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Horizontal stripes are for everyone. Yes, you heard it right! Forget the fashion myth that horizontal stripes are a scary “don’t”. I know, horizontal stripes are tricky and do not have a good reputation because of the false beliefs that they might emphasize wide hips or make a petite seem squatter.

In this blog, I am going to address this false notion. No matter your body type or the curves you have, I believe that there is a horizontal stripe out there that suits you perfectly. So, I say have fun and reclaim the stripes for you. Here are three ways how:

1. Horizontal Striped Twist-Front Tee

If you are more of a ‘cool’ person of a petite frame who thinks that horizontal stripes might overwhelm your shape, add stripes to only half of your look. Here is my first look wearing a low contrast striped tee with a twist-front detail and a belted cargo jogger.

I recommend you have this striped tee handy because it is basic to go with any sort of bottoms but still not SO basic that your outfit looks plain. The stripes and the front-twist do their work making the entire outfit look cool for a weekend trip with your friends. I chose to wear these walking shoes because I wanted to be comfortable driving and walking uphill, but chunky strapless heels would look great too (will make you look even taller).

You can find this top at Shein. If you trust buying online clothing with more reviews (like me), then these highly reviewed belted cargo joggers from Shein are for you. The great part about this outfit is that it is super affordable, super comfortable and still manages to make you look sporty and chic.

2. Sweetheart Neck Horizontal Striped Top

The stripes have a scale. As the horizontal stripes get narrow, they start working like verticals (How cool!) as they make it difficult for our eye to focus on one line. If you have are worried that horizontal stripes will make you look wider along your bust-line and midsection, I say, smaller scale horizontal stripes come to the rescue. Small-scale horizontal stripes give an overall slimming effect.

I recommend trying a knit top with a lower scoop neckline like a sweetheart neckline top that I am wearing in these pictures. Look for knit tops or the ones that have a defined structure. The low scoop neckline elongates your silhouette. A sleek low ponytail will show the beautiful neckline and a little skin around your collarbone (trust me, it is always flattering).  

The high waisted denim skirt with the striped top also gave the illusion of more height. I tucked in my top to define my waist and create a sleek look.

You can find similar sweetheart neckline tops/bodysuits with a cute knot detail at Nordstrom and DayDayChic. The denim skirt can be found at from Asos and the heels are from Aldo.

3. Rib-knit Striped Dress

While vertical stripes can be slimming, horizontal ones can have the opposite effect. If you are tall, head-to-toe horizontal stripes are for you. A good height and long legs are a perfect fit for wider, contrast color-blocked preppy stripes on this dress.

Here, I am wearing a fitted, calf-length, rib-knit dress in a cotton blend from H&M. The small stand-up collar, short sleeves, and slits at sides makes it so comfortable to wear it to work (Too funky for work? You can layer it with a black blazer depending on your company dress code policies). During this global pandemic, this dress is perfect for your work from home video meetings. If you like bright colors, then I would highly recommend having this dress in your wardrobe.

Feel free to tie up your hair if you want to flaunt the stripes or leave it open. Moreover, if you have a hourglass body and get nervous wearing a fitted dress, you can always choose to style a peplum long dress or fit and flare striped dress like the one at Macy’s. Also, if you are ready to take stripes to a new level, go for a dress that has stripes that vary in direction. It will give you a balanced and more figure-flattering look. 

This similar dress from Michael Kors is to die for. If you are looking for the same side slit long dress, here is the one I chose from French Connection.

Thank you for reading my blog. Feel free to ask me any questions and let me know which look you liked the most in the comments below.

Here’s the tip for the week-

Tip #2: With horizontal stripes, choose the right stripe scale and fit. If you are petite and/or curvy, look for narrow or medium stripes with low contrast. Tall and slim? You can work with large scale head-to-toe stripes. Tall and Curvy? Go for narrow or medium stripes with fit and flare or peplum fits.

If you like the blog and have any questions, comment down below what you want me to address next. Confused about what to wear? Email me and I will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect outfit for the occasion.

I hope you enjoyed the blog and found the perfect style for your silhouette!

Xoxo,
Stylouette

Shama Kamat