Recently, I reviewed a style evolution book and noticed it mainly focuses on dressing to flatter rather than mixing and matching for fun. Honestly, I tend to do the same. For instance, even though I don’t have a large tummy, I avoid clothes that highlight it.
On a recent shopping trip, I tried on a tight polkadot skirt with a different colored polkadot top. It looked great from the front and back, but the side view was awful. It accentuated my flat bum and drew attention to my belly. So, I didn’t buy it.
However, I did buy an asymmetrical Calvin Klein dress during a sale. It has an unusual silhouette that makes one of my hips look bigger, but I liked the quirky design and overall flattering look. It didn’t highlight any problem areas for me. I really love asymmetry!
I avoid clothes that bring attention to parts of my body I’m not comfortable with because it makes me feel self-conscious. When I don’t feel I look my best, my confidence drops. Although I’m generally happy with my body, everyone has parts they’d rather not emphasize. It’s always better to highlight our strengths instead.
Creating a nice silhouette is also important to me. I aim for a balanced 1/3 – 2/3 silhouette to keep my body in proportion, like making my legs look longer or creating the illusion of more height.
This is why dressing for your body type is crucial, and I’ve written several articles on different body shapes and types. I also cover this extensively in my style courses.
Still, I can admire those who take a looser approach to the “rules.” It’s not always necessary to have the perfect silhouette; sometimes it’s fun to be edgy or just dress for fashion. Some people even ignore flattering principles altogether and focus solely on fashion and edginess.
Personally, I prefer dressing in a flattering way. I love drape dresses that cover the tummy area and pants that are looser and touch the ground. Even though I enjoy asymmetry and unique shapes, I aim for a pleasing silhouette overall.
What about you? Do you always dress to flatter your body and create a nice silhouette, or do you prioritize fashion, edginess, and looking different?