Optical illusions in dressing?

The short answer is: yes! If you know something about psychology, then you will also know about the Ebbinghaus illusion. In this, the same object surrounded by bigger ones seems smaller, and surrounded by smaller objects looks bigger. We can apply this conclusion to create optical illusions in dressing.

How to create optical illusions with your accessories is important, since it is a way to make your look top or flop. It also will help you appreciate your figure.

Bags and rucksacks

We’ll start off with bags: if your figure is petite, then you will go for a smaller clutch, and if you are tall, you’ll go for a bigger one. Since more than clutches, people tend to use day bags, being able to choose one correctly is important. If you have an important physique, then you will go for a larger one. To avoid “the suitcase effect”, a shorter person will use a more medium-sized one.

When choosing a rucksack, we’ll focus on the effect it has on the derriere: a small one will make it seem even bigger. A bigger one will flatten it.

Watches and jewellery

If you have a tough arm, then you can go for watches with a big quadrant. If your arms are thin, then you may find that thinner, more bracelet kind of watches work best. Victoria Beckham tends to wear big watches despite herself being minute: it means that she uses her proportions to subtly show that she is bold.

Then let’s talk about jewellery: a tough neck prefers long lockets to chockers, and big earrings don’t tend to work that well with tight shoulders.

Hats

Another thing where we can create optical illusions in dressing is the size and the width of the brim of the hats that some of us love wearing. If you have a thin figure, you will likely opt for something that goes up vertically, and if you are tall (and more) you will enjoy those wide brimmed hats that sell-out in summer.

Shoes

Here there would be a lot to say, but here is a brief guide. Choose your heels according to the size of your shin and ankle, and see if you want to optically shrink them or make them bigger. For a shrink, go for a block heel, to make bigger, go for a thin stiletto. Also, try to balance the proprtions of your shoes with the rest of your body. If you have a big physique, you might not find ballet shoes to be the best for you.

Pockets, buckles, pleats

These might not be accessories, but are important when it comes to choosing that jacket, that skirt or those trousers. Small pockets or none can emphasize a curve, while a large one can flatten it optically. The buckles, especially the ones of your tops, should be chosen looking at the size of your chest. Pleats may seem to enlarge but if chosen correctly they can also elongate too. Choose tighter pleats for a thinner silhouette, and looser ones for a larger one.

For a bit more info, you can also read this article on how to balance your volumes.