Proportion

Proportion is the relationship between areas, amounts, distances, parts and degrees.

Width
For flattering balance wear either:
. Narrow garments top and bottom
. Narrow above the waist and wide below
. Wide above the waist and narrow below

Length

A garment is generally more interesting and pleasing to the eye when it is divided into unequal parts; as long as the parts are also in scale with the wearer. Garments of equal visible lenght can appear ordinary or boring. Think, long over short or short over long.



Co-ordination

To give an outfit a finished appearance three items/areas of interest are needed.

- Example one: Black pants, black sweater and leopard shawl would add to three items of interest. The black pants and sweater count as one, the scarf and pattern each count as one point.

- Example two: Brown pants, burnt orange top and camel vest add to three.



Colour

When it comes to colour unless your outfit/garment is monochromatic or a traditional two colour combination (e.g. black and white, navy and white or red and white) wear colour in unequal amounts. This can be achieved by adding a piece of jewellery.



Colour also influences the appearance of proportion. For example, the colour of hosiery can be blended with the hemline to lock the two pieces visually together thus increasing the apparent length (proportion of the skirt).



Accessories

Accessories such as necklaces and bracelets will look best when they are worn either as a single piece or in unequal numbers.

Mix gold and silver jewellery in unequal amounts.