Print this chapterPrint this chapter

Fashion and design foundations

Elements of design

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN – NOTES

The elements of design are the basic building blocks used by designers to create any form of art, fashion, or visual composition. In fashion and design, these elements guide how garments look, feel, and communicate style.

1. Line

Lines are the visual paths that direct the viewer’s eye.
Functions in fashion:

  • Create shape and silhouette

  • Add structure and detail

  • Emphasize or reduce body features

Types of lines:

  • Vertical lines – create height, slim the body

  • Horizontal lines – create width, make areas look broader

  • Diagonal lines – create movement and drama

  • Curved lines – add softness, femininity

2. Shape (or Silhouette)

Shape is the outline or overall form of a garment.

Common fashion silhouettes:

  • A-line

  • Hourglass

  • Straight/rectangular

  • Circular

  • Fitted or baggy shapes

Importance:

  • Gives identity to a design

  • Helps designers decide the style of the garment

  • Influences how clothing fits different body types

3. Color

Color is one of the most important elements because it communicates mood, season, and personality.

Color considerations:

  • Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) – energetic, bold

  • Cool colors (blue, green, violet) – calm, professional

  • Neutral colors (black, white, grey, brown) – versatile, classic

Color harmonies used in fashion:

  • Monochromatic (one color, different shades)

  • Complementary (opposite colors on the color wheel)

  • Analogous (colors next to each other)

Role in design:

  • Creates emphasis

  • Sets mood

  • Shows trends and seasons

4. Texture

Texture refers to how a surface feels (tactile) or looks (visual).

Types of texture:

  • Smooth (silk, satin)

  • Rough (wool, tweed)

  • Shiny (leather, sequins)

  • Matte (cotton, linen)

Importance:

  • Creates visual interest

  • Affects comfort and drape

  • Influences the perceived weight and quality of a garment

5. Space

Space is the area within, around, or between design elements.

In fashion:

  • Positive space – area filled by the garment

  • Negative space – empty areas, such as cutouts or gaps

  • Helps create balance and proportion

  • Makes designs appear neat, organized, or dramatic

6. Form

Form refers to the three-dimensional shape of a garment — its depth, width, and height.

Importance in fashion:

  • Determines how a garment fits the body

  • Adds volume (e.g., pleats, gathers, padded shoulders)

  • Creates structure (e.g., tailored suits)

  • Helps achieve stylistic effects: oversized, sculptural, fitted

7. Value (Lightness or Darkness of Color)

Value refers to how light or dark a color is.

Effects in fashion:

  • Light colors create softness and openness

  • Dark colors create strength and slimming effect

  • Helps in shading, highlighting, and adding depth to illustrations

Used in illustration to:

  • Show shadows

  • Create a 3D effect

  • Add realism to sketches