick a heavier material like wool or cotton so that they have some weight to them. During the spring and summer, you'll want to choose breezy fabrics like linen and silk. With so many different options along with Katz's expert tips on how to style them, we bet you'll be wearing striped pants all year round.

Everyone has at least a few solid tops in different styles in their closets, so you'll have no problem choosing one for your striped pants. According to stylist Joseph Katz, a classic T-shirt will always work, and he advises pairing the color with one from your pants. He added, "If you're feeling more adventurous, choose a contrasting color to create a distinctive and unique style that breaks away from a perfectly coordinated outfit. This approach allows you to add a personal, signature touch to your ensemble." For example, if one of the stripes on your pants is blue, a yellow or orange T-shirt will make your look pop. This Mangopop V neck is a great option for this strategy, since it comes in over 20 colors. 

Your solid top doesn't have to be boring, either. Katz exclusively recommended to us this slightly cowl-necked shirt by Bobi, sold on Revolve. The long sleeves are perfect for cooler weather and the black color is extremely versatile, which means you'll be wearing this piece over and over again. If you're looking for brighter hues, Katz shared, "You can get a variety in different colors to pair with the pants."

There's nothing better than when the cozy weather comes around and it's time to take all your sweaters out of storage. When pairing one with striped pants, Joseph Katz thinks a body-hugging fit is the way to go. "A perfect fitted sweater looks very polished and elegant," he declared in our exclusive conversation. A V-neck silhouette will never go out of style and can take you from the office to a fancy dinner. For a timeless feel, choose solid shades in navy, brown, and light beige, as neutrals will go with any color on your pants.

To keep your look streamlined, Katz suggested going for thin sweaters, as opposed to bulkier fits. They're also easier to layer with if you need to throw on a cardigan or jacket. In particular, he recommended the Fancy Cashmere V-Neck from Naadam for its "touch of elegance," along with the Me + Em Merino Cashmere Barely There Layering Sweater for a buildable outfit. If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out this Amazon Essentials sweater, which comes in over 30 different colors. And, if you want to accessorize, our expert stylist thinks a solid-colored belt is the perfect highlight for striped pants. One that's wide will break up your silhouette, and remember, big belt buckles are a simple way to make a statement.

Striped pants can look casual when not styled correctly, but a blazer will instantly elevate your look. "I prefer to stick to a solid color so you do not clash with the stiped pants," fashion expert Joseph Katz exclusively told Glam. To instantly transform yourself into a power figure, try a double-breasted version like this Alice + Olivia charcoal blazer. The cuffed sleeves provide a nice monochromatic contrast while padded shoulders provide structure on top. It's an investment, but we think it's one worth making.

If your striped pants are high-waisted and you want to show off a paper-bag waist or a snazzy belt, Katz's choice of outwear is a nice cropped jacket, which looks awesome over a bralette. While this look isn't as office-friendly, it's a great choice for a weekend brunch or a casual dinner date. To jazz up your 'fit, try a cropped jacket with bejeweled embellishments, such as colorful rhinestones or classy pearls. Otherwise, you could opt for something like the EG Chris G cropped denim jacket for a comfy trans-seasonal look.

Bags can make or break an outfit, which is why stylist Joseph Katz's number-one advice when it comes to accessorizing striped pants is to avoid flashy styles. "A simple shoulder bag is the perfect complement to striped pants because it allows the pants to remain the focal point. The accessories, such as the bag, should enhance the overall look without drawing attention away from the bold stripes," he stated exclusively to Glam.

Simple doesn't mean plain, however, and one of Katz's expert picks is a suede shoulder bag by Toteme that comes in tan, granite, and espresso. We love the luxurious fabric but for a vegan and much more affordable option, Lramkuy carries five versions for just over $25 at the time of writing. If you want something more structured, Katz loves this Charles & Keith shoulder bag with a striking gold-buckle detail. With options for black, white, and chocolate at $83 each, we're totally tempted to buy all three.

When it comes to choosing footwear with your striped pants, Joseph Katz exclusively told us, "A great pointed heel or ankle boot elevates the pants just right for fall. The pointed heel can elongate your legs and give the perfect polished silhouette." While chunky soles come and go in the fashion world, stiletto heels are timeless and will elevate any outfit. Sock boots were the official fall shoe trend in 2023 and they're still here to stay. This Nine West version with an architectural heel is guaranteed to give you miles-long gams and draw all eyes in the room.

Not into wearing tall heels? Katz shared, "If you want something that isn't as high, a short pointed heel is perfect. It elevates the pants and you can choose your color." Try a pair with kitten heels, which is still a glamorous option but more feet-friendly. To spice up your 'fit, try a pop of color or even an animal print, which won't clash with your striped pants. But if you prefer going for black, this Genshuo slingback heel (which also comes in several other solid colors) has been rated highly for comfort by Amazon users.