Kibbe Body Types- the Ultimate Guide

What are Kibbe Body Types

The Kibbe body types were invented by stylist David Kibbe in the 80s, who published the book “David Kibbe’s Metamorphosis” in 1987. The Kibby body types are consisted of 5 main types, each of which contains 2-3 sub types, resulting in the 13 body types in the original book.

You can take the Kibbe body type test to determine which body type you have.

The Kibbe system looks at the Yin and Yang as well as blended and contrast of a woman’s body by taking into consideration a woman’s

• Bone structure (height, shoulders, legs and arms, facial contour)
• Body flesh (bustline, waist and hips)
• Facial features (eyes and lips)

5 Main Types

In Kibbe’s system, there are 5 main types ranging from all Yang to all Yin as follows

• Dramatic (all Yang)
• Natural
• Classic
• Gamine
• Romantic (all Yin)

Within each main type, there are variations in degrees of Yin and Yang, which results in the 13 Kibbe body types. Kibbe uses “flamboyant” or “dramatic” to describe the variation of the sub type that shifts towards more Yang, while “soft” to describe the variation of the sub type with more Yin feature. He also uses “theatrical” to describe the more angular sub type of romantic.

13 Kibbe Body Types Overview

• Dramatic: sharp Yang
• Soft dramatic: bold Yang with pronounced Yin
• Flamboyant natural: strong Yang
• Natural: soft Yang
• Soft Natural: very soft Yang with a Yin undercurrent
• Dramatic Classic: the balance between Yin and Yang with slight Yang leaning
• Classic: perfectly balanced between Yin and Yang
• Soft Classic: balanced between Yin and Yang with slight Yin leaning
• Flamboyant Gamine: combination of opposites with extra Yang
• Gamine: combination of Yin and Yang
• Soft Gamine: combination of opposites with extra Yin
• Theatrical Romantic: extreme Yin with slight Yang
• Romantic: pure Yin

IMPORTANT: this post is primarily based on the original book of “David Kibbe’s Metamorphosis” published in 1987. Visit David’s website here.

Kibbe Dramatic Body Type

Kibbe Dramatic Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with dramatic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or later on verified by himself.

Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Lana Turner, Lauren Bacall, Rosalind Russell, Lena Horne, Alexis Smith, Katharine Hepburn, Maggie Smith, Faye Dunaway, Kathleen Turner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Barbara Carrera, Connie Sellecca, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, Taylor Swift, Michelle Dockery, Kate Moss, Olivia Culpo

Body type

• The dramatic body type is defined by the overall combination of strong, sharp physicality, a cool reserve, and charismatic power. Therefore, a slight deviation here or there is always possible and should not be worried over as long as no single factor upsets your extreme, sharp Yang balance. 
• Height: moderate to tall, usually over 5’5″
• Body type
  • Straight and angular, may tend to long or sleek musculature (sinewy or lithe.) 
  • Usually have long legs and arms. 
  • Narrow in width. 
• If overweight:  Heaviness usually congregates around the hip and upper thigh area as opposed to the upper torso. 

Bone structure

• Angular, with sharp edges. 
• Usually have square shoulders (may be narrow). 
• Hands and feet are usually long and narrow. 

Facial bones and features

• Facial bones are sharp or prominent (nose, jawline, cheekbones). Sometimes, the bone structure is called “delicate” because of its narrowness. This is actually not true, for example length keeps it from being truly delicate. A more helpful description would be “sleek.” 
• Straight, sleek lines
• Sloe or almond eyes
• Narrow, thin or straight lips
• Taut skin, especially around the cheek and jaw areas. 

A Dramatic will not

• Have an hourglass figure 
• Have lush, full facial features (round eyes, fleshy cheeks, full lips) 
• Have a broad or blunt bone structure or facial bones 
• Be petite or extremely small in stature 
• Be perfectly symmetrical 
• Have short or fleshy arms and legs 

Kibbe Dramatic Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Keep your shapes sharp and geometric (triangles, rectangles)
• sculpted, sleek, and elongated with crisp edges (for coats, jackets)
• Long, vertical lines
• Vertical draping
• Fabrics that holds definition
• Keep details clean and minimal
• Always think “head-to-toe” with your color schemes.
• Prints should be bold and geometric
• Monochromatic color scheme.

Avoid

• Anything rounded, swirled, or overly draped.
• Anything delicate intricate or overly fragile.
• Soft, flowing lines (too matronly on you).
• Unconstructed silhouettes (sloppy on you).
• Broken or horizontal lines (not elegant enough for you)

Kibbe Soft Dramatic Body Type

Kibbe Soft Dramatic Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with dramatic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Sophia Loren
• Anne Bancroft
• Maria Callas
• Raquel Welch
• Ava Gardner
• Barbra Streisand
• Anita Morris
• Jacqueline de Ribes
• Diahann Carroll
• Marlene Dietrich
• Connie Sellecca
• Christina Hendricks
• Rita Hayworth

Body Type

• The soft dramatic body type is defined by the overall combination of bold Yang with a pronounced Yin undercurrent. Therefore, slight deviation here or there is always possible and should not be worried over if it does not upset your Yin/Yang balance of a bold, exotic physicality that is combined with a powerful sensual essence. 
• Height: Moderate to tall, usually 5’5″ and over. 
• Body type: 
  • Fleshy (unless ultra-thin), particularly through the bust and hip area. 
  • Usually have long legs and arms, which can become fleshy in the upper arm and thigh areas without exercise. Usually have moderate-sized waist, which can become thick. 
• If overweight: Heaviness is seen at the fleshiest parts of the body; the bust, hips, waist, thighs, upper arms, and especially in the face. 

