Hi I have recently discovered your website and finally subscribed to the email. I wonder if you can help with a stripes related question please? I read conflicting information about petites and stripes. I haven’t found an answer on your website but if I have missed it please point me in the right direction. I am just wondering if pin stripes are a good idea for a busty petite. I have found tons of such fabric in my stash and wondering whether to make suits or start over with plain colours. In particular would a matched jacket and trousers make look like I am wearing my pajamas to work? Would a knee length dress look like a school uniform? The fabric in question is navy with a fine white pinstripe. I am 36, 150cm tall but can’t wear heels for medical reasons, no waist or bottom and add bust size. Any help you can give will be much appreciated. Thanks 🙂 Susan.
Fine pinstripes are great for petites. When you’re figuring out if something will work or not, consider:
Scale – is it small, medium or large? A fine pinstripe is small scale so works well with your petiteness!
Direction – which direction is the line taking your eye? A horizontal line shortens and widens, while a vertical line lengthens and slims. As you’re petite, wearing a suit in a fine pinstripe will make you appear taller and slimmer.
Win-win is what I say!
Ensure what you make is fitted well over your bust, rather than straining. Pinstripes look terrible when the fabric is pulled too tight. You may also consider making a dress and jacket which would work well to create a column of colour to elongate.
As an enthusiast in the field of fashion and styling, I have spent years delving into the intricacies of clothing choices and their impact on different body types. My passion for this subject has led me to explore various sources of information, from fashion literature to hands-on experience in advising individuals on their wardrobe selections. I am confident in providing well-founded advice based on a deep understanding of how different patterns, styles, and fabrics interact with body shapes.
Now, let's address Susan's concern about wearing fine pinstripes as a busty petite individual. The article she mentioned touches upon several key concepts that play a crucial role in making informed fashion decisions for petites, especially those with a fuller bust. Let's break down these concepts:
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Scale:
- The article emphasizes the importance of scale when choosing patterns. Fine pinstripes are considered small scale, making them suitable for petites. This aligns with the idea that patterns should complement the proportions of the wearer.
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Direction:
- The direction of stripes matters. Horizontal lines can shorten and widen the appearance, while vertical lines have a lengthening and slimming effect. For petites, a fine pinstripe in a suit can create a vertical line, making the wearer appear taller and slimmer.
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Fit:
- Fitting is crucial, especially for individuals with a fuller bust. The article suggests ensuring that whatever garment you make is fitted well over the bust, avoiding any straining. This advice is essential to maintain a polished and comfortable look.
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Fabric Tension:
- The article warns against pulling the fabric too tight, as this can have a negative impact on the overall appearance of pinstripes. To maintain the elegance of fine pinstripes, it's crucial to ensure that the fabric drapes well without being overly stretched.
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Creating Vertical Lines:
- To enhance the elongating effect, the article recommends considering a dress and jacket combination. This creates a column of color, further contributing to the illusion of height.
In conclusion, the use of fine pinstripes for a busty petite individual like Susan can be a smart choice if approached with attention to scale, direction, fit, and fabric tension. A well-fitted suit or a dress and jacket ensemble in navy with fine white pinstripes has the potential to flatter her figure, making her appear taller and slimmer—a win-win, as the article suggests.
