I hate stripes. - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Horizontal Striped Tops: Yay or Nay

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I hate stripes.

Roxanna

Veteran

Ok, I couldn't resist after seeing this morning's post - I had to share my hate of stripes!

I don't hate stripes per se, but I hate how they look on me.

A couple of years ago, I noticed, after taking daily outfit photos, that optical, graphic stripes totally overpower my more low-contrast colouring. My petite, curvy figure doesn't work well with stripes, either.

I find stripes work well on people with high-contrast colouring (Helena!) or with a lot of structure and symmetry in their face and neck (Angie!)

But I have a more unusual , less angular face which doesn't seem to suit the strictness of stripes, and my skin colour is more golden and gets washed out by optical stripes. Even low-contrast stripes aren't great for me - more organic, abstract prints seem to work better with my colouring, face shape and body shape for some reason. Stripes are too loud - quieter colours and patterns seem to let me shine more.

I still like stripes and have a few, only because they are inescapable, especially in the summer. But I try greatly to reduce them in favour of more low-contrast or organic patterns that mimic or complement my body and face type.

ETA: some pics of me in stripes and also in more organic patterns.

Am I crazy? Anyone else not like stripes?

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Dressing

46 replies

Latest reply was from cindysmith

LeandraofBleuAvenue

(website)

This is really interesting, I've never heard anyone share their feelings about stripes so logically. You've made a nice argument. If you have time, would you mind adding pics? One outfit with stripes (if you have you hate) and one with an organic print you love? I'd really love to see an illustration of your point.

Murph11

Veteran

As a stripe lover, your case against seems reasonable, and you have my full support to pass on stripes

Sisi

Veteran

Not crazy at all! See my comment at today's post. You have done a great analysis, I go more by instinct - simply, when I wear stripes I don't feel happy.

Liz

Veteran

I don't hate stripes at all -- I really like them. I have striped curtains, furniture upholstered in stripes.

I just never, ever wear striped clothing, for all the reasons you described. There's nothing about my coloring, face shape, or body shape that is high contrast, crisp, sporty, linear, structured. I go for patterns that are low-contrast, watercolor, irregular. Ombre or tone-on-tone colors make me happy.

Style Fan

Veteran

You have explained perfectly why I don't wear stripes. I love stripes and I use them in home decor.

Mirjana

Veteran

Why not! Your explanation is perfect.

lyn67

Veteran

Perhaps you choose stripes on the wrong items-bet you were thinking for tops only. For ex. I do love a stripe tube skirt/or a dress and a stripe jersey blazer better than the classic stripe tee for myself, too.

Toban

Veteran

I understand completely! I have exactly one stripe shirt, it’s very low contrast of plum/navy and I exclusively wear it with a floral scarf because I have to break up the geometry. I prefer rounded, asymmetrical patterns, especially floral. I suspect it’s our wavy/curly asymmetric hair.

Roxanna

Veteran

I had no idea there were so many people with me on this! Love to hear from all of you.

@Leandra - I have added some photos to illustrate

@Toban - you are right! When I wear striped shirts, I often break them up with a floral, watercolour or abstract scarf for the same reason. Your right that our hair has a lot to do with it!

JAileen

Veteran

I like low contrast, too. I only realized this recently. My face and my hair are pretty much the same tone. In black and white photos I look like a ghost. I still like stripes, though. The tops I wear are mostly white with thin blue stripes.

ETA: By low contrast, I mean with my tones. That’s why I like grey but not black.

Synne

Veteran

(Lol at the title!) Yes. This makes total sense. I forced my self to buy my first striped top after joining YLF. I want to love them, and do, on other people. How gorgeous are you in those organic patterns! Swoon!

nemosmom

Veteran

I don't HATE stripes, but I totally get what you are saying!

Roxanna

Veteran

@Lyn67 - I don't like stripes on my bottom half either - they accentuate my curves, and often not in a good way. I do find them useful for disguising a belly, so I have some summer t-shirt or more body con dresses that are stripes, but I'll likely get rid of them soon too.

Toban

Veteran

Thanks for the pics. When you wear florals, it vibes with your essence. When you wear stripes it’s dramatic. There’s a place for both and both are beautiful on you, so I suspect it comes down to want you feel and want to project.

taylor

Veteran

You have really broken this down well. I don’t own or wear stripes, I need to figure out why I instinctively reject them. I usually only wear solid on top. I have a few printed tops , but Very few....no horizontal stripes ever. You have inspired me to dig a little deeper.

You look fabulous in bright prints ! Adorable daughter.

nuancedream

Veteran

Your rationale for disliking stripes is well articulated. I agree with your assessment that more low contrast, abstract prints seem to be harmonious with your coloring and body shape. Horizontal stripes, especially below the waist, are something I avoid like the plague.

