Surely you’ve seen loads of side-stripe pants by now, but today we have a different iteration with more universal appeal—the tuxedo stripe. If you’re asking yourself what’s the difference between the sporty stripe and the tuxedo stripe, think of it this way: the latter is menswear-inspired and takes cues from formal attire rather than the soccer field. Easier to wear than the season’s printed jeans, tuxedo-stripe pants offer a simple way to update your everyday mix. Even better, the trend translates seamlessly for the office (with tailored trouser versions a la Miranda Kerr) and the weekend (with casual denim styles as seen on Cara Delevingne), giving you plenty of ways to wear the look.
On The Runway
While Reed Krakoff served up a large helping of athletic-inspired silhouettes at his S/S 13 show, the collection’s khaki side-striped Slim Trousers ($850) read more black-tie than sport, thanks to their sleekly tailored cut.
On The Streets
WHO: Olivia Palermo
WHAT: Photographed out in London last year.
WEAR: Esprit sweater; Current/Elliott The Rider Colorblock Denim Leggings ($153); Mulberry Alexa Bag($1650, available here in Biscuit Brown Flower Gecko Jacquard).
WHY: Palermo is proof this isn’t a neutrals-only trend. In on-point burgundy and black, tuxedo-stripe jeans take on a modern look.
WHO: Cara Delevingne
WHAT: Out in Paris late last month.
WEAR: Rag & Bone Skinny Tuxedo Jeans ($60).
WHY: A casual tee and stylish sneakers lend side-stripe jeans that cool, model-off-duty vibe.
WHO: Aimee Song of Song of Style
WHAT: Spotted between shows during New York Fashion Week.
WEAR: Kenzo x New Era Baseball Hat ($60); Bsable Chelsea Long Sleeve Jacket ($568) in Blue Feather; Hudson Leelo Colorblock Skinny Crop Jeans ($198); Monika Chiang bag; Saint Laurent Ankle Cuff Paris Pumps ($895, available here in Black and Gold).
WHY: A luxurious feather coat paired with a baseball hat and tuxedo-stripe jeans exudes that perfect uptown-meets-downtown mix.
WHO: Miranda Kerr
WHAT: Leaving a photo shoot in New York last year.
WEAR: Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse ($188); A.L.C. pants; Celine bag; Manolo Blahnik heels.
WHY: Instant chic outfit equation: cropped tuxedo-stripe trousers plus a tucked-in sleeveless silk blouse and pointed-toe stilettos.
Get The Look
Now that you’re familiar with multiple ways to wear the trend, it’s time to shop the look. As we mentioned before, you can either take the more polished route with a pair of trousers or keep it casual with denim versions. It’s totally up to you, but we recommend picking up both to get the most wear!
Trousers If you prefer a trouser, be sure to go with a tailored and cropped fit, which will allow you to fluidly transition from day to night. As far as neutral styles go, try DKNY’s Tuxedo Skinny Trouser ($322) or Forever 21’s Colorblocked Straight Leg Pants ($20). You can also mix things up with a brighter option, like Each X’s cobalt blue Crepe Tuxedo Pants ($381), Diane von Furstenberg’s Naples Soft Canvas Pants($253) in Blossom, and True Royal’s Stripe Insert Pants ($395) in Red/White.
Jeans If you’re more of denim kind of gal, you’re in luck because there are plenty of great styles to try. Again, you can’t go wrong with a couple of neutral picks, which is why we suggest you check out J Brand’sRowan Skinny Jeans ($131), Maison Scotch’s La Parisienne Skinny Jeans ($149), and Nasty Gal’sTuxedo Jeans ($90). Of course, if it’s a more colorful option you seek, don’t miss Forever 21’s Life in Progress Tuxedo Skinny Jeans ($25) or NYDJ’s Sheri Tuxedo Skinny Stretch Jeans ($130).
Image of Miranda Kerr, courtesy of Getty Images; Image of Cara Delevingne, courtesy of INF Photo; Image of Olivia Palermo, courteys of AKM-GSI; Reed Krakoff runway photo, courtesy of Getty Images; Photo of Aimee Song, courtesy of Vanessa Jackman.
**courtesy of Who What Wear