https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:24:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821350 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 12:49:13 +0000 Suz 1821350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Susan (from another Susan, and another gamine!) I concur 100% with Shevia -- you do seem like a gamine, not because you have short hair, but because it works so brilliantly and you love it. And your face has a lively expression that I associate with a gamine style.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like what Gaylene and others have said about Kibbe. It's confusing but once you integrate some of the core principles, also quite useful. I think the Triumph of Individual Style is another good one to consult.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821334 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 11:13:16 +0000 Summer 1821334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Susan!</p> <p>Like several others here, I did an online Kibbe quiz, and came out as Dramatic Classic.&nbsp; This seems a fair assessment of my preferred style, but I didn't take it too seriously.&nbsp; <br />I do see Gamine in you, though: you have a beautiful animated face, and your pixie haircut suits you perfectly. <br />As with other guidelines, such as body shape and colour analysis, I would use Kibbe as a reference point, then base your style on your personal preferences. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821317 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 08:15:44 +0000 approprio 1821317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found Kibbe very useful in some respects, in others not so much. I agree with what Gaylene has to say about using it as a template to understand what works for you.</p> <p>Without the head to toe view it's hard to call your type, because a great deal depends on physical proportion, but if you think you're SC/SG, you probably are, because most of us can intuit what works for us as a starting point. Where Kibbe really scores, in my opinion, is in putting it all together.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I first encountered <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/down-the-kibbe-rabbit-hole">the wacky theory on this very forum</a>, we had a lot of fun throwing around the definitions and trying to classify ourselves. But I came away with the conclusion that two women can share the same classification and have very different personal styles. I've since paid zero attention to any visual styling guides I've found online (not for me at all) and instead applied some of Kibbe's own instructions to styling my existing wardrobe, which has helped enormously. Add to that Angie's infallible advice on body shape and you're done.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821297 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 03:28:13 +0000 karen13 1821297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know nothing about Kibbe, but can't wait to see photos of your new 'do! I love your hair (and everything else) in your photos, and if I had thicker, fuller hair, that is what I would do in a heartbeat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821296 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 03:20:12 +0000 tulle 1821296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Susan, I remember&nbsp; finding the original Kibbe book, identifying immediately as a Gamine, and feeling liberated by that permission (described so well by Gaylene) to be myself:&nbsp; "Stop trying to look taller, you're not fooling anybody!"&nbsp; And I agree with Gaylene that it's not necessary to be rigid about the categories, as long as you're responding to something you recognize in yourself.&nbsp; You have the doe-eyed face of a Soft Gamine, beautifully framed by your pixie cut, yet there may be something about the restrained luxury of the the Soft Classic that speaks to you.&nbsp; These two have places of overlap (that softness and sensuality, always) that will steer you in the right direction. Have fun with it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821249 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 00:41:23 +0000 anne 1821249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am joining the chorus of 'don't understand Kibbe, do love your hair!' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821248 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 00:39:16 +0000 Anonymous 1821248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni NZ,<br /> Thank you for the compliment! I'm going even shorter tomorrow night, like Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby. I can totally see the Elfin/Gamine in your delicate and finer features. Perhaps you are some mix, like Soft Gamine, which I may be as well. I also scored high on Ds. Both yourself and Vivien share the smaller face and finer features I so envy. Lucky duck:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type/page/2#post-1821247 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 00:38:45 +0000 minimalist 1821247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd never engaged with this topic, but I'll buy Gaylene's summary notes on the topic. :-)</p> <p>I've been meaning to look up old threads here about preferred contrast levels. Maybe there's some overlap with the Kibbe types? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821244 Thu, 06 Jul 2017 00:33:16 +0000 Laura G 1821244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I first saw this thread I wanted to bring up a book that had a similar aim but didn't confuse me. Couldn't remember the title. Thank you&nbsp;<b>Ryce&nbsp;</b>-- it's The Triumph of Individual Style. It addresses just about every physical characteristic a woman might have, including skin colors and textures, in a matter-of-fact way. Lots of practical suggestions, but not about "correcting" anything or bringing you closer to some ideal. Wonderful book if you can find it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821207 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:49:17 +0000 Jenni NZ 1821207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Susan, I also adore your haircut. I had never heard of Kibbe until this year when it was mentioned by a forum member when I posted the photo below. One Fabber thought I looked "elfin" in the photo and someone else thought I might be a gamine. The pixie cut does suit my small face and I love 1920s Eton crops. When I looked into it though, I thought much of my 56 y old apple-middled shape was too soft for that. I also had a lot of Ds in my answers. In the end I thought maybe Theatrical Romantic. Might be wishful thinking because I just adore the look of Vivien Leigh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821198 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 19:30:55 +0000 Anonymous 1821198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had my style essences done by John Kitchener PSC from California. &nbsp;I am Natural/Classic/Romantic. &nbsp;He has videos on Youtube that helped me find my style. &nbsp;Pinterest is my friend too. &nbsp;Your hair is so cute! &nbsp;I have found that taking my picture in outfits helps me see myself better. &nbsp;I am struggling with getting older, weight around the middle and finding something uncropped, non ruffled and not low cut. