Fashion 2012 - Stripes In Fashion

BY Sharon Stajda,

Stripes Classical, Timeless - Edgy, and Fun

For the past few seasons we have seen stripes on the runway, each season we see a bit of a twist in how the designers choose to use stripes in their creations - this fall it is no different. Designers used stripes in every size, and color... Big and bold in patriotic red, white and blue, along with some hot shocking colors. Your going to see stripes showing up in dresses, skirts, blouses, cropped pants, oversized high waist trousers, and let's not forget knit casual tops...

You will even see stripes used in handbags and shoes, you guest it bold colorful stripes in every style imaginable. The racks will offer up horizontal stripes , vertical stripes, you name it. If you can imagine it - it will be out there...

First, let's talk stripes !

Stripes Are Such A Huge Trend...

They're popping everywhere, and represent one of the trendiest looks for this spring/summer season! You will soon realize there is no escaping them ...

What am I raving about - stripes? Forgive me for going on so... but every conceivable stripe ended up, in one way or another on the catwalks for Spring and summer. Just to name a few - horizontal, vertical, all mixed up stripes, you name. All the top designer's made sure that stripes were well represented in the spring/summer line up. From dresses, shirts, skirts, and even slacks, not to mention shoes and handbags stripes made a splash on this seasons runway....

I know your probably thinking, every spring, we see the stripe made over in some way or another. The sailor stripes and everything nautical is nothing new, but this spring you will not only see stripes used in the typical nautical look. Designer's are adding stripes to make bold statements other than ho - hum, "ship ahoy" . Expect to see big and bold and in lots of stripes in patriotic red, white and blue, but you will also see plenty of stripe's used in the most unexpected color's, and unexpected fashion items.

A good example - take a classical black and white nautical striped fitted knit top, and mixed it up with a long below the hips fitted black three quarter length sleeve button cardigan, and ends with a black flare a-line skirt to complete the outfit ... The results - a casual look, that defines simple classical chic at its very best...

True or false , does the stripe make one look heavier? This statement has been around so long - it is becoming an old wives tale... Believe it or not, stripes can do just the opposite, stripes can be actually being used to correct some of the figure problems that plague most of us. Below are a few tips on how to choose the right stripe for your figure... So come aboard and enjoy some of the great striped fashions.

Vertical stripes - The petite woman can elongate her figure with vertical stripes. If your petite in height, but on the heavier keep the stripe vertical, and choose a smaller stripe, don't go with the bold wider stripe. If your petite and on the thin side a bolder stripe will make you look a bit bigger.

Horizontal stripes - For the slim woman that would like to look a bit more curvy - wear a horizontal stripe, you can wear a bold stripe. Although some would say there's no such thing as to thin, there are women out there that feel they are too thin, and would like to appear a bit heavier.

Diagonal stripes - Diagonal stripes can be worn by most figure types, but are especially wonderful for the plus size women, as well as tall women with boyish figures. The thin figured woman that loves to look even thinner than thin, the diagonal stripe will make you look even thinner than you are. Diagonal stripes that are somewhat askew can add to a curvy look.

A good example: a diagonal striped skirt or top - the diagonal stripes coming in at the middle and pointing up to the waist will work to make your waistline look smaller. In a top the stripes should point toward your best assets. Be it your waist or pointed upward toward your bust and neckline. The key when wearing the diagonal stripe - think of the direction of the stripe as a road map to your best assets. Show off the best, and hide the rest....