Violet Revolution

The title says it all.  Horizontal stripes, for better or for worse, are in big time for spring; but let’s face it: we all know horizontal stripes can make a girl look wider.  Who wants that?  Certainly not me!  In today’s What to Wear, we’ll take a look at how to wear stripes, or at least incorporate them into your wardrobe somehow, to create a flattering, not fattening look. 

Let’s start with the dangerous territory first.  I personally think this candy striped cardigan is so adorable, especially with the ruffled button front.  However, unless you’re on the ultra- thin side, this may not be the best option.  It’s quite fitted, so if you have a wider torso or some love handles you’re trying to hide, this is only going to make it worse.  Plus, unless it’s made with enough material in the chest area, the stripes and buttons are going to pull too much across a larger rack, making it look like it’s too small.  (I personally can’t stand when button-down shirts pull between the buttons at the chest area.)  At first glance, this ruffle layer striped jacket is so cute; and personally, I’d buy it.  Being it is not fitted like the cardigan, it would hide imperfections around the waist and minimize the bust as no hugging is involved.  Plus the additional detail at the collar and shoulders draws the eye upward.  However, it is cropped above the waist, so it will only accentuate a wide torso. 

These next few are what I like to call coin tosses, as it’s just going to depend on how it looks on, unfortunately.  That’s one nice benefit of a local boutique – trying on before purchasing.  This strapless, casual perfect-for-the-beach dress seems figure flattering as the stripes are on the bottom vs. the top (which would have been hideous).  Also, since the dress is A-line and not fitted, the stripes could work.  However, based on the backside view,  the stripes might make your butt look wider.  Just depends on the fit.  Warning: If the dress is tight across your lower half, abandon purchase immediately.  Same with this half-stripe, half-solid plum tank dress.  If you’re slim on top and trying to hide the bottom half, this dress should work because the black solid bottom will hide flaws.  However, it also depends how tall you are, where the hemline hits, and your thighs.  If you have larger thighs and the bottom is stretching across them, it wasn’t meant to.  See warning above.  Also,  if the drawstring waist cannot be pulled in enough and it lays too loose, the waist won’t be defined and it might make you look wide all over.

These next few are best bets if you like stripes but are leery about how they might look.  This black and white striped poncho is nice because it’s loose fitting (so it can hide more flaws) and the stripes are sparing.  I would definitely pair it with skinny jeans or leggings as shown on the model; otherwise, there’s just too much volume going on.  If you like the loose fit, another option would be this sheer oversized lace stripe pattern tee.  You can wear a dark, solid tank underneath to show off your true shape (unless that is what you’re looking to hide, then go with the poncho).  This stripe top jersey dress is similar to the plum striped one I mentioned above; although I think the solid parts peeking through the cowl neckline and slim pencil skirted bottom give it a more slimming effect.  Plus the sleeves hide problem areas on the upper arm.  Finally, this print stripe combo vesthas a floral pattern around the waist, giving it a curvy look (really great if you are trying to hide some love handles).  Like the lace sheer tee, you can wear a fitted tank to offset the volume of the vest (providing it’s only the sides you’re looking to camoflauge).

Even for you stripe-haters out there, a stripe accessory or two can’t hurt and can’t alter your figure.  For some reason, hats with stripes are really in right now, so take your pick: an oversized hat for the beach (perfect with a solid, sexy bikini!) or a trendy fedora.  I’m not sure if having a striped scarf could make your neck look wider, but this navy striped one is cute if you’re going for a preppy look.  Possibly the most slimming striped item you could own is a striped handbag.  After all, it’s the handbag that will look bigger, not you. 

Do you incorporate stripes in your wardrobe?  Would you buy anything striped this season?  Share a pic of your favorite outfit with stripes, or share your thoughts!