So here we are with another big trend for SS ’11…..Stripes! And I thought I’d share with you a few of my top styling tips for wearing them.
If used correctly, stripes can create miracles for any body shape. As a stylist, I often use stripes for my clients as part of what I like to call ‘Illusion Dressing’. It’s a way of dressing to enhance your best bits, whilst distracting from those less favourable areas.
The secret behind wearing stripes effectively is understanding what it is stripes are doing when you wear them. Once you understand this, you’ll be able to use stripes in your outfits to create any illusion you want. Whether you want to disguise a fuller bust, create the illusion of curves or distract attention from broader hips, stripes are the perfect styling tool!
What do you need to know about stripes? Well, it's very simple...
· Horizontal stripes draw the eye across your body from left to right; this adds width to your figure. This may not be ideal for all, but if you have a boyish frame and want to create the illusion of curves, horizontal stripes are the perfect styling tool for you!
· Vertical stripes draw the eye up and down your body creating the illusion of height; this also has a slimming effect. So if your body shape is top heavy, wearing horizontal stripes on top will make your torso seem longer and slimmer and will help to balance your broader torso with your slimmer lower half.
Images courtesy of ASOS.com
Designers and the high street have been focusing on bigger, bolder and wild-coloured stripes for this trend, but before you invest in any new stripes for your wardrobe, think about what you want stripes to do for your body shape, follow my tips and you’re guaranteed to avoid any unnecessary and unflattering outfit mishaps.
Designers and the high street have been focusing on bigger, bolder and wild-coloured stripes for this trend, but before you invest in any new stripes for your wardrobe, think about what you want stripes to do for your body shape, follow my tips and you’re guaranteed to avoid any unnecessary and unflattering outfit mishaps.
To give you a head start, and encourage you to make the most of the glorious weather, I’ve found the best striped dresses that are available in the shops now and matched them according to each of the different body shapes. There’s no better way to be on-trend this spring than saying goodbye to predictable florals and hello to bold and beautiful stripes!
Alice Dress, Hobbs at John Lewis £229.00
This dress is perfect for top heavy ladies. The vertical lines on top will slim down your fuller bust and the horizontal lines on the bottom will add width to your noarrow hips, helping to balance your frame. Wearing two different stripes together is also bang on trend for SS ’11.
This dress is perfect for top heavy ladies. The vertical lines on top will slim down your fuller bust and the horizontal lines on the bottom will add width to your noarrow hips, helping to balance your frame. Wearing two different stripes together is also bang on trend for SS ’11.
Prom Dress, Oasis at ASOS.com, £65.00
Ideal for pear shapes. The darker area of horizontal lines on the neckline will draw the eye up to your petite upper body, the thick waistband will emphasise your tiny waist and the darker area on the hem of the skirt will draw the eye to your well defined calves. Your broad hips will go completely unnoticed.
Vila at ASOS.com, £22.00
Ideal for apple shapes. The vertical lines will add height and create a slimming illusion for you on top. The shorter length means you’ll get to show off you’re slim legs and the tie at the waist will create the illusion of a defined waist.
Boutique by Jaeger at ASOS.com, £180.00
A perfect little number for straight up and down or boyish frames. The broad, horizontal stripes will create the illusion of hourglass curves, while the sleeveless design lets you show off your well-toned arms.
Dorothy Perkins, £52.00
Hourglass ladies will get to show off their perfect figure with this LRD. The evenly spaced stripes throughout the dress will emphasise your well-balanced frame and the pleats at the waistband will add definition to your petite waist.
If you're curious to find out more about my styling tips, would like to read about a certain styling topic or have a styling question you're itching to ask, please feel free to leave your comments, suggestions or questions below.
Next Blog post.....How I would have styled Kate for the big day!
Noreen x
If you're curious to find out more about my styling tips, would like to read about a certain styling topic or have a styling question you're itching to ask, please feel free to leave your comments, suggestions or questions below.
Next Blog post.....How I would have styled Kate for the big day!
Noreen x