YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Kibbe Conundrum

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Kibbe Conundrum https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 25 May 2026 13:04:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Matteo Salonia on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-2152955 Sat, 07 Nov 2020 18:33:52 +0000 Matteo Salonia 2152955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi girls, my name is Matteo, I live in Italy and I'm a happy boyfriend. I have signed up this site cause I need your help. My girlfriend literally loves David Kibbe and his book and I'm trying to find it from 2018. Can someone help me? It will be good also to get photos/copies of the book in private (I can pay) but will be perfect to buy it used (new is impossible to find, I know...). PM me please Anonymous on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1847058 Fri, 22 Sep 2017 01:04:04 +0000 Anonymous 1847058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ rachylou - I don't think I had the understanding that the type and the persona were so easily separated.  From my reading of the book, it seems both are heavily intertwined but that is only my very basic interpretation.  I do seem to possess the TR persona but I can sense how a person can have the style and not the persona.  Your comment on ear plugs was wonderful to read while I was at work!!! Jenni NZ - Don't feel bad; I very much needed guidance and a sense of where to start! I also adored Scarlett O'Hara's outfits and especially the red dress that was worn to the barbecue.  Never mind that the style is most decidedly 1930s and everything else is Civil War era debutante but that was quite the showstopper! Pity they didn't keep the color green like in the book but I digress...Yes, the TR style does appeal to me! I need to decide what would work best where I am at right now.  La Pedestrienne - Great thoughts and words of wisdom! Yes, I should certainly look at the TR style as a way to add certain things to my wardrobe rather than consider it prescriptive.  I will most definitely try to find a few low-cost pieces and evaluate how I feel.  I'm not certain how I feel about the shoes though.  Nothing that fits my orthotics is remotely delicate, strappy, or extremely feminine.  But I shall take on the challenge!! unfrumped - Yes, thank you for reminding that it's a guideline and not a fixed or rigid style system.  That certainly wouldn't be any fun would it?!?! Gaylene - That makes quite a bit of sense.  My archetype is definitely Yin or romantic but with a slight bit of yang which also makes sense.  That photo of Joan Crawford is divine! I envy her and your body type for having that tall, angular beauty that can wear ruffles to the maximum.  I do appreciate Kibbe for choosing to highlight instead of camouflage flaws.  Sal - Interesting! So...what distinguishes her from a Romantic versus Bohemian? Is it the jeans with the aforementioned pieces or is it the way that everything comes together? Forgive me for being so clueless but that does sound rather appealing.  Practical and comfortable jeans with an element of romantic on the top and comfortable, not to mention supportive, footwear on the bottom.  I'm happy it works for you; I hope to get there too! SandyG - I agree wholeheartedly! My feet also rule my world and will until the end of my days.  What an exciting time you had being an actress and wearing that style out and about - I envy you! Yes, I do need to think in terms of style and not just merely garments.  Thank you for suggesting Anthropologie - I'll check them out tonight! jill58 - I agree! I would have loved to have been in the room and I would love to hear more stories rachylou! Gaylene - Thank you for the shoe suggestions! Those oxfords look wonderful and the floral Doc Martens make me smile.  They have a much more feminine style than the original brown pair I donned in the late 90s and early 2000s!  Those boots look fun too.  My foot woes were explained in my other post but I will certainly check out the shoes you recommended; perhaps they accommodate orthotics? I figured I would add a few finds here that seem to fit the TR style and hopefully be a safe way to experiment.  Thoughts? Gaylene on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1847008 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 21:30:31 +0000 Gaylene 1847008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And still laughing at the image of Rachylou peddling a bike with a basket of flowers--with earplugs, of course! Gaylene on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1847005 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 21:20:55 +0000 Gaylene 1847005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I don't know your particular footwear needs, but here are examples of sturdy footwear which could fit the TR vibe from Fluevog, Chie Mihara, and Doc Martens. These examples may not be the images which immediately spring to mind when we read Kibbe's descriptors for the TR archetype, but I see them as perfectly in tune with the TR vibe. I think Sandy's ideas are a good example of how to interpret the overall vibe of the TR archetype instead of focusing on particular items. Part of the fun of Kibbe is figuring out how you want to interpret his suggestions--to expand your vision, not limit it. jill58 on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846990 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 20:25:14 +0000 jill58 1846990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy