Balance and Scale in a Casual Attire

I thought it would be fun to review the anatomy of an outfit that didn’t work for me today. Balance and scale in a casual outfit can be just as important as its color and shape, so I made a few changes to get it back on track.

My friends at Chico sent me some outfits for an Instagram campaign and I love each piece individually but found the look unbalanced for a number of reasons.

As always, you can click on the red text for more information and to purchase the item.

This assertive necklace is gorgeous yet powerful architectural flair overpowers the more delicate patterned print. The draped structure of the fabric also does not withstand the visual weight of the necklace. If it was a long dress, she might have a fighting chance.

The necklace is too long to fit inside the neckline, but not so long that it hangs outside and stays behind the stand-up collar. There is a lot of competition between the bold necklace at the top of the paisley, so neither can win.

The blouse says ‘soft’ and the necklace says ‘strong’ to me. I like contrasts in many outfits but not in this case. These may seem like trivial details, but they are the kind of things that can derail an outfit even if we can’t fix the problem.

Here’s what I did to adjust the balance and scale.

First I replaced the heavy necklace with more delicate earrings and a bracelet. The bracelet is just as chunky as the necklace but has plenty of room on my wrist as the arms are pushed up. i prefer bracelet smaller details like this It is a better match for the fabric weight.

This balance is still not my favorite but it has improved a lot.

LARGE WHITE JEANS

Here, I switched a tank top Together denim shirt Worn open and I changed my sandals for chunkier ones white platform sneakers. This tank allows the necklace to rest against my skin and not cover the top. I don’t care when necklaces cover part of a top, but they need to cover enough for it to look intentional.

There’s more room at the neckline for this flashy necklace and it’s not competing with a pattern for attention. Denim and chambray shirts are a classic of my wardrobe because they go well with so many things.

MORE DENIM AND SHAUMBRAY SHIRT

Platform sneakers or any closed shoes give a better visual balance to denim shirts and thick necklaces. The outfit looks less heavy when weighted by a heavier shoe. A darker shoe would do the same but would make my short legs even shorter, so I prefer a pale shoe with white jeans.

See also – How to Look Longer and Slimmer

Do you consider the weight of fabrics along with your jewelry?

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to wear what makes you feel safe.