I’m recovering from a wee bump on the head today (me and exercise clearly don’t get on!) So I thought I’d share a post that I’ve recently written for EziBuy’s blog (the images are changed though) I’ll be back in action again on Wednesday with some awesome new Chasing Cait content.

One of the BIGGEST fashion myths is that horizontal stripes are unflattering. And I’m here to BUST that myth right out of the water!

So many of my personal styling clients shy away from horizontal stripes, not sure how to wear them in a flattering way so I thought it was a great topic to post about! There are so many great garments out there with stripes and I want you to be able to get the most out of them, and to not worry about how to wear them.

Here are my top tips for wearing horizontal stripes:

1. Make sure the garment is longer than it is wide

This is a great guideline to follow to start with. It’s all about proportion – you are creating a more dominant vertical line down your body with the full garment. The horizontal stripe is not as powerful as the full line of the garment.

2. Watch where the stripe sit

Any big print or pattern is going to draw the attention to the area in which it’s situated. So if stripes make you a little nervous, then just watch where they sit. This maxi dress has a great stripe, heading is a slightly downward direction – it draws the eye down, rather than across.

3. Create vertical lines

This is the one single most flattering line you can create! And it totally trumps horizontal lines. Even if you are wearing side-ways stripes, create a dominant vertical line down your body.

If the garment doesn’t have a stripe in it, then create your own. Use a scarf or a necklace to create that long vertical line down your body. If you JUST remember this, and nothing else, you will always look good!

Or if you are wearing a shirt with horizontal stripes, use a jacket or coat to create a dominant vertical line over the top.

4. It’s all about the fabric

Look for fabrics that follow the shape of your body and have structure. The thick ponte fabric of this dress is flattering on any shape – it gives support, but follows the shape of your frame perfectly, no one is even looking at the fact that is a stripe!

The over-arching silhouette is the shape of the body wearing the dress, not the stripe!

See? Horizontal lines are not that scary at all! Most of the time they are actually really fun and flattering to wear! There are so many gorgeous pieces out there with stripes, don’t be scared to give them a go!

Are you a stripes girl? How do you wear yours! Tell in the comments below, I’d love to know!

Until Next Time, In Style & Love Always