Clothing with patterns are a great way to stand out and call attention to yourself or to certain areas of your body.  These patterns, particularly stripes, can also cause visual illusions that you may or may not want.  The following are some basic tips for dressing with stripe-pattern clothing.

1. Horizontal Stripes:  This helps create an illusion for a wider, broader look.  If you are a pear-shaped woman and want to create a broader looking upper body, you can use a top with horizontal stripes.

2. Vertical Stripes: Vertical stripes help create an illusion of a slimmer silhouette.  Often, you might want to wear a long skirt with long vertical stripes, creating a slimmer, taller look.

3. Thick Stripes: Wider, larger stripes pulls in the attention.  If you have a slim waist and want to call attention to that area, wear a large belt or a top with a large stripe in the mid torso.  

4. Narrow Stripes: Thin stripes divert attention away from that area, particularly if those stripes are vertical and spaced further apart.

Tips for Pear-Shaped Women:

Pear-shaped women, for example, may want to use a top with larger horizontal stripes, a solid black skirt, and a large red belt.  Or perhaps, consider using a neutral colored long skirt with thin vertical stripes, coupled with a top that has large vertical stripes or a solid top with a splash of color.

There are an infinite number of ways to dress and ultimately you are the one that needs to be happy with your look.  You want your own style to make you feel confident and strong.  Try some of these tips to see how they look on you.  And as always, let us know what you think!