How to Wear Pinstripe Pants in 13 Fashion-Forward Ways
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- Pinstripe pants were first popularized in the late 19th century by English banks and later gained prominence as symbols of power.
- The polished style made its way into womenswear in the 1980s and has remained a staple in female wardrobes ever since.
- The most common style for pinstripe pants is solid black with white pinstripes, but there are many variations.
In a sea of micro trends and fast fashion, pinstripe pants remain classic. Though the garment has been around since the early 19th century, this year’s Met Gala, where the theme was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” placed pinstripes front and center. Celebrities like Alicia Keys and Teyana Taylor donned pinstripe pants, initially worn by bankers.
In England, each financial institution often had its unique stripe pattern to distinguish employees. Over time, pinstripes became a symbol of professionalism, power, and sophistication, spreading beyond banking to general business and formal wear. The pattern gained cultural prominence through Hollywood films, often depicting powerful figures in pinstripe suits. In the 1980s, women’s fashion embraced the style for its polished and authoritative look. Fast forward to today, and this classic pattern has found a place in stylish women’s wardrobes far beyond the boardroom.
But even though they’ve been around for more than 100 years, pinstripes are often polarizing. The bold vertical stripes can easily overpower an outfit, making it challenging to style with other prints or bright colors. And because of their corporate background, pinstripe pants can appear out of place in casual or semi-formal settings (if not styled correctly). The stripes emphasize the fit and silhouette, meaning any ill-fitting areas are more noticeable, necessitating a well-tailored pair. Finally, the typical color schemes of pinstripe pants require careful coordination with other clothing items to avoid jarring contrasts, adding another layer of complexity to styling them effectively.
All of that said, these pants are back. And that’s why it’s a good idea to have a variety of outfit ideas to help you incorporate pinstripe pants into your wardrobe.
Power Suit
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Lean into the origin of pinstripes and opt for a three-piece suit with a twist. Chloe Harrouche’s ensemble features a vest and trousers, finished off with a long coat instead of the classic blazer typically seen in a three-piece suit. She kept things fresh by leaving a button open to showcase her midriff and accessorized with gold jewelry and sleek sunglasses for an elevated look. To top off the outfit, a sizable tote bag with a briefcase-like appearance is key, as it nods to the pattern’s buttoned-up beginnings.
Pop of Color
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Because so many pinstripe pants come in dark tones with light stripes, it’s hard to incorporate colors. But that’s where a vibrant jacket—like a bold red—will work wonders. Opt for a garment that uses a different textile than your pants so that you can have a more dimensional look.
Summer Stripes
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Pinstripes are not typically associated with summer dressing due to heavy fabrics and dark colors. But that doesn’t mean it’s a fashion no-no. To achieve the perfect summer stripe look, opt for a pair of pants in a lighter fabric—such as linen, cotton, or silk. Keep the rest of the outfit light and breezy by pairing a white linen halter top with matching mules. This combination makes the look feel summer-appropriate and delicate. A cheeky handbag and cool-girl sunglasses further solidify that this pattern doesn’t have to be so buttoned-up when styled correctly.
White on White
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To adapt pinstripe pants to the warmer months (and to make it feel less formal), you can choose lighter hues. Take the extra step by pairing your white pants with a sheer, sparkly shirt, and cover up with a white button-down. You’ll be as fresh as you are stylish.
Mixed Stripes
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Like any pattern, not all pinstripe options look the same, and there’s no reason to be afraid to mix them. Tine Andrea nailed this styling trick by not only contrasting prints but also playing with proportions. She kept the base of the look simple with a classic white button-down serving as a great anchor for the outfit. On top, she wore an oversized blue blazer with very light pinstripes. On the bottom, she opted for skinny dark navy trousers with thick white stripes. The skinny pants balance out the oversized blazer, while the light stripes on top balance out the bold stripes on the bottom.
Retro Twist
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Pinstripes were big for women in the ’80s, so why not channel your inner retro corporate energy and lean into it? Go with a vintage twist (shoulder pads optional!) and wear a pinstripe suit with 80s-approved accessories, which can range from big, bold earrings to red leather gloves and pointy heels.
Off-Duty
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For a casual yet cool look, swap out jeans for a pair of pinstripe pants. One challenge with this pattern is that it often doesn’t feel casual or laid-back. Blanca Miro expertly dresses down the typically formal trousers by pairing them with a T-shirt, an edgy leather coat, and funky accessories. This outfit could have easily looked great with relaxed-fit denim, but the pinstripe pants elevate it, adding an unexpected element to the overall look.
Oversized
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A large chunk of pinstripe options falls into the suiting category, which can be limiting if your job or lifestyle doesn’t call for a strict dress code. To embrace this print without looking like you’re in The Wolf of Wall Street, focus on the fit. For trousers, opt for an oversized, more relaxed fit. Instead of the classic blazer, choose a vest with a cropped silhouette. Finish the outfit with a pair of sneakers for a finance to fashion look.
The New Suit
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Pinstripes are not typically associated with sexiness, but Courrèges is changing minds. The French fashion house has reimagined the pinstripe suit with this matching set. The fabric is reminiscent of the classic blue suit, but the cropped cut of the blazer, slim fit of the trousers, and edgy hardware make these pinstripes cool-girl approved.
Light Touch
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The classic pinstripe typically comes in darker hues like navy, black, gray, and blue. But there’s no rule book that says you have to stick to those boardroom blues. Why not try a lighter option? A white base with colorful stripes offers a fun and fresh interpretation of the classic pattern.
Gray Area
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Usually, a gray suit sounds like it’ll be boring and bland. But that doesn’t have to be true. Try an elevated suit like this one, featuring a cropped bomber-style blazer and slightly oversized pants. To ensure this look doesn’t feel too “office-ready,” keep the accessories cool with a casual white tank and sleek shield sunglasses.
Preppy Prints
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Lighten things up for the summer with a pair of linen pinstripe trousers. This light gray pair with bold white stripes, styled with a printed crewneck, adds a nice touch of prep. To avoid looking too country club, take a page out of Bettina Looney’s book and edge things up with accessories like bold red sunglasses and chunky earrings.
Fuzz Forward
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Playing with textures is a great way to add an unexpected touch to otherwise-serious pinstripe pants. Noa Germain complements her dark gray pinstripe pants with a furry jacket in a tonal beige. Not only does she look chic; it’s clear she’s super cozy, too.
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