Here’s how to look slim in striped clothes
Stripes have a bad reputation, but don?t believe everything you hear. It?s a myth that horizontal lines make a body appear wider than it is. Actually, a dress with horizontal lines looks slimmer and taller than the same one with a vertical pattern.
Knowing how to look slim in striped clothes is a matter of selecting a horizontal pattern. Is it really that simple? Well, yes, but you have other options, too. Stripes are hot!
Unlike other popular patterns, stripes create an optical illusion. An object with vertical lines appears short and fat because our eyes perceive it from left to right, whereas an object with horizontal stripes draws the eye from the bottom up.
According to Psychology Today, this illusion holds true on the human figure. Studies showing two women of the exact same size appear different when wearing vertical and horizontal lines, respectively. The woman in horizontal lines would actually need to physically be about 6 percent wider to look the same as a woman of the same size wearing vertical lines.
Good to know!
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Wearing stripes
For decades, magazines told readers not to trust stripes. Women were advised to avoid these supposedly unflattering horizontal lines or opt for vertical ones, like pinstriped suits. This advice was far from true, but many listened so wearing horizontal prints is relatively new.
If you want to know how to look slim in striped clothes, check out recent photos of fashion forward celebrities like Katy Perry and Eva Mendez for trendy examples. From form-fitting maxi and casual shift dresses, to tailored tops, this versatile pattern is here to stay and ready to help you look your best.
Pretty classic – horizontal
For flattering and slimming results, choose a dress in which the base color is darker than the contrasting stripes. This is why narrow white and black stripes with red accessories ? heels, clutch, lipstick – make a classic combination. As long as the lines are 2 inches wide or thinner and horizontal, the outfit is in the slimming safe zone.
Figure-friendly tricks – diagonal
Now that this optical illusion business is no longer working against us, learn how to use it to your advantage. Why not? Mixmatching slanted lines and angular patterns can be used to reduce curves and highlight favorite features instead, like the neckline.
It?s all in how the patterns are pieced together. For instance, a seemingly simple slip dress may actually have lines going five different directions, but the eye can?t tell. The top may be horizontal while diagonals around the sides of the skirt line up to frame and flatter as you move.
Ease in with chevron
If you?re curious but hesitant, ease into stripes with a chevron dress. This pattern naturally draws the eye down the center, slimming the waist and hips. Tie it together with a skinny belt, bracelet and chunky sandals.
Chevron is not a shy print! Items with one large chevron on the front and back best flatter areas you want to slim. Small patterns give the illusion of width on slender gals.
Skirts
Pairing lined skirts with solid tops creates a polished, chic look. Fashionable, full figured ladies look fabulous in a skirt with horizontal or mismatched diagonal stripes and a slimming pencil silhouette. Pair with heels or sandals and statement jewelry.
Tops
Remember to consider the structure of a top or jacket, as well as the direction of the lines. A tailored, jacket with a shaped waist and pattern of horizontal stripes, paired with boot-cut jeans and a colorful tank will give you a hip and flattering silhouette. If your hips are wide, a jacket that broadens your shoulders balances your overall shape.
When choosing a top with horizontal lines, look for those with a few inches of extra length to further elongate the torso.
As you experiment with how to look slim in striped clothes, remember to reach for styles outside of your comfort zone. As one of the season?s most popular patterns, expect to find my options to suit your taste and body.