But, thats not all! 4B Her skeletal shape is symmetrical but she has soft, rounded edges. They are usually 5 ft 5 in and under. My hips and down are back to yin, fleshy, soft, feminine, and round. They can be moderate to tall but they wont appear taller than they are because their more prominent features are wide instead of vertical. Be symmetrical in body type or facial features. And that it has more to do with a persons essence and their ability to integrate that piece into their style. However, they have a softness in some of their features ( especially in their face). They have soft edges and their shoulders are usually slightly sloped. Furthermore, there is a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of changes have been made to the system over the years. My ultimate style guide for Flamboyant Naturals, including outfit ideas is here. Features: The gamine body type has a petite stature and is usually under 5 ft 5 in. So think tall but not necessarily narrow.

Each one of the three categories bone structure, body flesh, and facial features (bone and flesh) has an individual dominant yin OR dominant yang. Theme by 17th Avenue, Hello there! This tends to shade our opinions and have us innately pick more feminine answers (when taking the test) if we identify or were born female. Their height is moderate, usually up to 5ft 6 in. Otherwise, have fun exploring your shape, and let me know what kibbe body type you are! This is seen in an openness in the upper back, shoulder, and torso area. Check out my article, here. Want to learn what to wear as a flamboyant natural? My neck to hips are super yang, angular, naturally muscular, and blunt. B or C (really struggled for the eyes. That's exactly the goal of this system; To embrace your body and see the beauty in it and try to harmonize with it. Examples: Angelina Jolie, Liv Tyler, Ali McGraw. That being said there are some pitfalls when applying the kibbe body system. Their yang undercurrent is usually in their slightly angular edges. Do you have sharp bones with soft flesh over them? Sharp Yang: Characterized by verticality, sharp lines and edges, elongated bodies, and very little definition along the waist. Is there a page or link that goes to whatever we're supposed to use this information for? It is a journey to even determine your kibbe type and best done with the help of other knowledgeable kibbe fans, or on your own. Their facial features are not prominent but they can be wide (nose, jawline). If this body type system doesnt work for you, check out the more traditional body type system here. They are under 5 ft 5 in and have a delicate bone structure. 12E They are tall and have long limbs and a visible bone structure. Find style tips, outfit inspiration, and fashion trend updates here. In fact, most supermodels fall into the dramatic body type. They have a balanced feeling between their bust and hips but tend to be more straight. I've always struggled a bit with my body type. Now, the original book is out of date, but that doesnt mean you cant embrace the Kibbe body system with some modern interpretations and evolutions. If they have curves, they dont disrupt the overall shape of their body in any distinct way. Thing is, I'm 5'8. Which lead to a homogenization of style and fashion. So while others opinions can help eliminate your own bias or preconceived notions, expect to spend around 6 months understanding the terminology and the purpose of this system. So no blending! His philosophy includes an appreciation for the natural body and general disapproval of body distortion. They lean more towards fleshiness and have curves along their bust and hips, with moderate waist definition. This prevents innate bias and the impact of body dysmorphia. They have broader shoulders that create a prominent horizontal line in their body type. I sort of found this quiz helpful for determining my type since different parts of my body fall very distinctly into the categories. Ive got you covered, here. The Romantic body type is all about lush yin. They have small hands and feet and delicate (sometimes appearing broad) facial features. David Kibbes Book Metamorphosis was published in 1987, so it makes sense that the system itself has evolved since then. Hello and thank you so much for writing all this out! I left a similar comment under your test but for some reason it remained "pending" even after several weeks, I hope it is ok to post it here again. Although I have a defined sense of personal style, I found that understanding the kind of shapes that best accentuate my figure and natural assets was very helpful and also helped to explain why certain outfits "work" and others don't. It also incorporates your personal essence and personality traits that can seemingly dictate your style and visual impact. Flamboyant Naturals, including outfit ideas is here. They are usually over 5 ft 5 in and carry their weight in the hip and bust area. Because of the perfect balance within the pure classic, they are fairly rare. Youll notice there are fewer examples of the main kibbe families (dramatic, natural, classic, gamine, and romantic) because they require more extreme typing. This doesnt mean overly voluptuous necessarily, but it means they have smaller bones and their flesh (not fat) creates a soft snowman shape. Each one of the three categories bone structure, body flesh, and facial features (bone and flesh) are mixed with BOTH yin and yang elements. If they dont have traditional hourglass curves their frame is still naturally rounded and delicate. Flamboyant Naturals just also have vertical, that they need to take into consideration, it doesn't mean that they are "curveless", Lame I feel like I look like a lot of them but still look like none of them. 1B Features: The classic kibbe body type has moderate height, usually between 5 ft 4 in and 5 ft 7 in.

