For this week’s column, I am going to talk about something I surprisingly haven’t talked about yet: the four pillars of every outfit. This consists of clothing lines, shapes, colors, and details. It shows the importance of analyzing personal style and self-trust in the process.
Pillar 1: Style Lines
Style lines have been around for the longest time. You’ve seen them before; they’re the lines on the outside of your clothes. But what are style lines? They are the foundation of fashion design. They are the building blocks of an outfit.
The key is to find the style lines that fit you the most. Look at the line type, direction, how they form, and many other details that express the lines of an outfit. If this is getting too confusing, just stick to observations. How does the outside of the outfit look to you? Stick to the broad first, and later, we will get more specific.
Pillar 2: Style Shapes
We can, and have, different types of lines or silhouettes, but now we need to examine shape. Now the shape has nothing to do with your body shape at all; it all has to do with the lines. We don’t just want to follow the shape of a whole outfit. We need to look at the inner shapes, too. Focus on the pockets, sleeves, cuffs, and anything that can create a point of interest.
Every little shape doesn’t need to be considered and have an answer; we just need to start making observations.
Pillar 3: Color and Style
Color is, personally, one of my most important things. I mean, I bet you probably never considered the first two pillars when picking out an outfit, but you’ve definitely thought of color.
Wearing an outfit that is beige will not give the same vibe opposed to maybe pale blue. However, if you know your seasons, this could be different, since winter gives off a different color vibe than summer, especially in comparison to skin tone.
A way of figuring out your color is to just see what they look like in natural light. It’s best to try it with no makeup but just seeing how colors change your face can ultimately help make a decision. You can also just go get those expensive Japanese color tests (I, personally, want one).
Pillar 4: Details and Finishing
Details are there to help you balance out the other pillars. It brings everything together. These can include many things like makeup, accessories, hair, textures, etc. You may have a go-to hairstyle you like for every day, but switch it up if the outfit is calling for it.
A dress that is blue because it is denim vs. a dress that is blue because it is satin give off completely different vibes. Texture is important.
Remember, we are all building our own styles! My pillar will look completely different from your pillar, but both will have the same effect. They are going to hold up our final outfit, as long as we make sure to balance each pillar. There are never ugly outfits; they just may not have all the right pillars. Try switching one up before disregarding your whole outfit.
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