When we clarify the image and style we want to shape, choosing individual items becomes a relatively simple task. Yesterday, in the session on image and style: the best sparring partner, it was introduced how to use a mirror to understand our own image and style. This is something that requires and is worth spending time on, especially when our self-awareness regarding our image and style is low; we need to give ourselves some alone time to objectively sort out the image and style that suit us.
Once we have chosen items that suit us, coordinating outfits becomes relatively simple. We can treat this as a game of combinations; we just need to try them on ourselves, practice, and experiment with different matching methods. Once we find the fun in it, we will naturally try more and create our own style language.
Once we make significant progress in dressing, our self-expression will become increasingly confident, gradually forming our own image style system. The system I refer to is a vision, not just in terms of dressing, but also related to home decor, lifestyle, and interpersonal relationships. I believe all of these can develop accordingly, allowing us to live more in alignment with our inner selves.
How to choose clothes
Visually, a piece of clothing includes elements such as color, silhouette, material, and pattern (provided that the clothing has a pattern, it also includes the subtle patterns formed by the fabric's weave). Here are specific suggestions for choosing items; it is important to note that what I express is a general tendency, and there may be differences when applied to individuals.
1. Color selection
Consider your skin tone: Our natural skin tone reflects our own color, thus presenting a relationship of color matching with clothing. Some skin tones exhibit warm tones, while others show cool tones. A very simple method to help us judge is to wear a white shirt; if the skin looks good in a warm, creamy white, then the skin tone is likely warm; if it looks good in a very pure bleached white, then the skin tone is likely cool.
Warm-toned skin pairs well with clothing in red, orange, and yellow as base colors, while cool-toned skin pairs well with clothing in blue, green, and purple as base colors, creating a harmonious color relationship. However, if the need for image and style requires wearing contrasting colors, it can also be reversed; warm-toned skin can wear warm-toned blues, greens, and purples, while cool-toned skin can wear cool-toned reds and yellows.
Color is a very professional area that requires specialized learning, but ordinary people can distinguish which colors make them look good and which colors may make them appear dull by trying on different colored clothing and observing carefully.
When we have psychological needs, we may develop a preference for a certain color, but that color may not enhance our complexion or may not suit us well. However, if we must wear it, we can find a similar color that suits our tone or balance it through makeup and styling; professional consulting services can be sought in this regard.
Consider mood and occasion: Colors can convey different emotions and messages. For example, dark clothing tends to convey formality and professionalism, while bright colors appear more lively and friendly. For instance, in hospitals, we often see combinations of white and green; white represents cleanliness and purity, with nurses being called "angels in white," while green brings hope. These two colors are classic combinations commonly used in hospitals.
2. Silhouette selection
Choose silhouettes based on body type: Our body type relates to height and weight; slim individuals usually have a more linear body shape, while those with more flesh typically have a more curvy body shape.
The silhouette of clothing can emphasize or balance body lines. For example, if someone with a fuller figure wants to appear slimmer, they can choose fitted styles, which are more effective than opting for loose styles in an attempt to conceal. Of course, there is an exception; some friends may have a fuller body but a relatively slim face and limbs, in which case a loose style with good drape can create a slimming effect.
Therefore, even among individuals with the same body type, differences will arise due to individual variations. It is very important to try on clothes and feel the effect of what you are wearing.
Consider comfort and freedom of movement: For daily activities, one can choose slightly loose clothing, but care should be taken that the shoulders are not too loose, as this can make one appear unenergetic, unless one has a bony, angular shoulder and a visually tall body type, which can create an ethereal effect.
3. Material selection
Consider the season and climate: Summer is the season for cotton, linen, and silk, while autumn and winter are the seasons for wool. Various synthetic fabrics also mimic the texture of natural materials like cotton, linen, silk, and wool, and if well-made, they can appear very high-end.
Of course, with the development of fabric technology, one can also wear ultra-thin merino wool in summer, which not only absorbs sweat and breathes well but also does not retain sweat odor, making it a very worthwhile choice to try.
