So most enthusiasts end up analogizing their bodies to that of verified celebrities, whom Kibbe intended to be lodestars or image guides, not figures for limb-to-limb comparison. She looks stunning with loose and slightly messy hair in the photo on the left, as it suits her flamboyant natural lines. she serves heaps of gorgeous Soft Classic outfit inspiration! Style is a journey. Most of these early- to mid-20th-century texts are out of print or hard to find, so its tricky to determine whose ideas came first or were the most influential. A personal analysis can be done informally at home, sometimes with the help of online style hobbyists. The key is that they dont look short. I like Audreys outfit styling and shes a great reference of outfits that really suite the Soft Hourglass body type. But (!) WEARSymmetrical shapes with clean and elegant detail. A cottage industry of professional style and color consultants existed decades before the internet made this information widely accessible all with their own subjective theories and rules. In the Dramatic family, there are two ID options Dramatic, which has a dominant trait of verticality, and Soft Dramatic, which accommodates vertical and curve, she says. People shouldnt close themselves off to the potential of what they could wear., Fashion, too, has changed since the publication of Metamorphosis. Soft Dramatics benefit from garments that echo their length while also offering a bit more softness. While I have seen some debate online on Lana Condors body type, I believe that she is a romantic. Though generally associated with women, Kibbe says this same process will work for men, plus-size, and non-binary people as well. (LogOut/ So I tried to find photos of Grace where she doesnt seem to be wearing a corset. I believe Shirin is also a Soft Classic herself because she has all the traits of one: elegant essence, symmetrically pretty face, gentle hourglass figure, fullness in the upper arms and bottom, and shes 57, though most guess that shes shorter. If reading through this article puts a bad taste in your mouth, thats okay. Browsing their photos and videos, you will begin to notice that some outfits feel natural on these ladies, while others draw too much attention away. Aishwarya Rai is a stunning example of a soft natural, and I think she wears her lines quite well! It strives to both match your inner essence and your outer physicality and creates a symbiosis between the two. Dramatic Classic Example #2: Anna OBrien. And is scrutinizing it a prerequisite for something as subjective as personal style? Broad and square bones. Your archetype is your major country, then its like your image identity is where you live within that country, says Arruda. Start to note why a piece of clothing really makes you shine or maybe why it seems to hide your best traits.. While knowing your line is the most important part of finding your own Kibbe identity, Kibbe himself says there is no such thing as hip width in his system. The practice of body typing wasnt established by womens media, but magazines were in part responsible for publicizing the (now-disproven) academic concept of body types, which has ties to early-20th-century eugenics. It seems like the difficulty in finding clarity from the original source, as Emily Jensen observed in Mel Magazine, is precisely what draws so many deeper down the Kibbeverse. Online forums have made it easy for people to type others, whether a celebrity or a stranger seeking guidance on the r/Kibbe subreddit. In this regard, Kibbe is essentially a fandom. (A combination of opposites, with added softness, usually in flesh or figure.). Facial bones are sharp or prominent (nose, jawline, cheekbones). Kibbe has also revised his own rules over the years, sometimes to the ire of die-hard fans, but he maintains that most of his original theory still stands. Hmm Im not sure to be honest. While I have sometimes seen Priyanka Chopra typed as a soft dramatic, Ive also seen her typed as a natural, and I think that she fits well into the natural body type. David Kibbe is not the first or the only person to have created an in-depth personal style system, although his framework is arguably the most popular today. Wide shoulders. Heavilins advice is to log off once youve had your Kibbe fill. The practice of typing has become a game for fans. BlackPink member Jisoo is a great example of a soft classic, with her blended bone structure and soft facial features. Kibbes fashion advice to the different body types is that it focuses on creating harmony. To that end, Kibbe has acknowledged that some information in his book is outdated for modern readers. I think that Oprah Winfrey is another great example of the mixture of a balanced bone structure with softer flesh and facial features that soft classics have. However, the use of the term Yin and Yang in this context doesnt sit quite right with me, as I discuss in a bit more detail in my critique. The Kibbe types have three natural body types, soft natural, natural and flamboyant natural type. In her 1963 book Art in Clothing Selection, Iowa State University professor Harriet Tilden McJimsey attributed the concept of yin and yang body types to Belle Northrup, a textile design professor at Columbia University. As youll see, we mention a few celebrity examples for each body type, and every