Fashion and the 'rule of thirds': Achieving the perfect composition
Aesthetics are crucial in grabbing viewers' attention and producing memorable visual experiences. The "rule of thirds" is one of the essential concepts that help designers, stylists, and photographers create engaging compositions. This rule, which comes from the world of photography and has made its way into the world of fashion, provides a strong framework for creating a visually appealing appearance.
Why the rule of thirds?
Fashion essentially can be used to create optical illusions. How you dress has the power to change how you look. While you cannot change your body shape, the correct clothing can make you appear taller, shorter, slimmer, or heavier. It is a matter of how you style your outfits. This is where the rule of thirds comes in.
Understanding the technique
The methods to do so are the one-third and two-thirds proportion strategies. Start by visually dividing your body into three sections: head to waist, waist to knee, and knee to foot. Then, apply the same strategy to your clothing. Focus on emphasizing the 'third' you want to highlight while downplaying the other two-thirds. The third should accentuate your best features.
How to do it?
Making a visible break in your attire at the end of either the first or second third is the trick. Look for a change of color in either the upper or lower part. Tucking in your tees/shirts also works to create that division. However, the visual break in the garment shouldn't be in the center as this can make you look messy.
Here's the trick
If you are wearing a dress, put on a belt. There is a reason why a long dress looks more attractive when it is belted rather than when it hangs loose. The belt establishes the 1/3 to 2/3 ratio rather than having a single lengthy outfit. Similarly, wearing high-waisted jeans can create an illusion of a slimmer waist.