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821157 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 16:00:07 +0000 Anonymous 1821157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Isabel-</div><div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; I've been called insane, but never "insanely adorable", thank you so much:)</p> <p>Style Fan-<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I can see you as a Natural of some kind, perhaps with a dose of Dramatic? You have such fine features, very refined, and remind me of Meryl Streep, who I think is lovely. </p> <p>It seems that Gamine is coming out the winner...lol. I don't mind that style at all, just wondered if it would suit me and just wasn't sure. I guess I will be keeping the pixie as you have all been SO generous with the compliments. THANK YOU!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821154 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 15:41:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1821154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm new to Kibbe, but just want to say I love your hair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821142 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 13:18:52 +0000 Anonymous 1821142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admit what I have read about Kibbe completely confuses me. Perhaps Gaylene's assessment is correct. But I find the photos of women he has "transformed" to be so laboriously overstyled - that my simple mind really can't make much sense of the whole thing.<br /> On the other hand, I had a number of "ah-ha!" revelations when I read Carla Mathis' book. I think it is called "The Triumph of Individual Style". She, too, focuses on shape, line, texture and how those attributes enhance one's natural appearance. I found those ideas easier to absorb when they weren't tied to a "type" but just presented individually. </p> <p>Sorry I can't be of assistance in answering your original question, Susan. But, whatever Kibbe type you might be, you certainly have a gamine-ish appearance as that term is commonly thought of. Your pixie haircut emphasizes your lively features and brilliant smile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821108 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 11:09:49 +0000 Style Fan 1821108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not read Kibbe's book but I have looked at some of the materials online.&nbsp; I have also don some of the quizzes.&nbsp; I like what Gaylene wrote which is how I see Kibbe.&nbsp; His work is a tool to help not a box.<br />My first thought when I looked at your photo was how great you looked in your hair cut.&nbsp; It works for you.&nbsp; So that would probably move you towards Gamine.&nbsp; Hard to say what else.<br />I do best in Natural clothes, hairstyles and make up.&nbsp; I have done quizzes and read the online material.&nbsp; But I am not all in the Natural body type.&nbsp; I have smaller bones and hands, etc.&nbsp; I am certainly not muscular.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821060 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 03:36:53 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1821060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love what Gaylene says about Kibbe, and it strikes me as just right. I haven't looked at the material for a while, but I find it fascinating (and quite confusing, when I try to analyze myself). With that caveat, I do see your face as more gamine than classic, and it seems the pixie haircut just suits you beautifully. Your smile and half-smile both convey a touch of mischief, along with openness and sincerity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821054 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 03:24:47 +0000 Anonymous 1821054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not familiar with Kibbe but you are insanely adorable and the second photo is perfection.&nbsp;<br />I think you exude a glamorous feminine style with a slight edge built in, as though you have a good sense of humor, or an adventurous spirit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821051 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 03:19:37 +0000 Jaime 1821051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene's point about the liberating side of Kibbe is excellent. That said, I do see gamine in you - not because you have a pixie haircut (that would be putting the cart before the horse) but because you are happy with it and it is so flattering on you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821037 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 00:42:00 +0000 Gaylene 1821037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Sal. Good points about our sartorial preferences not always aligning with our bodies and coloring. BUT, I give Kibbe credit for helping me realize I COULD wear lace, and even ruffles, as long as I found my Dramatic's version of those traditionally softer, "feminine" looks. </p> <p>What appeals to me about Kibbe's ideas is his assertion that feminine beauty comes in different forms and shapes--and, once we find our niche, we can study the designs, lines, and shapes which highlight our strengths. Armed with that knowledge, we get to explore our fashion and style preferences without putting all our efforts into worrying about "does this camouflage my XX?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821032 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:53:31 +0000 Anonymous 1821032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene,<br /> I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment. I believe he really wants women to take what they perhaps perceive as flaws, and celebrate them for what they are, the things that make us uniquely beautiful. His message, albeit sometimes confusing, is truly positive in my humble opinion. I want to utilize it to help me be more mindful about how my money is spent wardrobe wise. Now that I'm in my 40s I feel compelled, more than ever, to have a thoughtful wardrobe that truly flatters and expresses who I am. