We all come in different body shapes and cloth silhouettes that are perfect for our shape. But certain silhouette have been accentuated over another and when you don’t have the shape to fill it, artificial ones are put to fill it in.
Silhouette in fashion is the outline of the clothe on a body that can either emphasize certain part, alter it or reduce them entirely. Silhouette is big in fashion as it deals with the construction of a garment and fashion designers use silhouette to make the look of a style, apart from the color, fabric and pattern. Certain looks can be achieved by the outline of a clothe on the body.
However, it is important to consider silhouette when thinking of adopting another person’s style. We have different body shapes: Inverted triangle, Pear, Apple, Hourglass, and silhouettes that are perfect match for whatever body type. Choosing dress that fit your body is one prerequisite to discovering your style. The shape of a clothes on the body could break or make a style, this is why designers use models, because they have the right fit for the clothes.
Wonder why your butt look different when you wear mum’s Jean and a straight Jean? Because both construction is different. For me, I love dangling, free silhouette that doesn’t stick to the body, because I get itchy with fitted clothes. I also feel bigger and weirder in them. You can achieve different body shape base on silhouette and here are some silhouettes to know;
A-line Silhouette: This silhouette look exactly like triangle and letter A. It is fitted at the bodice and flare gradually till the hem. A-line clothes emphasize a small waist, fitting almost all the body types.
Modified A-line: Compared to A-line, the bodice and hips are fitted and gradually flare to the hem. The silhouette is not suitable for a person with am apple shape body.
Sheath Silhouette:- this silhouette is fitted from the body to the hem of the clothe. It looks best on women with no to few curves and generally recommended for slimmer women with well defined waist. Example of sheath silhouette are fitted jeans and pencil skirt.
Straight column/Rectangle/Tubular/Shift: This silhouette does not fit the body, it leave space for air, and hiding the body shape. A person with thick body and waist might prefer this silhouette, as it hide well the body shape. This silhouette is also good for wearing during summer.
Hourglass Silhouette: hourglass means fitted at the waist. A small waist line is followed by a curved hips. Artificial hourglass can be achieve using belt, dart, waistband. Corset tops and bustiers, combination of a flared skirt can emphasize the waist.
Bell/Ballgown silhouette:
It is fitted in the bodice until the waist and then flare to the hem in a bell shape. It flattens almost all body type, but flatter the petite women or those with small waist more. On a pear-shaped woman, the full skirt can do much to camouflage large hips
For a short person, it will create unwanted false illusions.
Trumpet/Mermaid: This silhouette hugs the body up to knee level, and then forms the shape like bell shaped skirt. It is used to accentuate the curve and best suits most shapes, but not incredibly petite women. Due to proportion because this style emphasizes leg and torso length.
Shoulder Edge Silhouette: put emphasis on the shoulder, achieved by shoulder pad, or sleeves type like the butterfly sleeves or puff sleeves. This silhouette as it comes with an almost masculine width to the shoulder, lends a very thin look to the hips and waist.
The silhouette can be a lifesaver for a person with a slouchy figure as it gives a square and healthy look to the shoulder and makes the wearer look younger.
This silhouette is very much suited for someone with a thick waist as the silhouette creates the look of a narrower bottom area compared to the top.
Trapaze Silhouette:- This silhouette which is similar to an A-line silhouette but with a more pronounced flare near the hem is shaped like a trapezoid or rather a tent. Basically speaking it looks like a triangle, flaring as it does from under the armhole. This silhouette works as a short dress rather than as a full-length dress, as it can overwhelm the figure.
Extreme-Volume Silhouette:
This is a silhouette you see on long oversized jackets and maxi dresses, capes, and wraps. The voluminous silhouette is the most used style in outerwear. The kaftan with many layers of fabric is an example of this silhouette.
It is very easy for the figure to be overwhelmed by the volume in this silhouette. The figure of the person is very important when considering this silhouette for a particular person.
Empire Silhouette: This is a silhouette with a raised waistline; the waistline start immediately under the chest and flares till the hem. This silhouette can be seen on women in Korean traditional movie. This is the most suitable for people who would want to hide their thick figures. It should be avoided by hourglass and can be worn by both pear and apple figures.
Although people are not sticking with silhouette that fit their body shape, especially plus sizes, a form of fashion forward thinking and not being conservative or restricted to clothes because of their size. Also brands are including plus sizes into their design for inclusivity. Certain plus size don’t feel comfortable nor confident wearing fitted clothes. But in watching out for silhouette, look good, and feel confident inside.
