NOTICE FOR MEN:  Rather than a wholely feminine feeling, interpret this energy as adding an expression of "genteel elegance" for the man.

1. IMAGERY words that describe the feeling of feminine beauty:

delicate
subtle
gentle
soothing
elegant
dressy
pretty



curved
languid
softened
graceful
sensual
innocent
frilly


small
tiny
fine
fragile
dainty
thin
allure
romantic
blended
darling
sweet
shy
pastel
watercolor
youthful
beautiful
circular
lovely
pleasing
precious
charming

2. COLOR MODIFICATIONS that express feminine beauty:

Any color that has been lightened, thinned or diluted moves toward this feeling. The lighter the color, the more delicate and fragile (especially in terms of being less practical) the more feminine it appears.

Stark white is not included because it appears as a bright, but off-white is soft and feminine. Light color lifts the feeling and acts as light accent relief, because more "light on the subject" relieves tension in the eyes. Because lightness is so pleasing, it is more youthful. Its softness is part of monochromatic color schemes. Even though beauty is a feminine characteristic, men need this genteel expression—just as women need to express parts of masculine strength.

TOOL — Create with light colors when youth or the dressy light touch is desired; such as for blouses and shirts to add light to the face, feminine clothing for women and a genteel lift for men, and for nightwear and children's clothing.

3. DETAIL LINES that illustrate feminine beauty:

Any line that softens, circles, curves, is fine, delicate, thin, tiny, small, subtle or youthful. Most of these feelings can be derived from the circle figure and curved graceful lines.

Detailed examples of these lines are as follows:


THIN

 

TINY

 

SMALL
SPACES

 

SLIM
LINES

 

SMALL
PATTERNS

Round necklines, scoop necklines, puff sleeves, round toes on shoes (baby doll), round shaped in-steps on shoes, round pockets, round lines on purses, round buttons and buckles, round faces on watches, scalloped edgings, short curly hairstyles.


Any soft gathered effect, gathered skirts, soft drape effects, bows, soft belts, open delicate knits, lace edgings and insets, soft gathers at waistline on pants (rather than pleats), ribbons, filigree, shirring, long wavy or curly hair with tendrils, medium long curly hair on men.

Thin straps on dresses or shoes, T-straps on shoes (associated with youth), thin belts, extra thin buckles and buttons, delicate rings and bracelets, slim line watches and thin bands.

Tiny little buttons and buckles, tiny eyelets, fine cut-out detail, tatting, tiny pleated pin tucking and laces, fine chains on jewelry.

Whenever a space is made smaller, femininity and youth are suggested—small bodice, high waists, empire waists, short skirts, short curved French heels on shoes, short lengths on jackets and even "high-water" pants all decrease space area and give a young look. Low necklines, strapless dresses, sleeveless blouses and tight-fitting clothes are small in the sense that the clothing area is cut down.

Even in men's clothing, the European slim line cuts in jackets, pants, tapered shirts and finely finished shoes and thin soles have the feeling of elegance because of this feminine touch. Women often wear their suit jackets too large through the shoulder area giving a "big-armed" masculine look. Smaller fitting jackets are more becoming on women (after all, they are not going to mow lawns in them). Even pushing up the long sleeves on a sweater will make a wide-shouldered woman feel more feminine. Note that baby-dresses have small bodices, and youth is implied by the high waist on Princess-line dresses.

Anytime you make a pattern smaller, you are leaning toward a more delicate, beautiful feeling. Soft marbled lacy patterns, blended stripes, small polka dots, soft gull bloom flowers, tiny geometrics, small checks, dotted Swiss, monochromatic color schemes, tone-on-tone patterns and effects. White-on-white for men and small stripes and patterns for ties.