Urban Chic stripes

Forget the old fables about stripes, they can be a fashion statement, writes, CRYSTAL OKUSA

Never mind the old fashion rule that stripes make you look fat. On the contrary, thin stripes actually have a slimming effect if you are curvy and vice versa if you have a slim figure.

On the direction of stripes, curvy girls should stick to vertical stripes while slim girls should go for horizontal stripes, this is because vertical stripes give the slimming illusion and the horizontal stripes give the widening illusion.

Stripes are timeless fashion, which look good when paired with plain coloured outfits.

To flatter your body, focus on the width of the stripes, not the striped pattern itself.

Rule of the thumb: Stripes appear quite busy in themselves, so steer away from over-accessorising.

Fashionistas can go playful with flirty patterns to match up the stripes and graphic design printed clothes. However, this is a tricky style that should be thought through, to avoid fashion mishaps.

It is a sunny month, so maxis are the way to go. Stripes are getting more power over the floral numbers.	Pairing stripes with two of the latest trends — studded and wollen.
Some arrogance can be good for a pretty girl, if she is dressed the part.	Accesorising with stripes on stripes can still add oomph if done with caution. [Photos: PIUS CHERUIYOT]