4 Rules of Lines That Will Flatter Your Body Type – Glam Radar
Body shape is your outline, and we determine your shape based on the differences between shoulders, waist, and hips. However, knowing the rules of lines on a garment will give you and understanding of how that garment will make you look. Before you try anything on, look at the lines and how it’s constructed as even seams and darts can add lines influence how it appears on the body. So, keep on reading for the 4 rules of lines that will flatter your body type.
- Vertical lines lengthen and can slim the body.
Body shape focuses on your shoulders, waist, and hips, and doesn’t take into consideration your upper arms, your knees, calves, whether you are petite or tall, or even the roundness or flatness of your bottom. Vertical lines create the illusion of height or length as the eye moves quickly over them. Understanding a little about lines helps you think about how to dress for your body shape, or how to alter it using illusions. So, think where to put the vertical lines to lengthen or slim your frame. If you want to look taller, add in some more verticals. Like fashion blogger Darya Kamalova, you may opt for vertical striped shorts to highlight your legs, or even an unbuttoned coat to add some vertical lines to your frame.
- Horizontal lines broaden or widen.
For horizontal lines, the eye moves more slowly over them. That’s the reason why we are constantly looking for horizontals as we search for the horizon as it gives us a feeling of balance. Every hem unless it’s asymmetric is a horizontal line. You must know where to put the horizontal lines to broaden, balance, or highlight your body areas. If you want to balance your hips, add a horizontal line element across your shoulders. If you want to add some interest on your bust line, wear a striped bandeau top or even a black tube like fashion blogger Jennifer Grace did.
- Diagonal lines move the eye and create action.
Diagonal lines move the eyes depending on its slanting pattern. The more vertical the diagonal is the more it works to slim, while the more horizontal the diagonal, it becomes more broadening. So, you must know where you can use diagonals to move the eye. Like fashion blogger Jennifer Grace, you may opt for an asymmetric skirt to highlight your long lean legs. It also works to add some illusion on your bust line if you opt for a diagonal-chevron neckline with the same hem like Jennifer Grace did.
Curved lines are the slowest lines for our eyes to follow that’s why they add that volume. Know where you can use curved lines to follow the body or add volume as a straight line over a curved body part often looks pulled and doesn’t flatter. That’s the reason why sheath and fitted dresses look more flattering over shift ones. If you want to add curves, put a frill over that area. This also tells you where to put detail or draw focus with design elements or accessories, as well as where to keep plain so you won’t draw attention to that area if you don’t want people to notice it. By considering these tricks, you’ll make those illusions balance and flatter your body shape.