Consider the visual effect of the material: Some materials can be very stiff and create a puffed effect when worn, while others, although thick, drape beautifully, creating an elegant and grand feeling. Additionally, the visual perception of a person should balance with the perception of the material; for example, if a person appears very grand, wearing overly soft and thin materials can seem cheap; conversely, if a person looks very light, heavy materials can give a "crushing" feeling.
Consider care and durability: Choosing fabrics that are easy to care for and durable can reduce maintenance troubles and costs.
Natural materials like silk have excellent hand feel, luster, and breathability, but the care cost is also the highest. New fabrics like acetate fibers are excellent alternatives, possessing all the advantages of silk while being very easy to care for.
Additionally, if the main items in a man's wardrobe are shirts, especially business styles, then considering wrinkle-resistant fabrics can be a worry-free choice for both wearing and washing.
4. Pattern selection
Pattern size: Large patterns are eye-catching, while small patterns are elegant. If one has a tall and well-defined figure, large patterns are more suitable; if one is petite with less prominent features, small patterns are more appropriate.
Pattern style: Geometric patterns suit linear individuals, while floral patterns suit curvy individuals. For example, Faye Wong's cool temperament gives a linear impression, and she looks better in geometric patterns than in floral ones.
Pattern color: It should coordinate with one's skin tone and the overall style of the outfit.
How to coordinate outfits
Regarding outfit coordination, we have already touched on this in clothing selection. In short, one needs to actively mix and match to feel the wearing experience and find their own dressing style. There are many image resources online for reference, and my article focuses more on the theoretical aspects, explaining the two most essential aspects of clothing coordination.
1. Proportion
Personal body proportions: This refers to the relative size of different parts of the body, such as head-to-body ratio and the proportion of upper to lower body. Once these are clearly understood, clothing coordination can play a role in balancing and adjusting.
For example, there is a type of item, low-rise pants, which were once very popular. I bought several pairs, but no matter how I wore them, they felt awkward. Later, I understood that the reason was that my upper and lower body proportions were quite close, and low-rise pants made my upper body proportion appear longer, making my lower body look short, unless I wore high heels to balance it. Therefore, I gave up all low-rise bottoms.
Of course, in real life, there are friends with particularly short upper bodies; even if they are not tall, they can wear mid to low-rise pants, or else it will make their upper body feel cramped, giving a sense of breathlessness.
Creating a wearing proportion: For body types with similar upper and lower body proportions, one can use short tops, high-waisted pants, and belts to create a visual impression that elongates the lower body proportion.
Color proportion: The area occupied by different colors can also affect the overall proportion. For example, dark colors may make a certain area appear smaller, while light colors may make it look larger. For instance, for pear-shaped bodies with a fuller lower body, wearing dark, simple, draping fabrics for the lower half will appear slimmer than wearing light-colored bottoms; the relationship between items and fabric/material also needs to be analyzed specifically, so trying on is very important.
Layering proportion: Especially in winter, when wearing multiple layers, one can use layering to create depth and richness in the look. For example, at the neckline, one can layer a turtleneck, a collared shirt, a V-neck sweater, and the collar of a coat, which appears richer in layers compared to a single thick turtleneck paired with a coat, while also meeting warmth needs.
2. Lines
Vertical lines: They can elongate the figure, making one look taller. Vertical lines can be expressed in the silhouette of clothing, such as an H-shaped long coat or a straight-cut shirt dress; they can also be reflected in the fabric, such as very drapey materials; or in patterns, such as vertical stripes, and dense horizontal stripes can also create an elongating effect.
Horizontal lines: They can increase width, such as shoulder epaulette designs or horizontal lines on the shoulders, which can add width and volume to the shoulders. However, one should avoid using horizontal lines in very wide or unwanted areas, such as the hips if they are already wide; it is best not to decorate that area with horizontal lines.
Diagonal lines: They can guide the movement of the eye, creating a sense of dynamism and direction. For example, when wearing a drapey shirt, one can tuck the front middle button into the waistband, creating a V-shaped diagonal line at the hem, which can create a slim waist (provided the abdomen is flat) and elongate the lower body proportion, making the shirt appear more flowing when moving.
The above are the two most basic aspects of dressing. As long as we diligently manage and cultivate our image, we will surely explore our inner world better through this beautiful endeavor.