Proportion
If anyone has ever watched Tim Gunn's show, 'Guide to Style', then you know that he focuses on three main points: fit, silhouette and proportion. However, for this newsletter, I am going to discuss proportion. I know this doesn't seem like a very exciting or fun topic, but it's important and actually relates to every item that you put on your body.

Prints and Jewelry
The main rule is that everything from prints, bags, heels, jewelry, hats, pockets, lapels, belts, et cetera, should all be in proportion to your body size. For example, if you are petite, (5'4" and under), you should stay away from large patterns. Instead, opt for clothes with smaller prints; it is much more appropriate.

Aside from prints, proportion is also crucial when accessorizing. The larger your body, the more bracelets, necklaces or larger earnings you can wear. However, if you are petite then I would limit the amount and size of your jewelry. This rule also applies to just one bracelet, like a cuff. Even though it's one piece of jewelry, it should still be the correct size for your body. For example, this bracelet would be too big on a petite person and would look out of place.

Pocket Size and Shoes
Another key issue is pocket size. This is especially important when shopping for jeans. It's very simple; the smaller your derrière, the smaller the pockets, a larger derrière should have larger pockets. One last note: pocket-less jeans only look good on model-size people - always opt for pants with pockets.

Now, moving down to your feet as shoes should also be in proportion. If you only wear flats or a kitten heels (1 ½ - 2 inches) then this doesn't apply to you, however, petite women should pick shoes that have nothing higher than a four inch heel. In higher heels, petites can sometimes appear pitched forward and their center of gravity is off when they walk. For curvy women, stay away from super thin heels. A 2 ½ - 3 ½ inch cone-shaped, (see picture), or stacked heel is a much more appropriate proportion.

Accessories
Some other accessories to consider are purses and belts. Not many women wear belts, but if you do, you need to consider the proportion. A skinny belt, like this one, would look too small on someone who is tall and curvy. Therefore, it's best to pick something a bit wider, such as a 1 ½ - 2 inch belt.

Purses also need to be relative to the size of your body. Again, nothing too big for a petite woman and if your taller, well, take advantage of it and wear the big satchels. The same rule also applies to larger women, again, nothing too small, or otherwise, it will get lost. Do remember this when shopping for an evening bag or clutch. While these types of bags are meant to be smaller, there are larger clutches out there that are appropriatly sized.

A side note about purses: it is important to consider where a purse is hitting you on the body. If it hits you at the hips, then that is where we are going to look. A purse that sits a bit higher is usually more flattering, unless of course, you have a very large bust. Ideally, a hobo style is one of the best and most versatile options, such as this one from Banana Republic. I like the size and where and how it would sit under the arm - very flattering.

What Tim Gunn Would Say
Lastly, I must address proportion in the way Tim Gunn discusses it - the proportion of the body. Think of the body in terms of thirds. The first third is from your shoulders to your hip bone, the second is from your hip bone to your knees, and the last part is from your knees to your feet. Everything you wear, needs to have the correct proportion. So, this is why jackets need to hit at the hip bone, skirts should be around the knee, and pants need to brush the toe of your shoe. This is one of the main reasons why capris don't work - they chop up the proportion of the body! They don't hit at any of the correct 'thirds': the feet, knee or hip, therefore, making you look squat, short and like you are standing in a bucket. This is also why longer jackets, like what Hillary Clinton wears, don't work. They are too far past the first third, which should hit at the hip, but don't quite make it to the knee. It's an odd proportion.

With this outfit on the left, we can actually see the thirds. The line on the body is great, however, I cannot say the same for the outfit on the right. The jacket hits at the hip, which is correct, however, the white capris really throw off the proportion. If she was wearing pants, she would actually look taller. Remember, any time you can add height, you help balance out width.

Proportion doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is. This is one of the keys to looking chic and put together. Take a look at your closet and decide what's too small, what's too big and what really works. You will need to keep this mind anytime you go shopping. If you have any questions, or want to learn what's best for you, please contact me. I am happy to help!

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