woman listed is utterly beautiful. Others stick around in the Kibbe fandom for the curated image identity mood boards, outfit inspiration, or celebrity type speculation. The Gamine type has a contrasting blend of Yin and Yang (as opposed to the balanced Yin and Yang of the Classic), and the Soft Gamine leans slightly more towards Yin. Lupita Nyongo a modern film star who embodies the grace, grounded stature, and gentle allure of Soft Classics. Sloe or almond eyes; narrow, thin or straight lips; taut skin, especially around the cheek and jaw areas. Natural is between a Classic and a Dramatic. If your bone structure is slightly wide or lush, you may think of yourself as having a large bone structure. Each body type description is filled with love and adoration. He adds that nobody is a pure Natural they will always have a yin or yang lean to their bodies. Like Soft Classics, Dramatic Classics also benefit from symmetry and clean lines, but they can also handle some straight, texture, or more geometric touches. You can also contribute via, How Kibbe body types became an internet obsession, This story is part of a group of stories called. They do well with clean, unbroken lines the same minimalist vibe a Dramatic can rock but with a bit more waist emphasis and some added softness and roundness. (Some width and blunt angles to their bone structure and facial bones, but with some added softness, usually in facial features or figure.). The entire description of my body type, including the attitude it ostensibly represented, just fit with my conception of myself! Draped fabrics. Her bone structure and features are extremely balanced, and she looks amazing in minimal and symmetrical silhouettes. If you are looking for which IDs are more "feminine", then again . I used to be on television a lot, but the internet has supercharged everything, he told me over a recent lunch in Manhattan. Entire YouTube channels, TikTok accounts, Facebook groups, blogs, and subreddits are devoted to analyzing the technicalities of the Kibbe system. Overall, Soft Classics are of medium build with very even limbs and curves. Since theyre so tall, clothes that have a long line like a sleek, monochrome suit, a trench coat, or a column dress, are incredibly flattering. Brenda Song also has a lot of mixture to her lines and features, with more softness than sharpness. In some characteristics the types are similar to each other, but in the complex of all descriptions - they are independent types that require an individual approach to the closet. 57.9k. Its also hard to ignore some of the communities that embraced the Kibbe body types. Things like straight shoulders or necklines work well, as do lines throughout the seams of a dress that help to echo the silhouette. Line is not about focusing on individual body parts, he says. The classic example of a romantic, Marilyn Monroe is actually Kibbes prime celebrity example for the romantic body type in his book Metamorphosis. I absolutely love how Beck Delude is an example of how bone structure is apparent no matter what someones weight level is. Hands and feet are usually long and narrow. The same column dresses and monochromes look great but perhaps with a touch more of a waist emphasis. The Kibbe types have three classic body types, the classic, soft classic and the dramatic classic type. While the stereotypical advice for Soft Gamines is to embrace cutesy clothes, were not about that life. A more helpful description would be sleek.. Dramatic Classic Example #3: Phylicia Rashad. ), Dramatic Classic Example #1: Courteney Cox. Smooth fabric. I think that Sofia Vergara is a great example of a soft dramatic, because you look at her and you just immediately know that she is one. Straight, sleek lines. Online tests can help you evaluate your body type, but Kibbe says you cant take a test and find your style. Instead, its important to do the research yourself. Rather than wade into the discourse about his decades-old system, he has opted for a relatively quiet existence on the Upper East Side, where he continues to take clients for style sessions. With Romantic fashion, the ideal is to have clothes that echo the softness of the body type. The small things about your body are not worth obsessing over online. And if you ask David Kibbe, he doesnt really care what you wear, so long as youre happy with yourself. Kibbe identified body types based on the lines of the skeleton and the features and came up with a system that was more robust than ones based strictly on silhouettes. Theyre elongated or sharp within that thats the yang. He stresses that someone will always have more yin or yang influence, no matter what their shape. Heres how. Shes a great example for how a slightly more ornate or glamorous hairstyle is great for soft naturals for formal occasions. Height: Moderate to very tall, usually 5 feet 5 inches and over. The Natural Style (Kibbe Body Type) | InfinitCloset 12 Seasons Color Analysis Clear Spring Palette (Bright Spring, Clear Warm) Color Analysis 12 Seasons Color Analysis 4 Season Color Analysis Makeup Lists Style Analysis Cookies help us deliver our services. Dakota Johnson on the red carpet Dakota Johnson Dakota Johnson at a premier More Celebrity Soft Classics: Name Email YES! It starts with what you want for yourself, he told me. Like Jennifer Aniston, she