Silhouettes: Give shape to your body........

By Jatinder Kaur & Prerna Kapila/Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana
Our freedom to dress how we feel most comfortable has never been greater, so what better time to find out what shapes make us feel fantastic
The basic outline of the clothing on the body or the overall shape of the garment devoid of embellishment: this is the silhouette of the design. The silhouette should adhere to many of the elements and principles of good design, line, flow, form, proportion and balance. The silhouette differs from an outline which depicts the edge of an object in a linear form, while a silhouette image may be created in any visual artistic media. The changing historical fashion silhouette reflected the cultural and social conditions at the time of invention but in this era of sartorial freedom, we can now choose clothing to reflect our own personality or express ourselves.
Basic types of silhouettes
Empire: - This dress has a waist line which is raised to directly beneath the bust, with a skirt that flares slightly from the raised-waist down. This dress is particularly recommended for women who do not have defined waist, but is not recommended for women with a pronounced hourglass shape.
A-Line:- This gown silhouette works equally well for everyone. It is similar to the ball gown, with a much less full. This creates a smoother, more flowing line from the torso to the floor, or an overall body shape like the letter “A”. A specialized variation of this cut is called the “princess” silhouette. This is great for short women because the seamlessness can give the illusion of height.
Sheath: - The sheath silhouette is used to refer to dresses that are form-fitting from the bust through the length of the thighs. This is generally recommended for thin women who have gentle to no curves. Curvy, full-figured women or short women should avoid this silhouette because it hugs.
Mermaid: - The mermaid silhouette is designed for women who have flattering curves that they want to accentuate. It is extremely fitted to the knee, at which point it flares out dramatically. Because of its emphasis on leg and torso length, it is not recommended for women who are short. Brides who choose this design will likely need to change before the reception, because it is difficult to so in. It is also not recommended for brides who will be kneeling during the ceremony for any reason.

H-Line: - This is a silhouette, usually of a one-piece garment, going straight from shoulder to hip, and crossed at the waist with a belt, cuff or other accent, thus resembling the letter ‘H’.
Ballerina: - This silhouette is inspired by classical ballet and it flows straight down from the neckline, and features a voluminous skirt that falls to the mid-calf.
Basque waist: - This silhouette is defined by its natural waistline that angles down into a V and accompanies a flared skirt.
Ball Gown: - Mostly favoured among the royalty as it was made popular by queen Victoria, who wore a ball gown silhouette for her wedding. It has a fitted bodice and voluminous skirt often made of tulle fabric.
Tent: - This silhouette is achieved by flaring the garment from under the armhole. It is important for the garment to be close fitted at the bust.
Asymmetrical: - This kind of silhouette does not have a symmetrical form. It can be achieved by varying the true colours, panels, hemlines etc.
Shift: - This has a straight cylindrical shape to the garment achieved by giving same measurements to the chest, waist and hem. The effect is best achieved when overall the garment has a close fit. This silhouette works very well for the younger customers.
How to be fashion silhouettes forward in the coming season:
Going their ‘separate’ ways
“Separates can be paired with different silhouettes like dhoti pants, lungi skirts, tunics, t-shirt, kurtas and asymmetrical hemlines for fresh and youthful simplicity”, says Tarun Tahiliani, who is known for his elaborate drapes and silhouettes.
Micro pleats: - In a season where pleats were a big story, many designers sculpted their spring silhouettes through micro pleats.
Graceful edge: - Feminine and romantic, the graceful edge trend references vintage heirlooms found in Granny’s attic, blurring the lines from decade to decade. Soft yet modern designers will apply sun-bleached pastels and feminine fabrics to contemporary silhouettes.
Leisure Luxe: - Leisure luxe lies in oversized luxe sport a combination of leisure and sporty elements teamed with oversized jackets, in a palette of soft cosmetic hues. Silhouettes become less tailored and loose fits while the simple lines and relaxed, layered silhouettes continue to be influenced by menswear tailoring. Sporty shapes in luxurious materials rely on the emphasis of texture – a key focus on the quality combinations of loungewear and classic wardrobe staples.
Latin Glamour: - Pulsating to the rhythm of vibrant colour, an overtly feminine trend emerges for the S/S16 season. Born from references to Cuba and the Caribbean, silhouettes are resplendent in naive exotica of hothouse floral and daring shoulder revealing styling emphasized with big ruffles.
The cold shoulder: - Perhaps taking cues from what was popular in the retail world this summer, more than a few designers showcased tops and dresses with cold shoulder silhouettes for spring 2016.
Wear Stripes in Flattering Silhouettes:
While stripes have the power to slim or widen a body, it is important to also touch on silhouette. Often, we choose stripes based on whether or not the direction they mover in are flattering, yet forgot to consider whether or not the style of the garment works for our body shape.
The truth is, we can wear horizontal stripes if we are mindful of the shape and silhouette of the outfit. Another way we can make horizontal stripes work. While the top has bold horizontal stripes, the length of the top being a few inches longer than the pelvic bone, elongates the look of the torso. When we elongate a body part, it looks longer and slimmer. While horizontal lines do have the power to not only widen, but shorten the look of a body part (and make it look even wider), the figuring shape of the top, while worn with figure flattering pants, helps make this horizontal stripes be wearable.
If you want to wear stripes this season, try them on the diagonal, instead of horizontally. It’s best to do this on the parts of our body that we want to appear slimmer than they really are.
While horizontal stripes can create width, stripes that run in other directions, like vertically and diagonally, can be extremely slimming. These some examples of wear stripes in flattering silhouettes :
So choosing a right shape of your garments will help you define your personality and attitude. I hope this article helps you to select best garments according to occasion and your unique personality.