‘It doesn’t matter what you wear, it matters how you wear it.’ Even the simplest outfit can turn wholesome if you know how to play with them. In this article I’m going to show you how you can do it.
1. Dress for your silhouette
Knowing your body shape is a sacred tool when it comes to creating a look, as it can make or break an outfit. The power it holds is immense, so make sure to play with it carefully.
When we choose clothing, we often go for what looks striking on a mannequin or hanging neatly on a rack, without considering our own body shape. Yet, it plays a pivotal role in how a dress or outfit will suit us. Since body shapes vary, what may look splendid on someone else might not have the same effect on us.
Understanding your body proportions allows you to emphasize your best features. Whether you have an hourglass figure, an inverted triangle, or any other body shape, dressing to accentuate your assets can make you look and feel your best.
For instance, if your shoulders happen to be broader than your hips, choosing puff sleeves might not be the most suitable choice. This is because puff sleeves can potentially enhance the shoulder area and create an appearance of disproportion, causing the outfit to seem unbalanced.
Classic styles that suit your body shape tend to be timeless. By dressing for your silhouette, you’re more likely to build a wardrobe of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched for various occasions.
Nevertheless, these differences are the very essence of our uniqueness, giving us the chance to experiment with styling techniques until we learn what flatters us most and what does not.
2. The 3 color rule
The 3 colour rule encourages balance in your outfit. You typically have one dominant color, a secondary color that complements it, and an accent color for contrast. This balance helps ensure that no color overwhelms the others.
Using a limited color palette in your outfit helps create a sense of visual harmony. When you incorporate too many colors, your outfit can become visually overwhelming or chaotic. Restricting your palette to three colors simplifies the look, making it more pleasing to the eye.
By following the three colour rule, you have the freedom to incorporate statement pieces in your look, as well. When you have a predominantly neutral or monochromatic outfit with just one or two accent colors, a statement accessory or clothing item in a contrasting color can stand out and become the focal point of your ensemble.
Here are two simple examples:
Tonal Variation:
Outfit: Light gray blazer, charcoal gray trousers, and a pale blue dress shirt.
Explanation: This outfit uses variations of gray (light and dark) as the dominant colors, with the pale blue dress shirt as the accent color for a touch of contrast.
Neutral Base with Two Accents:
Outfit: White blouse, black slacks, and a red belt and red heels.
Explanation: The neutral colors (white and black) create a classic and versatile base, while the red belt and heels add a pop of color as accents.
3. Balance fitting proportions
Balancing proportions in your outfit is a key styling technique that can greatly impact your overall look.
Here are some tips on how you can do it:
Fitted and Loose: As mentioned, a classic way to balance proportions is by pairing a loose-fitting item with a more tailored or fitted one. For instance:
- Wide-leg pants with a fitted blouse or tank top.
- An oversized sweater with slim-fitting jeans or leggings.
Crop Tops and High-Waisted Bottoms: Pairing a crop top with high-waisted bottoms, whether it’s a skirt, pants, or shorts, creates a balanced look. The exposed midriff combined with the high waist visually elongates your legs and defines your waist.
Layering: Layering is an excellent technique to balance proportions. For example:
- Layer a long cardigan or duster coat over a fitted dress.
- Wear a structured blazer over a flowy blouse and slim pants.
Belt It: Adding a belt to a loose-fitting dress or tunic can cinch the waist and provide structure to the outfit.
Mix Textures: Combining different fabric textures can also balance proportions. For example:
- Pair a chunky knit sweater with sleek leather pants.
- Wear a flowy silk top with structured denim.
Fashion is self-expression. Know your shape, use the three-color rule, and balance proportions for stunning style. Confidence is your best accessory. So, go ahead, express your unique style, and exude confidence. Happy styling!
Watch this short for a better understanding:
