February 4, 2011

The Margin of Error: Fashion Tips from Yours Truly

I would like to talk about the Margin of Error.

There is a fairly detailed explanation available at Wikipedia, but I'm going to give you the "real life" application, which is as follows: The smaller the control (X) the larger the margin of error. See illustration below.

margin of error equation

NOW, taking this equation and applying it to "fashion" means that the SMALLER THE PERSON the LARGER the margin of error. 

margin of error figure a

You see, a thin person has a large margin of error when it comes to clothing. Pants can be worn a little lower, and your hemlines can be a little higher.  I would even venture to say that if you were walking around in a bikini, it wouldn’t be unacceptable so much as it would be weird.

It is also important to note that  “smallness” is determined by factors including, but not limited to: height, weight, and age. Chubby naked babies? Cute. Chubby naked old men? Not cute.

margin of error figure b

You see, a larger person, has a smaller margin of error in regards to clothing.  Pants should worn at the waist. Shirts should adequately cover your lower back and abdomen. For the love of all that is holy, wear a one piece. This is not to say that you need to be covered from your neck to your ankles. It is just that I can’t unsee the things that you are showing to me, and I am sorry, but I am not a fan of seeing where your bottom begins OR ends.

And that concludes today’s lesson on fashion.

Thank you.

And also? You’re welcome.