How to identify your frame size – well, what do I mean by this and why it’s important?
Your frame size is about your bone structure and proportions and you want your clothes to work in unison with this to achieve a balanced look.
So how do you work this out?
You need to calculate if your frame size is small, medium or large as this will determine what kind of accessories are best and scale of pattern that will be most complimentary for you – yes, these things do make a difference!
The easiest way to determine your frame size is to measure the smallest part of your wrist. If you measure between 5.75″ (15cm) or less, you are small framed; between 5.75″ and 6.5″ (15-17cm) you are medium framed and anything over 6.5″ (17cm) you are large framed.
If you have a small frame, opt for a petite print and a trim cut. Shop for shoes, bags and patterns that chime with your size. Small frames need dainty shoes such as kitten heels and bags that are A5 size. While large frames need thick heels and general shoe chunkiness, plus a bag that is A4 or above. If you are in the middle, stay in the middle: medium heels (like a slim block or medium wedge), and medium scale accessories, nothing too large/bold.
Also important is your frame shape. You determine this by eye. Do you look curvy, angular or somewhere in between? Go for fabrics and patterns that match your frame shape. If you are curvy, that means drapey cuts and fabrics (with little or no texture), plus fluid patterns such as rounded florals or watery patterns. If you are angular it’s sharp lines, stiffer fabrics and rigid patterns – stripes, checks, angular abstracts. If you are somewhere in between, it’s fabrics with flexible fibres that fall in straight lines (textured and/or loose-weaved work well) and patterns that are neither too angular nor too curvilinear (blended checks, soft abstracts, animal print, nature-inspired florals).
It is the fit, fabric and shape of the garments we wear that can make all the difference to how we look. If you get the balance and proportions right when you look in the mirror it will be aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, if you notice something is not quite right in your overall look, it can often be because one or more of these factors is out of alignment.
So, hunt out a tape measure and test to make sure you get framed!
As always, if you need some help with any aspect of your styling, don’t hesitate to give me a call so I can give you a helping hand.
