Tired Of Being Limited By That Old Horizontal Stripes Rule?

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We had to go to a funeral for one of Dave’s co-worker’s spouse. She was only 56 when she passed away so that’s one of those events that really makes you take stock of things. We’re not as young as we used to be so time to get done what needs to be done! Luckily we lifted the evening mood with both of our daughter’s coming home and a big bowl of popcorn while we watched one of our favorite family movies — Harry Potter!

fun dress for apple shapes | www.whenthegirlsrule.com

So, besides the instagram photo of Dave and I before the funeral (my eldest said our photo looked like a prom photo and my other daughter explained we were going to a funeral so then they started calling it our prom-funeral picture) I wasn’t able to take any outfit photos so I thought I’d write about one of the hold-over rules or myths about clothing that we used to think were true when we were younger — horizontal stripes.

Fun Striped Skirt for Apple Shapes - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

Supposedly the horizontal stripe makes your eye go side to side which then sorta fixes in your brain that you’re seeing something wider. But, really, I wonder does the horizontal striped pattern have a stronger effect than the vertical lines of a jacket?

Apple-Shaped and Killin' It! - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

Does the horizontal stripe suggestion of width outweigh the advantages of a good pattern hiding waistband dents and bra seams?

Perfect dress for a graduation open house for apple-shaped women! - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

Now, granted, the picture below I think does illustrate a horizontal stripe suggesting width but I’d argue that it’s not really a stripe but a band. A heavy thick band of black cutting me in half. And really, is it that it’s a horizontal band or that my body looks cut in half?

This looked better in my head! | www.whenthegirlsrule.com

I’d be interested in seeing any studies done on which has a greater effect on how one is perceived: horizontal stripes or a well-fitting, loved item of clothing that lifts the wearer’s confidence. Maybe I don’t need to see that study. I think I already know the results.

Top for a big-bust and apple shape! | www.whenthegirlsrule.com

Stripes are a ubiquitous, fun pattern. If I stayed away from horizontal stripes my wardrobe would be so limited! I want to dress as flatteringly as possible but to limit myself so much when I go to a store by steering away from stripes would totally suck. And gosh, do we really need to add another thing to the list of what we older, bigger women have to stay away from?

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And really, you get to a point (or at least I’ve gotten to a point) where a little width doesn’t make or break me. Here I am. Better make room for me!

Hello Spring! Apple-shaped, Over 40 Fashion! | whenthegirlsrule.com

Ooooh gosh, I didn’t realize how sassy I was feeling today! Well, anyway, I love stripes. I’m always going to wear them. And I really don’t care if someone’s eyes go side to side or up and down when they see me. They really should just be looking at my confident smile and shining eyes and hanging on every pearl of wisdom coming out of my mouth! Hot damn I’m full of it today! I hope you are too!

First photo original post here.

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Linking up with Patti and the lovely ladies over at Not Dead Yet Style!

 

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20 Comments

  1. Your lovely sense of humor shines through everything you write!!! Thank you for sharing your great [and honest] attitude.

  2. Yeah, I’ve really studied stripes, too. I do think the narrower they are they less they read as “stripes.” An all-over narrow stripe just sort of reads as a solid to me. And I think that bands of color are more…eye-drawing than an all-over stripe. And (and this is just my own personal observation, not “researched-based” (maybe we should do a study!)) I feel like clothing ending and creating a horizontal line is more eye-catching than stripes OR bands. Maybe cuz they’re more fluid, move around more as the wearer moves, and have some depth cuz they’re away from the body a bit – like a jacket over a dress. And it creates One Heavy Line…vs an all-over stripe where the eye would no more fall on the stripes at the hip than at the bust, waist or shoulder.

    One would think I have WAY too much free time on my hands!

    Loved the prom-funeral photo (starting a new trend, perhaps?) and so glad Hubby’s back home with the family!

    Bettye
    https://fashionschlub.com

    1. Yes, I think of that time when the young woman next to you in the store told her companion that she couldn’t wear stripes b/c she was too big. Remember that? I would have hoped the younger generation weren’t falling for those arbitrary rules. I think you’re right about the horizontal line of a hem unless everything is the same or similar in color. And now you have less time on your hands b/c of your professional driving now. I can’t wait to hear about your stories from that!

  3. I’d be totally interested in that study, Julia!! Because I’m always one to argue the fit point. Like when you hear how black is slimming. I mean, I understand the affect of receding with the darker colors, but if you wear something that is a bag shape…I don’t care what color it is—it’s a bag shape!!
    Besides, you look incredible in stripes, and I think we all can!!
    To me this is one of those rules that we need to toss!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  4. I think stripes are awesome!!! I have several striped dresses and shirts. I think they look clean and classy and often a bit sassy!!!! But big wide horizontal stripes to me are less flattering. I think it depends on the particular garment, not some “ rule”. Plus, if you love it and feel confident in it it, that looks better than anything that makes you feel uncomfortable regardless of the pattern, color, anything.

    1. Yes, I’m afraid sometimes I’ll look like I’ve escaped from a prison sometimes if the stripes are too wide! But besides that I love them and find them super-versatile with pattern mixing. And you are so right about feeling confident and loving something. That makes up for any “breaking of the rules” I say! Have a great week Kelly!

  5. I love to see all of these different kinds of horizontal stripes on you Julia and yes, you really are rockin’ them all! I’m not that keen on stripes and yet am not sure why cos they look fab on you. Thanks for all your intsa comments sweetie!

    Have a good week!
    Anna x

  6. I have many striped bretons/sweaters in my wardrobe, and even with a larger chest, I love them. I find solid tops can make me look bigger at times. I love all your striped outfits and think you look amazing in them. The fact that the clothes FIT you cancels out any widening someone might perceive.

    1. You know Karen, I’ve never thought about a solid top making me look bigger but I do notice that my bust often looks more “outlined” in a solid top. And I totally agree that “fit” is the most important factor. Thanks for chiming in from Wisconsin!

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