https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:19:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1443243 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 21:02:26 +0000 westsidesue 1443243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been fascinated with all this, as I love to analyze what I am doing. searching the web trying to get a handle on how to synthesize my N body type with my interest in more angular styles, I found this pinterest page that discusses specific, current clothing in relationship to color types and body types. It isn't exactly Kibbe, or maybe it is newer terms, but you get the idea. It has been very helpful to me, looking at what isn't my type, as well as what is. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/christinescaman/shopping-for-your-season-and-style/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/chri.....and-style/</a></p> <p>You have to scroll down a bit to see some dramatics (check out the capes), and there isn't always daily wear, but still useful to me, anyway.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1443143 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 16:04:55 +0000 Anonymous 1443143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I just look at the pictures in the book without reading the test,&nbsp;and chose an outfit I'd wear if it were still that decade&nbsp;and I&nbsp;could handle the shoulder pads, it would be Gamine. The Soft Natural would be my second pick, but I wouldn't have worn it even back then.</p> <p>FYI, I didn't wear large shoulder pads even back in the '80s. The most I wore was small shoulder pads in jackets. I took the pads out of everything else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1443123 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 15:11:56 +0000 Helena 1443123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AM, I'm not sure - I like clean lines, although I do like scarves, which I doubt is very DC. From the guidelines I'm thinking v-neck and crisp collared shirts are a good bet. Pants, a long clean line, I think, so nothing particularly flowy or cropped. This is my best guess anyway! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442906 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:37:41 +0000 AM 1442906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou's comments about engineering and then the specifics regarding neckline, trouser silhouette, etc. -- that's where I'd like some direction. I feel like have I&nbsp;some tricks for elongation but my knowledge probably doesn't go much further than that. Fabrication, weight of fabrics, structure, etc -- that's where I need more assistance. I would think this would save time but I guess I could head to Nordstrom (where I find it peaceful) and just start trying on button-downs, drapy blouses, different trousers, etc. to get a deep understanding of DC. Toronotogirl -- do you have any insight about what looks good near your face, fabric weight, structure/drape, and pant silhouette? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442902 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:27:37 +0000 Helena 1442902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all, sorry I posted this and then disappeared; haven't had access to a laptop but have been keeping tabs with interest via my phone (just hate typing much on it).</p> <p>Gaylene, I think you've got to the nut of it ... it's the engineering principals that are key here. DCs long line; just example. This is where I will focus.</p> <p>Rachlou and Bettycrocker, I don't know enough about your types to comment much, but thanks for sharing your thoughts; I hope they will help someone out! I am going to look these up and reread your thoughts as I think understanding the other types will help me understand my own better. bettycrocker, a quick Google image search makes me think your Kibbe and style descriptors would be a perfect fit? But that's a very superficial analysis.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442890 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:04:28 +0000 Anonymous 1442890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What if you're like me and&nbsp;think you're a Kibbe SN and you have a&nbsp;<i>Comfort(ably) Chic</i> mindset? Are those incompatible? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442859 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 19:25:52 +0000 Gaylene 1442859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Rachylou might be on to something--to think of Kibbe's types as a series of categories using the concepts of contrast and yin/yang as the underlying determinants. For each category, Kibbe then goes on to develop a set of "engineering" principles (DC= elongated line) that would lead to an aesthetic that he sees as appropriate for a particular category (DC=understated sophistication). </p> <p>The tricky part comes when Kibbe starts to translate his principles into into useable style guidelines because his translations use examples of celebrities and fashions that are almost half a century away from today's shopper. Fabrics and construction techniques are different, fashion has become more affordable and global, and individual expression and creativity is seen as non-negotional--to name just a few ways that the fashion scene has been altered in the past decades. A woman might be classified as a Kibbe FG, but she sees her personal style as UWP or Trendy Urbanite--or, maybe even, Soft Casual Classic BUT IN HER SENSE OF THE TERM, not Kibbe's. </p> <p>It seems to me, to be useful, Kibbe's labels, examples, and visuals need to be downplayed in favor of his engineering principles and overall type aesthetics. A UWP or Trendy Urbanite has to sort through the racks at F21 and All Saints, keeping her Kibbe type's principles in mind, to locate items that are current and trendy which fit her chosen style and yet maintain the overall aesthetic of her Kibbe category. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442818 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 16:43:30 +0000 psychedelicate 1442818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, yes! A Kibbe type is not confined to just one style. You just use the rules of line for whatever you want to express. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442758 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 08:17:53 +0000 rachylou 1442758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So thinking out loud... Approprio and Gaylene called Gamine for me, and springboarding from that help, I think I'm SG. I'm trying to figure out what I can do with this knowledge, what it suggests I do. I believe this is a body type, not what I think of as a style.</p> <p>Reading the Kibbe suggestions, my take is that they're engineering ones... And I feel like maybe I've said this before... Weird. But anyways, it seems to me the suggestions talk about what fabrics, necklines, etc., will sit on the body well/comfortably. They're very specific. At least for SG, I got a lesson in textiles, for example. </p> <p>What's stuck so far, because I feel it agrees with what I've learned from Angie and being on YLF, is this: For SG, it's crisp necklines yet soft fabrics (which connects up with the revolution that the silky button down was for me, when I learned about it from Angie), tapered skirts or fit and flare, and pants that show ankle structure are very friendly.</p> <p>Extrapolating, it means straight office trousers look better when I wear them with heels... But maybe trousers period always look better with heels. I don't know. But I feel I do tend to be shrimpified by them (and this corresponds to the retirement of many a pair since my time here). I still have some of course, but they're a much sleeker fit.