We are circling back to body types and fashion today. It has been a minute since I first introduced a general overview of the Kibbe system. Today I will further discuss my analysis and elaborate on some of my style choices since.
I was typed and color matched by MerriamStyle on YouTube. I decided to go with her because of her own interpretation of the Kibbe system and her deep understanding of what lines flatter different women. If you are looking for an exact Kibbe interpretation, this may not be for you. But I personally preferred someone that was confident and consistent in her system and she has a lot of content to further analyze and understand the classification she provides.
I sent her a wide array of photos, in different colors and silhouettes, but all in natural lighting. It took about 2 weeks I think and she had the results completed in a very long and detailed PDF. She typed me as a flamboyant gamine, which generally means you are more petite but not delicate, a strong, sort of muscular/boyish shape, along with some contrasting long and short lines (I have a short torso with long limbs in comparison). A soft gamine has slightly rounder and softer lines, and flamboyant is slightly more angular.
The clothes lines recommended are first and foremost shorter lines. A cropped pant along with a top that fits well at the wrist and shoulders are best suited. Second is probably wearing shirts with a slightly higher collar. And last is some level of contrast. My color recommendations were warm and radiant, which is mid-tone in brightness, not neon but brighter than earth tones.
So, now that I knew my lines I worked to understand the effect different outfits might have. I definitely realized why the oversize, slouchy and sort of Scandinavian inspired clothes did not make me look chic, and put together. They were the opposite of my style lines. In order to further understand my style, I worked to define it with a few words. It took a few tries, as the words I first used I don’t think were accurate. I settled on heritage, casual, fashionable and counter culture. Do you have a mental image? If I did it right, then you do. The style goal is to look put together and fashionable, but not necessarily elegant or chic. The counter culture aspect is in the hope of having one unique piece. It may be something that is actually popular, but still maybe not be universally worn. An example I would say would be doc martens, or my new GH Bass loafers. I think they are heritage, as they have been around for so long, but still not for everyone. So far I have been really happy with these descriptors and slowly collecting pieces that fit the bill. I can better choose items before ordering them online and have a better idea if they will work or not.
This is a good example of an outfit template. The outfit is cropped, casual, stylish. And she has a fun element in her shoes, both color and design. The only change I’d make is making an element more boxy. I usually would go for a looser jean, still cropped, like my 501. Or with the fitted pants maybe a boxy cropped top.
This is another style template. I like the contrasting colors, cropped pant and vans for the fun element. I don’t think this oversized top would quite suit me, but I could wear one slightly more fitted or perhaps wear a turtleneck underneath to change the style. I also would wear a cream or yellow based top in place of a stark white.
One last look, this top has lots of contrast. It’s also a high neck which is very flattering. And the argyle design is sharp and angular, which is complimentary to a flamboyant body type.
For my new job I no longer wear scrubs, or a casual polo. I have been slowly adding in some new pieces to create a professional capsule wardrobe that fits in to the New England climate. So far I have found J. Crew to have some wonderful pieces that fit my frame. And they also offer tailoring, which is helpful. And as I mentioned, Camper and GH Bass for footwear. My newest coat, purchased originally for Barcelona, is from Barbour, which again fits my goal for a heritage piece that looks casual but very fashionable. Paired with my white sneakers I felt really put together and comfortable, and happy in my clothes. Can’t really ask for more than that!
Is fashion important to you? Do you feel confident in your clothes? Let me know.
