Stripes that work and stripes that don't!!

When it comes to clothing there are lots of patterns, prints and colours with which you can play. Some work really, really well and are consistently good! Others, sadly, do not.

Let's take stripes as an example. Vertical stripes make things (people included) appear taller. They are flattering - for most people. In fact, AFL footballers use vertical stripes to magnify their height, thus giving them a mental advantage over their opponents. Vertical stripes that fall in a straight line are flattering and give the illusion of extra height, which has the added benefit of making the person wearing them, appear slimmer.

However, should the vertical stripe curve, gape or wriggle - the flattering effect is lost. A top that is too tight across the bust or back, will make the fabric (and hence the stripes) wriggle and pull. Your stripes become curves - in all the wrong places! A skirt or trousers with vertical stripes must be worn over a flat stomach, slim thighs and a narrow backside. Otherwise, the stripes curve over the stomach, arch over the thighs and squiggle over the tail. Noticeable? Yes! Flattering? No.

Horizontal stripes can be wonderful, when worn on the smallest part of the body. I have yet to see anyone look realy, really good when wearing horizontal stripes below the waist!!
The gathered skirt that had white, grey and black horizontal stripes with lots of pleats at the top and shirt tucked into it (in a size 14+) that I saw this morning, was not flattering! The plain black vest did not help!

Now, had the skirt been in a plain fabric, the shirt in the horizontal print and the vest left at home - the whole look would have been much, much better.

Rugby League footballers use big horizontal stripes on their jumpers (or they used to) to maximise their size and intimidate the opposition.

Next time you are thinking about stripes - stop and really consider their purpose and placement on your body!