Fashion Elements: Understanding Silhouettes

Having an understanding of industry terms and fashion elements is pretty important alongside solid sewing skills. So, here is the first of a series of posts to familiarize yourself with the fashion industry. 

In this post, I will cover common silhouettes we should all know the proper names for. I'm using reference photos from NY Magazine Online, one of my favorite sites for up to date fashion shows. 

I always think of a silhouette as the entire outfit or garment as a whole and the shape or major eye grabbing attention it brings about.

Natural Waist

This is one of the most flattering silhouettes as it draws the attention to the smallest part of any individuals waist.

Attention to the waist can be made with a seam, belt, fabric, color change, applique, you name it. 

---

Maxime Simoens Resort 2013 from NY Mag

---

High Waist

Same concept as natural waist but now the eye is raised to just below the bust line. This is extremely flattering on shorter individuals as it makes you appear taller.

High waist silhouette is also called Empire, which was made popular during the early 1800's.

---

Balenciaga Spring 2013 from NY Mag

---

Low Waist

Dropped or low waist brings your eyes to the hips or just above the hips. Basically dropped from ones natural waist line.

This look can elongate ones upper body, but can easily shorten you too.

---

Schiaparelli Fall 2013 Couture from NY Mag

---

Fitted

Fitted is exactly how it sounds, fitted. Now this Murad example is taking it pretty literally. But fitted shows off all the curves on a body and leaves much to the imagination.

If you've got it flaunt it!

---

Zuhair Murad Fall 2013 Couture from NY Mag

---

Trapeze

Also known as Tent or Trapezoid. Trapeze literally looks like a triangle on an individual. Thus its not the most flattering on everyone. 

I find this silhouette works best with sheer fabrics as it still shows off your curves.

If this is your thing, you must check out Masion Martin Margiela Fall 2013 Couture collection. 

---

Christian Dior Fall 2013 Couture from NY Mag

---

Chemise

I like to think of chemise like a rectangle. From top to bottom its straight and shapeless.

Chanel consistently brings out this silhouette each season. Karl Lagerfeld must know something we don't.

---

Chanel Fall 2013 Couture from NY Mag

---

Fit & Flare

Fit & Flare skirts always have the shape of an A-line skirt. You will also notice its encompasses the idea of a natural waist silhouette too.

This silhouette is extremely common right now. Check your closet.

Dior does this look to perfection.

---

Elie Saab Fall 2013 Couture from NY Mag

---

Hope you have enjoyed learning about a few common silhouettes and now you can use correct fashion terminology.

Happy Sewing!
Written by Sheila Wong Studios