</p> <p>What strikes me is that these rules kinda apply no matter the style I'm doing.... I can go little girl, which is what I associate with 'Gamine,' but it can be edgy and mature too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442626 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 01:05:43 +0000 psychedelicate 1442626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The form/shape/line will create an impression of understated sophistication because a DC person has a combination of features that give off that impression. I am FG and my face and body itself is animated and asymmetrical. DC=equal mix of yin/yang plus extra yang. Very still, very sleek, but not as extreme as D. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442622 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 01:03:15 +0000 Anonymous 1442622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>AM</b> ... got confused there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442619 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 00:57:50 +0000 AM 1442619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>gauche:&nbsp;</b>Those weren't my three words but toronotogirl's --&nbsp;my fellow DC's descriptors.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>ALL:&nbsp;</b>BUT, my question to those of you you are further/far along in your Kibbe study&nbsp;-- do your really feel that "understanding sophistication" can be claimed exclusively by DC's? That seems to describe an aesthetic. And then would you say there are more form/functional based descriptors (elongated) -- that would also be exclusive to DC's? Just hoping to understand if there are descriptors that are truly DC's? And questioning if I need an aesthetic descriptor AND one that addresses form/shape/line (functional). Or maybe I just need to buy the book! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442602 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 23:47:57 +0000 Caro in Oz 1442602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, I'm with you&nbsp;:) I can't think of one word that describes understated sophistication. Love your comments on&nbsp;approprios's&nbsp; post </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442601 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 23:44:59 +0000 Anonymous 1442601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right, I just meant that as one of AM's three/four&nbsp;descriptor words, "understated" on its own doesn't quite work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442597 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 23:29:02 +0000 Caro in Oz 1442597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>gauche - </b>Kibbe doesn't actually use the word&nbsp;understated on its own. He uses the phrase<b>&nbsp;</b><i>understated sophistication </i>which I think is a bit different </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442574 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:57:28 +0000 Anonymous 1442574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say "understated" is the odd word out here. Even in Kibbeworld (given his oft-mysterious use of words), a DC has to have some real&nbsp;drama in her look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442573 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:55:09 +0000 AM 1442573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And thinking about this more, torontogirl -- your comment, "I read it right, most of the time DC would be low contrast, of small amounts of strategic contrast. It's actually the long line that creates the drama, rather than contrast. Or is that just me that thinks of contrast this way?" -- I would agree with this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442572 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:48:30 +0000 AM 1442572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm following along closely gals as a fellow DC with toronotogirl. And some very smart brains at work! Thank you.&nbsp;So very helpful. I really like the descriptors and this is also very helpful:&nbsp;<i>The D/C woman is a rare combination of understated sophistication &amp; dynamic power.....with just a a bit of the avant garde.</i></p> <p>It is all feeling pretty good with my style choices and I am recognizing that I can be lighter on the dramatic.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442567 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:27:01 +0000 Helena 1442567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, great points and wisdom ... ok, so limiting to three, and taking in approprios's and Caro's comments, I'm thinking it's something like: <ul> <li>crisp</li> <li>clean</li> <li>understated</li> <li>elongated</li> </ul> Ok, so that's four, not three&nbsp;... I feel like it's important to note that he wants to keep a long line and keep it understated&nbsp;... to me the word "dramatic" automatically conjured up "high contrast" but actually if I read it right, most of the time DC would be low contrast, of small amounts of strategic contrast. It's actually the long line that creates the drama, rather than contrast. Or is that just me that thinks of contrast this way?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442561 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:11:39 +0000 Caro in Oz 1442561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't know if this helps but from Kibbe's book the D/C is balanced with a yang influence. His description of the D/C woman&nbsp;is "tailored chic" Other words he uses are dynamic, clean, sleek. Paraphrasing Kibbe here....<i>The D/C woman is a rare combination of understated sophistication &amp; dynamic power.....with just a a bit of the avant garde.</i></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442558 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:04:49 +0000 approprio 1442558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Crisp</i> and&nbsp;<i>clean</i> seem to me to be the crucial values for DC in that quadrant&nbsp;of the continuum, as the others could equally apply to FN, SD and&nbsp;D. And a question:&nbsp;is&nbsp;<i>tailored</i>&nbsp;redundant here? Does&nbsp;everyone benefit from a little&nbsp;tailoring, or is it a particularly important quality&nbsp;to DC styling?</p> <p>And thanks for the shout out. I thoroughly enjoyed the mental workout. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442541 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 20:08:07 +0000 CocoLion 1442541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you had to limit it to three words, what three would those be? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-you-deal-with-some-more-kibbe-key-words-by-type#post-1442512 Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:43:46 +0000 Helena 1442512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hiya, well Kibbe is front-of-mind right now after all the recent discussions and Approprio's generous typing help?</p> <p>The problem with Kibbe seems to be at least in part how to apply it - the examples are dated and there aren't a ton of modern interpretations (at least that I can see). The guidelines that I've found online are quite long and a big overwhelming. So I was trying to come up with a list of keywords I could keep in mind when I'm Kibbing :D</p> <p>Here's the classic dramatic list I came up with: <ul> <li>tailored</li> <li>clean</li> <li>elongated / one long line</li> <li>crisp&nbsp;</li> <li>geometric</li> <li>for color, neutral, deep or pastel in low contrast/long lines</li> <li>for details, bold contrast repeated accents (to accent the long line) and prints (e.g. stripes)</li> </ul> Not quite the five I was going for, but a usable list compared to the detailed reco's ... what do you think; is this a good representation of DC? Other types, would a similar summary help and what would the key words be?</p>