Cutting Through Client Insecurities With Line and Design

We’ve covered Line & Design theory and personal application in our last couple of blog posts. Our industry isn’t just about the what’s and how’s, though. We must also be able to convey the why behind our messages and best practices if we expect our clients to fully embrace the monumental changes we are offering them. 

So, the final piece of the line design equation is about helping your client understand why their dress plays such a gigantic role in both their outward and inner image perception. This should address all their insecurities and bring understanding to the psychological, not just aesthetic, effects of dressing. 

The Illusion Power of Design Lines 

What you wear and your chosen design lines greatly influence how you feel and how others feel about you. If you look the part, then you feel the part and others believe the authenticity of your capabilities in doing the part. 

Looking the part is in every single cumulative element of the look. It’s design, color, pattern, texture, appropriateness, accessories, cleanliness and care, etc. 

The cumulative of our look speaks volumes about us before we ever say a word. So, personalizing it to be specific to self, time, place, goal, and audience should be the first priority. 

Whether considered judging a book by its cover or not, the fact remains that our outward appearance remains our first and foremost impression. It’s part of our social, professional, and personal messaging system. Others interpret the look we present in gauging our intent, purpose, and merit. Perception is the nine-tenths of reception. 

How are you being received? Dress friendly, and you’ll likely be perceived as someone open to communication. Dress aggressively, and you’ll likely be met with distrust and discord. 

Psychology Of Design Lines 

If you’re having difficulties being received in the way you’d like, then look at the psychological influences that different lines have on your audiences. 

1. Straight Design Lines 

These are the power players signaling a message of dominance and assertion. What others perceive about you: 

• Ridged
• Forceful 
• Strength 

2. Round/Curved Design Lines 

These are the feminist design lines signaling a message of softness and approachability. What others perceive about you: 

• Gentleness 
• Frailness 
• Romantic 

3. Vertical Design Lines 

These are the solid design lines signaling class and dignity. What others perceive about you: 

•Formal 
•Strong 
•Distinguished 

4. Horizontal Design Lines 

These are the anodyne design lines signaling approachability and calmness. What others perceive about you:

• Respectful 
• Stable 
• Neutrality 

5. Diagonal Design Lines 

These are the lively design lines signaling high energy. What others perceive about you:

• Activeness 
• Fluidness  
• Instability 

What Perception Is Your Design Line Offering? 

Achieving the ideal look is so much more than matching assets and distractions to a particular design line. Just as that look has to be scaled and fit to the body wearing it, it also has to match the inner workings of the person wearing it. 

The why behind design lines isn’t that complicated. It’s simply to make the wearer feel and relay their most confident, authentic, appropriate, and capable version of themselves possible. That can only be achieved by addressing the psychological elements behind and in front of design line choices. What you wear has meaning to both oneself and to onlookers.