Stripes: The Line by Line Instructions on How to Wear Them

A few days ago, I got a comment, from my wonderfully insightful aunt Kelly. It went like this:

"If horizontal stripe shirts are so bad, why the heck as I always drawn to them at stores? 

Seriously, every time."

It is a good question. One that I needed to think about, because I have the exact same problem. I love when spring rolls around and the expected nautical themes start to roll out in stores because there are always stripes. This summer has been especially stripy, with a horizontal striped t-shirt being a key essential to wardrobes of women of all ages.

But at the exact same time, we are told, "No, no, no. Stripes are unflattering, and make you wider, longer, thicker in all the wrong places. Especially those horizontal stripes. The devil in pattern form."

Well for the record, I don't think stripes are bad. And if you like them, you should wear them. Yes, stripes can be unflattering, but just the opposite is true too, stripes can also be flattering. Even those forbidden horizontal stripes. All it takes is the right pieces.

The beginners rule  to wearing stripes is to wear just one printed piece and match it with solid pieces. Like this look (left) from Who What Wear's most recent Style Tracker. Now, I know this is a bit over-styled for day wear in Wisconsin, but the point is there.

If a striped blazer is a bit much for you, you could tone it down several ways. The first of which is to look for less pizzazz-y stripes. Yes. I just said less pizzazz-y. For instance, what about this look (right) from ShopBop's Spring LookBook? This blazer (note its paired simply with a grey tank and classic denim shorts) would be easily wearable shopping, on a lunch date, or just around the house.

Color also makes a difference. If you're worried about the boldness of stripes, try them in a neutral color.

This Fall 2010 DKNY look is a lot more laid back, and easier to wear because of the earthy tones. They are less harsh than black and white, and a lot easier to wear without feeling self conscious.

And if you're STILL worried about the impact of the stripes, but still want to wear them, you can always layer it under a sweater or jacket (again, just like this DKNY look). This peek-a-boo styling will allow you to wear those stripes, but not worry about whether the horizontal, diagonal or vertical stripes are doing you harm in the widening/lengthening department.

And I haven't even gotten into what kind of stripes where are flattering on what types of bodies! How stripes can be flattering or unflattering is probably an endless lists... although I hope that everyone has a general understanding. 

Here is a list of suggestions, although there are many more, and this is not a set "rules" list either. Everyone's body is different, and everyone will feel different in certain types of stripes. Always remember to be comfortable! Just my disclaimer. 

• Horizontal stripes have the power to create curves, because they create depth. So if you're lacking in the curves department, horizontal may be your friend.
• Vertical stripes generally elongate... just be sure that you want to be elongated.
• Keep horizontal stripes loose. If the garment clings, it will widen, but if its hanging a little looser, it will be more forgiving.
• Vertical and diagonal striped bottoms can make you look taller, especially when paired with a solid top.
• Beware too many stripes! Striped top and striped bottom... may be too much. Although I would recommend playing around with pairing stripes with other patterns like polka-dots and floral prints. The key to this is just making sure that colors match well.
• Remember: darker colors are more forgiving. This is also true for stripes!
• If you are fuller in one part of your body than you would like, consider a stripy style with a single color-block in that area. For example, if you're big-busted, then a dress with a plain black bodice and then a striped skirt will flatter. If you have a small bust and big hips, then the reverse is true.
• Along the lines of busts... you can create the illusion of a bigger bust by wearing broad stripes across your top half and then balancing out your lower body with narrower, diagonal stripes.

And so, Kelly. To answer your question, you're drawn to horizontal stripes because you know they are not evil, they are just misunderstood. And you, the kind-hearted woman you are, want to give stripes a chance. And I do suggest that you do! And everyone does! Stripes can be so much fun.