Fashion Myth: Horizontal Stripes vs. Vertical Stripes

The Horizontal Style Myth

The horizontal vs. vertical lines theory myth was debunked by Hermann von Helmholtz in 1925 and is also known as the Helmholtz illusion. Helmholtz’s explanation of the illusion was that a filled-out area looks longer than an unfilled area of the same size. His thought was that the figure with horizontal stripes looks filled and hence longer from bottom up, whereas the square with vertical lines looks filled and therefore longer from left to right. This then generates the illusion that the square with horizontal lines is taller and slimmer than the same-sized square with vertical stripes, which looks short and fat.

See the illustration below of his theory: Exact squares, but the one on the left looks skinnier and taller! It’s just what we all want to look like over 50!!!

Source: Peter Thompson and Kyriaki Mikellidou, The 3-D Helmholtz Square illusion: more reasons to wear horizontal stripes, Journal of Vision, August 5, 2009 vol. 9 no. 8 article 50.

My Horizontal Stripe Top from Chico’s

Nautical stripes are trending again, and they are timeless and classic. I couldn’t resist this Peplum Flare-Sleeved Top from Chico’s. I love the details on the sleeves and the boat neckline. The top is perfect for wearing now and throughout the year! I am wearing Chico’s Travelers Pull-On Jeans from Saint Augustine, which I wore last year in this post.

They are my favorite jeans, and I have worn them many times. I’m so glad Chico’s still has them! You can also wear white jeans with the top.

My Beckham Tassel Lug Loafer is from Patricia Green. However, you can wear any show with the outfit.

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