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Optical illusions in clothing use. Illusions of visual perception
Horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines in clothes
Illusions of visual perception are the resulting impression of distortion of the size, shape, color, proportions of objects under certain conditions of their perception. In a costume, illusions arise mainly due to various combinations of shapes, shaped clothing lines, fabric patterns, colors, and decorative finishes.
horizontal lines- this is of course the edge of clothing (example, lines of sides, hems). Any similar horizontal lines (for example, transverse stripes, seams, coquettes, pockets, colored seams, shoe straps, trim on the bottom) in clothes make you look fat, expand, land. The division of the suit horizontally splits the silhouette
The main levels of contour lines, the so-called "problem areas":
- shoulders;
- breast;
- waist;
- hips;
- lap;
- shins.
It is not advisable to finish the bottom of the product on problem areas. The skirt should end just above or just below the knee, but not in the middle of the knee - this makes the knees "heavy", massive.
The length of the mini-skirt is determined very simply: you need to stand up straight, lower your hands "at the seams" - the end of the middle finger of the hand wakes up to determine the horizontal line along which the mini-skirt should pass. The skirt should also not end at the widest part of the leg, especially if the legs are crooked. The same with the height of the boots.
vertical lines and details slim and add visual height (for example, longitudinal stripes, single-breasted fastening, long beads and scarves, high heels, pleats on trousers and a long slit in the front on a maxi or midi skirt).
Diagonal lines(undercuts on clothes, asymmetrical neckline, scarf over one shoulder, etc.) are intermediate between vertical and horizontal, bring dynamics to the costume, hide the asymmetry in the figure. The closer the lines are to vertical, the greater the illusion of harmony; the more they tend to the horizontal, the more they are able to expand.
Cell(squares) usually increases volume. And the larger the picture, the stronger the effect.
lines, diverging from the center of the figure upwards("marine" collar, V-shaped neckline, jacket lapels, kerchief tied in a knot in front), expand the upper part, narrowing the center, waist.
Lines going up from the neck (hair raised above the temples or combed up, a hat with turned-back brim) create the illusion of higher growth and grandeur.
lines, diverging from the center down, expand the lower part and waist line, reducing the upper part of the figure: raglan cut, skirt and flared trousers visually narrow the shoulders. If the lines go down from the head (a hat with lowered brim, loose hair parted in the middle), then this visually reduces growth.
lines, shapes converging to the center(a triangular neckline on a dress plus a wide skirt; a clasp or coat with one button), narrow the waist while expanding the top and bottom of the figure. This illusion makes a woman more slender and sexy.
wavy lines(pattern on the fabric, ruffles, flounces) emphasize the roundness, curves of the body, and in addition, add volume.
Circles also visually increase the volume and give the outline of the figure a roundness.
visual illusions, created by color, can greatly change the proportions of the body. Fashion designers are well aware that in a black dress, the figure seems slimmer. This is due to the effect of irradiation: black and dark colors visually reduce the volume, absorb light, while light, and especially warm, tones increase it.
In a suit designed in one color or in monochrome (non-contrasting) colors, a person looks more slender and taller. If the suit is divided into contrasting color spots, alternating light and dark, then the figure will appear lower and fuller. 
The illusions that arise when using different proportions of clothes change the idea of \u200b\u200bthe actual size of clothes. For example, a high waist in a dress or a short jacket with a long skirt shortens the top, thereby lengthening the legs. The longer upper part helps to correct the short torso. The 50/50 proportion, where the upper and lower parts of the suits are equal, is not the most harmonious, as there is an overestimation of the size of the upper part of the figure and the legs seem shorter than they are.
It is possible to change the ideas about the true volumes and proportions of our body by competently combining and combining light and dark colors in a suit, as well as various cut lines. On this, and basically, the visual correction of the figure is built.
It often happens that a woman without clothes looks much better than in clothes. It happens and vice versa, the “curvy little thing” in a bikini loses attractive circles. What does it say? The fact that the first spoils her figure with unnecessary lines in her clothes, and the second uses optical tricks, but does it too eccentrically, if not hypertrophied.
Visual illusions are often encountered in our daily life. The simplest example of a visual illusion, familiar to absolutely everyone, is the railroad tracks: in the distance they seem to be connected, although in reality the distance between them does not change. In other words, we make mistakes when we look at them, but we know it. As for clothing, we have all the cards in our hands: we can both see wrong and misunderstand, since we do not know the features of the other person's figure.
