How to Wear Stripes to Flatter Your Figure

 Let’s debunk the myth that all horizontal stripes make you look fat; all vertical stripes make you look slimmer; and either stripe will always make you look taller or shorter.  

Contrary to popular belief all body shapes, including the fuller figure or the petite woman, can flatter their figure with horizontal stripes. This is due to the fact that our eyes follow the path of least resistance. For example with narrow horizontal stripes placed close together the eye will travel up the “ladder”. Likewise our eyes will travel across narrow vertical lines placed close together as if looking across the “horizon” or a “fence”.

The Helmoltz Illusion Effect of Stripes

As a matter of fact research shows us that the opposite can be true. At least when the stripes are of equal length and equidistant apart. For instance as demonstrated with the Helmholtz Illusion effect. (See the illustration on the right). Firstly the horizontal stripes had a more slimming effect drawing the eye up a “ladder”. Secondly the eye is moves across the vertical stripes. Thirdly the distance between the stripes is shorter than the actual length of each stripe.

The 3D Illusion Effect of Stripes

Furthermore psychologists Peter Thompson and Kyriaki Mikellidou made a 3D version of the Helmholtz Illusion using an illustration with female models. As can be seen the horizontal stripes making the figure look slimmer as the eye travels up the stripes like a ladder. Similarly the vertical stripes causing the eye to go from left to right. Consequently making the second figure look wider than the first even thought they are the same size.

In fact fashion designers clearly understand the power of this illusion of stripes. As can see in the many variations we see in the stores. Especially when we see a clever use of colour, size and placement of the stripes.

Horizontal stripes are a popular fashion staple. Therefore it is worth understanding how you can wear stripes to flatter your figure. Hence we have summarised, with images, exactly what you need to know to make shopping for stripes a breeze. Firstly what you need to know about horizontal and diagonal stripes. Secondly what you need to know about vertical stripes. Thirdly which stripes are more slimming.

What you need to know about horizontal and diagonal stripes

What you need to know about vertical stripes

Which stripes are more slimming

How we can help

There is such an enormous variety of striped garments available. Which means that you will be sure to find the best stripes to flatter your figure. If your’re not sure how to get started Book a free consultation and we’ll work it out together.

We include a personal colour analysis and personal styling session in each of our signature programmes Charismatic Image Confidence, Personal Brand Power and Fabulous Style Freedom. In fact it’s pretty much the very best investment you could make. The results last a lifetime and so the return on investment is priceless! Go to our website https://inspiringimage.com/ to find out more.