Finding Your Personal Style Based on the Kibbe Body Type Test:
- Feb 28, 2022
- 5 min read
Have you ever heard of the “Kibbe Body Test”? Well, I hadn’t either until I came across it on Tik Tok, (@bodyandstyle). The Kibbe body type system was developed by David Kibbe in the 1980’s. His idea focuses on 5 main categories: Dramatic, Classic, Natural, Gamine, and Romantic. The test you can take to find your type is finding out how much yin (softness and roundness) or yang (sharpness or angularity) you have in your bone structure, body flesh, and facial features. Based on your answers on the test and the research behind it all, you can find what looks best on your body and what can make (or break) your style.
This isn’t about dressing unlike yourself or against your natural flow towards a certain style, but is helpful for those who want to know more about their body type and embrace it! Possibly find out what suits their body best and start a new style journey. Know that this isn’t about what is or isn’t “pretty”. Every single one of these body types is so beautiful and made just for you. Let’s learn and have fun!
For this specific test they would like you to have a piece of paper and a pen to record your answers. (it’s ‘a,b,c’ based). Based on your answers you will either be a Dramatic, Classic, Natural, Romantic, or mix. (Gamine, soft Gamine, flamboyant Gamine). To be able to get the best answers, take a picture of yourself from chest height, standing straight up, in a swimsuit or in something where you can see your bone structure properly. The goal is to see your whole body from head to toe if possible.
Here is the link to the test. Read through the instructions and then begin your style journey. See you back soon to dig into your Kibbe body type deeper!
Welcome back! I hope that test wasn’t too hard. Now that that’s over we can really look into each type and better understand what works and what doesn’t for each type. Feel free to just skip down to your result and read more, otherwise, here they are, the Kibbe types:
Dramatics:
Dramatics are described as long, lean, and sharp. They are mostly yang dominant meaning they are more structured. If you got the result of a soft dramatic then you’re a softer version (more round, more yin) than a full on Dramatic.
Dramatics should look for tailored and structured pieces. These will make them look sleek and sophisticated. The lines are very appealing to the eye on this body type and are best when they are shown. That being said, you don’t need a defined waist to look curvy. This body type does it all on its own. Something that just skims the waist will make you look like you are curvy.
For your hair, think angular and sleek. A short bob can look amazing. Nothing with too much volume or roundness. Keep it sharp to accent those cheekbones!
Classics:
Classics are a blend of features. Both yin and yang are present and fairly equal. If you are a dramatic or a soft classic that just means you either have a little more yin (soft) or a little more yang (dramatic) than a pure classic.
The best looks on this body type are symmetrical. Never with too much yin or yang to the outfit. You want to keep it simple and clean. With too much detail you can drown, not look put together or even look like you're trying too hard. Which nobody wants! Keep dresses soft, and not too tailored and tight on the waist. A nice wrap dress is a perfect fit.
For the hair, a smooth and symmetrical long bob is a great look. Not too many layers or too busy. Too much volume, layers, or colors can make the classic disappear and look messy.
Natural:
The Natural body type is long and broad at the shoulders. One could say blunt. You are a soft yang. If your results said you are a flamboyant natural or soft natural, then you either have more yang (flamboyancy) or yin (roundedness).
To look your best accommodate your shoulders with something that gives them space, and isn’t too small or tight. Look for soft and rounded shapes that will go with your natural bone structure, complementing your soft yang. SEPARATES! Wear layers by pairing a nice t-shirt with a jacket. Try not to be so tailored. Look for more flowy shirts, and not too much accent on the piece. The perfect dress is a draped waist. It really accents your natural curves.
The best hair choice for a Natural is medium-long hair that is sleek and simple. No layers, or rounded styles.
Romantic:
A Romantic Kibbe body type’s features are soft, small and rounded. Very yin. Theatrical romantics can have a bit more yang features in places like the face or bone structure.
With your style try to keep everything round and soft, keeping in line with your yin features. Waist emphasis is everything. Bring it in and make it look curvy! Don’t shy away from ornateness. Have fun and go wild, cause your body type can do it! Add patterns, sparkles, texture and more. Short dresses with a waist emphasis always look sophisticated and match the yin to you perfectly.
For the romantics hair style, keeping the hair voluminous, round and even messy is a good look! Change it up, have fun, and do something new like get a blow out or go for the fringe.
Gamines:
Gamines are an even combo of yin and yang opposites. They have both soft and sharp features that crash together.
They can wear anything playful, rebellious and wild. Bright colors are great on gamines. Boyish designs, vintage or whimsical looks all look amazing on gamines. Try a print or mix and match patterns, fabrics and more. Go wild, cause it looks great on gamines!
The hair is best on a gamine when it is soft and tousled. Slight layers bring a softness that looks great with the playful, whimsical and boyish looks. You can rock a bob or a pixie.
It can be overwhelming to think you’ve been dressing all wrong your entire life! Buuuut, that’s simply not the case. This is just ONE way of dressing according to your body type, and it works. What’s important though is that you feel confident, beautiful, radiant, and honest with yourself. So whether this test was just for fun or you are really a go-getter at the mall this next week, I hope you had as much fun as I did! Either way, your life has just been upgraded.
Tatianna – Life Upgraded.
In case you would like to read up some more, here are some links that I used in my research!
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