Weekly Style Principle

Design Elements

Design elements are those little details that bring a clothing item to life.

Rouging; a contrast stitch; a high quality fabric; or a cinched waist.

These are just a few examples of design elements, which are important to note when selecting pieces to include in your wardrobe.

Design elements are what set quality pieces apart and, more often than not, you can rely on these features to do much of the styling work for you.

For example -

A more obvious example of a design element is a bold print.

When you chose a bolder print for a “staple” piece, like a knit jumper or a pair of jeans, a simple combination of a “jumper and jeans” or “jeans and a tee” becomes something a little more dramatic - with no extra effort.

The size of the print is important too. If you feel like an item is “wearing you”, it’s likely the print may be too large for your frame.

Design elements are not only helpful for taking the effort out of dressing.

Features, like a double breast on a blazer, wide leg, peplum frill, mid or high rise waist or a statement sleeve or collar, impact the fit of a garment and the way it will look on your body. You can save time (and money) by knowing which features work for you and which don’t.

A double breasted blazer is not the best option for petites, as they can overwhelm a smaller frame.

A wider leg trouser is universally flattering. A tapered leg, however, is best suited to those who carry weight in their midsection. As someone who carries their weight in their bum and thighs, I avoid tapered pants.

A statement collar will draw attention to your décolletage, so if you don’t want to accentuate this area, this feature may not be for you.

Taking note of a garment’s features can help you fill your wardrobe with pieces that make you fabulous without any fuss. Very little effort (you simply throw them on); very high reward (you look and feel amazing without having to think about it).

[If you need help identifying your personal style and building a wardrobe that allows you to get dressed with ease and confidence, reach out! I’d love to help]

FASHION FINDS