Fashion Myths

Size Matters

This is a big one! How many times have you heard that size matters? That petite women can’t wear big jewelry and accessories, and that taller women should wear this or that? Well no one shared this gem with Coco Chanel, the Duchess of Windsor, and numerous other style setters. Because the truth is, of course one can!

Coco Chanel: Petite Women Can Wear Big! (Man Ray Trust)

The secret is to understand how proportion and the total effect come together. That proportion is from your head to your toes! In this way, a larger necklace is seen not from the neck up but in proportion to the total effect. Also, if one is wearing a large necklace then one probably wants to keep the outfit relatively simple. This way the necklace is not fighting the rest of the ensemble for attention. It is also the case that when wearing a dramatic necklace and one is petite, it helps to wear one color for top over bottom. This creates a longer visual effect. When wearing different color top and bottoms, it has the effect of breaking the line and therefore shortening the proportion – one sees the necklace now in proportion from head to waist.

It is interesting that wearing a scarf or a big collar can cover the same volume of space as a larger necklace. Yet somehow we feel very different about this. In the end, it really is about ornament, creating wonderful effects that reflect our individuality.

In “Size Matters” we also need to be conscious of how the necklace lies between the neck and top of the breast. This is the canvas upon which the effect is created. Each woman is different and again we are looking to get the proportion right. For some, one can “fit” longer designs for others broader. Looking in the mirror one will see the “right fit”.

In considering earrings, “size matters” works slightly different. Generally speaking if wearing larger earrings, one would either go with no necklace or probably a modest size one. Getting the right earring size, again has to do with proportion. This time the proportion of earring to ear, proportion of ear to neck. Also notice how the “dangling” earring follows the jaw line. That is how the earring fits into that area. One should also observe how one’s hair falls in proportion to the ear. Large hair tends to “soften” large earrings by partially covering the earrings. Hair up on the other hand focuses the eye on the earring.

For this blog, our focus has been on size and proportion. In a future blog we will reflect on the myths associated with color – its ability to create excitement, warmth and elegant effects. Thank you for reading and we hope you join us in this playful conversation on “Fashion Myths”

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