This Spring/Summer, which by the time you read this, Spring will officially have sprung, stripes are going in all directions - horizontal, vertical, diagonal, chevron. You'll see them on anything from tops, dresses, and skirts to shoes, bags and scarves. As with all trends, I recommend using them as a starting point to influence your own style. Being stylish isn't about being 'trendy' and looking like a high street mannequin but expressing your own individuality in a way that is natural and feels comfortable to you AND makes you look and feel great.
If you're not careful stripes can make you look wider but if you get them right, they can also make you look slimmer so don't be afraid of wearing them, there is one out there that is just right for you. Here are a few tips that will help when looking for the right stripe for you:
- Pair stripes with a solid colour on the larger part of your body i.e. if you're heavier in the lower half of your body, keep this simple and monochromatic and use the pattern on your upper body to draw attention to it, for example a black
pencil skirt belted with a black and white striped blouse.
- Vertical stripes are great at lengthening the body, so if you have a shorter torso – wear a vertically striped shirt to create the illusion of length – just be aware of how wide the stripes are. A chiffon striped blouse worn with a pair of skinny jeans would look great. If you have shorter legs, a pair of striped trousers will make them look longer and if you add a heel, you're instantly going to look taller. Pinstripes are a classic style but experiment with colour and opt for a
coloured stripe instead for a more modern look.
- If you have a small waist, a chevron striped top that draws in at your waist will accentuate your petite waistline.
- If you're top heavy, wear a smaller, thinner stripe or if you want to enhance your bust, choose a bolder, wider stripe.
- If you have a small frame – wear a small pattern, if you have a larger frame – wear a larger pattern.
- If you like the idea of stripes but are still fearful of them, introduce them through your accessories. A striped scarf with a silky tee and skinny jeans is an easy way of nodding to the trend without being too over the top. Now that we've hit Spring and the weather should (I say this lightly) be warming up, a striped pair of espadrilles or wedges worn with a dress are a good alternative to plain sandals. A striped bag will add a different dimension to your outfit and can give a plainer look some added interest.
However you choose to wear stripes, have fun with them and use them to your advantage and don't be afraid to get a little creative.
If you're not careful stripes can make you look wider but if you get them right, they can also make you look slimmer so don't be afraid of wearing them, there is one out there that is just right for you. Here are a few tips that will help when looking for the right stripe for you:
- Pair stripes with a solid colour on the larger part of your body i.e. if you're heavier in the lower half of your body, keep this simple and monochromatic and use the pattern on your upper body to draw attention to it, for example a black
pencil skirt belted with a black and white striped blouse.
- Vertical stripes are great at lengthening the body, so if you have a shorter torso – wear a vertically striped shirt to create the illusion of length – just be aware of how wide the stripes are. A chiffon striped blouse worn with a pair of skinny jeans would look great. If you have shorter legs, a pair of striped trousers will make them look longer and if you add a heel, you're instantly going to look taller. Pinstripes are a classic style but experiment with colour and opt for a
coloured stripe instead for a more modern look.
- If you have a small waist, a chevron striped top that draws in at your waist will accentuate your petite waistline.
- If you're top heavy, wear a smaller, thinner stripe or if you want to enhance your bust, choose a bolder, wider stripe.
- If you have a small frame – wear a small pattern, if you have a larger frame – wear a larger pattern.
- If you like the idea of stripes but are still fearful of them, introduce them through your accessories. A striped scarf with a silky tee and skinny jeans is an easy way of nodding to the trend without being too over the top. Now that we've hit Spring and the weather should (I say this lightly) be warming up, a striped pair of espadrilles or wedges worn with a dress are a good alternative to plain sandals. A striped bag will add a different dimension to your outfit and can give a plainer look some added interest.
However you choose to wear stripes, have fun with them and use them to your advantage and don't be afraid to get a little creative.
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