Sal, cultural norms are an important element I didn’t factor in here — what works in your region. I see you as a Kibbe natural, too, and as you have refined your style adjectives, you have become more & more comfortable and authentic seeming. If that’s not an oxymoron!
Suntiger, your examples prove how Kibbe’s theory (if we can make sense of it) alone is not enough! It’s important to consider line, but that can’t be the only consideration. You know what works for you and you always look elegant even in your sporty ensembles!
Janet, you always look amazing in your clothes and you know what works for you. I guess in terms of body shape you do have some “romantic” characteristic according to Kibbe, or at least some yin tendencies — but maybe you are one of those, as LJP said, who looks best when playing against type, to some degree. Or maybe your facial bone structure gives you that yang and so you actually need a degree of it in your clothing.
Jaime, yes, I’d have pegged you as a kind of gamine, too. Maybe soft gamine? In any case, you are so right, some of the stylists we’ve discussed of late don’t seem to recognize that the same tricks won’t work for all…
Jussie, I think the classic category still exists? I agree, though — most people are not obvious Kibbe types, and his writing is so darn confusing it does not help matters!
Olive Green, so interesting that pattern does not work for you! But colour blocking does. Maybe you are a dramatic classic vs. a gamine! Regardless, it sounds as if you have worked out a strategy for dressing yourself to your best advantage. High five to my short and not pretending to be tall sister!
Gryffin, you do indeed sound like a classic dramatic. Absolutely! That’s one reason your beloved black works so well for you! And simple, clean lines. You need some drama but are not a drama queen, LOL.
Dee, you seem to be doing very well, intuitively, in the fashion department. Interesting what you say about bohemian looks. I like them but can’t wear them. They feel and (unless in very light touches) look off on me, as well. I wonder if you might be a dramatic classic. I have not seen enough of your style to guess, but that’s my suspicion.
Ginger, I understand about the belt and can visualize and even feel it. I, too, have a slightly short waist, and the advice would be to leave a wide belt alone, but back in the 80s when my waist was more defined, I wore one and loved it! Sometimes we have to ignore the “rules.” Also the “types.” I think Kibbe’s height advice must be terribly outdated. All his recommendations and examples tend to focus on thin, white celebrities. It isn’t helpful. I do like that he included some stars from previous eras — that could potentially help someone like you who hearkens back to an earlier time for some fashion inspiration.
Ummlila — I agree with you. Figure flattery and colour flattery alone are actually a dull way to dress. JFE is a great concept! Kibbe would actually agree with that — he’s all about dressing authentically. He just emphasizes “line” as the ticket to authenticity, which is reductive in its own way.
Robin, that is interesting. I am not sure how I might “type” you if I were guessing. But your idea that your personality influences your best style, helping to offer some kind of balance, is intriguing.
Oh, Joy. I hear you on the height issue! I am so sorry — you’ve had enough dressing challenges over the past few years and always look amazing in spite of them! My mother also lost a lot of height as she aged. It does change proportions, for sure.
Bijou, that is fascinating. I think you have a fabulous sense of what works on you. Your more quirky and dramatic choices in shoes and bags are a great update of Kibbe, whose advice seemed very limited to the 80s. I think you have learned how to modernize the recommendations and display a sense of humour in your accessories, in particular!
