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I love stripes. All kinds: Awning stripes, pinstripes, rugby stripes, sailor stripes, shadow stripes, candy stripes. Does this mean that I am a linear thinker? Perhaps…
But it’s also because stripes are magic. They command our attention and direct our eyes to wherever they are going. They can also distract if you want them to. They have the power to visually minimize or maximize. They can be racy, regimental — or, somehow, reassuring — in their regularity. (I don’t love dots. They are ditsy and don’t stand for anything. So there! I’ve drawn a line in the sand.)
When it comes to figure flattery, don’t be afraid to give a horizontal stripe a try. Yes, a stretchy pencil skirt in large, regularly spaced bands may make your backside look bigger, but that may not be a bad thing? Your call…
Let’s say you have a pear-shaped figure; you can visually balance your hips by wearing a horizontally striped top and a solid, darker bottom. Or if you want to distract from round thighs, a horizontal block-stripe one-piece swimsuit will draw attention to your hips, bust and torso and away from your legs. Bear in mind, wide stripes make things appear larger and narrow stripes tend to minimize.
Vertical stripes can be counted on to make you look taller and slimmer and, in the case of pants, elongate your legs — because they cause the eye to move up and down. If you are petite or short-waisted, consider them your secret weapon!
Diagonal stripes can create the illusion of a slimmer waist — or point toward your favorite feature or away from your least favorite one. Wavy stripes are particularly good at disguising a round tummy.
You can take a classic navy blazer and white or blue jeans from 0-to-60 with the addition of a nautical tee, a rugby top or a banker’s-stripe shirt.
Lastly, a solid dress, separates or pantsuit will snap to attention with a boldly striated accessory!
One final thing I love about stripes? They deliver a big bang for your buck, and they never go out of style.
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