I Can't Stop Wearing Stripes, and Arket's Chic New Collection Is to Blame
We all know and love Arket for its ability to produce the best elevated basics on the high street. You know, the ones that work really hard in our wardrobes because we turn to them again and again as the building blocks of our everyday outfits, like the perfect T-shirt, blazer or pair of jeans. So it came as no surprise, then, when the Nordic high-street hero released its latest spring drop recently, and it was full of beautiful, versatile and practical pieces inspired by new-season classics. There are trench coats, fresh denim and crisp tailoring—all ready to see us through S/S 22 in minimalistic style. But the one aspect of the new collection I’ve personally fallen for is all the stripes.
Aïda wears the Striped Cotton Jumper.
My obsession, like everyone else’s I’m sure, started with that popular striped jumper, which was originally released last spring and has since been a regular sellout each time it’s restocked, probably thanks to so many influencers and editors showing us how chic it can make a simple outfit look. This spring, Arket has doubled down on the nautical-inspired marinière and applied stripes to everything from basic T-shirts to chunkier knits, cardigans and shirts, and I, for one, am not complaining.
Stripes are, after all, one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look expensive and polished. The Breton has been around for over a century for good reason, and it remains central to the effortlessness of French-girl style (which, of course, we’re always looking to for outfit inspiration). Just add one to your favourite jeans and jacket, and instantly, you’ve got a perfect transitional look for this time of year. I’ve been a stylist for almost 10 years, and it’s still my go-to combination on those mornings when I have a wobble in front of my wardrobe.
Jess wears the Oversized Cotton Cardigan.
Arket’s new collection breathes life into the classic striped piece, just like it’s done with so many other wardrobe staples before, so it’s not one to miss if you’ve been thinking about updating your spring capsule this year. Keep scrolling to see my picks of the best Arket striped pieces available now (including the knit, which is currently in stock in a few colourways).
Shop Arket's Best Striped Pieces
This would look so crisp with classic straight blue jeans.
Up Next: The Best High-Street Buys We've Seen on Instagram This Month
Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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