In this short video about one of the Principles of Coordination – Related line, I will explain how to put your outfits together so they are harmonious and pleasing.
Principle of Related Line
Take note of how the lines on your garments interact. Do they complement each other? For example, if you’re wearing a floral blouse, opt for accessories with rounded shapes, like hoop earrings. By aligning the lines and shapes, you’ll achieve a harmonious look.
Lines in garments are created by seams, details and openings. They need to relate to each other to create a garment that is pleasing to the eye.
A top with an asymmetrical neckline will look best with a skirt with an asymmetrical hem as the two lines relate to each other
A jacket that has a princess seam that creates verticals down the front will relate well to a skirt that has panels or a pair of trousers with a front crease.
Here the top has a straight hem as does the jacket – so they work easily and well together
Here is an example:
Where to From Here?
Unlocking the art of putting stylish outfits together requires an understanding of coordination principles, an appreciation for related shapes and lines, and an eye for refinement. Armed with this knowledge, we can bid farewell to the anxiety of dressing up and embrace the joy of curating outfits that reflect our true selves. Remember, style education is the key to unlocking the best version of you, so dive in, explore, and revel in the power of a well-coordinated wardrobe.
Further reading on Principles of Coordination:
Is color intensity a principle of coordination?
I am perplexed by this principle even though it helped me out just today! I was trying to find a sweater to wear with a sarong-style skirt with a curved hem, and nothing worked until I tied one at the waist to a create similar curved line. (Also wore shoes that matched my hair and it was so much better than shoes to match the outfit.)
So I partly get it, but it seems hard to square with other principles like balancing volume and having a hero. Both outfits above are attractive, but the one with zippers seems to have two heroes and the other seems to have none and is a little dull. Then there are clothes that seem to violate the principle, like Audrey Hepburnish dresses that have a fitted boatneck top (straight line) and full skirt (curved line).
So am wondering if the idea is that sometimes you want to look coordinated and sometimes more dramatic or informal, and you’d only follow this rule in the first case? Or am I just not getting the principle at all?
Hello Imogen!
I have a problem with co-ordinating illusion dress – the one with darker side panels (like Kate Winslett one). The dress is short-sleeved, and I would love to have a possibility to wear it in winter with something over it with longer sleeves. But I have no idea what kind of jacket will not cut me into pieces.
The dress is knee-length, and I am 5 feet 2 inches.
I love this post, I can see clearly in the 2 examples the lines of the outfit. It makes perfect sense to me, this may be why sometimes I cant pin point why an outfit is not quiet right.