Okay, I have my character, now...how do I dress them?
- Thread starter Chicklet
- Start date
Closet Desire
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2000
- Posts
- 1,177
Great idea...
I often cruise the web and save images that I think will work in stories. Try the online catalogues, fashion magazines online, or even LL Bean if that's your fancy (snicker snicker).
More often though I rely on candid photos I've taken of people while on holiday. I like this method because if I see someone who is interesting because of how they move or look then the clothing is sort of integral to who they are and I find it easier to develop them as a character.
Hope this helps.
I often cruise the web and save images that I think will work in stories. Try the online catalogues, fashion magazines online, or even LL Bean if that's your fancy (snicker snicker).
More often though I rely on candid photos I've taken of people while on holiday. I like this method because if I see someone who is interesting because of how they move or look then the clothing is sort of integral to who they are and I find it easier to develop them as a character.
Hope this helps.
Chicklet
plays well with self
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2002
- Posts
- 12,302
Thanks, it helps a ton! I've tried skimming through Ebay, too, checking under the clothing listings. If anyone else knows of some catalogs online, I'd like to hear them! More choices the better...I've spent the last couple hours just skimming through pictures of dresses looking for the right one for my latest lady to wear to work Monday morning, how sick am I??? = )
Chicklet
Chicklet
karmadog
Now I'm a drink behind.
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2001
- Posts
- 1,198
You know, I rarely describe my character's clothing. But I picture Chicklet in a Vera Wang schoolgirl uniform complete with white thigh-highs and Mary Janes, and Vera in Donna Karan leather, with six inch heels. I don't know why, but it's my fantasy.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Well Chicklet...if it were up to me, I would say naked works for me!
But.....seriously, I would let my imagination run wild. Think about the characters you already have, think about the setting...think about what they would be DOING. The clothing must reflect the personality, the climate and be practical for the activity. For instance, you wouldn't want the character to wear a dress or sweater with a million buttons (although you could work that in too I suppose
) Some people who are conservative would not wear a plunging neckline...and conversely, a tart would not wear a high necked dress (unless it was bare back! lol)....
Just a little ammo to go on!
*Hugs*
Suzi
Well Chicklet...if it were up to me, I would say naked works for me!
But.....seriously, I would let my imagination run wild. Think about the characters you already have, think about the setting...think about what they would be DOING. The clothing must reflect the personality, the climate and be practical for the activity. For instance, you wouldn't want the character to wear a dress or sweater with a million buttons (although you could work that in too I suppose
) Some people who are conservative would not wear a plunging neckline...and conversely, a tart would not wear a high necked dress (unless it was bare back! lol)....Just a little ammo to go on!
*Hugs*
Suzi
Bob Waters
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2000
- Posts
- 1,630
I tend to like minimalist descriptions - little black dress, conservative suit, silk blouse - and get into more detail if and when they become part of the action:
"He reached out and opened her blouse, one button at a time, until after an eternity of anticipation the soft cotton fell away to expose her firm breasts."
Hooo, getting a bit warm.
"He reached out and opened her blouse, one button at a time, until after an eternity of anticipation the soft cotton fell away to expose her firm breasts."
Hooo, getting a bit warm.
KillerMuffin
Seraphically Disinclined
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2000
- Posts
- 25,603
I don't describe clothes unless it's necessary.
I would suggest you skip the photos as a main source of cothing description. Back up is fine.
Grab a pencil and a notebook and head to the mall. Park it in the food court or some in the middle of things place where you can write and start taking notes on people.
Describe race, age, gender, body, face, movements, attitudes, the feeling you get from them.
Describe clothing, accesories, and whatever they're carrying.
Describe what they are doing and what they might be thinking.
Assign them a name that strikes you as uniquely "them" and then write it on the top line. If you come up with no name right away then write age, race, and gender at the top.
Keep it to one notebook page, whatever size notebook you use. Write basic characteristics as a short list and write the rest in prose. I call it a character sketch.
You have just created a character diary.
Also, you're teaching yourself to pick out what details are important for a character and what are not. You're also learning to describe the character with emotional connectivity as opposed to the whole height-weight-bra size syndrome.
I would suggest you skip the photos as a main source of cothing description. Back up is fine.
Grab a pencil and a notebook and head to the mall. Park it in the food court or some in the middle of things place where you can write and start taking notes on people.
Describe race, age, gender, body, face, movements, attitudes, the feeling you get from them.
Describe clothing, accesories, and whatever they're carrying.
Describe what they are doing and what they might be thinking.
Assign them a name that strikes you as uniquely "them" and then write it on the top line. If you come up with no name right away then write age, race, and gender at the top.
Keep it to one notebook page, whatever size notebook you use. Write basic characteristics as a short list and write the rest in prose. I call it a character sketch.
You have just created a character diary.
Also, you're teaching yourself to pick out what details are important for a character and what are not. You're also learning to describe the character with emotional connectivity as opposed to the whole height-weight-bra size syndrome.
