The tactile nature of your skin and hair make up the overall texture of your appearance. If your skin is clear of natural markings, and your hair sleek, you have a satin and shiny texture. On the other hand, if your skin is freckled, and your hair is naturally wavy, you have a suede and matte texture. But as we age or as we style ourselves, changes in our texture are bound to happen. When you match up the texture of your fabrics to your own texture, you are flattering your natural appearance.

If you have a suede and matte texture, wear fabrics with surface interest like a jacquard. When compared to a smooth fabric, the jacquard harmonizes with your natural texture so that any wrinkles or freckles on your skin aren’t as prominent. On the other hand, if you regularly flat-iron your hair, your texture becomes more balanced. You could wear a textured fabric to better effect by choosing a solid coloured garment rather than a print.

If you have satin and shiny texture to your skin, wear some fabrics with sheen to balance. Sheen attracts light which can draw attention so you would want to be aware that the style is flattering for you. On the other hand, if you can’t resist those shiny fabrics but you have a suede and matte texture, go for one with a print. The print would detract from the reflective qualities of the fabric and match your skin’s patterning, even if the fabric was smooth to the touch.

Play with textures to see where you fit at this time of your life, and notice how the different fabrics make you look. By knowing how fabrics affect your texture, you’ll be able dress for a better effect.

Find out more about the rules of texture and How to Wardrobe at plum.ca.

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From traditional plaids to more painterly prints, our options are limitless nowadays when it comes to our clothing’s patterns. If you love a print, but can’t quite get it to work for your body, it might be a matter of scale.

If you are above average in scale, a large repeating pattern balances with your body, whereas a small pattern would only emphasize your height. However, bold patterns with a high level of contrast (like the one shown above) have a visual weight that your frame can also handle. Because visual weight is the ability for the pattern to draw attention, you could pull off a smaller print if it had a graphic quality to it, especially if the other design features of the garment matched your scale.  

A small print can create the illusion of height if you are a petite woman, because it takes more of the pattern to cover your body. A large print, on the other hand, would overpower your frame. If you wanted to go for a bigger print, you could pull one off more easily if it had a blended pattern (as shown above). Because it’s hard to differentiate where the print begins and ends, the print has less visual weight so it can work for you, particularly if the garment`s design is suited to your scale. 

When trying a new print, ask yourself: Do I stand out more than this print? Or am I being swallowed up by it? By noticing how different prints affect your appearance, you’ll know more easily which ones flatter your body’s scale.

Find out more about the Rules of Scale and how to wardrobe at plum.ca.

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Start counting down the days! Spring break is nearly here. Whether you’re flying to exciting Disneyland or escaping to tropical Hawaii, here are three smart buys for your suitcase:  

The Simone printed maxi dress is perfect for when you’re lounging at the beach--just toss it on over your bathing suit. (The shirred top makes it easy.) Then, dress it up for dinner by swapping your flip-flops for a sandal and adding a bohemian necklace and ring.

Tour the theme park in this Plum polka dot tunic. Worn over the white Mavi boyfriend jeans, the colour combo is nautical and fresh. The tunic also doubles as a sheer cover-up when you’re relaxing poolside at the hotel.

Even though you’re headed south, don’t forget about the evening breeze (or the air-conditioning). Kersh cardigans come in a bright spring palette and can be easily slung over the shoulder for when it gets chilly on the patio.

If you're not heading for warmer climates this month, start preparing for spring now that we have a limited-time coupon (and before these items sell out)! 

Shop between March 6 and 23rd with your coupon and save $20 dollars off a purchase of $95 dollars or more (excluding jewellery). Plus, if you spend more than $150 dollars, we'll send you a $10 dollar coupon in April!

Get some ideas by checking out the early spring arrivals here.

What is the one piece of clothing that you won’t travel without?

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