For example, we want to look taller and slimmer, so we wear high heels. The result is that we look taller and leaner. But what if you need to look smaller and neater? In this case, low-cut shoes are not the only puzzle in our constructor. Most likely, we will use color blocks in the ensemble, layering, horizontal lines, calm hair styling, bright accents in the lower torso, which will visually “ground”. For example, contrasting, extravagant or fancy shoes can "deprive" you of a few centimeters in height.
Practicing stylists are definitely familiar with situations where many clients act extremely illogically with their wardrobe. Such a girl comes in skinny jeans, or even in leggings with an open inguinal zone, and complains about an indecent bustle in the back, heavy buttocks, ears, thick, crooked, short legs, and so on and so forth - the list is endless. And most importantly: everyone knows about this shortcoming. In a conversation, it turns out that skinny is the only cut that the girl prefers, because "no other trousers and skirts absolutely go!" But don't be fooled. Do you like your hips, and do you want to draw attention to them in every possible way, or do you still not? If the answer is yes, if your idols are Jennifer Lopez (thanks to whom curvaceous thighs became fashionable) or Kim Kardashian (thanks to whom they are not going to go out of there), then enjoy life and stop worrying about trifles.
There is nothing wrong, ugly or unaesthetic in lush hips. And in the bare inguinal zone there is! If you are uncomfortable with the fact that “everyone is staring at your heavy hips,” then stop tight at the bottom and put on a spectacular brooch in the portrait area. Believe me, it would never occur to anyone to unceremoniously examine your buttocks. Once, at one of the seminars, a woman with a fifth breast size in a knitted sweater with a deep neckline sadly diagnosed herself: “Men don’t look me in the eye.” Still would! Maybe cover up your cleavage? Or make up your eyes beautifully? Frame your face with a well-groomed hairstyle? Wear a beautiful silk scarf that accentuates your skin tone and eye color? A competent direction of attention is one of the main tools for visual correction of not only the figure, but also the appearance in general.
So, if you really want to visually look slimmer or even a couple of sizes smaller without dieting, then there are some important tips that you should definitely pay attention to first.
1. Vertical clothing stretches the silhouette
In order to look slimmer, you will need any vertical lines in your clothes. Buttons in a row, zipper, slip (secret) clasp, jacket, cardigan, coat, long scarf or shawl, ironed arrows on trousers, stripes, vertical stitching. Exceptions are contrasting stripes, frequent pleats and pleats. They will make your figure more voluminous.
2. Monochrome matte look
Opt for dark deep matte fabrics that hold their shape well. Remember: any shine, decor, relief will make you fuller. To be frank, nothing elongates the silhouette like a monochrome outfit. In other words, when you are dressed in one color from head to toe: anthracite, blue, blueberry or chocolate. Everything - a dress, tights, shoes and a coat of the same color. In addition, this is a trend of recent seasons that does not give up its positions. The ensemble, assembled from different shades of the same color family, looks ostromodno. For example, from rich green, emerald to dark bottle. It is elegant and aristocratic. In addition, complementary to the figure. Plus a few centimeters to your height and minus a few kilograms (from 5 for sure) are guaranteed to you. By the way, flesh-colored boats will also work on the vertical. They visually make our legs longer and fit almost any ensemble. It is these advantages that have made them so popular in recent times.
3. Shop by size
Sounds trite, but true. Most people do not know how or do not want to buy things in size. According to statistics, women buy things a couple of sizes smaller in the hope of miraculously building up, and the fragile female nervous system likes a label stating a smaller size much more than what is in reality. Men, on the other hand, tend to opt for larger sizes in the hope of looking more impressive. Needless to say, neither one nor the other achieve their goals. Even the most slender woman in a dress or underwear that is not enough for her produces a "shank effect", and a man in baggy clothes - the effect of a pencil in a glass.
4. Proper underwear
No matter how we conjure visual illusions, the image can easily be ruined by not perfectly fitting underwear. The right bra should not form folds in the armpits and back. The outlines of your panties should not show through your clothes and cut your already imperfect buttocks. Remember that corrective underwear exists both for daily wear and for the red carpet. The corrective bra is designed not only to lift the chest and make it visually one or two sizes larger, as in the case of the "push-up", but also with the help of, for example, the minimizer model, to lighten heavy breasts and give it the desired shape.
Perhaps someone will say indignantly: “What now, never wear shiny textures, bright and light colors, trousers with collars and sports shoes ?!” Of course wear! Want to wear a sequin top? Put on! In this case, the bottom and top thing should create a vertical. Heeled shoes will also help you. Think creatively because fashion is not mathematics. Today twice two is four. Tomorrow we'll see!
