What are the Principles of Coordination – Principle of Volume?
Principle of Volume
The principle of volume is one of the principles of coordination that can really help you put stylish outfits together.
The reason why it works is that it’s super simple. One voluminous garment means one more fitted to balance, so your body isn’t overwhelmed by fabric.
How voluminous is the shirt you’re wearing? If it’s a tight-fitting top, it probably doesn’t need tucking unless it’s too long and ends at a wider point on your body (hips and thighs).
Loose-fit shirts and tops may need some sort of tucking as otherwise you’re likely to look sloppy unless you’re wearing a very slim-fitting bottom. Tucking gives you a more elegant and finished appearance yet you don’t have to always tuck the whole way around (the full tuck). There are other options, the French tuck, the half tuck, tuck and blouse, worn with a contrasting belt or with a same coloured belt, there are so many options to consider.
How voluminous is your skirt or pants? Now that wider legs are back in (this week, who knows about next week) and skinny jeans and leggings are out, those voluminous tops that could easily be worn out need to be tucked to get the balance right, otherwise wear them with a fitted top.
In this video, I talk about one of the Principles of Coordination –which is the Principle of Volume. It’s an important principle to remember as too much fabric will swamp us and can make you look larger. Being overwhelmed by fabric (this is particularly important if you are petite) will make you look tiny.
Think about the proportion of your garments. Pair one voluminous piece with a slimmer one to create balance. If everything in your wardrobe is overly voluminous, it can be challenging to create cohesive outfits. Consider adding slimmer bottoms or tops to balance out your existing pieces.
I remember once going through a client’s wardrobe and discovering that the reason she had so much trouble getting dressed and putting together outfits, was that all her clothes were voluminous and just didn’t work together. We had to go shopping to find some slimmer/fitted tops to go with her more voluminous bottoms, and some slim fitting jeans and trousers to work with your baggier tops.
Here are some examples of this principle at work
Where to From Here?
Creating a versatile wardrobe is not about owning countless items but about making smart choices and having the right clothes that work in harmony with you. By understanding your unique colour palette, embracing your signature colours, and learning the art of coordination, you build a wardrobe that is not only versatile but also a true reflection of your personal style. Remember, fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about expressing your unique identity with confidence and grace. When you dress in a way that feels like the best version of you, no matter the occasion, whether it’s casual or more formal, you feel more confident.
If you’d love to discover your ideal colour palette, you can get a personal colour analysis here with me, and if you’d like even more, get your colour analysis with my 7 Steps to Style program which also includes body shape analysis and everything you need to know about building a stylish wardrobe that works for you, your personality and your life and includes ongiong support and a wonderful community too!
Further reading on Principles of Coordination:
I have this trouble a bit as I am attracted to loose and flowing things but I am not a waif. I am also stuck in a mindset that is very outdated as my body has actually changed from being a bit pear shaped to being a bit top heavy. I used to dress to slim the bottom and enhance the top and I really need to be doing the other way round now. I also have short neck, generous bust syndrome. Awareness is half the battle.
Would you advise altering tops with volume or loose style to take in the bulk and go in slightly at the waist (for a curvy H shape)? Or just wear slimline trousers with the looser top.
Also I’m avoiding stipes generallly across the bust line – but would it work by wearing a striped t/ vest top under a slimline v neck jumper or under a thin cardigan? Or is it better to have a long line sriped scarf to follow the principles of elongation? This could then be worn with a looser style trouser in a comlimentary colour – or denim jeans.
Just depends on how you feel. You can do both. As far as stripes go, they are fine if they are narrow and close together, particularly under a cardigan.
That was my mistake yesterday! Skinny pants and a tight-fitting top. Laughed when I realized it was the subject of your post. Skinny pants and a tight-fitting top and *cardigan* hanging loose today 🙂
Hi Imogen, would you consider bootleg pants voluminous or fitting? And what about straight leg pants? I am trying to balance tops with these pants.
These are more ‘in between’ so not overly voluminous tops, more fitted, but not necessarily tight. Some straight legs are slimmer than others – really depends on how they fit on you. The more fitted one garment, the looser or more voluminous you can go on the other.