Have you ever heard the fairytale that curvy girls shouldn’t wear stripes? Haha, yeah I know, good one right! Fat or skinny absolutely anyone can wear stripes, you may like to wear a little or alot but there’s a stripe out there for everyone. Every season stripes are in, they are a staple that can liven up a classic, casual or contemporary outfit…stripes are clever like that.
So how do you wear stripes without looking like you are auditioning for the circus? There’s a few tips I can pass on from lessons learned and working with women of all shapes and sizes.
Stripe placement. Now this is key! Use stripes to pull in a waist or broaden shoulders. On the flip side if you are pear shaped watch where stripes sit on the broadest part of you…all over stripes or stripes up top will flatter more than a plain tee with stripes on the waistband.
Vertical stripes. these babies love curves. Think Marilyn Monroe, if you have an hourglass body show it of with vertical stripes.
Optical illusion. Try a drape front top or asymmetrical hemline in a stripe and become a magician in your own wardrobe.
Chic stripes. Add a stripe tee or silk blouse under a blazer and you will be effortlessly chic!
Oversized stripes. Let them be the main attraction and keep accessories to a minimum.
Accessorize with stripes. If your body isn’t comfortable ‘in’ stripes then add a pop of fresh chic to your outfit with accessories…in stripes. Try a bag, stripes espradilles or even an oversized watch with a striped band.
Add colour. Think of stripes as your neutral and add colour. Go bold with red, orange, yellow and apple green or keep it classic with white. Soft colours like peach, mint and baby pink look fabulous teamed with stripes too.
Add length. Try a vertical stripe plus a V neck and you will be creating all sorts of smoke ‘n mirror action…instant lengthening and a great tip for those who are vertically challenged 🙂
Add denim. Stripes and denim are a match made in heaven. Chambray and denim also have a love affair with each other.
Add a belt. A slimline or wide belt can add a pop of colour, draw the eye to the smallest part of your waist and break up stripes.
Break it up. Break up an expanse of colour by adding a vest, jacket, statement jewellery or a scarf. Adding that ‘third’ layer is the perfect way to break up your stripes.
Pattern clash. Have fun, add some animal print or polka dots to your stripes. If you are nervous about pattern clashing start by keeping it all in the same colour palette. Me? I would totally add a leopard print shoe or scarf to a striped tee or dress.
Bold lip. Stripes love a red lip. Find the right red for you, add stripes and denim and you will be the one who turns heads (for all the right reasons).
Thought you couldn’t wear stripes…shouldn’t wear stripes? I hope this changes your mind because everyone can wear this everlasting trend. Have some fun with stripes.
Til next time
Jen x
- bird keepers-the stripe swing tee
- Sha-De Tamarama top
- Ruby and Lilli nautical tee
- Fujinella Hampton dress
- Gordon Smith stripe crossover dress
- Threadz stripe dress
- Bird Keepers the stripe skirt
I was always told that big girls shouldn’t wear stripes so I didn’t. However, I’ve just started adding stripes into my wardrobe and I love them! They don’t make me look bigger, they make me look good, and most of all, they make me feel good too. I see more stripes in my future! Those dresses are swoonsome! I think it’s all about choosing the right stripes so thanks for the top tips!
Sam you can absolutely do stripes, I’m so pleased you tried them…and loved them x
I love stripes! thanks jen for extra tips! … you always have good ideas hun!
I’m short waisted, but under a jacket or shirt works well for me!
or drape a scarf or sleeveless vest! … I’ve got striped scarves too!
I’ve lost count how many tops I have! all good!
love m:)X
You are all set Maerilyn…and onto a good thing 🙂
That’s one fashion rule I was told that I love to ignore. I love stripes and wear them even though I am a curvy/large girl x
Rules are made to be broken 🙂
Love stripes! Effortless chic!
They sure are Beth x
I never feel fully dressed without a stripe! This is my year!! x
Excellent on both counts Bron 🙂
I do remember once reading that wider women shouldnt wear stripes and I was devoed, but then I figured if I feel good in them then that is all that counts right? Right! Hope you have had a gorgeous weekend lovely. xx
Rules are made to be broken, I reckon you’re a rule breaker like me too Sonia 🙂