Standing right next to the double denim trend are those pesky stripes. Time to loosen up!   Word is out in the streets and on  the runways. They’re re-emerging and wrapping you in dresses, grounding you in statement shoes, carrying your change in purses , protecting those goldi locks, and adorning your neck and arms. Forget those old taboos on stripes. This season there are so many variations that whatever your shape there’s a stripe for you. They run the gamut from dominant to mini, with the focus on the horizontal but vertical and diagonal variations abound and broaden the appeal and wearability of a pattern that many women shy away from.

 The wearing of stripes can be an art designed to flatter whatever part of the body needs attention. Small shoulders can appear broader with a solid band of black and a few thin stripes below the chest. Wearing thin stripes at the top of a garment that gradually get wider toward the lower half gives the illusion of smaller hips. Bust lines can appear larger if you wear thin stripes toward the top of a garment with one darker, wide stripe on the lower half. Or, to decrease the bustline wear the thicker stripes on the upper half and thinner, lighter stripes below. The problem with this science is finding a top that meets these exact specifications.

So let’s stick with what we know. The pin stripe is an office look. Diagonal stripes are always flattering when they point to the center of the body. Vertical stripes make us look taller, leaner. Darker stripes work better to hide problem areas. If you are a pear (smaller upper body), horizontal stripes on top with a solid bottom helps balance your overall look. You can actualy wear a stripe that’s bold and wide across the top half especially if it’s darker. Horizontal stripes create curves for vertical figures (athletic bodies). Narrow stripes are best on petite forms. Mini stripes can be worn by just about everyone because they are spaced close together which actually gives a longer, slimmer, appearance. Apple shapes (larger upper body) are more challenged with the horizontal. If you really love the look and want to indulge, then buy a top that’s one size larger so the fabric doesn’t cling to the body. Wearing stripes on the bottom with a solid block of color (preferably darker) on top will also work. Best to be under 35 to pull that one off.

If you can wear the wide horizontal pattern, go nautical, keep it simple, and pair a tee with your favorite jeans. Stripes are good layering pieces and a little peek under a solid deep v-neck or cardigan will work for all. A single striped piece, be it vertical, diagonal, or horizontal , worn with a solid bottom keeps you in step with the trend without compromising your shape. Wear your stripes wisely and use them to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to try different widths and angles until you find your compliment. It’s the one trend this season that you will have fun exploring.