When it comes to Summer wardrobe staples, the limit does not exist in the case of perfect white tees [1], simple tank tops, and classic stripes [2], from Americana colors to nautical styles and fashion-forward silhouettes. (Personally, I love my basics with a slight twist [3], whether it's a puffy sleeve [4], tie-front detail, asymmetric line, or unique combination of colors to make a subtle impact.) While solid tops are great for layering, there's something about a striped tee, tank, or sweatshirt that feels a little more exciting — even if, like me, you stick to classic versions, because guess what? They never fail!
Nothing eases my mind more than knowing I can go into my closet and find about 15 options that work on any given day, whether it's a red and white striped t-shirt to pair with a denim jacket [5] and shorts [6], a cropped baby tee to team with high-waisted pants (this is the comfiest $35 cropped pair [7], by the way), a graphic striped sweatshirt to team with leggings on the weekends or while traveling, or a classic navy and white stripe to wear under lightweight blazers for a comfy but smart Summer work outfit [8]. You truly can't go wrong with a striped top, which is why stocking up on a bunch is crucial, in my book, and under-$40 versions are the best way to make the process a little less painful.
Because they're kind of our signature, ahead, shop my favorite striped tops from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [9], including options for curvy shapes [10]. Then, for Summer outfit ideas [11], scroll through fresh combinations that center on stripes, courtesy of the always-stylish street style set.
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Slouchy Tee
POPSUGAR Tie-Front Slouchy Tee [12] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Tie-Front Slouchy Tee
POPSUGAR Plus Size Tie-Front Slouchy Tee [13] ($23, originally $34)
POPSUGAR Relaxed Muscle Tank Top
POPSUGAR Relaxed Muscle Tank Top [14] ($18, originally $26)
POPSUGAR Relaxed Muscle Tank Top
POPSUGAR Relaxed Muscle Tank Top [15] ($18, originally $26)
POPSUGAR Stripe Puff-Sleeve Top
POPSUGAR Stripe Puff-Sleeve Top [16] ($30, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Stripe Puff-Sleeve Top
POPSUGAR Stripe Puff-Sleeve Top [17] ($30, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [18] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [19] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Plus Size Babydoll Swing Tee [20] ($23, originally $34)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [21] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [22] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Plus Size Babydoll Swing Tee [23] ($23, originally $34)
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Babydoll Swing Tee [24] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Babydoll Swing Tee
POPSUGAR Plus Size Babydoll Swing Tee [25] ($23, originally $34)
POPSUGAR Striped Sweatshirt
POPSUGAR Striped Sweatshirt [26] ($30, originally $44)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Striped Sweatshirt
POPSUGAR Plus Size Striped Sweatshirt [27] ($33, originally $48)
POPSUGAR Henley Stripe Tee
POPSUGAR Henley Stripe Tee [28] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Ribbed Crop Top
POPSUGAR Ribbed Crop Top [29] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Ribbed Crop Top
POPSUGAR Ribbed Crop Top [30] ($21, originally $30)
POPSUGAR Contrast-Stripe Crewneck Top
POPSUGAR Contrast-Stripe Crewneck Top [31] ($27, originally $36)
POPSUGAR Contrast-Stripe Crewneck Top
POPSUGAR Contrast-Stripe Crewneck Top [32] ($27, originally $36)
POPSUGAR Print Long-Sleeve Tee
POPSUGAR Print Long-Sleeve Tee [33] ($14, originally $36)
Women's POPSUGAR Print Long-Sleeve Tee
Women's POPSUGAR Print Long-Sleeve Tee [34] ($14, originally $36)