Looking pulled together isn’t just about figuring out which colours go together, or how to wear a scarf. Proportion is the secret sauce to looking great – no matter your shape or size.
Proportion is about how your body parts work together in balance. Whether you have a long torso but short legs, or wide hips but narrow shoulders – there are ways to bring balance back.
Some easy ways to play with proportion so that it works for you:
- Balance long and short. Wear a long coat or vest over a knee-length skirt. Or, wear a cropped jacket over a long skirt. Either provides balance and proportion to your look.
- Fit fits. Make sure your clothes fit properly – not baggy, which just looks sloppy, and not too tight, which can actually make you look heavy. Your buttons should not pull on tops, your trousers should pull into a line across your hips.
- Wear pleats carefully. Pleats can be a lovely detail, however, can quickly add bulk to your shape. If you are apple-shaped, pleats are never your friend since they add visual weight exactly where you don’t want it.
L-R: long, average, short waists
- Short waisted? Consider getting tops and jackets in the petite department, no matter how tall you are. Women who are short-waisted often have to get sleeves hemmed and shoulders adjusted. Regular tops are often too long. The petite department might just be an easy answer for you.
- Long waisted? Avoid cropped pants or low-rise jeans since each makes your torso longer and your legs shorter.
- Pear-shaped? Wear tops and jackets with shoulder pads, or add small shoulder pads. Not 80s football pads, but just small, structured pads to add height to your torso.
- Apple-shaped? Wear unstructured tops and skinny pants, or slim tunics over leggings. Keep fabrics sleek (i.e. no velvet or bulky knits).
When thinking about proportion, always ask yourself what can bring balance to my look? Simple tricks can make a big difference.