These are some of the things that affect the clothing choices that you make:

External Factors – those outside you

Internal Factors – those inside you

Size and Shape – learning to dress well means learning what suits your body

External Factors

Those things outside of you that affect what you wear.

They may be the same for all of the people around you.

External Factors – those outside you

Environment – (the weather, cold/warm)

OR

External Factors – those outside you

Geographic Location – (stores in your area sell only things that are popular in your area)

External Factors – those outside you

Lifestyle – (job or needs) – your parents’ wardrobes meet their work needs; your wardrobe is that of a student

External Factors – those outside you

Time – (to shop) – one trip, or time to look many places

External Factors – those outside you

Money – (to buy) – how much can you afford?

Internal Factors – those inside you

These are the things that are personal to you.

They express your personality and values.

Internal Factors – those inside you

Personal Values – (express personality)

–do you dress up or go casual?

Internal Factors – those inside you

Needs and Wants – (need a coat, want a leather jacket)

Internal Factors – those inside you

Beliefs – (religion directs clothing choice; T-shirt logo, etc.) – people assume you believe what is written on your shirt

Size and Shape – learning to dress well means learning what suits your body

Body Shape – determines your size, and which department you shop in

Sizes – learning to dress well means learning what suits your body

Frame – affects shape and style; long arms, broad shoulders

What frame size are you?

Using Wrist Size to Estimate Body Frame Size

Height Wrist Size for Small Frame

Wrist Size for Medium Frame

Wrist Size for Large Frame

Females under 5’2”

Less than 5.5” 5.5” to 5.75” Over 5.75”

Females 5’2” to 5’5”

Less than 6” 6” to 6.25” Over 6.25”

Females over 5’5”

Less than 6.25” 6.25” to 6.5” Over 6.5”

Males over 5’5” 5.5” to 6.5” 6.5” to 7.5” Over 7.5”

Sizes – learning to dress well means learning what suits your body

Proportion – the relationship between the parts of your body

rounded

pear

hourglass

ruler

LINE TEXTURE

PATTERN

SHAPE

SPACECOLOR

The key to dressing well is giving the best visual

image you can.

The language of clothes is visual.

Clothes communicate.

Can reflect or alter a mood

Can create illusions about size

Color

Warm Colors –

red, yellow, orange

•Attract attention

•Make things look larger

Color

Cool Colors

– blue, green, purple

Make things look smaller

Are calming

Directs the eyes – your eyes will follow a line on clothes.

Suggests personality – straight lines are more professional, curved lines are more casual

LINE TYPES

Straight Curved Zigzag

LINE DIRECTION

Vertical Horizontal Diagonal

A line is defined by its path and length. The eye tends to follow both of these, sending an impression to the brain.

CLOTHING DESIGNERS USE LINES FOR DIFFERENT EFFECTS

Straight lines, which provide a crisp, formal look, often appear in classic or conservative designs.

Curved lines, which can be circular or waved, give a feeling of movement to a design. By adding softness and roundness to a garment, curved lines are often used to create a casual image.

With zigzag lines, the eye must constantly change direction to follow such lines, which builds a feeling of excitement or drama. If overdone, the feeling might become chaotic.

LINES CAN CREATE ILLUSIONS

Vertical lines lead the eye up

and down, giving the

illusion of more height. You can

use vertical lines to create a

taller, thinner look.

Horizontal lines cause the eyes to move from side to

side, giving the illusion of width

rather than height. Using horizontal lines in particular locations gives

that area a shorter or wider look.

Diagonal lines add movement

and excitement to the clothing. Due to their dramatic impact, diagonal lines are often

chosen for high-fashion clothes and sportswear.

OTHER STUFF ABOUT LINES…

The eye will naturally find the dominant line in a garment. This is usually a center seam, a waistline, a curved neckline, or a bold stripe. Whatever

it is, that line has the most influence.

The thickness of the lines and the amount of space between lines also creates illusions. Widely spaced vertical stripes may actually give the impression of added width. This is because the eye moves sideways across the lines. Widely spaced horizontal stripes have the opposite effect,

causing the eye to move up and down instead of sideways.

HOW TO CREATE DESIGN ILLUSIONS

Which rectangle looks taller and thinner?

Which rectangle looks wider?

Which line makes the rectangle look thinner?

When you see the shadow of an object on the wall, you’re looking at its shape.

Most clothes fit four basic shapes:

Natural. Clothes fit close to the body and emphasize the natural waistline. This shape is the most classic and is worn most easily on average body sizes.

Tubular. This shape is rectangular with vertical emphasis. The dominant lines go up and down. The waistline is not usually defined.

Bell. Both diagonal and horizontal lines combine in a bell shape. This shape can cut height and add curves to a figure.

Full. Full shapes have more horizontal and curved lines than other shapes do. Full shapes tend to make the body look larger.

Natural

Bell Full

Tubular

Fashion trends influence which shapes

are in style during a fashion season.

The area inside a shape is

known as space.

The outline of a garment is its

shape.

SPACE is just as important as the shape, because what goes on within the spaces contributes to the visual effect of the garment.

Typically, internal lines, either structural or

decorative, divide the space on a garment.

• Texture describes the surface characteristics that determine the look and feel of an object.

• Fabric textures include soft or crisp, smooth or nubby, and dull or shiny.

• Texture affects the way a garment looks.

Soft and Clingy Fabrics

Textures Create Different Impressions

Moderately Crisp Fabrics

Extra Crisp Fabrics

Dull Fabrics

Nubby and Bulky Fabrics

Smooth Fabrics with a Dull Finish

Shiny Fabrics

When the elements of design are brought together on a fabric; a

pattern results.

Patterns come in a great variety:

Stripes, Plaids, Geometrics, Florals, Scenics, Borders, and more.

Balance

Emphasis

Rhythm

Harmony

Proportion

Symmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical Balance

Proportion describes how the separate parts of a garment relate to each

other.

Typically, about 3/8 of a person’s total height is

above the waist, and 5/8 is below.

The focal point of a design.

The part that draws attention.

Highlight your best features - - - - Draw attention away from figure problems

Use Color, Line, Texture, Design, Details, Trims,

or Accessories.

Rhythm moves the eye gently from one area of

the garment to another.

3 ways:

Repetition. A pattern repeats, as with rows of

stripes.

Radiation. Lines or patterns flow from a central location, like the gathers in a

skirt.

Gradation. A pattern changes gradually, as in a

change of size or color.

…Is when design elements complement each other.

When harmony exists, each part looks like it belongs.