To stripe or not to stripe?? That is the ?

[MelanieC]

They always tell you that stripes make you look bigger. This year, I don't know if stripes or in or what, but I see them everywhere.

It's so hard to tell when I look in the mirror if they make me look larger or not. I am big chested, so there is no getting around that. I am about to buy these grey twill pants and there is this beautiful dark blue, light blue and grey striped sweater or turtleneck that looks great with the grey. I wasn't sold on the turtleneck because the medium didn't cover enough of my belly. I am also trying to get away from that too. I didn't try on the sweater, but I might tomorrow night. I plan to go shopping and pick up a few outfits tomorrow.

Here is the sweater. You can see the turtleneck in the picture too. They have it in the same blue color.

Shirt

So my question is..........even though I am loosing weight, should I keep away from stripes since they make people look bigger or should I go for it. I really am trying to introduce new colors into my wardrobe.

Oh, and take a look at this cute skirt. I am going to try it on tomorrow. I don't know if I want it to fit right or not. It's $69 and I could get almost an entire outfit for that. They have a cute sage shirred turtleneck that looked so cute with it. Of course the bomber jacket matched perfectly, but that would be over the top when what I really need is clothes, not finishing touches.

Skirt

Thanks for everyone's opinions. I do have a $100 dollar gift certificate at Petite Sophisticate that my boss gave me on my Birthday in 2002 when I lost the 37 pounds. Little did I know I would gain it all back and not be able to fit in anything in the store till now.

Melanie

 

[tiggerlover]

I think the sweater and skirt are adorable!!! I always stayed away from stripes, but as I am losing weight I am gradually making changes and yes, I have been wearing some stripes. I would say if it feels good then go for it. It really is a nice outfit.

 

[ibouncetoo]

WhooHooo, I get to vote first! (I get excited by the little things!)

First, how do you FEEL in the sweater, that's the most important thing. Soft texture, good fit, you know it looks sharp.
Second, if you're looking at a medium I wouldn't worry about horizontal stripes, unless you're going to be on TV or something!
I avoid horizontal stripes as a 2x, but I'll buy them when I'm down to just a regular old large.
Now, this part is just my opionon, but I think it's stripes that are the same width, and a fairly wide width that are the most "dangerous". Varying widths, or a solid color with thin horizontal lines don't seem to have the wide-body effect. But this is just my "eye".
When I looked at your sweater, my eye was drawn to the white stripe. As you mentioned being busty, and the sweater is dark in that area, this might actually be a great 'balancer' for you.
But my Mom would say, if you like it, buy it!

 

[wovenwonder]

That is an adorable outfit. A woman in horizontal stripes shows her confidence.

YOU GO GIRL!

 

[nancyj_pa]

The outfit is great! Go for it. I don't think the stripes will make you look larger because they're varied in size.

 

[msteddom]

That outfit is way too cute not to buy!!!! Go for it!!!


Melissa

 

[Beastlover]

My vote:

Shirt: YESSS
Skirt: YESSSSSSSSS!!

Got it??!!

Congratulations on the choices--you have worked hard, and you need to show it off!!!

 

[disnygoof]

Girl, you go for it! Those two items are cute and I'm sure they'll flatter you. I think you'll look AWESOME and I know you'll feel so good about yourself after you get them!

I'm very proud of you, PM buddy! You're doing so awesome

Christiana

 

[geetey]

I agree with the others, Melanie. I like that striped sweater! Will you do us a favor though? If you do get your new outfit, please take a picture and share it with us!!!

 

[MelanieC]

Ok, I went back at lunch (boy is there pressure in trying to decide when you only have an hour).

They didn't have the striped sweater, but on the Casual Corner side the turtleneck was longer so it worked. They were much shorter in the belly area on the Petite Sophisticate side.

I tried on the skirt, and the 8 was a little snug but it fit. It had great flow, but it looked funny on me. I am only 5'2", and it fell right below my knees. It made me look really short and stumpy. I loved the sheer turtleneck that matched it, but I would have had to find just the right shoe for it. I had on black trouser socks and big clunky shoes (not right for a dress). I am sure when I got down to my personal goal it would have looked great, but I just wasn't sold on it today. I need regular everyday clothes, and I know that when it's cold I tend to not wear skirts as much. I tend to go for the pants and comfy things.

Now for the good news. The size 8 pants fit really good, and for kicks I thought I would try the 6's. Well they are a little tight. They zipped, looked ok on, but when I loose even 10 lbs they will look great.

I bought 2 size 6 tan & Gray pants and the blue/gray turtleneck.

Thanks for your help everyone. I may go back and buy the black pants and the tan striped turtleneck. I am not sure. I have to decide between that or black jeans and 2 long sleve tees.

Thanks
Melanie

Melanie