All kinds: Awning stripes, pinstripes, rugby stripes, sailor stripes, shadow stripes, candy stripes.

Does this mean that I am a linear thinker?

But its also because stripes are magic.

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They command our attention and direct our eyes to wherever they are going.

They can also distract if you want them to.

They have the power to visually minimize or maximize.

A woman wearing a black and white striped shirt smiling

They can be racy, regimental or, somehow, reassuring in their regularity.

(I dont love dots.

They are ditsy and dont stand for anything.

Loft Striped Ribbed Midi Sweater Skirt; L.L. Bean Women’s Signature French Sailor Tee in Sailcloth; Ralph Lauren Women’s Resort Stripe Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit in Black/White

Ive drawn a line in the sand.)

When it comes to figure flattery, dont be afraid to give a horizontal stripe a try.

Bear in mind, wide stripes make things appear larger and narrow stripes tend to minimize.

Floerns Women’s Plus-Size Striped Print Plunge Neck Monokini One Piece Swimsuit in Black and White; Vince Camuto Off the Shoulder Stripe Blouse in Rich Black; Banana Republic Alva Wide-Leg Cotton/Linen Pant in White Stripe

If you are petite or short-waisted, consider them your secret weapon!

Wavy stripes are particularly good atdisguising a round tummy.

One final thing I love about stripes?

Venus Underwire Bandeau One-Piece in Navy Blue and White Stripes; The Oxford Tunic in Apple Red/Hibiscus; ASOS Design Curve Belted Midi Shirt Dress in Mono Stripe

They deliver a big bang for your buck, and they never go out of style.

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Loft Rugby Top in Rich Carmine Pink; J. Crew Garcon Cotton Poplin Shirt in Seaside Stripe in Regal Blue; Land’s End Women’s Plus Size Supima Micro Modal Elbow Sleeve Balletneck Curved Hem Striped Top in True Navy/White Stripe

Echo Vintage Stripe 26" Silk Square in Cherry Red; Kate Spade Carlyle Striped Medium Shoulder Bag; Soludo Women’s Dali Espadrilles in Red Stripe