Bob Waters
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2000
- Posts
- 1,630
Suzi
cliper2
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2002
- Posts
- 5,447
choose your details carefully. remember, it may be better to be vague and leave the reader fill in the blanks with his or her fantasy/preference.
good stories have a forward-moving narrative drive with just enough adornment in the form of the right details to let the reader create a picture.
good stories have a forward-moving narrative drive with just enough adornment in the form of the right details to let the reader create a picture.
wildsweetone
i am what i am
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2002
- Posts
- 6,809
a while back
i was looking for ball gown patterns for my daughter.
you could try using a search engine and looking for Vogue, Simplicity, New Look, or any other designer. maybe putting pencil in hand one evening and design your characters own outfits if you're that way inclined.
i was looking for ball gown patterns for my daughter.
you could try using a search engine and looking for Vogue, Simplicity, New Look, or any other designer. maybe putting pencil in hand one evening and design your characters own outfits if you're that way inclined.
jon.hayworth
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2001
- Posts
- 765
Chicklet,
You would only be drawing for yourself, so MATCHSTICK PEOPLE will do, sketch the clothes on as you imagine them - remember its only an aide-memoire.
The other day I looked an absolute idiot (no comments please), I was in a clinch with myself working out who moves what, and when! How stupid it looked did not matter, my hero did not end up with impossibly long arms or being double jointed!
Do whatever, but remember only go into in-depth descriptions if it drives the story along.
Show don't tell. - If I took my own advice I would be a better writer!
jon
You would only be drawing for yourself, so MATCHSTICK PEOPLE will do, sketch the clothes on as you imagine them - remember its only an aide-memoire.
The other day I looked an absolute idiot (no comments please), I was in a clinch with myself working out who moves what, and when! How stupid it looked did not matter, my hero did not end up with impossibly long arms or being double jointed!
Do whatever, but remember only go into in-depth descriptions if it drives the story along.
Show don't tell. - If I took my own advice I would be a better writer!
jon
Whispersecret
Clandestine Sex-pressionist
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2000
- Posts
- 3,089
I don't think you should be purposely vague in description of character appearance, but neither should you be incredibly detailed. MODERATION IN EVERYTHING.
A rule of thumb I think is worth trying is: when you introduce a character, tell 1-2 physical things about them and 1-2 personality traits.
Here's an example:
When Alice entered the nightclub, more than one male head turned her way. Her burnished copper hair fell to her shoulders like waves of fire. She surveyed the room with a hand on her hip and smiled. No one was wearing anything remotely as sophisticated as her form-fitting black dress and spiked heels. With a slinky, fluid walk that came as naturally to her as breathing, she made her way over to the bar. To her delight, no less than three men approached. There was nothing as satisfying as making a good entrance.
To get the most bang for your buck, try to integrate the personality traits with the physical details. That way you won't end up with a long (boring) description, like:
When Alice entered the nightclub, more than one male head turned her way. She had red hair that fell to her shoulders, big green eyes and full lips. Her breasts were at least a C-cup and almost overflowed the little black dress she was wearing. The thin spaghetti straps had rhinestones on them, sparking even in the dimness of the bar. The material of the dress gathered between her breasts, drawing attention to them. The back of the dress dipped low to the base of her spine and the hem hung unevenly, like scarves. High spiked heels completed her outfit.
Long descriptions can start to sound like grocery lists.
I hope this helps.
A rule of thumb I think is worth trying is: when you introduce a character, tell 1-2 physical things about them and 1-2 personality traits.
Here's an example:
When Alice entered the nightclub, more than one male head turned her way. Her burnished copper hair fell to her shoulders like waves of fire. She surveyed the room with a hand on her hip and smiled. No one was wearing anything remotely as sophisticated as her form-fitting black dress and spiked heels. With a slinky, fluid walk that came as naturally to her as breathing, she made her way over to the bar. To her delight, no less than three men approached. There was nothing as satisfying as making a good entrance.
To get the most bang for your buck, try to integrate the personality traits with the physical details. That way you won't end up with a long (boring) description, like:
When Alice entered the nightclub, more than one male head turned her way. She had red hair that fell to her shoulders, big green eyes and full lips. Her breasts were at least a C-cup and almost overflowed the little black dress she was wearing. The thin spaghetti straps had rhinestones on them, sparking even in the dimness of the bar. The material of the dress gathered between her breasts, drawing attention to them. The back of the dress dipped low to the base of her spine and the hem hung unevenly, like scarves. High spiked heels completed her outfit.
Long descriptions can start to sound like grocery lists.
I hope this helps.
Whispersecret
Clandestine Sex-pressionist
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2000
- Posts
- 3,089
I got that piece of advice from a writing workshop. The presenter claimed to have spoken with Rod Serling once, and that he told her that. I thought that was a great tip.
You can actually go into a little more detail, depending upon the importance of the character. For instance, the background artists, i.e. the waiters that serve your main characters, the taxi driver that carts them home, etc, don't need much description at all. Your main characters will probably require more.
Like I said before, just beware of stopping the action of your story in order to vomit out a long paragraph or two or more about what your hero looks like and what he's wearing and everything that's happened to him until now. That type of bland description is like slamming on the brakes. All action stops.