D Is it soft flesh, or are you lean and muscular? This would look something like round full eyes (yin), a sharp nose (yang), and a strong jawbone (yang), with widow brows (yin). The closest I feel might be soft dramatic, but I dont have any As. Like, nothing about their face seems bad- in fact, from a societal perspective, they seem to check all the boxes for beauty But, somehow, their face just doesnt work? Its important to realize this difference. After looking at the system at first I was convinced I was a soft natural. Because the kibbe body system was developed in the 1980s, it can have slightly outdated results. Each of these 13 types is labeled as a Kibbe Image Identity Type ( or an image ID) and it covers your entire look and style. It is ultimately about harmonizing your body with your clothing and embracing a true you. Soft classic types have balanced features and bodies like their classic family members. Hello! They have straight bodies and long vertical legs that can be described as almost colt-like. Kibbe has removed the pure Natural, pure Classic, and pure Gamine types because he stated that most people will not fall perfectly in the middle and will fall either towards the yang or yin side of an ID. So, bias is a real issue with this system. The gamine body type is also an even mix of yin and yang, however, the key difference is that each feature is not an individual blend of yin AND yang, but is rather yin OR yang. D, So looking at this I thought I would be a soft natural maybe but, the height thing and especially because of my wider shoulders I think my head looks moderate or even slightly small in comparison so if I understand right, that doesnt fit in with soft naturals (?). They can give off a squarish silhouette because of their physicality and lack of fleshiness. This body type is predominantly classic (balanced) with some angular (dramatic) notes. Dramatic classic body types have balanced bodies, and there is an even-ness that they exude. A blended body type or image is one that is a mix of both yin and yang (within one physical attribute), with no prominence toward either category. The only thing I understand is hide your flaws and accentuate your assets.

All three of those categories: bone/skeletal structure, body/flesh, and facial features (both bones and flesh) can have a different yin and yang spread. They are often small with a curvier silhouette. It is important to note David Kibbe feels (felt) that no piece of clothing or accessory was relegated to a specific body type. 3A I identify with the mix of blunt bones and muscles with fleshy softness. The kibbe body type examines your balance of yin and yang and further looks at how contrasted or blended those attributes are. The soft natural body type has prominent curves and width, however, this comes from their skeletal structure and not their flesh (like with romantics). A video going through Megan Thee Stallions Id here: Grace Kelley is a great example of a blended body type, classified as classic (and sometimes soft classic). This is totally incorrect and should not be used as a basis for your understanding. In order to understand the basics of yin and yang lets go over some physical attributes associated with each. My advice. You body, face, and look is composed of a combination of attributes that can either be classified as yin (soft) or yang (structured). The dramatic body type is tall, vertical, and angular. David Kibbe believed the traditional body typing system was flawed and created a dumb-downed explanation of style and shape. They have angular features with blunt edges. Body distortion of your natural shape could include plastic surgery or extreme physical changes due to working out. So think blunt and broad bone structure softened by their flesh. The kibbe system does not work for everyone. (see chart), Petite Yin: Characterized by delicate bone structure and small features (nose, hands, feet, stature), Lush Yin: Characterized by fuller lips, large eyes, hourglass curves, and a more sexual essence, Soft Yang: Characterized by blunt edges, broad/horizontal features, and a slightly broad physical body shape that still has verticality.