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821029 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:47:53 +0000 Sal 1821029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree too Gaylene. &nbsp;</p> <p>Used correctly there is a freedom in embracing your shape, your colouring, your features and playing to their strengths to look stylish. &nbsp;I think (and I think the same about colour theory) that it is not as simple as ticking all the boxes - it is a general overall feel or look. &nbsp;</p> <p>The challenge is when your shape and/or colouring are against your style preferences. &nbsp;If you are very tall and muscular and prefer delicate lace, or if you are petite and rounded and prefer androgynous looks, or if your colouring suits warm but you are drawn to cool colours. &nbsp;Of course you CAN make it work, but it is not so easy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821023 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:27:53 +0000 Emily K 1821023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene--what you wrote is exactly correct, IMHO! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821022 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:11:42 +0000 Laura G 1821022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joy -- </b>so which one are you getting rid of?<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821021 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:09:12 +0000 Gaylene 1821021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, the Kibbe rabbit hole is re-opened. But I wouldn't be too quick to adopt, or reject, what you can actually wear. I'll go to the grave maintaining that Kibbe's intention was never to put women into categories in order to tell them how to dress--or to have women imitate movie stars. </p> <p>After reading his book, and researching some of his more recent writings, I've become convinced Kibbe's intention has always been to liberate women from a conventional, narrow ideal of feminine beauty by providing them with a tool which offered multiple versions of feminine beauty--a way of celebrating our uniqueness instead of trying to camouflage and disguise our "imperfections". His style cues revolve around line, shape, and proportion, not whatever is currently fashionable, and his guidelines are suggestions to be explored, not dictates about what we should, and shouldn't, wear.</p> <p>Taken out of context, the questionnaire, images, and categories are of limited value. But, when I used Kibbe's tools as a stepping off point for some serious personal reflection, I ended up with a real insight into why some looks "get" me, while others are a constant struggle. Even better, Kibbe's ideas made me feel good about my face and body not looking like the slim, small-boned, evenly proportioned, feminine-featured ideal which was always held up to me as the way a woman ought to look. I'm Kibbe's Dramatic, and, when I dress my height, IT shoulders, narrow hips, and angular features as a Dramatic, I feel good about those very features other "experts" would have me downplay. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821013 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 22:08:03 +0000 Anonymous 1821013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you on that Emily. I dream of stark/edgy, but my face and more so my body won't allow it. Neither will my kooky/eccentric personality, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821012 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 22:05:49 +0000 Anonymous 1821012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you ladies for all your input and kind words about my haircut! I cut it into a pixie on a whim when I turned 30, and in the 16 years since keep coming back to it. It is easiest for my hair type (very thick and coarse), and makes me feel more, not less, feminine, if that makes any sense. I'm glad I'm not the only one confused by Kibbe. I also think it's very hard to be objective about oneself. I will check out the link you so kindly provided Sal. I tend to gravitate towards feminine styles, but nothing too girly or restrictive. I love accessories with a sense of humor. I like dresses as they are easier than pants fit-wise, but I love me a good trouser. I would LOVE to rock the Claire Underwood "House of Cards" look, or streamlined and edgy/androgynous like Marlene Dietrich, but I'm too curvy /soft and short waisted for that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821011 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:59:11 +0000 Emily K 1821011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Due to the subjective nature of the questions, I think it would be helpful to have a trained technician perform the assessment. I've done it on myself--I think I was a soft classic--but I'd appreciate a trained second opinion. It does make sense to me that you should work with the style-cues or parameters that you are given. Makes me a little sad though as it confirms that I cannot carry off a super stark and edgy look ;-( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821008 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:42:23 +0000 Sal 1821008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In reading the old thread and link I think I am a flamboyant natural. &nbsp;I fit most of the physical characteristics and this might explain why I feel good in bolder pieces but with a casual air. &nbsp;</p> <p>My first picks for you would be gamine or maybe classic.. but then you have a natural look as well, but your colouring is dramatic. &nbsp;What styles of clothing are you drawn to that feel the most authentic? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821004 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:33:56 +0000 lozz_oz 1821004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to have to do some reading about this as its new to me. Great haircut by the way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/kibbe-style-type#post-1821002 Tue, 04 Jul 2017 21:33:28 +0000 Anonymous 1821002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gave up in confusion but learned that my body (angular) and face ( soft) do not go together. I am sure that I'm not the only one. </p>