Elements of design
• Color
• Line
• Shape/Silhouette
• Texture
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Color
Hue: (1) The technical word for
color. (2) The name given to
a color, such as red or yellow,
that distinguishes one color
from another.
Value: The lightness or
darkness of a color.
Tint: The lighter hue
created when white is
added to a color.
Shade: The darker hue
created when black is
added to a color.
Intensity: The brightness
or dullness of a color.
Neutrals: Black, white,
beige, and gray. Neutrals
can be used alone or with
any other colors.
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• Primary hues: Red,
yellow, blue. These
colors cannot be made
by using any other
color. All other colors
are made from a
combination of these.
• Secondary hues:
Orange, green, violet.
These are created by
mixing equal amounts
of two primary colors.
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Color schemes
Plans that can be used to provide
harmonious color combinations.
• Monochromatic
• Splitcomplementary
• Analogous
• Triad
• Complementary
• Accented
Neutrals
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Monochromatic color
Analogous colors
• Different tints, shades,
and intensities of a single
color.
Two to five colors that are
adjacent on the color
wheel.
• Example: light blue
trousers and jacket with a
navy blue vest.
Example: orange, yelloworange and yellow worn
together
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Complementary colors
Two colors
opposite each
other on the
color wheel.
Example:
Orange and
blue
Split-complementary colors
One color plus the
colors on each side of
its complement.
Example: red combines
with yellow-green and
blue-green.
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Triad colors
Three colors
that are
equidistant
from each
other on the
color wheel.
Accented neutral
White, gray, black, or
beige with a bright
color accent.
Example:
Businesswoman
wearing a gray dress
with a red scarf.
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Shape
The silhouette or the overall form or outline of an outfit or
clothing style.
Most silhouettes are formed by:
The width and length of the neckline,
sleeves, and/or waistline.
The width and length of pants and skirts.
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Line
A distinct, elongated mark that can lead the path of eye
movement up and down, side to side, or around objects.
• Give direction, or a feeling of movement
• Provides visual direction
• Helps draw attention to good points and play down the bad
ones.
Basic types of lines
Straight lines: Lines without curves or bends. Straight
lines are severe and formal and suggest power and dignity.
Curved lines: Circular or gently waved lines. Curved lines
add softness and roundness to apparel.
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Directions of lines
•Vertical lines: Lines that go up and
down. Vertical lines create a taller,
more slender look.
•Horizontal lines: Lines that go
across. Horizontal lines give a shorter,
wider look.
•Diagonal lines: Lines that slant at an
angle rather than being vertical or
horizontal.
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Ways to create lines in
garments
•Structural lines: Lines formed by the seams, darts, pleats,
tucks, and edges when garments are constructed.
•Decorative lines: Lines created by details added to the
surface of clothing including fabric design and trims such as
top-stitching, lace, tabs, flaps, and buttons used to decorate
the garment.
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Texture: The look and feel of fabric.
•Can create illusions of size
•Can disguise figure irregularities
•Can add interest to a garment
Texture can be provided in two ways…
Structural texture: Texture determined by the fibers, yarns,
and the method of construction used to produce a garment.
Examples: velvet shirt, striped wool pants
Added visual texture: The finishes and designs applied to
the surface of the fabric. Examples: The print of the fabric
can give the illusion of height or width to the wearer. Shiny
textures make people look larger because they reflect light.
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Principles of design
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•
•
•
Balance
Proportion
Emphasis
Rhythm
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The principle of design that implies equilibrium or steadiness among the parts
Balance of a design or outfit.
•Balance in garments is
produced by structural
parts and added
decoration.
•A properly balanced
garment appears equal in
weight and power of
attraction from all sides,
from top to bottom, and
from front to back.
Formal balance
Equilibrium provided
by symmetrical parts.
One side resembles the
other.
Informal balance
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Equilibrium provided by
asymmetrical parts. One
side is unequal to the
other.
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Proportion
The principle of design dealing with the
relative sizes of all the parts in a design to
each other and to the whole.
•Garment details and accessories should be
proportioned for the wearer.
•Proportion is most pleasing when garment areas
are unevenly divided.
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Emphasis
The principle of design that uses a
concentration of interest or area of
focus in a particular part or area of
design.
• Emphasis or a focal point can be used to
draw attention or to keep the eye away.
• Emphasis can be provided through the
use of color, texture, structural lines,
decorative lines, or accessories.
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The principle of design concerned with the
pleasing arrangement of the design
Rhythm
elements to produce a feeling of continuity
or easy movement of the observer’s eye.
Gradation Or Radiation:
Alternation:
Repetition:
Progression: Rhythm
Rhythm
Rhythm
Rhythm
created by
created by
created by
created by a
lines
alternating
repeated
gradual
emerging from elements such
lines,
increase or
a central point
as light and
shapes,
decrease of
like rays,
dark colors or
colors, or
similar design resulting in
stripes of two
textures in
elements.
the parts
colors or sizes.
a garment.
being an
equal distance
from a given
point.
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To appear shorter and
thicker
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Sharply contrasting colors
Light, bright, warm colors
Wide silhouettes
Horizontal lines
Bold prints, plaids
Bulky texture
Wide, contrasting belt
Gathers or pleats
To appear taller and thinner
Black, navy blue, charcoal, and
chocolate brown
Monochromatic colors
Straight silhouettes
Vertical lines
Subtle prints, plaids
Smooth, flat textures
Narrow, matching belt
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