For instance, everyone wants to see feminine features in themselves if they identify as or were born female. Want some visual examples of why being plus-size does not automatically make you a romantic ID? Because theatrical romantic body types are part of the romantic family, they have shorter bones, and their body shape is defined predominately by their flesh. ALSO, when Kibbe refers to fleshiness he does not mean your BMI or your actual weight. Kim K- Soft Natural. I couldn't find it.. Hi Cory, so that's not exactly how the Kibbe system works. It was touted as the style bible in the 80s. Yin and Yang is specifically defined as : a concept ofdualism, describing how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. WOW, Im sure youre overwhelmed by all the information thrown at you. As well as your facial features (flesh and skeletal). And is composed of all sharp yang features in body structure, flesh, and facial features. It's not about hiding your flaws, that's more traditional body typing. https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriellearrudadesign/video/7055842038901886255?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en If you are over 5 ft 7 inches you are automatically placed in one of three options: the Dramatic, the Soft Dramatic, or the Flamboyant Natural. My face is absolutely soft yin, with everything at least moderately rounded. The benefits of the Kibbe body system are that it teaches you to embrace your body and find style lines that are in tune with your body. E They have soft flesh and a curved body shape with softer shoulders, arms, and legs. Youve probably already been introduced to the traditional body typing system, with your hourglass figures, pear shapes, apple shapes, inverted triangle, and rectangle shapes. I recently looked at the kibbe system again and saw and understand the thing with the height but it leaves me a bit confused. The system believes in embracing yourself and resists the traditional body typing that endorses hiding problem areas or focusing on your highlights. When you look at more than just your bust, hip, and waist measurements, you can start to hone your personal style more effectively and realize why certain styles look off. This is what Kibbe disapproves of, as those changes distort the natural shape and inherited features that he believes should be embraced. I dont know if youve watched reality tv, but you know when you look at a reality starlets face and you can just tell they have had work done? Ultimately naturals accommodate kibbe width, so you'll just want to honor that first and foremost and then tweak your silhouettes of your clothes to your body. Examples: Grace Kelly, Ginger Rogers, Zhang Ziyi. https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriellearrudadesign/video/7052748387074133295?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en. They have what kibbe calls double curve. I'd really appreciate your insight. Kibbe himself still overs in-person typing in New York City, and you can find information on that here (but fair warning, it is not inexpensive). Everything from her facial features, her flesh, and her skeletal structure is round and soft. However, as womens style has evolved we find the classifications are not one size fits all. IT's actually about matching the silhouette of your clothing to your body. For instance, a gamine is not usually over 5 ft 6 in. Have an hourglass figure, with a waspish waist and full bust and hips. If you look at the chart above you can see the gamine type is the most contrasted. But it created a foundation for an evolved version of the kibbe body types. The 5 main types along the scale are: dramatic, natural, classic, gamine, and romantic. I would probably say you are just a curvier Flamboyant Natural. The Classic image ID is composed of 50% yin, 50% yang blended together. Examples: Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci.

Please see it as qualities of shape/texture/detail instead. For the ultimate style guide for soft-dramatics, including outfit ideas, check out my soft dramatic guide, here. Examples: Mia Farrow, Edith Piaf, Heather Locklear, Jean Sterberg. What about Beyonce girls, Kim Kardashian girls, Adele girls ? Their facial features usually consisted of larger eyes (yin), moderately full lips, and defined noses and jawlines (yang). I have an entire article showing mid to plus size women here: Want to learn exactly what to wear as a Soft Natural? 7E Their facial features are small and delicate (yin) but with some sharp edges throughout the jawline, cheeks, and nose ( yang). each ID and what style lines they each wear? But, there is another advanced body shape system that gives a whole new meaning to your look, and its called the Kibbe Image Identity System. So each part of your natural body has an even balance of soft and sharp features. The goal of the kibbe body system is to help you narrow down your unique silhouette and to dress accordingly. A lot of people misconstrue yin and yang to be feminine and masculine, respectively. Hecka Dumb, Beyonce- verified Romantic. Examples: Mila Kunis, Vivien Leigh, Selma Hayak, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Selena Gomez. So, yes technically you would be too tall to officially be a soft natural. (FG): Mixture of Yin and Yang, with a yang undercurrent. This is cool, but also overwhelming to decide what shapes and designs work best for me. We went over the five main kibbe body families above, but here is a breakdown of the other 8 kibbe body types: Soft Dramatics have an interesting combination because while they have long, narrow frames (yang) they also have prominent curves (lush yin). Not only does this represent their essence but it also embraces and highlights their soft flesh. Examples: Olivia Munn, Jackie O, Jackie Kennedy, Courtney Cox, Maggie Siff, Heres the ultimate guide to the Dramatic Classic Style and Body Type. 5C This creates a lot of contrast as each feature ( body flesh, skeletal, and facial features) all belong separately to yin OR yang. Theoretically, he was an early adopter of the body-positivity movement. This site embraces fashion and finding confidence, self-assuredness, and internal beauty through style. The blended body type falls somewhere between the axis with combinations of yin and yang throughout their body. According to Kibbe, your body features are more critical than your facial features when classifying yourself under each of his 13 types. This produces an even, refined look that feels balanced. I hope that readers understand that this is just a tool to find clothes that best accent your beautiful body (and every body is beautiful!). (not a lot of flesh)They tend to be over 5ft 7 in. Instead, it refers to how your flesh drapes over your bones. D It is composed of horizontal features, blunt edges, and still has some of the verticality of the dramatic. Check out my article, here. Lets find strength through style, together! But, it shouldnt be taken as a science and you shouldnt overly stress if you cant figure out your own type. They are usually muscular but lean and toned. They can have conventional curve (please see kibbe curve video above for what kibbe curve is) but their shoulder line will still be fairly prominent and they wont need to dress with their conventional curve in mind.