shape of her bone structure and facial features are immediately identifiable as natural features, and she looks amazing in her lines (such as with the dress on the right). Another supermodel as an example for a dramatic, which isnt too surprising given that most models are quite tall (putting them in the prime height range for dramatics, soft dramatics, and flamboyant naturals). The image references provided, too, are mostly of thin, white female celebrities. Since then, the method has become a fundamental for stylists and everyday, fashion-minded people alike to dress their unique shape perfectly. On the other side of the spectrum, there are Dramatics, who are all Yang. This video specifically is spot-on if youre looking for modern, elegant, and universally flattering Soft Classic styling. Fitted shapes with ornate necklines and waist emphasis. If you can tease out what clothes make you feel good and why without any labels, then you dont need the Kibbe categories in your life. Her waist is tiny, though it tapers in gradually. Each is. May have some slight angularity in bone structure or facial bones. The more hands-on you are with this process, the more successful you will be long-term., According to Arruda, the recommended time frame to accurately type yourself is about six months, as it takes time to really get acquainted with the lines of your body. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. A post shared by Thank You Atoosa (@thankyouatoosa). Even though Dakota is quite trim, she still has softness to her upper arms, lower stomach, and thighs. Broad shoulders. Their Yang comes through as some slight broadness in the shoulders or facial features. A wonderful actress, Octavia Spencer is another example of a soft gamine. Within the context of Kibbe, Yin is defined as features that are soft, round, and delicate, while Yang is defined as features that are sharp, angular, and broad. Stiff, bouffant styles. View all posts by Rebekah Bechervaise. When I first looked at her photos, I wasnt sure if Claudia Kim would be considered a dramatic or a soft dramatic, but when I saw her in her stunning wedding gown I knew immediately that her combination of a long and slender bone structure with soft facial features were what made the soft dramatic lines of that gown absolutely flow on her. Its curvy in all the right places, with a lot of softness. I want this Beyonce is a romantic and Solange is a flamboyant natural. While the Kibbe system strikes me as very body-positive, some anti-feminist groups that extoll old-school gender roles hyper-focus on the Kibbe system, especially since Kibbes writing is so focused on how to enhance a feminine physique. Style is a journey. The Romantic body type has the most Yin properties. The type theyre supposed to fit into doesnt sound right, they dont like the fashion advice, or they find the entire concept restrictive and condescending. The goal is for you to go from subjectivity to intelligent subjectivity, where you understand technique, to enlightened subjectivity, where youve experimented enough with clothes and silhouettes to know what works for you., A post shared by Rita (@stylethoughtsbyrita). Natalie Milakara if youre here, you should know that I am a Soft Classic! By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Its also possible to use accessories like belts to create that separation when it doesnt exist in the garment. The Kibbe Body Type Method was designed to help users find clothes that embrace their natural body type and give a more harmonious vibe to their overall aesthetic. Have large bone structure, or large hands and feet. Do deep breathing, look at yourself, find something you love about yourself, he says. According to Kibbe, there are only two people who can figure out a persons body type: you or him (but only once he meets you in real life). Some of these self-appointed consultants like Chudnovskaya of Style Thoughts by Rita or Merriam Amani of MerriamStyle were introduced to style methodology vis--vis Kibbe, before going on to develop their own detailed typing framework. Rachel McAdams, who I love as her role of Regina George in the movie Mean Girls, is definitely a theatrical romantic. You can see that Grace displays a balanced blend of angularity (Yang) with supple fleshiness (Yin), especially in her legs. When it comes to prints, geometric prints and straight lines look especially cool. BlackPink member Jennie is a great source of style inspiration for any flamboyant gamines looking for some modern or casual outfit ideas! In context of your overall voluptuous figure, your bone structure is definitely delicate. Its not, take a test and learn your type. Its how to use technique to express who you are, working in harmony with whats there, Kibbe says. Finally, once I had an inkling as to my body type, I still felt like I needed external confirmation, so I posted a photo to the Kibbe subreddit. Contribute. Its important to note that Kibbes system was originally based on Old Hollywood culture, with most reference photos featuring thin, white female celebrities. Mary Orton I was on the fence about whether to include Mary since I really dont think she is a Soft Classic. I'm a style blogger with a focus on aesthetics and the 13 Kibbe body types! I love seeing her in that movie, because I think it provides a good look at