Image Styling

A comprehensive guide

1. Body Types

Understanding your body type is the foundation of effective image styling. There are primarily five
body types: Rectangle, Triangle or Pear, Inverted Triangle or Apple, Hourglass, and Round or
Oval.

• Rectangle: Shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width. The goal is to create curves
and definition. Opt for clothing that adds volume to the upper and lower body, such as ruffles, A-
line skirts, and layered tops.
• Triangle/Pear: Hips are wider than shoulders. Balance the silhouette by adding volume to the
upper body with structured shoulders, detailed necklines, and brighter colors. A-line skirts and
dresses are flattering.
• Inverted Triangle/Apple: Shoulders are wider than hips. Soften the upper body with flowing
fabrics, V-necks, and darker colors. Choose bottoms that add volume, such as wide-leg pants or
fuller skirts.
• Hourglass: Shoulders and hips are balanced, with a defined waist. Accentuate the waist with
fitted clothing, wrap dresses, and belts. Avoid boxy shapes that hide your natural curves.
• Round/Oval: A fuller figure with a less defined waist. Create a longer, leaner silhouette with
empire waistlines, monochromatic outfits, and vertical details. Avoid bulky fabrics and overly
fitted clothing.

Knowing your body type helps you choose clothes that flatter your figure and enhance your best
features.

2. Body Proportion
Body proportion refers to the relationship between different parts of your body, such as the length of
your torso compared to your legs. Ideal proportion is generally considered to be a balanced ratio
where the legs are slightly longer than the torso.

Assessing Your Proportions:

• Long Torso/Short Legs: Choose high-waisted bottoms to create the illusion of longer legs.
Cropped tops or tucked-in shirts can also help balance the proportions.
• Short Torso/Long Legs: Opt for low-rise bottoms and longer tops to balance the proportions.
Avoid high-waisted styles that accentuate the length of your legs.
• Equal Torso and Legs: Experiment with different styles to find what suits you best. Belting at the
natural waist can help define the waistline and create a balanced silhouette.

Key Styling Techniques:

• Color Blocking: Use contrasting colors to visually break up the body and create the desired
proportions.
• Vertical Lines: Use vertical stripes, seams, or details to elongate the body.
• Accessories: Use belts to define the waistline and create a more balanced silhouette. Scarves
and necklaces can also draw attention to specific areas.

3. Figure Problems

Addressing common figure problems involves using clothing strategically to minimize perceived flaws
and highlight strengths.

• Large Bust: Choose supportive bras and avoid overly tight or revealing tops. V-necks and wrap
styles can be flattering. Darker colors on top can also minimize the bust.
• Small Bust: Opt for tops with ruffles, pleats, or other details to add volume. Padded bras and
push-up styles can also enhance the bust. Lighter colors and horizontal stripes can create the
illusion of a fuller bust.
• Wide Hips: Choose A-line skirts and dresses to balance the hips. Avoid overly tight bottoms and
opt for darker colors on the lower body. Focus attention on the upper body with brighter colors
and detailed necklines.
 • Large Stomach: Choose empire waistlines, flowing fabrics, and strategic draping to camouflage
the stomach. Avoid overly tight clothing and opt for comfortable, well-fitting styles. Darker colors
can also minimize the stomach.
• Short Height: Choose vertical lines, high-waisted bottoms, and monochromatic outfits to
elongate the body. Avoid overly bulky clothing and opt for fitted styles.
• Full Arms: Opt for sleeves that end at or just below the elbow to camouflage the arms. Three-
quarter sleeves and bell sleeves can also be flattering. Avoid sleeveless tops if you are self-
conscious about your arms.

4. Self Analysis

Self-analysis is a critical step in developing your personal style. It involves understanding your
lifestyle, personality, and preferences. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

• What is my lifestyle like? (e.g., work environment, social activities, hobbies)

• What is my personal style personality? (e.g., classic, romantic, edgy, bohemian)
• What colors do I love to wear and feel good in?
• What silhouettes and styles do I gravitate towards?
• What are my body's best features that I want to highlight?
• What areas of my body do I prefer to minimize?
• What is my budget for clothing?

Practical Steps for Self-Analysis:

• Review Your Closet: Take an inventory of your current wardrobe and identify what you wear
most often and what makes you feel confident.
• Create a Mood Board: Gather images of outfits, colors, and styles that inspire you. This will help
you visualize your ideal personal style.
• Experiment with Different Looks: Try on different outfits and take photos of yourself. Evaluate
what works and what doesn't.
• Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends or family members for their honest opinions on your style
choices.
 5. Facial Features Analysis (for Hair & Eyewear)

Analyzing your facial features is essential for choosing flattering hairstyles and eyewear. Consider the
following:

• Face Shape: Determine your face shape (e.g., round, oval, square, heart, oblong). Choose
hairstyles and eyewear that complement your face shape.
• Hair Texture: Consider your hair texture (e.g., straight, wavy, curly, coily). Choose hairstyles that
work with your natural texture and are easy to maintain.
• Skin Tone: Consider your skin tone (e.g., warm, cool, neutral). Choose hair colors and eyewear
colors that complement your skin tone.
• Eye Color: Consider your eye color. Choose eyewear colors that enhance your eye color.

