How To Best Dress Your Shape: Proportion Is The Key
Size doesn’t matter!
I repeat: Size doesn’t matter! But shape does, and I’ll show you why…
You know that outfit you saw on the mannequin and thought would be perfect for your vacation? The billowy, peasant blouse that tented out over the skinny, cropped jeans? But when you put it on, instead of wistfully romantic, you felt awkwardly stout. I’ll tell you why…
Clothing doesn’t look the same on different body types (and “mannequin” is not a viable body type).
Actually, let’s get away from body types for right now. Because what we’re really talking about is called:
Proportion.
Imagine an actual hourglass. I know, it’s cliche, but it is exactly proportioned, and because of that symmetry, is pleasing to the eye. Equally full on top and bottom, while more narrow in the middle. This is balance.
Balance is necessary for a flattering outfit.
Not size. Size doesn’t matter. Whether a 2 or a 22, balance creates the most flattering shape.
It’s what professional stylists use to make their clients look their best. And you can use it too.
Whether your hourglass is fuller on top or bottom, or even if it doesn’t narrow in the middle, there are fashion tricks stylists use to create a more proportionate and flattering shape.
There are entire videos devoted to these tricks, including detailed recommendations for specific body shapes, in my How To Discover Your Signature Style (And Gain The Confidence To Wear It!) course.
It will change the way you dress.
You’ll learn…
As you explore proportion, you’ll correctly identify your shape and start to see that it’s not size, but balance that matters. You’ll learn the keys to visually enhancing your specific shape. The right shapes and lines can highlight your best assets if you know where to use and direct them (which you’ll learn in your course!).
Left to Right Top: Lafayette 148 New York Rainey Open Front Jacket / Lafayette 148 New York Malika Jacket / Lafayette 148 New York Tamaya Metropolis Jacket / Lafayette 148 New York Heather Linen Jacket / Bottom: Lafayette 148 New York Plus Size Rainey Open Front Jacket / Lafayette 148 New York Plus Size Malika Jacket / Lafayette 148 New York Plus Size Metropolis Jacket / Lafayette 148 Plus Size Heather Linen Jacket
A Proportioned Shape
You’ll learn the various ways to create a visually balanced and proportioned silhouette through easy to understand graphics like the one below, as well as individual videos illustrating simple recommendations for the five most common shapes.
Left to Right: Lafayette 148 New York Ensley Shift Dress / Lafayette 148 New York Brett Contrast Stitch Dress / Lafayette 148 New York Plus Size Ensley Sheath Dress / Lafayette 148 New York Plus Size Brett Contrast Stitch Dress
You Can Be Your Own Personal Stylist
Once you learn about proportion, you’ll see why certain styles are right or wrong for you. I’ll teach you to recognize balance and you’ll see an immediate change in how you choose to dress.
Your Signature Style depends on it.
Until then,
Erin
Incredibly helpful! Thank you so much for the mass amount of time and effort it must have taken to put this wealth of knowledge together.. In an easily readable, easily comprehensible, visually informative (the pictures are so great) way. Learned so much, thank you!
Thank you so much, Joannah!! There are plenty of lists out there that tell you which cuts look good on different body types, but unless you truly understand WHY something works so well on you, you’re just a slave to those lists. Experiment with different styles in a fitting room to really gain an understanding of how you can manipulate your shape. I’m so happy you commented! It keeps me motivated!