Elena Mareeva, TV producer, fashion and style expert, www.mareevastyle.ru . Successful blogger, stylist, expert in personal style, self-presentation, impression management skills, social and business communication, men's suit, fashion trends. 15 years of work on TV. For 8 years she devoted herself to the talk show "Fashionable Sentence". As a creative producer of the project, she was responsible for the program, its quality, concept, ratings, innovations, image and transformation of the characters. Permanent lecturer of the City Class educational program.
Visual illusions surround us everywhere, and often we use them ourselves without noticing it. For example, when choosing light tones, the colors of the walls of the children's room. In reality, this does not add light to the room, but it seems to us that the room has become brighter.
With the help of color, shape and contrast, it is easy to "deceive" your eyesight, and this drawing is a good example of this. If you do not look at it directly, then the motley circles will rotate, and in opposite directions.
There are various visual illusions, but there are also those that are taken into account when modeling clothes. Knowing them, you can change the perception of a person’s figure, visually reduce or increase a person’s height, hide excessive fullness or other shortcomings, or vice versa, you can emphasize the dignity of a figure.
An example of this is the picture that is in front of your eyes. Agree, it's hard to believe that the orange circles are the same size. It is also possible to manipulate human perception in tailoring. By choosing the right color and pattern on the fabric to create certain visual illusions. And then, fat girls will look slimmer, thin girls will look fatter, etc.
Figure A shows two identical rectangles. A vertical line is drawn on one in the middle, a horizontal line on the other. If you compare them, then the first seems narrower and higher, the second - wider and lower. Consequently, the vertical line visually lengthens and slims the figure, while the horizontal line (or several horizontal ones) expands (figure B).
The conclusion suggests itself. For full figures, clothing made of fabric with a vertical strip is undesirable.
If you take two identical squares (white and black) and place a black square on a white background, and a white one on a black one, then the white square will appear larger than the black one. Therefore, white color on a black background visually takes up more space.
A white square on a black (dark) background looks larger than the same black square on a white background, which means that a woman in a white dress will visually be larger than the same woman, but in a dark dress.
There are visual illusions of contrast and illusions of repetition. The illusion of contrast occurs when the opposite is sharply expressed. For example, if you take three circles of different sizes (Fig. A), then the small circle next to the large one will seem even smaller, but the same circle next to the middle one will not seem as small as in comparison. That is, the contrast is sharply revealed when comparing two opposite values.
When modeling clothes for obese women, it is not recommended to sew tight, small, tight-fitting dresses, as a contrast between a narrow dress and a full figure may appear. A full figure in a tight-fitting dress will look even fuller.
If we compare two segments of the same size, on the edges of one of which there are diverging lines, and the other - converging, then the first segment will seem longer than the second (Fig. B).
In this case, the illusion of repetition, or trimming, operates. For example, when choosing a headdress or collar shape, it is necessary to take into account the structure of the face, which should not be repeated. If the face is elongated, then you cannot choose the style of a cap-shaped hat or sew a dress with an elongated neckline.
Let's look at another illustration of visual illusions. Equal-sized central circles, surrounded by small and large circles, appear different. A circle against the background of small circles seems larger than a circle of the same diameter, but against the background of large circles.
There are dots on the lines inside the triangles that bisect them, but it seems that the parts adjacent to the top are shorter.
The right arc looks shorter and more curvature than the left one.
The height of the comb seems to be greater than its width, although they are equal. By turning the figure on its side, it is easy to achieve the disappearance of the illusion.
Filled space is perceived as longer than unfilled space.
Without delving into the causes of this phenomenon, we may well use visual illusions for our own purposes when choosing a model of clothing, taking into account the individual characteristics of human figures.
When modeling clothes, you need to take into account and use a variety of visual illusions with which you can increase growth, expand or make a person's figure narrower. By applying transverse, horizontal style lines in clothes, for example, a cutting line at the waist, a belt, a yoke, horizontal shaped lines on a skirt in the form of reliefs, folds, flounces, we will visually reduce a person’s height.
Also reduces height and a suit consisting of a skirt and jacket, blouse and skirt, skirt and vest (preferably in contrasting colors).
Tall women should not wear too short dresses.
A full and tall woman should not clutter up the style of the dress with extra lines, sew a dress from a fabric with a large printed pattern. For such a figure, a slightly adjacent silhouette of a dress with a long neckline is suitable.
fat woman If you are not tall, it is better to give preference to a dress that is not cut off at the waist with a line in the middle of the back, with a through fastener in front and a row of buttons from top to bottom.
