Stunning Kelly Brook steps out in horizontal stripes just days after scientists dispelled the myth that the lines make women appear fatter.

The 28-year-old proved the latest theory to be true as she was spotted out in a skinny striped top which emphasised her tiny waist and hourglass shape.

It was previously believed that horizontal stripes made women look bigger and vertical stripes were more flattering.

Between the lines: Kelly Brook steps out in horizontal stripes just days after scientists dispelled the myth that the lines make women appear fatter

But earlier this week a science conference heard details of research which suggested that the opposite is true.

'Our conclusion is that there is precious little evidence to support the idea that horizontal stripes make us look fat,' said researcher Dr Peter Thompson.

'On the contrary, we should probably avoid vertical stripes.'

New love: Brook has been dating rugby star Danny Cipriani

Slender Brook - who has been dating rugby star Danny Cipriani, 20, since splitting from long-term fiancé Billy Zane just last month – looked happier than ever as she opted for the horizontal look while leaving a hotel in London.

The model recently revealed that she will be stripping off in her new play Fat Pig.

‘There is a scene where we’re all in swimming costumes,’ she told The Sun.

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Up or down: Scientists have discovered that vertical stripes make you look fatter than those of the horizontal variety as worn by Carly Zucker and Cameron Diaz