man seated in an orange animal print shirt with train conductor stripe pants

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Choo choo! Step aside “Hot Rodent Boyfriends.” It’s time to board the “Train Conductor Boyfriend” railroad.

Chances are, you’ve witnessed the strange ascent of the definitive summer men’s trend: the Hot Rodent Boyfriend. The collective fawning over celebrity men with so-called “rodent-y features” à la Jeremy Allen White and Timothée Chalamet.

But why look to the pests that live on the train tracks for inspiration when you can instead look to who’s driving that train instead?

So I’m calling it now:

This fall is going to be all about the Train Conductor Boyfriend™.

Specifically, me and everyone at SG HQ are going gaga for men wearing outfits featuring the quintessential train conductor stripe, also called a hickory stripe.

The simple, utilitarian aesthetic is perfect for layering season. Wearing them will have every woman saying why ride the train when you can ride the… well you get the point.

Get inspired with train conductor stripes outfits:

man seated in an orange animal print shirt with train conductor stripe pants
images: @thelookgoodguide
man standing against a stone wall in an orange animal print shirt with train conductor stripe pantsman standing against a stone wall in an orange animal print shirt with train conductor stripe pants
man wearing striped pants and an orange animal printed long-sleeve topman wearing striped pants and an orange animal printed long-sleeve top

Blue and white is such a failsafe combination for any garment, which makes the Train Conductor Boyfriend look so accessible!

I love these boxy workwear pants that helps guys break out of the slim or straight-fit pant mold. The animal-print orange top ensures the vibe is stylish, not functional. Meaning? Women will know you’re asking for their number, not their train ticket.

man standing on a city street wearing a striped anorak and khaki pants, holding a work bagman standing on a city street wearing a striped anorak and khaki pants, holding a work bag
image: @romigourmi

A more subtle gradient stripe makes for a great shirt jacket, shirt, or as pictured here, even a pullover. The delicate pattern adds texture and interest to an outfit without looking fussy or like you’re trying too hard.

lower half of a man from behind, wearing striped carpenter pants rolled at the ankles with sneakers and tall sockslower half of a man from behind, wearing striped carpenter pants rolled at the ankles with sneakers and tall socks
image: @thelookgoodguide

I especially love a train conductor stripe because it not only functions as a neutral — meaning it pairs well with other colors — it also creates a really clean, breezy look when paired back to a simple white shirt.

It has the versatility of gingham, but feels much more modern and fresh for fall.

How to wear train conductor stripes

Not sure where to buy your ticket to ride? Wondering which stop on the Train Conductor Boyfriend express is best for you? Desperately hoping that I’m done with the train puns at this point?

Well, you’re in luck on all fronts, because Team SG has pulled some great options for you to shop, below.

Shop the trend


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