10 | September | 2011 | The Site of Atenean Magis

Contested to be one of the major trends this 2011, stripes have been gracing the pages of magazines all over the globe. But what makes this statement ensemble so loved by everyone is that it is a packaged deal: simple, effortlessly chic, statement piece, and yes, it takes off a few pounds off your body without the help of photoshop.

The stripes design is a classic going way back–in fact, no one knows for sure where stripes (as a ensemble design) originated. But, for sure, once it appeared, it’s here to stay. Stripes never go out of fashion, which is why it is such an investment.

1. It’s simple and effortlessly chic

“Simplicity is beauty” is the late Coco Chanel’s fashion principle, and stripes fits this rule with ease. It can be a casual top–great for chilling with friends–or a professional ensemble if you just toss in a good fitting blazer and heels. From a park outing to a business meeting, all the way to a trip to the beach or a romantic date–the stripes design is compatible with whatever occasion.

So for those days when you don’t have the time to pour all over what you’re going to wear for the day, just take out a striped shirt. You can never go wrong.

2. It’s a statement piece

The 2011 revamp of the stripes design is to make it bolder. This comes in the form of colors. From the mother design of stripes (the black and white), comes a rainbow array to make these stripes stand out. Ditch the two-colored tone and mix and match red, yellow, blue, green, and violet in one colorful top! Or on a more toned down scale, use pastel or neon colors instead of the usual solid, plain hues. It adds more zest to the outfit, giving a more summer refreshing touch

3. It takes off a few pounds and makes you look tall.

Diet is hopeless and exercise is torture. Heels or platforms just hurt and causes ankle fractures. Stripes on the other hand costs less and still manages to making you look thinner and longer. This is a fact supported by scientific research (yes, there is such a research for fashion trends). Horizontal stripes is the most effective in the case of a thick waist while vertical stripes work best for those who could use a few inches in height.

Diagonal stripes helps a lot as well to this figure flattery, particularly because diagonals lead to the center of your body, creating a wraparound effect that makes your midsection look thinner (from the article: 5 fabric patterns that make you look slimmer).

The thickness of the stripes is also important because it’s different for everybody. It’s simply a matter of figuring out which stripes is best for your body built. Otherwise, you’re good to go–whatever the occasion.

Celebrities love it, designers incorporate it to the runway, Ateneans wear it. Here are some true blues making a statement with their stripy ensemble.

(from stylebakery.com)