It was an amazing year for horizontal stripes. It seemed like everyone tried this fashion trend. But does that mean it’s slimming? According to fashion editor Stephanie Rygorsky, “Horizontal stripes make your body look wider, but you can take that knowledge and use it to your advantage.” For example, if you want to play up your bustline, choose a shirt with horizontal stripes across the chest, or if you want to define your waist, choose a dress with a horizontal bar of color through the waistline.

However, many fashion bloggers are also quick to point out that horizontal stripes can work — you just need to consider the other elements of the stripe.

• How far apart (and wide) are the stripes? Narrow to medium wide stripes tend to slim, while big stripes can do the opposite.

• How much contrast is there between the stripe and the background? Typically, the more contrast, the harder it is to pull off a horizontal stripe.



• Is the stripe distorted or a classic straight stripe? A distorted stripe may help slim depending on the pattern.