How to Wear Double Stripes! | Do Stripes Make us Look Fat?

Double Stripes?

Are they double-trouble for 'normal' women?

Let's cut to the chase here.
The problem with stripes is on the tip of everyone's tongue...

Do stripes make us look larger than we are?

Lumpier?
Bumpier?
Plumper?

Well, the answer is simple...Yes.
Oh, and No.
Confused? No wonder!

Read any fashion advice/websites/magazines, and chances are you will encounter these words of wisdom...

"Horizontal stripes will make you look fat."

Well, I have to disagree!

Stripes don't make us look wider or narrower.
Their direction does not matter, neither does their width.
They don't make us look taller or shorter.
In fact stripes don't really change the way we look too much at all.

Let me explain...
Any item of clothing (caught at the wrong angle) can be unflattering in a photograph.
But, we don't live in a photograph do we?
We are living, breathing, moving people that constantly change.

Other people don't view us from one 'good' angle, they get a total 360, the whole package.
Most (if not all) women look better in real-life than in photographs.
Personality shines.
The face comes alive.

Stripes can look great on any size if they are the right size.
When I say the right size, I mean the right dress size not the right stripe size.

If you are a larger dress size, and love a wide horizontal, then go for it!
If you like an item of clothing, and it makes you feel good, then it is going to look great.
Regardless of the "rules".

However, a word of caution...
Ill-fitting stripes can look horrendous.
I mean really bad.
Highlighting lumps and bumps.
In fact, creating lumps and bumps.
Much like the clothing version of an ordinance survey map.

Badly fitting striped clothes (in cheap fabrics) are never going to look good, on anyone.
{okay, maybe if you are 17, with the body of a dancer, but even then....}

If in doubt (and the style allows) size up.
If the fit is bad or the fabric is too cheap, move on.
Stripes can look great, you just have to find the right ones for you.

Double stripes are everywhere this spring and will be hanging around for a while.
Stripes are bang on trend just now.
But, let's be honest, stripes never really go out of fashion.
They are always around in one form or another.

These sailor style trousers are a classic striped style.
They are (very) old and I dust them down every spring.

They have those Classic style points that never date:

• Heavyweight canvas/linen fabric.
• Fine white and blue stripe.
• Classic (but quirky) sailor buttons.
• Unusual (but subtle) green trim.
• Straight and wide leg.

They could be vintage, or bought yesterday.
That is why I love them.

My striped jumper is a more modern take on the stripe theme, but is still nothing new.
Different sized stripes, in four different colours.
Simple and fun.

I sized up (two sizes) in this top as it was supposed to be tight and cropped and I didn't like the look or feel of it in my size.
{Back to that Ordnance survey map}
No wonder it was in the sale.

I popped this spotty blouse underneath (for a contrast of pattern) and this gorgeous necklace from Yosa.
Check out the website yosa.co.uk.

{If you use the code FAB10 you can get an extra 10% off the already brilliant prices}

Classic converse-style pumps and a mustard bag finished things off perfectly.

Comfortable and on-trend...what's not to love?

What about you?

Are you a fan of stripes?

What type do you like the best?

Will you be trying the "Double Stripes" look this season?

Please let me know in the comments....

Or Tweet me @samantha4blair.

I love hearing from you!

Jumper: Limited collection @M&S (similar, but with warmer colours...I love it!)

Trousers: Boden (this season's version)

Shoes: Boden (new season's version...and they would go with anything in all 3 colours)

Necklace: c/o Yosa

Blouse: H&M (similar)

Bag: Matties (this one is gorgeous)

Get the striped look: