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Choosing your style based mainly on physical attributes

Gigi

Veteran

There have been a lot of extremely interesting threads on the forum as of late concerning body types and style descriptors. Caro's thread on Kibbe's style types made me wonder about the experience of forum members who have tried to determine their style primarily based on their physical characteristics as opposed to their personality. Some members commented on Caro's thread that they felt at odds personality-wise with what they perceived was their Kibbe style and so did not follow Kibbe's recommendations. But Jules' response to the thread fascinated me, because she said that she was not originally attracted to her Kibbe category, but she went ahead with it anyway and is now enjoying her style more and more.

Has anyone else decided to try a style based pretty much solely on physical characteristics as opposed to personality? What was your experience?

General

26 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Anonymous

I used to spend an inordinate amount of time on my hair, etc. and dress more romantically, with ruffles and what not. Then I got into classic tailoring--pencil skirts, blazers, silk blouses and pumps. I went through several other style phases before deciding that I was tired of fighting with my hair and that I needed to find a style that was really "me" and stick with it. That's where I am now. Really and truly, what I wear is a mixture of all the things that worked for me down through the years, and goes well with a wash-and-wear pixie haircut that suits my hair type and facial features. I think I'm a Kibbe Soft Natural, but I'm not completely sure. I like all of my clothing to be softly tailored and have a feminine touch. You folks have told me it's not Euro Chic, so for now I'm just calling it Betty's Collection, lol. In my case, finding what really suit me ended my struggle to feel like myself in my clothes. I think that may be what Kibbe is trying to get us to understand, but I do wish he'd update his book.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I haven't read the Kibbe book but have spent a lot of time over the years trying to understand it. I've come out of the process thinking I was dramatic classic, or just classic. Then yesterday, after hunting around the web some more, I decided I was some form of a natural. (!) Maybe others would have an easier time typing me than I have typing myself.

In that I don't like a lot of embellishment, whimsy, color, complexity in my attire, I guess I am following the Kibbe instructions for a classic anyway.

Honestly I dress more for lifestyle, then select what feels current, comfortable and especially figure-flattering. I don't really pick what flatters my face as much, perhaps Kibbe would be instructive there. I think Angie and other bloggers' (like Insideoutstyle.com) dressing your body type information has influenced me more than any other guidelines have. And my own instincts/style journey.

For example, before I was educated, I routinely wore crew necklines which are not flattering on my short torso, short neck, and relatively fuller bust. Also, my tops ended at my low hip which chops my body in half and draws the eye right towards my fullest part.

K.M.

Veteran

I think I've always gravitated towards trying on pieces and looks that I felt would be flattering on my body type. I am not sure if I ever went out of my way to try something because of this (for example, by following Kibbe), but I felt this has always been the main driver of what catches my fancy, what I decide to try on in a store, and what I avoid.

Staysfit

Veteran

Gigi, I wish I knew more about Kibbe types. I have tried to look up what I can online, and on Pinterest. I can't really figure out what my Kibbe type is? If anyone else has an idea based on what they have seen of me that would be helpful.

In terms of your question, I used to think I was pear shaped and based a lot of my fashion selections on advice given to those with that shape, but it didn't really work for me. I would say that trying to adjust to something that does not fit one's physical characteristics (I am rectangular, not pear shaped) was not successful at all. I am not sure if this answers your question well or not?

My current style descriptors are based on my lifestyle, my personality, and my body type/physical characteristics, so there is a combination. For example, the word Calm is one of my descriptors and to me that means monochromatic, low to medium contrast, small or no pattern, simple in line or design, nothing overly chunky, heavy, thick, bold or edgy. If you look at my physical characteristics, I am low to medium contrast, and I have small features so it makes sense for me to wear small low contrast or no pattern items, and I also have small bones even though I am tall, so heavy, thick or bold items quickly overwhelm. Calm could also be an aspect of my personality and my professional persona. I live a fairly calm and routine life. So one adjective can represent multiple aspects. The same goes for the other adjectives I have picked.

AM

Veteran

Part of me says: I buy what I like because it looks good on me (in my own eyes). Part of me says: Understand this more and you'll get better/wiser at choices.

And it is just simply -- fun to learn. Never thought about calling out physical attributes as it relates to a type. Really fun to learn and play in this style, fashion, trend -- or whatever we want to call it.

Sal

Veteran

I don't let my body shape dominate my clothing choices - but I now tend to go with it rather than fight it. There are some looks that just do not work on a taller hourglass....but there are plenty that do. For example small florals, flapper looks, or super short Mod 1960s looks are not that great on me....but I find it easy to wear structured 1950s and early 1960s dresses or even bold Pucci style 1970s looks.

If wearing a retro look I tend towards the early "Mad Men" style or the 1970s looks. I adore the "Lady Mary from Downton Abbey" look but would need to heavily adapt it.

Add me to the list of people who are confused by the Kibbe thing!!
But to answer your question - I don't know if I choose the looks because they suit me and my physical appearance or whether I like those looks anyway...I don't know which one came first.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'll bet Kibbe would argue that your physical attributes express your personality!

But—to be fair—he'd be talking about something different than "body type" if by that we mean pear, rectangle, hourglass, etc. Or something more, at any rate. For him, it's the whole package of overall shape combined with specifics like the lines your body makes, facial features, shape/size of hands and feet, etc.

I'm not sure I understand Kibbe or what type I am. But I remember Alexandra struggled a bit with her typing of "flamboyant gamine." Her gamine energy has always been there for all to see, but she wasn't really expressing it except through her use of colour. So then she tried to incorporate some "animated detail" as he calls it. I'm not sure how she felt about the result but I think she liked it, sort of despite herself.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I tend to choose clothes that work with my (busty, short-waisted) body as in - no turtle-necks, no tight waists & I think most of us do. Somewhere along the line we realise what works & what doesn't for our physical selves.

The thing I'm really interested in is expressing the inside on the outside through clothing & I think Kibbe is one of the few to really work from this basis. So he isn't interested in minimising so called flaws. An example I read was of someone with a large nose. Most hairdressers, make up artists etc. would work on softening & minimising this persons nose with a soft hairstyle or make up. Kibbe says no to this as it would be diluting her personna - she should allow her drama to be expressed through her hair, make up & clothing.

I haven't read the book yet but imo Kibbe challenges most body type dressing that is trying to bring us all closer to some ideal woman.

Anonymous

Another here who has dabbled in trying to understand the Kibbe theory, but haven't figured it out . My gut answer to your question is yes, I think I've chosen my style based on my physical characteristics. I'm not much of one for descriptive terms other than those describing the physical body. Ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph actually have the most meaning to me. But now you have me wondering how body characteristics relate to your personality, and if the two are connected in any way. I really don't think my personality has anything to do with how I dress, but if it did, that would make a fascinating analysis. I think that's something someone else would have to do for you/me.

Anonymous

One last thought: dressing according to your personality or descriptors of the same starts that slippery slope into costume dressing.

Isabel

Veteran

I don't do it soley on physical attributes but rather SOME physical attribute. I have very short legs so I avoid things that me my legs look even shorter. And I have a "tummy"..so I just look better in A line shirts and dresses. : )

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I remember, in a moment of curiosity, taking one of those quizzes to help determine a Kibbe type and was confounded by how to answer a lot of the questions. Some things are obvious (yes, I have fair skin and dark hair and strong features, so clearly I'm high-contrast), but others I just couldn't answer. Then, after making my best stabs at answers, I tallied it up and came up with such a smattering of attributes, it didn't seem that I fell into a category that they identified! (I can't even remember the results now.) So I shrugged and decided it really didn't mean that much to me because I can't imagine drastically changing how I dress based on these things anyway.

It's funny, I am an extremely analytical person, but when it comes to fashion, I'm much more emotional/intuitive. I enjoy a little analysis, but when it gets too prescriptive, I lose interest and actually start to want to rebel. If somehow I were typed as someone who should be wearing ruffles and embellishments and mixing patterns and wearing head-to-toe color, all because of the physical characteristics of my body, I would laugh it off because all of those things are the opposite of how I like to dress. If it were determined that my ideal style for my body and face is, say, that of Joan from Mad Men (which may not be so bad on me in theory because of my hourglassiness), I would say, hmm, that's interesting, and then continue to wear what I'm wearing now because I'm not very into retro dressing for myself, and that style doesn't play well with a very casual lifestyle.

So, even though figure flattery is a priority for me, and I do choose clothes that I think "suit" me, I really am taking into account my preferences, personality, lifestyle, and what tugs on my heart, just as much as my physical characteristics.

Staysfit

Veteran

I am absolutely certain that what I choose to wear reflects my personality and my mood on any given day. The connection of this to physical characteristics is probably very complex, but I'm sure there is someone out there who could tell us there is in fact a connection. People respond to our physical characteristics and we respond to those people in turn. It's all interconnected.

shedev

Veteran

I tried to take the Kibbe quiz and found most of the options didn't really apply.

My answer is yes and no. I dress in the colors that I like most on me. They tend to be deep winter but I came to it intuitively. As someone with high contrast coloring, I'm supposed to like high contrast clothes but I love low contrast. I dress more to express my inside than to compliment my outside so these systems don't really work for me. A personality system would match up really well I suspect.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Interesting. I always have a hard time typing myself on these things but one of my guesses is that I am a theatrical romantic. But, although I do appreciate a certain bit of ruffle, I really don't dress in the very frilly way Kibbe presents the romantic type. Nor do I have a soft, gentle manner. Or maybe I do until you get to know me and the theatrical comes out :-)!

Marley

Veteran

I'm pretty sure that what I wear is based partly on my physical attributes - but I think that is different than my style being based on my physical attributes.
However, I do know that no matter how I tried, I would never be able to pull off a bombshell type of style because my physical attributes would not cooperate with that type of style - know what I mean? So, perhaps my style is somewhat influenced by my physical attributes? I know I'm talking in circles here - so don't mind me!
I do believe that my style reflects my personality - and haven't really thought about the possibility of verging on "costume territory" as lisap warns could possibly happen! I need to think more about that!

Gaylene

Veteran

I think Caro hit on why Kibbe's ideas might be more interesting to some of us than to others. He actually seems to think that it is 0K to look different than the cultural norm which associates feminity with yin features like soft curves, dainty frames, small hands and feet, and hour-glassy shapes. As a yang-influenced, broad shouldered IT with an angular,muscular body, high cheekbones, and large hands and feet, I used to feel like an oddity whenever I went shopping with my friends. When I read Kibbe's description of a Dramatic, it was like seeing my reflection in a mirror. I'll be forever grateful to him for teaching me to move past racks and racks of clothing that are designed to enhance yin-like features to find those shapes and styles that celebrate my yang feminity.

As for reflecting one's personality, I don't really see any conflict with having a bent for a more casual, sporty version of the Dramatic. Kibbe's prescriptions leave quite a bit of room for personal interpretation if you take his examples as examples instead of specific recommendations. A sporty look for a Natural might be easier than a sporty look for a Dramatic, but it's certainly worth the effort to be able to find a look that celebrates my physique and features.

Anonymous

Gaylene, you've said it perfectly.

frannieb

Veteran

well as an extreme pear shape - I will say my stye is very largely chosen by my physical features - specifically shape. And truly it wasn't until I embraced this 100% that I didn't come to love clothes and dressing. Now I simply know it is the clothes and not me and like gaylene I can look past racks and racks of clothes that will not suit me and find shapes that celebrate who I am.

Helena

Veteran

I am fascinated by all these systems, and I have tried many of them - the ones that impose quite strict rules, to lisap's point, leave me feel like a bit of a cariciture to be honest ... but the ones that present more guidelines, I find quite affirming; in my case, I more and more feel my simple style is actually quite a good reflection of my personality, as well as working with my body type. I think there is always a way to express one's personality in a flattering way, but authenticity trumps all, in my opinion. I also think connecting personality to physical appearance can be a bit of a dangerous thing, as it opens to door to some real stereotyping. Not sure if I even stayed on topic there ... sorry ... still on my first coffee Monday morning!! Love these discussions though!

Sheila

Veteran

I love that Kibbe plays up the things that make you unique.

If you are short, break the line, wear short pants, cut the line at the waist, wear a short jacket... He says DON"T try to look tall.

If you are curvy... emphasize those curves in every way. Wear jewellery with curves, round necks etc... Don't try to look model slim... use what you have.

