Straightforward, directional, graphic, authoritative, classic. You've got to respect the stripe.

A classic striped shirt evokes countless personalities: Parisian mime. Basketball ref. Sea captain. Beetlejuice.

My favorite thing about stripes (particularly of the black and white variety) is that they always look sharp and are super easy to style. Plus, the graphic quality of a striped garment makes it the perfect candidate for print mixing. And girl, I love to mix a print.

Still need some inspiration? For your consideration: 6 modern-iconic ways to style black and white stripes:

1. LIKE YOU'VE BEEN INVITED TO CANNES

Throw a Missoni print caftan (inspired or otherwise) over a vertical striped suit, tie on your tallest espadrilles and see if you can sweet talk your way onto Leo's yacht. Extra points if you are a 22 year old Victoria's Secret angel or know one.

2. LIKE MAN REPELLER LEANDRA MEDINE

Who says style has to be cute? Make like Manrepeller.com founder Leandra Medine, say eff it to pretty and embrace the art of oversized, overpriced clash. Hey, if you can afford designer sneakers that arrive dirty, do you girl! Do you.

3. LIKE YOU LIVE ON A MUDDY HORSE FARM OUTSIDE OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

NYC not quite your speed? Stripes are equally comfy in horse country! When paired with an equestrian print scarf and cheery (yet practical!) duck boots, you'll be lunching at Keswick in no time.

4. LIKE CARRIE BRADSHAW EATING MACAROONS IN PARIS ALONE WHILE THE RUSSIAN WORKED

Poor Carrie went all the way to Paris to be with an old man who forced her to smoke cigarettes and let her think it would be chic to hobble along cobblestone streets in stilettos. But man! Did our girl know how to mix vertical stripes with bold floral or what?

5. LIKE J.CREW CREATIVE DIRECTOR JENNA LYONS WOULD STYLE A CATALOG SHOOT

Jenna Lyons went on safari and returned to preach what zebras and cheetahs have known all along: you'll never go wrong when you pair stripes with an animal print and throw it all atop a #2 Pencil skirt and whimsical heels.

6. LIKE BEVERLY HILLS REAL HOUSEWIFE YOLANDA FOSTER HADID

When she isn't crying over ticks or walking the beach in yoga gear, Gigi and Bella's mom spends her free time warning her daughters about Kylie Jenner and owning it in white jeans and a navy blue blazer.

So maybe you don't want to channel a fashion blogger or reality TV star, but my point is this - stripes have universal appeal because they are the most malleable of prints and thus can be considered a neutral. Now open your closet and get in line, girl!

xoxo, Jenn

PS: If you've read this far you are a good friend. BUT I'll be your BFF if you click that little heart under the picture. If you comment, I will give you a hug and my first born.