Bit of apparel that often has stripes

TIE

This accessory is commonly worn around the neck and knotted at the top, often paired with formal attire like a suit.

The clue refers to a "tie," which is a piece of clothing commonly worn around the neck, especially with formal attire. The mention of "stripes" hints at the typical pattern found on many ties—like diagonal or vertical lines—though ties can come in other designs too. It’s a straightforward definition with a small descriptive nudge to help solvers picture the item.