Your ear plugs story is the best thing I've heard all day. SandyG on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846977 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:26:10 +0000 SandyG 1846977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My random thoughts: I saw strappy 'comfort 'sandals yesterday in the style of your wedding shoes, so with a bit of shopping research you can have happy feet. And I think femme ankle socks (lace, fishnet) look adorable with shoes, clogs. or ankle boots. In my world, feet rule over anything else in my wardrobe, or I'm in agony. Remember that TR means Style, not merely Garments. You can't reasonably run around the house and care for little kids dressed in floaty costume-y clothes. But going out with a lacy scarf or a soft velvet jacket, a vintage belt or a tapestry backpack integrates well with smart-casual jeans or pants with stretch, and will give you a romantic vibe + the practical family-friendly side of life. Anthropologie is a dreamy book for looks like this. Also, femme hats are really satisfying. I was a community actress for 22 years while my boys were growing up and wore my vintage romantic styles to auditions, rehearsals, for adult dinners and galas, and at bedtime. Daytime off-stage was always my very favorite colors and jeans! I know it sounds limiting to hear advice to take new styles in small doses, but you'll have a lot of time later for the more fragile silks and sheer styles that take a great deal of care to live with.  Sal on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846976 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:20:55 +0000 Sal 1846976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with the other posters that Kibbe is a starting point and it gives you one idea of a recipe for dressing. I like LaP 's ideas for a romantic yet practical look. My neighbour I believe is a romantic and she wears embroidery, tapestry, silk, lace and delicate jewelry but mostly with jeans and flat boots. It works brilliantly. I went around in a Kibbe circle and then concluded Flamboyant Natural was me. It has helped me with new purchases- it makes me add some bold touches, textures, and keep long lines. I will still wear my pretty polka dot dress and my preppy striped tee on occasions though. Gaylene on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846968 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 18:28:16 +0000 Gaylene 1846968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, if you search "Kibbe" on this site, you'll see there are lots of different opinions about the usefulness of his theory. Personally, I found his ideas interesting once I realized he was talking about archetypes of beauty instead of offering prescriptions about how to conceal and camouflage "flaws" in order to look like someone else. Instead of trying to imitate a certain "look", Kibbe uses his archetypes to broaden our perspectives so we can figure out how to flatter and highlight our own uniqueness. La Pedestrienne nailed it in saying that the categories and the suggestions are more like directional signs. Realizing I was closer to a Dramatic than a Gamine helped me move towards a personal style which meshed with my physical appearance, personality, and personal inclinations. I'm not interested in trying to look like Joan Crawford but I do recognize myself in the essence of her style. For example, ruffles are normally too "sweet" for my yang body, but Joan taught me that I CAN wear them if I do it her way--waaaay over the top. Audrey Hepburn would collapse under those sleeves, but on Joan, they serve to highlight her broad, angular body. I guess my point is you can express any kind of style you want using Kibbe. You just have to do it in a way that is in harmony with the essence of your archetype. unfrumped on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846850 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:16:09 +0000 unfrumped 1846850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What they all said! It's a starting point for creating a style and like YLF style monikers and things like " 5 words that describe your style" it helps give focus and can keep from buying things all over the map when someone is trying to hone in on best looks. But ultimately it's inspiration and a guideline, not a rigid recipe. rachylou on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846849 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:11:27 +0000 rachylou 1846849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What?! I don't make sense?! I make complete sense all the time!! Let me tell you about how I explained to a house guest that I was putting ear plugs in, and he asked why, and I told him 'because of the light.' Lol! All. The. Time. LaPed on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846846 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:05:39 +0000 LaPed 1846846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah, Jenni nailed it: "Don't try to make yourself fit something? I don't think David Kibbe meant that to happen, did he?" He really didn't -- the whole point was to illustrate that each human being can be stylish in her own way. Of course, using categories to get that point across is a bit reductive (maybe counter-productive), but you gotta start somewhere. (And I think the idea of belonging in a category has great psychological appeal to most people.) Honestly, I find the affirmative aspects of Kibbe to be the most valuable. So, for TR something like: <ul> <li>I can wear ornate things. Lace, brocade, embroidery, jacquard, etc.