The Elements of Design In Fashion

The 7 Elements of Design Shape Line Color Focal Point Proportion Balance Texture

Shape refers to the 4 Clothing Silhouettes Hourglass Fitted bust & waist give a contour look Favored by women with hourglass figures.

Rectangle The shape isn’t form-fitting through the waist and bust. It hides rather than reveals body shape

Triangle The dress creates a triangle shape A high fashion look

Inverted Triangle The broad shoulders widen the top The tight skirt narrows the bottom

Line Horizontal Draws the eye across the width of the figure Makes the body look wider and shorter

Vertical Line Leads the eye up and down Makes a person look taller and thinner

Diagonal Line Diagonal lines are dynamic They lengthen or shorten, depending on their direction

Curved Line Adds fullness to the figure because it emphasizes roundness The curved collar widens the shoulder

Color Color has the power to change your shape. You can use color to your advantage in your clothing.

If you are tall and want to minimize your height, wear a two color outfit.

Contrasting colors call attention to an area.

The mono-chromatic look avoids color lines and contrasting color The mono-chromatic look avoids color lines and contrasting color. The effect is to emphasize height.

Focal Point A focal point is a place to which the eye is drawn first; it is a point of emphasis.

Proportion Deals with how the parts of your outfit relate to each other. Avoid outfits that cut you in half.

Balance Formal or Symmetrical Balance – both sides are the same Informal or Asymmetrical balance – both sides are different, yet balanced

Texture Heavily textured fabrics enlarge the figure. Smooth, lightweight fabrics will minimize your weight.

When you understand the basics of design, you can emphasize your best features and even have fun building a wardrobe that is best for your shape.