With a short neck the neckline of the dress is best done with a cape or a long semi-oval. You can also offer a narrow collar with long ends. A collar that covers the neck shortens it even more, it is good for a figure with a long and thin neck.
For figure with a small bust instead of the usual chest tuck, soft tucks, folds, on the chest line can be recommended. For such a figure, clothes with various flounces, coquettes, pockets, scarves, bows are suitable. Having such a figure, you can safely wear multi-layered clothes. This creates a visual illusion of an increase in breast volume. For such a figure, deep cutouts are unacceptable.
For a figure with low bust you can lower the waistline. This solution will increase the distance between the chest line and the belt line. Or, leaving the waist line in its place, make small yokes on the shoulders and from the yoke, instead of the chest tuck, lay tucks, or do not sew the chest tuck from the shoulder to the end, but leave part of it in the form of a soft fold. The use of wide belts, emphasizing the waistline, choosing a model with a high waistline is absolutely contraindicated.
For figures with broad shoulders lines coming from the shoulder are recommended. Suitable vertical lines of small collars, raglan sleeve or even better - semi-raglan, "batwing" or kimono, deep and narrow V-shaped necklines, long beads and scarves. Try to avoid details that optically expand the line of the shoulders: shoulder straps, raglan shoulder strap, puff sleeves, wide square neckline.
For figures with sloping shoulders shoulder pads are recommended (maybe even double height). As well as one-piece sleeves with high shoulder pads, slit-like ("boat") or square necklines, shoulder straps. Lapels with corners pointing up are also suitable; puff sleeves or with gathered head.
Kimonos without shoulder pads, deep V-shaped cutouts are undesirable.
If a stooped figure, then a large collar, slightly behind the neck at the back, soft tucks or folds on the bodice at the waist will mask the stoop.
For figures with narrow hips models with fitted bodices, raglan sleeves, flared and pleated skirts are desirable; skirts and trousers with soft pleats along the waistline, square-cut jackets that cover the line of the hips; large patch pockets closer to the sides. You should not make tight trousers, very tight skirts, skirts with a seam in the middle; elongated bodices, large collars, dropped shoulders.
When modeling products for figures with low line At the waist, you can lift the natural waistline up by using an optical illusion such as a wide belt in the same color as the bottom of the garment, undercuts above or below the waistline, creating the appearance of a wide belt. Do not wear tight belts and clothes with a low waistline. With a short waist, a low waistline is desirable in clothes, narrow belts of the same color as the bodice, although you can not emphasize the waist at all, but focus on the hips.
For owners big bust you can advise a semi-adjacent silhouette, an underestimated waistline, an extended shoulder line; open collars or low necklines, 3/4 or wrist-length sleeves; narrow belts of the same color as the bodice. You should not make models with a high waist, sleeves up to the elbow or slightly higher, horizontal stripes on the bodice; short jackets.
Short legs can be visually disguised with the help of two-piece sets of the same color (jacket-skirt, jacket-pants). A dress with a high waist can visually change the perception; shoes and tights must be the same color; shoes are desirable with high stable or medium height heels. Pants that are gathered at the bottom or with cuffs, long jackets, mid-calf skirts, flats or very high "stilettos" are completely unacceptable.
At protruding buttocks coats, jackets, dresses of a semi-adjacent silhouette should be made; skirts are straight along the entire length, tights and shoes should attract attention.
Any trousers, wide shirred skirts, tight jackets are undesirable.
Long hands look good in clothes with short but wide sleeves, as well as with sleeves 3/4 and 7/8 long or long, rolled up to the elbow. Do not make tight tight or too short sleeves.
short arms requires a model with sleeves tapering down and ending below the wrist. Wide sleeves and high cuffs are contraindicated
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Scale- one of the most important tools for learning when it comes to clothing and individual wardrobe selection. Scale creates an optical illusion. You can use it to make yourself or a certain part of your body visually larger or smaller, depending on what goals you are pursuing.
Take a look at the image below - which of the red circles is smaller? This is called the Ebbinghaus illusion - none of these red circles are smaller or larger, they are the same size. But the red circle on the left appears larger because smaller blue circles surround it.
By applying the Ebbinghaus illusion about your body or certain parts of it, you can:
Visually make yourself smaller (for example, taking a huge bag, as many celebrities do),
Or visually reduce any part of your body (wear long beads and necklaces to make your chest look smaller),
Or make some part of your body bigger (for example, wear a blazer with narrow lapels so that your head does not look too small and in order to balance the proportions of your figure).
Scale is used to create balance and you can visually change your look from head to toe. Play around, experiment with the scale of the elements, using optical illusions to change this or that area of your body in this way.
