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 cant wear heels for medical reasons, no waist or bottom and a dd bust size. Any help you can give will be much appreciated. Thanks
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 color to elongate.