I like that he doesn't try to make everyone a "classic" beauty. There are other types of beauty out there and for women to dress their type of beauty...

The large nose... he says to wear larger jewellery, go bold on your other features as well... use YOUR power !

Some women know it... two of my sisters are Flamboyant Naturals. One is a hippie chick and plays up the natural - in kind of a Boho style. The other uses that Flambo side... she is more dramatic and tends to have items trailing after her like she just stepped off a private jet.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sheila, that's interesting about Kibbe -- I haven't read anything in these threads about that aspect of what he says. However, I get a little stuck on advice like that too. As a curvy person, I don't often *feel* like emphasizing my curves, even though it may even be conventionally flattering. It feels OTT and against my personality grain, which prefers a little more androgyny, a little toughness, and a more streamlined look (the "rock'n'roll" side of me), albeit with some bit of refinement. Again, I think this stuff is interesting, but if the advice doesn't mesh with your personality, what's the use?

And dear lord, the last thing I want to do is play UP my big nose. My big eyes, OK.

Anonymous

I'm with Kibbe about not trying to look tall, but he loses me when he gets to my big nose. Sorry, but I have no plans to play that up.

My jewelry is medium sized, which is works best with my bone structure and personality.

I do wear curvy jewelry, but I don't always emphasize my waist and don't feel I necessarily need to because I have what is known as a "neat" hourglass figure that's neither too straight nor too curvy.

Gigi

Veteran

Sorry that I had to post and run. This has been a great conversation! All the comments here have helped me understand more about the difference between the traditional body shape dressing guides (which aim to make you appear more like an hourglass) and the Kibbe categories (which aim to play up your distinctive elements, whether they are hourglass or not). Both types of guides are effective, just in different ways.

Torontogirl, I like what you said about being a caricature of yourself, which I think is echoing what lisap said about costume dressing. I am probably typed as soft gamine in Kibbe, and although I could see myself dressing that way some of the time, I think I might go off the deep end if I dressed like that all the time. Having the different systems gives us more variety in clothing choices that will be flattering; we just choose to flatter ourselves and our body shapes in different ways based on the guide.

I think too that if we are smart about it, we can take some of the stricter, all-encompassing guides (such as Kibbe's) and tailor them to our own tastes. For instance, if I as a soft gamine want to wear something hard edge, I could get a moto jacket that is cropped and has some small, shiny details, as opposed to rougher, larger ones.

Thanks, all, for your input!

E

Veteran

I used to wear all kinds of colours, regardless of flattery, based really on whim, until a few years ago I stumbled across the 12 colour system and its distinction between muted and clear colours. That clicked immediately, and I basically got rid of any colour in my closet that overpowered me. I immediately began to feel better about my own colouring. Flash forward a few years and muted colours, especially cooler ones, are an integral part of my style, and they're now my favourite colours to wear and decorate with! So dressing accordinging to that physical characteristic ended up changing my personality.

My love for full skirts that sit at my natural waist began when I tried one on in 2008 and saw how good I looked compared to the typical low rise jeans of the day. I also love how swishy they are, and that I can stride or climb over a log or whatever in them (if pencil skirts were my most flattering choice, I'd have a problem), and that they can add a vintage air to an outfit, but the initial attraction was definitely about how that shape interacted with my body.

rachylou

Veteran

Kibbe seems very interesting - but I confess every time I try to dig a little bit into it, it's too complex for me.

It seems to me you have to go with you've got, but this is different from having "a style." For example, I have my penchant for punk, but I just look awful in flat DMs. I don't know what it is, but I suspect there's not enough "physical contrast". They're not delicate looking and I'm not delicate looking, and it's just too much of one thing. So... I don't wear them. I stick with just wearing red and black plaid, lol.

You know, that show Big Rich Texas comes to mind. The beauty aesthetic of the people in the show fascinates me. It's very foreign to me, and I know nothing about it, neither the hows or the whys. One thing, studying it, does manifest to me: They seem to take "desired features" and exaggerate them - to the point of distortion. I call the look *Alien Face* - big eyes, little chin. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of respect for anyone with such a disciplined aesthetic. I just wonder about going so far to play up features.