Nowadays, fashion is increasingly diverse. People, particularly young women, are as likely to pick up fashion trends from a Paris runway as from a thrift store, or an Instagram fashionista. However, while fashion has no rules, it can still be helpful to learn a few basic guidelines before diving into any wilder style choices.
The idea of people fitting into a ‘shape’ category- whether ‘apple’ or ‘pear’ or even ‘overripe banana’- is outdated at best, and can quickly veer into body-shaming at worst. When viewed with a critical eye however, it can be a helpful starting point to learn about lines and how the eye follows them.
For example, this infographic recommends that people with an ‘apple’ shape (rounder in the middle) pick clothes that elongate their torso and create a defined waist. Reading on, it suggests a tapered neckline can make the torso appear slimmer and longer. Of course, this doesn’t mean that people with that body shape have to remain trapped in a purgatory of belted v-neck dresses forever, but learning the visual effect of those shapes can help you either follow or subvert the ‘classic’ look, depending on the effect you want to achieve. After all, you need to know what the rules are in order to break them.
A number of “try before you buy” services have started, like Amazon Prime wardrobe or StitchFix. They’re a fun way to put some of these fashion tips to use.