FAT OR SKINNY YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN WEAR STRIPES.

Have you ever heard the fairy tale that curvy girls shouldn’t wear stripes? Ha ha, yeah I know, good one right! Fat or skinny absolutely anyone can wear stripes, you may like to wear a little or a lot 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.

Adrift Roxy Dress in Navy (2XL-4XL), Adrift Lula White Top in Navy Stripe (2XL-4XL), ASOS Curve Stripe Midi Dress with Pockets (16-30)

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!

Bohemian Traders Meredith Maxi Dress (XXS-4XL), Katies Cotton Stripe Cardigan (S-XXL), Bohemian Traders Classic Scoop Neck Dress (XXS-4XL)

Oversized stripes.

Let them be the main attraction and keep accessories to a minimum.

Accessorise 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 🙂

Blue Bungalow Stripe Cotton Contrast Sleeve Dress, (S-XXL), Blue Bungalow Stripe Midi Skirt (8-18), ASOS Curve Stripe Swing Midi Dress (16-30)

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.

Taking Shape Bouquet Stripe Top (XXS-XL), City Chic Striped Neck Tie Tunic (14-24), Taking Shape Angel Fish Top (XXS-XL)

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