Hey Girlies!
Tis the season of white pants, shorts, and skirts and of course, black and white are a match made in heaven, but like I mentioned in my video on styling black and white (watch here), there is a strategy that must be properly executed to pull off the combo for your figure. Here, I put together a black and white striped look, but there was a strategy to compliment my figure, but of course I'll explain what you'd need to alter to accommodate and flatter YOUR shape, too!
The pairing I created here is most suitable for the pear shape. The horizontal striped lines help visually widen out the upper body. I also want to point out that the shirt has a v-neckline, which is the most flattering for me because I'm a pear shape with wide shoulders. I've gotten many questions from you guys asking if you could still be considered a pear shape, even though you have wider shoulders and the answer I've given is yes. The most common characteristic with this shape is narrow shoulders, but there are exceptions to this, which is why when we take the measurements for the body shapes, I don't ask for the shoulders. So if you're a pear shape with wider shoulders too, I'd suggest a v-neck style neckline, since it can help narrow out those shoulders.
When it comes to the shorts, you'll notice how it has a black stripe on both sides of the hips on the pockets. Any other time, I wouldn't suggest shorts like these that have pockets directly on the hips for the pear shape because they only make them appear wider. However, in this case, since we have the black stripes, it creates the opposite effect by narrowing them. Remember, white brightens and black slims ;)
Now, if you're an apple or inverted triangle shape, I'd suggest a black shirt with white vertical stripes and plain white shorts, which would create the opposite flattering effect for your figure. The vertical stripes will not further expand your already wide upper body, rather narrow it out a bit. As for the neckline, I'd suggest a scoop, which gives the similar effect of the v-neck, but will prevent the possibility of your boobs from spilling over or peeking through. The solid colored white shorts will brighten and enhance the lower body, which is your most flattering area, those legs!
I'd also suggest refraining from horizontal stripes if you're rectangular because it can make you appear even more boxy. In fact, I'd suggest a color blocked option for you instead. So a top that is half black and half white on each side paired with white bottoms. As for the hourglass, I'd suggest either options for the pear or apple/inverted shapes, depending on the size of your chest. If you are incredibly busty, I wouldn't suggest the horizontal stripes because it can visually expand the width of your bust, making them appear much larger than they are, especially in proportion to your bottom half.
When styling, feel free to add some pops of color on your lips and/or accessories to help add interest and personality to the look. For my pairing, I was going for a simpler look overall, but the great thing about this color pairing, is the versatility it permits for adding your own flare, so do it!
THE DETAILS:
TOP: Max Studio (Marshall's)
SHORTS: Mine (Marshall's)
NECKLACE: Express
BRACELETS: (L) Local boutique (R) c/o Lokai
XO