</li> <li>I can wear luxe fabrics. Velvet, velour, satin, silk, etc.</li> <li>I can embrace maximal details. Layered jewelry, bold florals, a glam sequined bag, etc.</li> <li>I can highlight my curves. Cinched waists, fit and flare, swooping necklines, etc.</li> </ul> If it were me, I would start small. Maybe: a soft, shiny velour tee in a colour you love, a big bold piece of costume jewelry, etc. Stuff that is low-cost and easy-to-fit. If the low-risk experimental pieces *feel* like the right direction, then start worrying about the trickier stuff -- shoes, pants/skirts/dresses. Etc. I wouldn't get too hung up on the chunky shoes, unless you are really wanting to add daintier, more feminine footwear anyway (and it sounds like you might? certainly your wedding shoes make me think there's a place in your heart for delicate femme shoes!). If you're willing to put in the work, I'm sure you could field recommendations here and find some not-too-stompy options. Again, it will come down to details: a boot with a flirty back-lace and an ever-so-slightly pointier toe? A comfy oxford in a metallic or floral?  HTH! Jenni NZ on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846844 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:40:02 +0000 Jenni NZ 1846844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy you don't make any sense! Marie I feel bad now in taking you down this rabbit hole! Someone ( Style Fan maybe) put me onto Kibbe thinking I may be gamine. But I came out TR as well, which actually appealed to me. I had read a book which had something about style personas some time earlier which had me pinned as a "dramatic". Dramatic and theatrical kind of mean the same thing, right? And I was thrilled to be put in the same category as Vivien Leigh! I didn't like Scarlett O'Hara's politics, but boy did I like her clothes! Would die for wearing that first green dress where all the men crowd around her at the barbecue. Would have to drop 40 years and about half my body weight, mind you. I think you can just take what appeals to you out of TR and ditch the rest. Don't try to make yourself fit something? I don't think David Kibbe meant that to happen, did he? rachylou on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846822 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 06:22:07 +0000 rachylou 1846822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lol. Well, I think I should point out there is, for example, Theatrical Romantic, the style, and TR, the Kibbe Type. I think Kibbe has a lot to offer in terms of clothing construction, fabrics, etc. But the message, if you will, of your clothing is a different ball of wax. I'm pretty sure I'm Soft Gamine in terms of Kibbe, but in terms of my persona - no way. I'm not peddling no bike with a basket of flowers! Lol. So like... maybe for the boots you want more 'combat' and less 'DM'. Or more 'Prairie House.' If that makes sense... Anonymous on "Kibbe Conundrum" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-conundrum#post-1846769 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 02:20:54 +0000 Anonymous 1846769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So what do you do when your quiz results and your husband's results (I wanted objectivity) indicate you're a Theatrical Romantic but you always thought you or your style would be something else? Apparently, my bone structure, figure, and features only lead to one conclusion and that is the Theatrical Romantic type.  I should have seen this one coming as my wedding dress and the dress I wore in my engagement photo session are very much in the lines of TR style.  If I'm completely honest, I also did dress in a much more feminine style prior to having children.  The ironic part is that the footwear suggested is going to present a problem.  I've scoured the internet looking at different Polyvore, Pinterest, and other bloggers interpretations of TR and they usually include extremely slender and delicate heels and follow the words of Kibbe himself "Shoes are delicate and either very tapered, strappy, or ornate. No chunky clunkers or angular Italian pumps, please!" My podiatrist told me to not even bother with ballet flats as they won't offer the support I need. What suggestions do you have for someone with challenging feet and orthotics in the way of delicate or at least more feminine footwear? Another thought is how do I even find some of the clothing suggested? I've spent far too many years shopping at Land's End and Eddie Bauer to even know who currently offers TR style clothing.  I know that the book came out in the 1980s but most of the general fabrics and guidelines for clothing that drape should be able to be translated to this decade. I also admit it will take an adjustment in dressing my shape to highlight my curves as I have done everything else to obscure them style-wise for the past several years. Thank you very much to Gaylene, rachylou, and Jenni NZ for introducing me to Kibbe as it is very likely that I would have never taken the time to read his book or dive into his concept of dressing.  I clearly fell down the rabbit hole but I'm eager to hear what the awesome community of YLF will find! I threw in an engagement photo for reference, my handmade brooch bouquet with wedding rings, and wedding shoes as they are the best descriptors of the TR style that I expressed some time ago.  Clearly, I have no concept of myself as I find the results less of a revelation.