Creating Illusion

Part 5 in a series by Karen A. Stevenson, President, Studio K Salon

The appearance of looking ‘put together’ is a matter of understanding what is considered proportionate, as well as understanding illusions we can offer in order to appear more proportionate.  

For instance, did you know that to be ‘perfect’ would mean being equal from your hipbones to the top of your head then having the same distance from the hipbone to feet? 

Did you know that your knees should equally divide the lower half of your body?

Perfect proportion would also mean that your bust and hip measurements are the same, and your waist should be approximately ten inches less. Your elbows would meet perfectly at your waistline, your fingertips touching your mid-thigh, the width across your shoulders should equal the distance from your neck to your waist?

Before you run to your tape measure drawer, remember relief is in sight.  Spelling relief is I-L-L-U-S-I-O-N. 

There are many principles of balance, proportion, and lines in dressing.  You accentuate the positive, and diminish the negative.  Proportion is all about looking overall balanced.  For instance, if you are short-waisted and long legged, you dress differently from a person that is long-waisted and short legged. 

Lines play an important role in dressing.  Eyes automatically adhere to where clothing starts and stops and focuses on those areas.  Most outfits have vertical, horizontal or diagonal patterns.  As a painting, or wallpaper, your eye will instantly catch the most dominant lines.  Therefore, if a person is tall and wearing vertical lines, it will give them the appearance of even more height.  If a person is wide, and wearing horizontal lines, they will look even more wide. 

If you are a thin person or have small proportions in an area, wearing big bold prints, plaids or checks, bright or light colors, horizontal lines, contrasting colors, thick, rough textures, or shiny textures will help balance your overall appearance.

If you are a person that needs to take away from a particular area, use smaller prints, dark colors, vertical lines, solid colors, smooth fabrics and matte finishes.    Rule of thumb is that darker colors conceal, and lighter colors reveal.  So if it is an area you wish to accentuate, use the lighter colors, an area you desire to down play, then use darker colors.

Many clients wonder about their necklines and the best appearance regarding their facial shape.  For Round faces, it is best to stay away from high buttoned collars and stick more to v-necks and drop earrings.  If you have a square face, it is not good to wear a square neckline.  Stay more with a soft scoop of v-neckline.   Having a heart shaped face means stay away from large dangle earrings, especially hoops, and be careful to not wear low scoop-necks.  Having a heart shaped face is best shown off with turtle necks, chokers, scarves and things worn closely to the chin.  People with oval shaped faces get away with the most versatility. 

But wait!  There’s more!  If your bustline is large, choose wide armholes and fullness on the top to avoid clinging at the bustline.  If the bustline is smaller, use padded bras, pockets, ruffles and lace to help alleviate any balance issue.  If your hips are wide, use diagonal pockets, or lighter colors above the waistline.  Use shoulder pads as well as shirts or tops that tend to be fuller above the waist.  If you have a large rear end, using looser fitting clothes at the lower portion of your back or overhanging shirts help camouflage the wider appearance.    Legs, if they are heavy appear more lovely if using darker colored nylons, or choosing pants that are not cuffed.  If your legs are thin, using light colored hosiery works to help enhance. 

Truth is, most people suffer from either small shoulders, wide shoulders, small bustlines, large bustlines, small waists, large waists, or some weight around the stomach or rear end.  The ‘perfect’ body rarely exists. 

Whatever you need to do to give the illusion of a more proportionate body, be aware it is merely the simple task of figuring out what needs to be enhanced, what needs to be less noticeable, and dress yourself accordingly.

From dress, to make-up, hairstyle, carrying yourself with confidence, there are many, many tricks of the trade to enhance your personal appearance.  Part of being an Image Consultant, salon owner,  and hair designer is to help you understand your personal style.  Whether you like a classic look, professional look, a look of natural and clean, an appearance that is bold and dramatic, or one of femininity and softness, the end result will help you feel better about yourself and project a positive image.