In part two of my three-part series, I will talk about the importance of texture in addition to shape and how to recognize appropriate textures.
Texture Recognition
For the most part, the discussion of texture relates to making the fabrics in an outfit harmonize with each other in order to achieve a beautiful effect (though I have come across a discussion linking fabric texture and modesty, I don't think you can make an argument that certain textures are inherently immodest). Usually, you don't have to worry about texture if you choose a dress or suit with only one type of fabric, as shown above. There are exceptions, however . . .
Granted, this dress has shape problems as well, but the point is that some textures are just not going to look fitting for an entire outfit. Another example is that feathers, except as a costume, do not achieve a serious effect:
Now, one might think that recognition of the texture of clothes relates to the sense of touch. Actually, the feel of the fabric is largely irrelevant. What matters, as always, is how it LOOKS. Congruity is the main point. That doesn't mean you can't experiment with textures, though. Sometimes a bit of texture will make a gown exquisite:
Generally, we know that silks, satins, sequins, and chiffons go together: we see them ubiquitously on formal wear. What about more everyday choices? Again, the textures must harmonize. Here's an example of a slightly incongruous fabric pairing:
Yes, the colors and shape aren't the greatest either, but what makes it look especially odd is the heavy textured dress against the silk printed blouse. Are there hard and fast rules in this area? Probably not. Nevertheless, you can develop a sense of it from the bad cases. I just can't resist giving you another texture nightmare:
Resist dressing in rafia and popsicle sticks! Other than that, don't be afraid to be creative. Maybe a couple general rules could be not to pair two "loud" or heavy/prominent fabrics with each other and not to pair a more formal with a more casual fabric--like cotton jersey with chiffon, for instance. In these cases, I'm talking about the two main fabrics used for an ensemble; oftentimes, an accessory or accent in an oddball or not strictly matching fabric (maybe even feathers, who knows!) may work. For ideas, you can look at reliable catalogs or online shopping sites. This one and the one at the top of the post come from j jill:
As you can tell, the suggestion of texture does a lot for overall effect. Whether soft, smooth, shiny, nubbly, lacy--one can't ignore the textural quality of the fabrics of dress. Here is a final example that brings together shape and texture with very appealing results:
3 comments:
Very nice. I wonder, too - it has occurred to me more than once that certain textures look better on certain body types. Of course, there are good universals that look fine on everyone, like cotton. But lighter chiffons, for instance, tend to have a better effect on smaller people. I have never been able to wear them - the contrast of the delicate fabric with a not-so-delicate me is less than appealing. And little people can look lost in bulkier fabrics, or large knits. Am I making this up?
Thanks for commenting, Mary Beth! That's a very good point. Certain textures may look better on certain body types, or on different places depending upon the body (like someone who is very curvy on top probably shouldn't wear a bulky sweater as that just adds to it). I would say it also ties into how things fit and the shape, as on the post below. Sometimes it's not so much just the fabric but the combination of the cut/style, the color, and the fabric. I could see you in chiffon, if it was the right piece . . . like maybe palazzo pants? :)
Ha this is funny, I made the popsicle stick dress you posted and thats me in the photo, I have no idea where you found this photo since I don't know you but I found this very amusing. The dress was made as part of a University Art project to make something out of found objects and I based it off of the Russian Constructivist school ideals.
Post a Comment