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 the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.
Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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