I own an embarrassing number of striped long-sleeved tees, but I wear them so often that they’re really wardrobe staples.

One of my favorites is an ancient navy and white number that I bought at the Gap at least 16 years ago. I say that because I remember wearing it on our honeymoon to San Francisco and Napa Valley way back then. It’s a little worse for the wear, but I can’t bear to toss it.

Overall I’m a traditionalist. I like a white background with thin black or blue stripes. I’m not a snob, either. Like almost everything, I shop at every price point.

Here’s one of my favorites from Japanese brand Muji, now on sale for only $9.98:

Organic Cotton Crewneck @ Muji

There’s a different price point for this one, but it’s worth the investment. I get a lot of compliments on this unisex Saint James shirt (although once an effusive senior citizen at an airport loved it so much that she declared she was buying the same model, so maybe I’d better rethink this…):

Saint James Unisex Striped Shirt @ J. Crew

Here’s a reasonable alternative for less (and it comes in other colors):

French Sailor’s Shirt in Cream/Navy @ L.L. Bean

This also mostly fits the bill:

Essential Stripe Boatneck T @ Gap

This doesn’t follow my color rules since the base is light blue (So pretty!), but I picked it up at Madewell last weekend when I was killing time before a hair cut. I know this is going to be in heavy rotation this spring.

SkarGorn #88 Sweatshirt T @ Madewell

The quality of Edith A. Miller knits is incredible. I have a different model than this one (mine has a solid front with blue stripes on one sleeve and red ones on the other, but it’s old so I don’t think it’s available any longer), but the fabric and styling are similar:

Edith A. Miller Striped Boatneck 3/4 Sleeve @ Steven Alan

Here’s the idea above in reverse:

Hive & Honey Mixed Media T @ Piperlime

And now for a few rule breakers that I just like. 

Pink stripes (although the aqua is equally gorgeous):

Stripe Reverse Terry Pullover @ Gap

Really subtle, sheer stripes:

Tie Dye Dory Top in White @ Athleta

Finally, cheeky word stripes:

Pim + Larkin Tres Bien Sweatshirt @ Piperlime

Pim + Larkin Ciao Sweater @ Piperlime