Hair and Eyewear Recommendations:

• Round Face: Choose hairstyles that add height and length to the face. Avoid overly round styles.
Choose angular eyewear to add definition.
• Oval Face: This face shape is versatile and can wear a variety of hairstyles and eyewear styles.
• Square Face: Choose hairstyles that soften the angles of the face. Avoid overly angular styles.
Choose round or oval eyewear to soften the face.
• Heart Face: Choose hairstyles that add width to the chin area. Avoid overly voluminous styles at
the crown. Choose eyewear with a wider bottom than top.
• Oblong Face: Choose hairstyles that add width to the face. Avoid overly long styles. Choose
wide eyewear to shorten the face.
 6. Fashion Fundamentals

Understanding fashion fundamentals provides a strong foundation for building your personal style.
Key concepts include:

• Color Theory: Understanding how colors interact and complement each other is crucial for
creating visually appealing outfits.
• Balance and Proportion: Creating balanced outfits that flatter your body shape and proportions
is essential.
• Texture and Pattern: Incorporating different textures and patterns can add visual interest to your
outfits.
• Fit and Silhouette: Choosing clothes that fit well and flatter your silhouette is key to looking
polished and put-together.
• Style Personalities: Understanding different style personalities (e.g., classic, romantic, edgy,
bohemian) can help you define your own style.

Essential Elements:

• Classic Pieces: Investing in timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched is a smart way to
build a versatile wardrobe.
• Accessories: Using accessories to add personality and polish to your outfits is a simple way to
elevate your style.
• Grooming: Maintaining good grooming habits is essential for looking and feeling your best.

7. Fashion Trends Over the Years

Fashion trends are constantly evolving, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. Here's a
brief overview of fashion trends over the years:

• 1920s: Flapper dresses, Art Deco designs, and shorter hemlines.

• 1930s: Elegant gowns, bias-cut dresses, and feminine silhouettes.
• 1940s: Practical and functional clothing due to wartime restrictions. A-line skirts, tailored suits,
and utilitarian styles.
• 1950s: Full skirts, cinched waists, and feminine silhouettes inspired by Christian Dior's "New
Look."
• 1960s: Mini skirts, mod styles, and bold geometric prints.
• 1970s: Bohemian styles, bell-bottom pants, and platform shoes.
• 1980s: Power dressing, oversized silhouettes, and bold colors.
• 1990s: Grunge styles, minimalist designs, and casual wear.
• 2000s: Eclectic mix of styles, low-rise jeans, and fast fashion.
• 2010s-Present: Athleisure, sustainable fashion, and body positivity.

Understanding the evolution of fashion trends can help you appreciate the historical and cultural
context of different styles and inform your own fashion choices.

8. Fabric Trends

Fabric trends play a significant role in fashion, influencing the look, feel, and functionality of clothing.
Recent fabric trends include:

• Sustainable Fabrics: Eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and
bamboo are gaining popularity.
• Technical Fabrics: Performance fabrics with moisture-wicking, UV protection, and antimicrobial
properties are increasingly used in activewear and everyday clothing.
• Natural Fibers: Linen, silk, and wool remain timeless choices for their comfort, breathability, and
luxurious feel.
• Texture Fabrics: Fabrics with interesting textures such as velvet, corduroy, and boucle are
adding visual interest to garments.
• Prints and Patterns: Bold prints, floral patterns, and geometric designs are popular choices for
adding personality to outfits.
Understanding fabric trends can help you choose materials that are both stylish and functional for
your wardrobe.

9. Illusion Dressing

Illusion dressing involves using clothing and styling techniques to create visual illusions that enhance
your body shape and proportions. Key techniques include:

• Vertical Lines: Use vertical stripes, seams, or details to elongate the body and create a taller,
leaner silhouette.
• Color Blocking: Use contrasting colors to visually break up the body and create the desired
proportions.
• Strategic Draping: Use draping to camouflage areas you want to minimize and highlight areas
you want to emphasize.
• Shapewear: Use shapewear to smooth and contour your body for a more streamlined silhouette.
• Accessories: Use belts to define the waistline and create a more balanced silhouette. Scarves
and necklaces can also draw attention to specific areas.

Examples of Illusion Dressing:

• Wearing high-waisted pants to create the illusion of longer legs.