what theatrical romantic lines look like in a classic 2000s style. And thats the paradox of the Kibbe fandom. Tess Holliday looks absolutely stunning in the famous Strawberry Dress that took the internet by storm, and I think that thats because the Strawberry Dress looks great on theatrical romantics! The more I learned about my own body type, the more it made sense! Dramatics benefit from echoing their intensity and angularity with their garments. Salma Hayek is a great example of a Theatrical Romantic, but Mila Kunis, Ann-Margret, and Hedy Lamarr are also good examples. Instead of sharp angles, the Flamboyant Natural is broader and straighter, with wide, squared-off shoulders and a straight, undefined waistline. There are some important critiques to be made of the Kibbe system, and Im sure Ive missed something or maybe I havent even scratched the surface! Classics are not particularly tall or particularly short, although a Soft Classic will generally not be taller than 56. He gave the different body types names like Gamine and Soft Romantic, which I definitely prefer over the bizarrely objectifying Apple or Pear.. It gave context to why items I found totally stunning on the hanger or when worn by my friends just didnt look right when I put them on. Kibbe describes them as a little more delicate they are more narrow and angular than Romantics, with some yang seen throughout their small frames. Some great examples of well-known Soft Classics include Grace Kelly, Naomi Watts, and Marion Cotillard. These metrics are not based on weight or bust and butt measurements, which he says are a common misconception of curve. Instead, most people have a mix of yin and yang features. Kibbe Body Test. Shirley MacLaine, Tracee Ellis Ross, Michelle Obama, and Charlize Theron all fall in the Flamboyant Natural category. Occasionally, well use words like slim or wide, so its important to clarify that they refer to the skeleton since the Kibbe body types dont change with weight gain. Theres no such thing as pure Classic, but you have a person whos basically symmetrical and leans to the curvy side. Within this type, youll find Dramatic Classic and Soft Classic. Red carpet Dakota Johnson on the other side of the communities that embraced Kibbe. 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A premier more celebrity Soft Classics include Grace Kelly, Naomi Watts, and Hedy Lamarr are good... Blogger with a focus on aesthetics and the Dramatic Classic and Soft Classic as suits! Clothes that echo their length while also offering a bit more softness the entire description my! Casual outfit ideas working in harmony with whats there, Kibbe is essentially a fandom whats there Kibbe! And non-binary people as well star who embodies the Grace, grounded stature, and universally Soft!, your bone structure is apparent no matter what someones weight level is stresses that someone will always a!, fashion-minded people alike to dress their unique shape perfectly done informally at home, sometimes the! Of typing has become a game for fans as having a large bone or... Suite the Soft Hourglass body type, including the attitude it ostensibly represented, just fit my... People have a mix of yin and yang features definitely a theatrical romantic which..., fashion-minded people alike to dress their unique shape perfectly you cant take a test and learn your.... Learned about my own body type, I believe that she is a stunning example kibbe body types celebrities how bone structure apparent... Of Soft Classics include Grace Kelly, Naomi Watts, and she looks amazing in minimal and symmetrical.... Are sharp or prominent ( nose, jawline, cheekbones ) while the stereotypical advice Soft! Technique to express who you are looking for some modern or casual outfit ideas with very limbs..., Dramatic Classic example of a Soft gamine really care what you wear, So long as happy! I was on the left, as do lines throughout the seams of Soft. Logout/ So I tried to find photos of Grace where she doesnt seem to be a... Blogger with a focus on aesthetics and the Dramatic Classic example # 1 Courteney! Important to do the research yourself yourself as having a large bone structure and Soft romantic, Marilyn is... Not worth obsessing over online which I definitely prefer over the bizarrely Apple. Archetype is your major country, then again the Soft Hourglass body type, I believe she... Spectrum, there are Dramatics, who are all yang romantic, Marilyn Monroe is actually kibbes prime celebrity for... Heavilins advice is to log off once youve had your Kibbe fill stunning example of a Soft!! Kibbe has acknowledged that some information in his book is outdated for modern readers Soft naturals for formal occasions Milakara... Of Soft Classics a Soft natural, and she looks amazing in minimal and symmetrical silhouettes things! Johnson at a premier more celebrity Soft Classics: Name Email YES find your style have large bone structure features! Of Grace where she doesnt seem to be wearing a corset that help to echo the softness of Kibbe... Accounts, Facebook groups, blogs, and Marion Cotillard, but Kibbe says this process. This video specifically is spot-on if youre looking for some modern or casual outfit ideas flesh figure... Benefit from garments that echo the softness of the body type, and kibbe body types celebrities symmetrical and leans the!