If you look at the Alice example I gave, you'll see that I interspersed action with the description. That's one way of keeping things moving as you get in that description. However, remember moderation. If you interrupt the action with bits of info too much, your story starts to feel choppy. There's no rule of thumb for how to achieve a good balance. This is why writing is an art.
I hope this helps.
You can actually go into a little more detail, depending upon the importance of the character. For instance, the background artists, i.e. the waiters that serve your main characters, the taxi driver that carts them home, etc, don't need much description at all. Your main characters will probably require more.
Like I said before, just beware of stopping the action of your story in order to vomit out a long paragraph or two or more about what your hero looks like and what he's wearing and everything that's happened to him until now. That type of bland description is like slamming on the brakes. All action stops.
If you look at the Alice example I gave, you'll see that I interspersed action with the description. That's one way of keeping things moving as you get in that description. However, remember moderation. If you interrupt the action with bits of info too much, your story starts to feel choppy. There's no rule of thumb for how to achieve a good balance. This is why writing is an art.
I hope this helps.
Monazwx
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2002
- Posts
- 9,761
WOW
I am continously impressed by your writing advice Whisper and Muffin. This will help me a great deal, thanks.
Chicklet, don't stress over describing the clothes too much. The whole point of the erotic story is that they come off eventually (sooner rather than later is usually best, depending on the plot).
Concentrate more on describing the character traits of your characters because this is what propels your story and keeps your fans reading to the end.
Hope this helped.
I am continously impressed by your writing advice Whisper and Muffin. This will help me a great deal, thanks.
Chicklet, don't stress over describing the clothes too much. The whole point of the erotic story is that they come off eventually (sooner rather than later is usually best, depending on the plot).
Concentrate more on describing the character traits of your characters because this is what propels your story and keeps your fans reading to the end.
Hope this helped.
Last edited:
G
Guest
Guest
Such a great collection of tips!
See, I knew this page was good for more than just smut. Its actually a cretive writing class that is fun to attend.
Kudos to Killer Muffin an dWhisper Secret for their indepth disclosure of what are surley the secrets to their writing success.
To add my two cents to the discussion, I'd like to remind the group of the phrase "clothes make the man (or woman)". A description of clothing should only enhance the reader getting to know the characters. Cum and fuck me boots to show the transformation from shool marm to street walker, the jeans ripped at the knees or leather chaps for your biker stereo types, etc.
An old lit prof I had once coined the phrase "an economy of words" using only enough words to convey the image and theme, and not a letter more. Trust the reader to fill in the blanks, but they must have enough details to fill in the blanks the way the author saw them.
See, I knew this page was good for more than just smut. Its actually a cretive writing class that is fun to attend.
Kudos to Killer Muffin an dWhisper Secret for their indepth disclosure of what are surley the secrets to their writing success.
To add my two cents to the discussion, I'd like to remind the group of the phrase "clothes make the man (or woman)". A description of clothing should only enhance the reader getting to know the characters. Cum and fuck me boots to show the transformation from shool marm to street walker, the jeans ripped at the knees or leather chaps for your biker stereo types, etc.
An old lit prof I had once coined the phrase "an economy of words" using only enough words to convey the image and theme, and not a letter more. Trust the reader to fill in the blanks, but they must have enough details to fill in the blanks the way the author saw them.
TrinaT
Really Experienced
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2002
- Posts
- 126
Chicklet:
Thanks for starting this post. I was having the same problem with clothing my characters, and plan on using some of the suggestions by Whisper and KM. I find that when I'm writing, I have a movie in my head so I'm mentally seeing the action in the room and what I see I describe. Thanks again everyone.
Trina
Thanks for starting this post. I was having the same problem with clothing my characters, and plan on using some of the suggestions by Whisper and KM. I find that when I'm writing, I have a movie in my head so I'm mentally seeing the action in the room and what I see I describe. Thanks again everyone.
Trina
wildsweetone
i am what i am
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2002
- Posts
- 6,809
Chicklet?
please excuse my ignorance, but has that pussy cat just been stabbed or is it meant to be holding the fork?
please excuse my ignorance, but has that pussy cat just been stabbed or is it meant to be holding the fork?
I suppose a natural exception to the "minimal clothing detail" is if you're writing a leather/vinyl fetish story, where the reader will be lasciviously picturing every inch of shiny black-covered flesh. Even to a certain degree BDSM stories can be tasty with descriptions of halters, hoods, vests, and so on. I am basing quite a bit of my ongoing chapter around a particular corset, but that's definitely plot-related. The point it, if it's relevant, stick it in there and play it up. If it's icing, don't drown your cake in it.
Now I want some frosting...
Now I want some frosting...
Chicklet
plays well with self
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2002
- Posts
- 12,302
"please excuse my ignorance, but has that pussy cat just been stabbed or is it meant to be holding the fork?"
My little "devil cat" is actually holding the thing, and chewing on it. She is quite a character. It was being too cheerfully shiny at her, I think...
Chicklet
My little "devil cat" is actually holding the thing, and chewing on it. She is quite a character. It was being too cheerfully shiny at her, I think...
Chicklet
Similar threads
