Color Block 3

There are many ways to use color blocks to create a defined torso. Think of the sexy bustier look. It's just an example

This look has the white shirt to define the arms, the shoulders, and the area below the waist. But the dark area is creating a smaller visual space for the bosom and torso. The bustier is really dramatic (and not good for work) but the principle can be copied for every day. A wide belt works in much the same way, especially if it's worn to define the narrowest part, and, a low cut vest is excellent, too. Folks think this adds bulk, but it actually subtracts visual fill, and substitutes slim lines.
Plus Size
Adding a narrow scarf, a favorite of mine, sends a straight line down the front, interfering with the horizontal view of an apple shape.

More to come...

Color Block 2

About the deep Vee, and why it works for the larger chest: the deep Vee divides the chest into 3 color blocks: the Vee (skin tone, or a contrasting cami or shirt filler) and the two blocks of color on either side of the Vee. The wrap top, which is great for this, creates a deep Vee (plus the two blocks of color) and, the line that is the edge of the crossing wrap, which is seen, is another cut across the bosom, fooling the eye once again. If you add the very narrow strip scarf on either side of the vee, that's an additional two color blocks to break up the territory. Add a jacket, worn open, and two more color blocks take their cut.

Narrow Scarf

To be continued...

Color Block I

You keep taking about color blocks. What do you mean?

By using clothes, we can fool the eye into thinking that an area behind cloth is flat (the tummy) and that an area encircled with a bright line (the waist) is very narrow. Naturally, underwear that lifts the bosom away from the torso, making the torso look narrower, and that pushes down on on the tummy to flatten it, can help us here. But using blocks of color to create these proportions is important, too. Remember that dark colors recede (because the absorb light) and light colors are more prominent, because they reflect.

The objective of clothing is to produce the illusion of a narrow hourglass, with a defined waist that's at the right distance from the bosom and the hips. The hips should look to be about the same width as the shoulders. The area directly below the bosom, the torso, should appear well defined, and as narrow as possible. The abdomen should look as flat as possible, and lengthening the legs is a plus. There are teleological reasons for these being the right proportions, but I won't go into them here. We'll just try to produce them with what we've got handy, our clothes.

The easiest way to carve out a narrow hourglass on any frame is to create a column of cloth to provide camouflage, and then superimpose the shape that we want over, by using colored pieces. The fabric for the underlayer should be matte, not shiny. Then, form-producing tops can be layered over. What we don't want is to add a gathered curtain of fabric below the bust, to give the illusion of a thick torso, and a protuberant tummy.

Sweater with Color Block

To be continued.

MOG Dress

I'm shopping for a mother-of-the-groom dress for late next summer. I'm looking for something simple, perhaps with a 3/4 sleeve jacket. I'm a bit busty, plus size, with a waistline. What type neckline should I look for? Also, should I go for a regular waistline or higher?

I agree that a jacket is the best choice for you. However, don't look for something too simple. Remember that breaking up any expanse of size, with fabric, color, or detail, is a great way to provide narrower illusion. I often recommend a column of matching color (a top and skirt) and a jacket over, perhaps in another coordinating color. This would create 3 color blocks on your torso: the central one from the top, and the two sides from the jacket.

Your 3/4 sleeve idea is a winner, because it shows the narrow forearms, highlights bracelets, and still covers any upper arm issues.
If you look for a high waistline, remember to avoid one with fabric gathers below, as this often has an unfortunate effect. And if you have a defined waist, in a flattering proportion, there's no reason to mask it.

This dress isn't simple, but it has many flattering elements: the illusion of torso created by fabric, the portrait collar, and the straight lines of the skirt below.
The Mother of all MO dresses

Congratulations on your upcoming celebration!

More on Wide Belts

I have a fashion SOS for your blog.

I just bought a wide belt to see if it's something I can wear. Here are some pictures of it on different outfits.
My pictures
I tried the red top both out and tucked in. The tucked in makes me look short waisted I think.
I also have a picture of the belt on a black sweater and with a white blouse.
Last I put a jacket over the sweater and belt. I think it helps to have a jacket.

I'd like to know if any of these work or should I just drop the wide belt idea. If it works I can get a nicer wide belt. This one is pretty casual and not very expensive.



I think you have an excellent grasp of the concept. The tucked red fails. Even the untucked red has too little fabric below the belt; and that shirt doesn't hit the sweet spot on your hip in any case. The top cannot be skimpy for this look.

The black with the smashing jacket is the best outfit, because the jacket (Talbots?) is providing our famous "break up the expanse" look, by creating a black column, with eye catching belt, and two sides of pattern. The jacket and top alone would have a boxy effect.

The white shirt and belt shows you how much the belt adds. Without the belt, it's just a plain outfit; but with it, you have something casual, yet updated in a clever way.

To try: Try the belt worn a little higher under the bosom. This may create the more defined torso look that we all want. Also, experiment with a folded scarf, as described Here before you purchase a belt, and you can find the width that is best for you.