You have automatic yang because of your height. There are lots of curvy Flamboyant Naturals- Jennifer Lawrence, Tracy Ellis Ross. Their yin undercurrent is due to their compact curves. Her facial features are generally soft, but she has a more defined nose. Features: The natural body type is moderate to tall. Features: Romantics have short or smaller bones and limbs. I went through your test and while I thought everything was clear the results leave me confused too. A lot of women dont want this image ID because of the association with masculine features. There has been some recent debate on whether Grace Kelly is still classified as a classic. Their bone structure can be described as angular, and narrow but because of their shorter stature, it has an essence of delicateness. Example: Ava Gardner, Sofia Loren, Rachel Weis. Im feeling a bit confused. David Kibbe himself has contradicted his own advice, and re-assigned certain celebrities. They are not narrow like the pure dramatics and they have the signature Kibbe width trait. Wondering how weight gain fits into the system and each ID? The flamboyant gamine body type is a combination mixture of yin and yang. David Kibbe created the Kibbe Body types in 1987 with his book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can. David Kibbe says the only two people who are allowed to type you are: yourself or him. It covers your entire appearance including style/clothing, hair, face shape, and makeup which in turn creates a more in-depth way to examine your body type. D That is because is a (50/50 approximately) mix of both yin and yang. Some people may find great clarity using the system while others will feel more lost. 11E Etc. They have even proportions and are neither short nor long-waisted. Your classification or image ID is not a piecemeal assessment. My takeaway: The Kibbe body type system is extremely helpful if youre looking to hone your style or dress better. Rather than focusing on trends and copying the latest style icons outfit of the day, Kibbe aimed for a focus on harmonious looks and individual style cultivated from your uniqueness. Marilyn Monroe is the poster child for the romantic body type. Kibbe is very detailed and recognizes that there are other characteristics that can play into the impact of yin and yang. They have broader facial features (that are blunt, not angular). Examples: Tilda Swinton, Kiera Knightly, Lauren Bacall, Joan Crawford, and Katherine Hepburn. Thank you so much for all the resources you put out there! Examples: Jennifer Lopez, Kat Dennings, Chloe Sevigny, and Betty Grable. Thanks for the quiz; it was interesting. She has a yang body type (similar to Tilda Swinton, very up and down). But, that is to be expected. Maybe those will clarify it for you. Youll DEFINITELY need this to refer back to, so be sure to pin the below image! Have prominent or exotic features (except for enormous eyes). Be over 5 feet 5 inches (and is usually even more petite). And it is recommended that if you want to figure out your type, you ask other *knowledgeable* people to help you categorize yourself. B ), Which season are you? It includes no sharp features or angles and usually embraces curves, rounded edges, and a more hourglass or voluptuous frame.

I have always been told I have a long body with thin wrists and ankles, but a very soft face with a large nose, a "double-chin" and "side-boob" that never go away even at my smallest weight. These are just starting out points and ideas, eventually the goal to meld your own personal style with your best style lines.