Importance of Dressing Proportion – It contributes to that First Impression too?

8 head lengths
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My last article I wrote on dressing challenges and related it to how knowledge on body shapes is important in giving you a good fit!  However, many people I asked have not heard about how body proportion affects dressing too.  What is 8 head lengths and what does it mean by dressing in different proportions?  The fact is, proportion plays a huge role determining whether you look pleasant or sloppy!

First of all, everyone should aim to achieve 8 head lengths.  The length of your face; from the highest point that you can see without your hair covering, to your chin is 1 head length.  You should have 7 more head lengths from the chin to the ankle.  Let’s look at some examples.

Dressing ratio 1:2
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Dressing ratio 1:2

When the proportion of 2 pieces of an outfit is different, for example the top is 1 part of the ratio while the skirt is 2 parts of the ratio, the whole outfit looks very pleasant compared to having the same proportion of top and bottom in terms of length or colour.

Dressing ratio 2:1

Dressing ratio 2:1
 

When the proportion of the top piece is 2 parts and the bottom piece is 1 part of the ratio, it also creates an outfit pleasing to the eyes.

Dressing ratio 2:3

Dressing ratio 2:3
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The same theory applies to a top that is short enough to end above the hip when you wear pants.  In this way you will have a top that is considered 2 parts in ratio and 3 parts for the pants.

 

I hope the above gives you alittle more insight into dressing well and it does not only involve body shapes.  This is a neglected part of dressing that everyone should take into account when dressing.  As usual, practice makes perfect.  Have fun dressing!




About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.  She is also Mrs Singapore Queen of Hope 2012, Mrs Asia International All Nations 2012 and Mrs Photogenic 2012 (Mrs Asia International).