Polka Dots Are Great, But Cool Girls Are Styling This Classic Print For August Instead

Every August, Copenhagen Fashion Week is splashed across our social media feeds (and our saved folders) with looks that are playful yet somehow completely put-together. As always, the Scandi girls showed up this year with their signature mix of minimalism-meets-maximalism that somehow looks so effortless. Think flip-flops with frocks, granny-chic crochet bandanas, dresses worn over trousers and chaotic layering that really shouldn't work, but absolutely does. But amidst the more out there 'wait, can I actually pull that off?' looks, one trend stood out for the simple fact that it was more wearable than most: stripes. More specifically, striped tops with their preppy edge across polos, tank tops, and even tube tops. The city looked like it was hosting a colourful remake of Beetlejuice, and I'll be honest, we're definitely into it.

Of course, stripes have been slowly making a splash across runways all year. Take Miu Miu, for example, where cropped striped polos and crewnecks have been walking the catwalk for a few seasons now, in shades ranging from classic navy and white to orange and red mustard with brown. Over at Bottega Veneta's SS25 show, a striped scarf top was paired with a matching midi skirt, while Chanel Cruise 25 showed an array of striped co ords.

Shop: Miu Miu's Striped Top

While 2025's stripe resurgence has largely been centred around bright combinations, the more classic Breton striped tops are still as chic as ever. Beloved by French girls everywhere and elegant dressers such as Kate Middleton, nautical navy and white striped tops and jumpers are just as popular, adding a touch of polish to the trend.

Shop: Breton Striped Top

As for styling, a striped top presents endless potential, as the cobblestone Danish streets proved. For a smart casual look, style a long-sleeved top with tailored bermuda shorts and loafers (a combination popular with countless influencers). Alternatively, opt for a cropped polo à la Miu Miu, paired with high-rise jeans, like Janka Polliani.

If your style is more whimsical, take notes from Gabriela Karefa Johnson, who mixed and matched shades with careful abandon – pairing her sorbet-hued striped polo with a white and navy lined mini and a red breton-striped jacket tied around the waist. For a more chaotic Gen Z-approved look, layer your striped top under a slinky slip dress over trousers or style a baggy striped polo with a lace skirt and suede trainers.

Of course, if you're looking to splurge, there are plenty of designer options from Miu Miu to Faithfull The Brand. However, if you haven't quite budgeted three figures for wardrobe staples, the high street is awash with brilliant designs. Case in point, Damson Madder's Cassia rugby top, whose green stripes have proven popular with fashion editors and influencers alike. For a cool girl-approved take, look to Ganni's colourful striped tank, while Reformation offers a chic crewneck. All of which to say, whatever your style, there's a brilliant striped top for you.

Shop: The Best Striped Tops 2025

Main image credits: ©Getty Images/Christian Vierig ©Instagram/@maimy_pea

Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.