Kathie

Veteran

Super interesting analysis! I have 4 striped tops, but only one is a high-contrast stripe. You’ve got me thinking about this.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I understand! I think the other patterns look more harmonious with your overall vibe and coloring but you certainly wear stripes just fine, especially that dress.

I think my high contrast coloring makes them work a bit more for me, and I like a sporty vibe now and then too, which stripes can lend. But they’re not my favorite type of pattern. I’m not particularly drawn to them unless the colors grab me.

I can’t think of any home decor of ours that is striped, except for pool towels and a dog beg.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

Your post title made me laugh this morning! This is really interesting! I think you look great in stripes as pictured - but, if they don’t make you feel your best, just say no! I do love you in florals and other gorgeous patterns.
Your analysis has made me think about why I prefer quieter, narrower stripes on myself - I’m also pretty low contrast in coloring, so perhaps that’s why.

slim cat

Veteran

I think it's very personal - liking certain patterns or prints. The stripy dress looks very nice on you ( I like the flow and drape ) but if it doesn't make you feel great then pass it on. Your fav prints and earthy colors are fabulous on you!
I like strips in moderation and less so florals but I'm without any curves so more angular prints like ikat work the best for me.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Roxanna —

Yes, totally makes sense that stripes aren’t a good fit for you given your lovely natural “attributes” and your style prefs.

I feel the same way and was recently reminded why when I bought a top off Poshmark for casual wear. Most of it is a low-contrast organic print, but there’s a high-contrast vertical stripe on either side of the placket that’s more jarring that I’d thought.

I have knit tops with wavy stripes that end up looking “swirled,” prints that end up making horizontal bands in rounded shapes, and prints that create vertical stripe-y effects...but will leave the true “classic” stripes to those who wear them better!

Anonymous

Well this is very interesting . I have never thought it through, but this makes absolute sense to me. It also could explain my reluctance to decorate with stripes - I prefer circular motifs - and why I never feel they are particularly flattering. I am super low contrast in skin tone too, and don't have those sharply defined features of, say, Angie, either . Huh. Food for thought today!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I find your analysis very astute, and your illustrations are excellent. Outfit 1 is super cute on you, but compared to outfit 2, which is absolutely stunning, I can see a big difference in how the stripes (even low contrast like this one) versus the rich olive tonal pattern complement your natural beauty.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a smart analysis. It helps to break down our preferences this way, doesn't it?

I have to say, though, that you look incredible in that navy striped dress!! But, if you are tired of it, send it to me!

celia

Veteran

It makes perfect sense to me although I think you look lovely on that striped dress.
I like stripes for the opposite reason, I have high contrast between skin and hair color, straight hair and sharp cheekbones.I am always more attracted to floral patterns but stripes are an easy print to wear for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Stripes evoke passion, I'm realizing .......

I'm with Suz. LOVE you in our striped dress! I think darker background stripes are better on you, and possibly a grey and black stripe to match your lovely hair. No high contrast white.

That said, I support that you don't feel fab in stripes by a billion percent, Roxanna. I am always on the side of the wearer. And agree that the pattern in #2 works better than the stripes, but that may have to do with the palette that is just so perfect with your hair and complexion!

Barbara Diane

Veteran

My only question is your non striped prints are dark background without white and your striped items are at least 50% white. Maybe there are better stripes for you.

I think you look good in your current striped items but fabulous in your other prints.

Roxanna

Veteran

Thanks all - this is really helpful counsel. The truth is I'm a little sad to give up stripes because they look so easy, polished and put together, and elevate an outfit of just solids.

@Angie and @Barbara Diane - i had not thought of stripes that are on a non-white background. Maybe I will try those if the opportunity arises.

Always learning

SarahD8

Veteran

This makes sense to me, Roxana. I also feel that I get "overwhelmed" by geometric prints. Even florals with a "hard" edge or boundary between shapes, or a black outline, don't look right on me.

But there is a certain very specific Breton stripe that I love to wear. Black and white - awful. Dark navy and white - awful. Clear navy and white - absolutely dead right. I think it's because the pattern matches my eyes.

I do love to mix Breton stripes and florals. And coral can work. Hm. I need to think about what % of this is my physicality and what % is just my aesthetic. (I mean...I don't NEED to think about it. But I probably will!)

That said, I do like those stripes on you particularly in the second and third of your stripe photos. To my eye, the stripes echo but don't quite match your wavy hair, and I find the juxtaposition pleasing. Like a sartorial slant rhyme. But, as Angie says, YOU have to like it!

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