While lines and shapes can be used to balance the body, design elements can be used to flatter and enhance certain features. Design elements should not distract, but enhance, ultimately bringing attention to the face, hence dominant details are most effective when at the centre front and above the bust line, (not on the bust line) pulling the attention in and upward to the point of personality and communication.

Secondary details are to support the main design and can be placed below the waist, or at the wrists, ankles, hemlines, exaggerated details should not be placed on the bust, hips or tummy – typically areas that are subject to weight gain.

How Long Should a Skirt be?
Skirts can really be any length, but an important guideline is that they are most flattering when they fall on the slimmest part of the leg, therefore, just above or just below the knee is the best way to use length to flatter the curve and shape of the leg.

Sleeves
Sleeves can easily balance the natural arm shape. A very full or puff sleeve complements very slender arms, while tailored or straight sleeves counter fuller arms and naturally include ease.
Shoulder pads or epaulettes added as a design feature can balance narrow or sloping shoulders. Shoulder pads do not need to mimic the power shoulders of the 1980’s, but can be of various sizes and gentle curving shape.

Necklines
The shape of the collar or neckline can so easily be used to balance the shape of the face. A soft curving collar or a simple round neckline can balance an angular face and similarly, a crisp tailored collar adds contrast to a round face or a double chin.

Waistlines
A varied waistline, such as an empire waist or dropped waistline perfectly leads attention away from the tummy region and allows for more comfort.