Monday 26 October 2009

Thought for the week - proportions

Far be it for me to give an art lesson in body proportions, the idealized 8 heads tall and breakdown of the positions from head to chin, chin to nipples etc. However, understanding body proportions can often be more helpful than focusing on body shapes.

Body shapes reveal where you store fat after puberty. Famously labelled Apple, Pear, Celery or Hourglass. I like to think of these shapes as triangle top, triangle bottom, rectangle and opposing triangles. How you understand shape and proportions helps to create an easier approach to dressing yourself.

I'm using an recent photo of myself which does show off using proportions quite well.


If the belt was higher and the shoes didn't have an ankle strap this would all be out of proportion. These factors are the most important. If I was wearing court shoes I would need to lose the belt or have a skinny one. I might need to pull the skirt down or up to keep the legs and body in proportion minus a belt. My hair is up, exposing my neck but if it were down, then all of this look would need adjusting.

Often the first thing we examine is our body shape, the bits we perceive as 'fat' and work to alter our view. But if you change to a proportions based analysis you might see how clothes can construct a head to toe look that creates a different image.

20 comments:

  1. Hi there-I love your outfit and I've never really thought of proportions before. I do know I find my hips as my problem area, I think this is why I don't own too many skirts now, as I'm extremely fussy of the cut, If the quality is right, I can get away with with pencil skirts, but A line skirts or dresses for me is a no-no!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post, its something that most people dont consider like colour what colour works and what doesn't with their skin tone. I think post kids your proportions can change again so its always good to revaluate ... you look great by the way love the outfit and the shoes !!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You look great in this outfit, lots of love "the apple" xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post, I've never thought of it like this before. Any sources where we can find more info on this? I wouldn't know where to start on adjusting bits here and there... Thanks! M x Oh, and the outfit is lovely, especially the skirt!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Marie - it is my own personal knowledge! You have to use your eye but you can start by learning about proportions in how to draw the anatomy type art books!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So true - I grew my hair long after years of having it short, made such a difference too. Hope the dissertation is going well!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I obsess over proportions. If my heel is a centimeter too wide or too narrow I can think of nothing else until I remedy it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You look so lovely and svelte! Adoring that belt!

    xoxox,
    CC

    ReplyDelete
  9. Glad you mentioned the hair factor. I almost always think my hair looks better up--to show off the outfit, of course--but my husband usually disagrees...of course. :)

    Hope your writing is going well!

    xx
    Julia

    ReplyDelete
  10. It really does wonders for you! I love a belted look!
    This one is amazing!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this look on you. Your analysis of it is perfect. You look so beautiful and put-together!

    I've never really been able to figure out which shape I am. I think I'm celery.

    ReplyDelete
  12. K, just trying to catch up, I'm going to start here and move forward.

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a terrific lesson. I totally get you...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Interesting post, I agree, when I pay closer attention to proportion I am wearing a more flattering outfit! Love your exact rules to think about- even hair!

    ReplyDelete
  15. good look, the shape of the belt is great and dark palette like blue with black is elegant. Love the shoes. It's wearable.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've been so interested about this topic, thank you for the tips.
    I think I'm not yet knowing to do it, but I'm trying :)

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting, much appreciated. Sorry about no longer offering anonymous comments but spamming had become a very annoying issue. xxx