• Wearing a dark-colored dress to create a slimming effect.
• Wearing a V-neck top to elongate the neckline.
• Wearing a belt at the natural waist to define the waistline.
 10. Personal Grooming

Personal grooming is an essential aspect of image styling, as it enhances your overall appearance
and confidence. Key grooming habits include:

• Skincare: Maintaining a healthy skincare routine with cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection
is crucial for a clear and radiant complexion.
• Haircare: Keeping your hair clean, healthy, and well-styled is essential for a polished look.
• Nail Care: Keeping your nails clean, trimmed, and well-maintained enhances your overall
appearance.
• Oral Hygiene: Practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups
is essential for a healthy smile.
• Body Hygiene: Maintaining good body hygiene with regular showering, deodorant use, and
moisturizing is important for feeling fresh and confident.
• Makeup: Applying makeup to enhance your features and create a polished look can boost your
confidence.
• Facial Hair Maintenance: Keep facial hair neatly trimmed or shaved.

Tips for Personal Grooming:

• Establish a daily grooming routine and stick to it.

• Use high-quality grooming products that are suitable for your skin and hair type.
• Consult with a professional for personalized grooming advice.
 11. Colour Analysis

Color analysis is the process of determining which colors best complement your skin tone, hair color,
and eye color. The four main color seasons are:

• Spring: Warm undertones with light hair and eyes. Best colors include bright, clear, and warm
shades such as coral, turquoise, and yellow.
• Summer: Cool undertones with light hair and eyes. Best colors include soft, muted, and cool
shades such as dusty rose, lavender, and mint green.
• Autumn: Warm undertones with dark hair and eyes. Best colors include rich, earthy, and warm
shades such as olive green, rust, and gold.
• Winter: Cool undertones with dark hair and eyes. Best colors include bold, cool, and contrasting
shades such as black, white, and fuchsia.

Determining Your Color Season:

• Undertones: Determine whether you have warm (yellow, golden) or cool (pink, blue) undertones.
• Hair and Eye Color: Consider your natural hair and eye color.
• Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist. Blue veins indicate cool undertones, while green
veins indicate warm undertones.

Knowing your color season can help you choose clothing, makeup, and accessories that enhance
your natural features and make you look your best.
 12. Elements of Basic Wardrobe

Building a basic wardrobe involves investing in versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and
matched to create a variety of outfits. Essential elements include:

• Neutral Tops: White shirts, black turtlenecks, and gray sweaters.

• Neutral Bottoms: Black pants, denim jeans, and khaki skirts.
• Outerwear: A classic trench coat, a leather jacket, and a versatile blazer.
• Dresses: A little black dress (LBD) and a versatile day dress.
• Shoes: Neutral pumps, comfortable flats, and versatile boots.
• Accessories: A classic handbag, a versatile scarf, and simple jewelry.

Tips for Building a Basic Wardrobe:

• Start with neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched.
• Invest in high-quality pieces that will last for years.
• Choose classic styles that are timeless and versatile.
• Add pops of color and personality with accessories.
• Consider your lifestyle and personal style when choosing pieces for your basic wardrobe.
 13. Garment Maintenance

Proper garment maintenance is essential for preserving the quality and longevity of your clothing. Key
maintenance practices include:

• Washing: Follow the care instructions on the garment label. Use appropriate detergents and
water temperatures.
• Drying: Air-dry delicate items and use a low heat setting for machine drying.
• Ironing: Iron garments at the appropriate temperature to remove wrinkles and maintain a
polished look.
• Storage: Store garments in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area. Use appropriate hangers and
garment bags.
• Repairing: Repair minor damages such as loose buttons or ripped seams promptly to prevent
further damage.

Tips for Garment Maintenance:

• Read and follow the care instructions on the garment label.

• Wash garments inside out to prevent fading.
• Avoid over-washing garments to prolong their lifespan.
• Use a gentle detergent for delicate items.
• Store garments properly to prevent wrinkles and damage.
 14. Final Personal Style

Defining your final personal style is the culmination of all the previous steps. It involves integrating
your understanding of body type, body proportions, color analysis, fashion trends, and personal
preferences to create a unique and authentic style that reflects who you are.

Key Steps to Defining Your Personal Style:

• Review Your Self-Analysis: Revisit your self-analysis to identify your lifestyle, personality, and
preferences.
• Refine Your Color Palette: Identify the colors that best complement your skin tone, hair color,
and eye color.
• Curate Your Wardrobe: Build a wardrobe of versatile, timeless pieces that reflect your personal
style.
• Experiment with Different Looks: Try on different outfits and take photos of yourself. Evaluate
what works and what doesn't.
• Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends or family members for their honest opinions on your style
choices.
• Embrace Your Individuality: Don't be afraid to break the rules and experiment with different
styles. The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Your personal style is a journey, not a destination. It will evolve over time as you grow and change.
Embrace the process and have fun exploring different styles until you find what works best for you.

Summary

This document provided a comprehensive guide to image styling, covering topics such as body types,
body proportion, figure problems, self-analysis, facial feature analysis, fashion fundamentals, fashion
trends, fabric trends, illusion dressing, personal grooming, color analysis, elements of a basic
wardrobe, garment maintenance and defining your personal style. By understanding these concepts,
you can develop a personal style that enhances your appearance and reflects your individuality.