How to wear stripes

Our fashion team is here to bust myths and prove that anyone can earn their style stripes

- CHARLIE BELL

fashion expert

A fine line

I’m throwing out that old belief that horizontal stripes make you look wider. The key is to look for finer lines, which are slimming. Every wardrobe needs a Breton-style knit and I love the peachy pink finish on this one. Wear with jeans for a chic weekend get-up. Top, £20, sizes 10-28, Bonmarché Charlie

Relaxed tailoring

If you’re petite, you’ll love this striped two-piece. The mix of vertical stripes from top to toe will elongate your figure and the pieces can be just as effective worn separately as worn together. Blazer, £29.99, trousers, £25.99, both sizes 6-18, New Look Joely

Under wraps

When shopping for striped dresses look for classic silhouettes, such as this wrap design. The stripes flatter your figure, going diagonally across the bust to highlight the waist and vertically on the skirt for a leglengthening effect. The monochrome colour palette makes it easy to work with other items in your wardrobe too. Dress, £24.99, xs-xxl, H&M Becky

Denim dream