Take a look at the image below. The scale of the pattern on the top corresponds to the size of the body of the girl herself. This creates balance and harmony in the image.
The scale of the pattern on the sweater does not correspond to the size of the model's body. The print makes the top of the girl too big, it dominates her.
In addition to clothing, the scale can be applied to shoes. For example:
1. The owner of miniature, graceful legs can afford shoes with thin straps.
2. On a normal, medium-sized foot, shoes with medium-width straps look better.
3. On a wide foot, shoes with wide straps harmoniously look.
4. For a thin shin and ankle, choose a thin heel or stiletto heel.
5. For a normal, medium-sized shin and ankle, a medium-thick heel is appropriate.
6. A full shin and ankle looks better in shoes with a wide heel.
Now let's talk about the overall size of your body. The scale of the print or pattern on the clothes also has a direct impact on the size of the figure (as well as the size of the bag).
1. A print that is small in scale will look too clumsy on a large woman.
2. The medium-sized print suits absolutely everyone, regardless of build and height.
3. Large print can suppress and absorb the petite woman.
When choosing clothes, consider all the features of your figure. Pay close attention to those areas that need correction, i.e. appear proportionately larger or smaller relative to your body. Embrace the concept of scale and do a full body job. For example, if you have large facial features, wear large jewelry near your face. If you have small hands, wear dainty little jewels on your hands and wrists. With a large bust, wear large jewelry, or, conversely, if you have a small bust, wear smaller jewelry.
Of course, you can experiment and play with scale, breaking the rules to emphasize your individuality and stand out in the crowd. This is possible if you have a certain courage in your views and are ready to take risks. In this case, you can easily wear larger (than necessary) details and elements than those who do not want to attract attention once again.
Rachel Zoe is an example of a person who plays with scale without much regard for her measurements. In the image above, the huge collar and lapels of the jacket completely overwhelm her petite figure, but she wears this jacket because it reflects her personal style beliefs.
When working with scale, you can get lost in doubt. In this case, start applying medium-scale elements to yourself. But gradually look at the scale of all parts of your body, how harmoniously they look with each other. Over time, you will be able to experiment with scale, reducing or increasing their size.
We all want to look beautiful, even if we don't always admit it. For many years, designers, stylists and fashion designers have been using the so-called visual illusions in their work, which help to look the way you want. Visual illusions help visually correct the work and create a harmonious image. We bring to your attention 10 illusions that will help you create the image of your dreams.
Filled space looks bigger
This principle lies in the fact that clothes with decor or patterns always seem to us larger than those that are not filled with them. Thus, this concept helps us to harmonize the top and bottom of the figure. For example, the “Pear” figure type looks more harmonious if decor, accessories, and bright details are used in the upper part. Too fragile top becomes more voluminous, and a large bottom due to this takes on a more fragile look.
Vertical contrasts reduce volume
A great way to appear slimmer and fitter is to reduce the volume when dividing the figure vertically with contrasting fabrics. Vertical division can be observed, for example, when the left half of the dress is light and the right half is dark, or when the sleeves in contrasting colors, the skirt / top are vertically divided into color contrasts.
The Visual Secrets of Striped Fabric
Vertical stripes make you look slimmer, while horizontal stripes add volume where it is lacking. It is also useful to note that if the stripes are angled (opposite stripes) down, this visually expands the hips, and up - on the contrary, visually makes the hips slimmer.
The illusion of contrast
Small shapes or objects appear even smaller next to large ones, and large objects appear even larger next to small ones. Therefore, do not tighten your waist too much if you have wide hips. If you want to draw attention to thin wrists, choose a top with wide sleeves. A thin neck seems even thinner if it is surrounded by a wide neckline. In a large hat, the head appears smaller than in a small hat.
Illusion of distraction
If you want to hide something in your figure, you draw attention to another part of it, with the help of clothes, accessories, decor, pattern. Or you emphasize the dignity of the figure, which "takes" attention to itself, thereby distracting from the part that you want to leave in the shade.
Spatial illusion
The illusion of spatiality is a partial reduction in the pattern on the fabric, a smooth alternation from large to smaller. As if the drawing, becoming smaller and smaller, gradually disappears into nowhere. This illusion slims and elongates the silhouette.
Illusion of closed and open contour
A figure with an open contour seems larger, and with a closed one, on the contrary, it seems smaller. For example, a turtleneck under the throat visually shortens not only the neck but also reduces growth. And the larger the neckline, the longer the neck seems and the more elongated the silhouette. But if the shoulders are wide, then, on the contrary, the closed contour of the gate looks better.