Bone Structure

• Large and angular. 
• Long limbs, and large hands and feet (may be long or narrow, or wide).  
• If your bone structure is narrow (particularly the shoulders, hands, feet, wrists, or angles), you may think of yourself as delicate. This is not true, for the extreme length offsets the narrowness. 

Facial bones and structure

• Facial bones are prominent or sharp (nose, cheekbones, jawline).
• Facial features: Full, lush, sensual, and exotic. 
• Large eyes, full lips, fleshy cheeks. 

A Soft Dramatic will not

• Have a boyish figure 
• Have small hands and feet, or a delicate bone structure 
• Be overly petite, or small in stature, with short limbs 
• Have delicate or small facial features 
• Be symmetrical in body type or facial characteristics 

Kibbe Soft Dramatic Body Type Clothing

Do

• Bold geometrics with soft edges. Oversized ornate shapes.
• Broad shoulders with an elongated vertical that is draped.
• Your use of color should always be bold and dramatic, never dull.
• Prints should be bold, wild, and ornate shapes. Splashy watercolors. Oversized and abstract florals. Animal prints.
• Lightweight fabrics that drape easily and flow gracefully (silks, crepe, challis, handkerchief linen, jersey).

Don’t

• Sharp-edged geometrics.
• Heavy fabrics that create a stiff shape. Rough textures.

Kibbe Flamboyant Natural Body Type

Flamboyant Natural Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with flamboyant natural Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Princess Diana of Wales
• Jennifer Lawrence
• Colleen Dewhurst
• Gwyneth Paltrow
• Cindy Crawford
• Charlize Theron
• Claudia Schiffer
• Brooke Shields
• Nicole Kidman
• Cameron Diaz
• Julia Roberts
• Amy Adams
• Ursula Andress
• Heidy Klum
• Emma Stone
• Natalie Dormer 

Body Type

• The flamboyant natural body type is defined by the overall combination of the strong Yang with blunt edges (bold, strong physicality combined with a free spirit). Therefore, slight deviation here or there is always possible and should not be worried over if it does not upset your Yin/Yang balance. 
• Height: Moderate to very tall, usually 5’5″and over. 
• Body type: 
  • Straight and angular (broad, not sharp). Arms and legs tend toward musculature. 
  • Bust and hips tend to be flat or straight (unless very overweight). 

Bone Structure

• Large and angular with blunt edges. 
• Broad and square bones. 
• Wide shoulders. 
• Long arms and legs. 
• Large hands and feet (usually somewhat wide, but they may also be narrow, with long fingers and toes). 

Facial bones and feature

• Broad or prominent facial contours (nose, cheeks, jaw – blunt, not sharp). 
• Broad, blunt and open. 
• Eyes may be very large and open or very straight and small. 
• Lips will be straight and slightly thin. 
• Cheeks will usually be taut, unless overweight. 

Flamboyant Natural will not

• Have a voluptuous body type with a curvy bust and hip-line 
• Have an hourglass figure 
• Have delicate facial features with small or sharp bones 
• Have exotic facial features 
• Be extremely petite 
• Be symmetrical in boy type, bone structure or facial features 
• Have a sharp or extremely narrow bone structure

Flamboyant Natural Kibbe Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Bold geometrics with rounded edges. Oversized asymmetrics with rounded edges. Rectangles, oblongs, and irregular shapes.
• Unconstructed silhouettes.
• Bold, sweeping lines –elongated and straight.
• Relaxed, unstructured outlines.
• Strong vertical and horizontal lines (T-shaped).
• Your use of color should be bold and vivid, with rich, vibrant tones the most exciting intensities for you.
• All leathers, suedes, and plush fabrics are excellent.
• Texture in all weights, from very light to very heavy, is the most exciting way to express yourself through fabric
• Necklines should be loose and open, always unconfined (boatnecks, camisoles, simple slashes, oversized cowls, open notched collars, etc.). 

Don’ts

• Sharp-edged geometrics. Ornate and intricate shapes. Symmetrical shapes. 
• Sharp, tailored detail.
• Severe, geometric detail. Small, symmetrical detail.
• Be very careful with waist emphasis. It is rarely helpful to you, even if your waist is small, because it destroys the strong, vertical line that is the core of your silhouette.
• Monochromatic schemes without vivid accessories. 

Kibbe Natural Body Type

Natural Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with natural Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Ingrid Bergman
• Liv Tyler
• Karen Allen
• Ally Sheedy
• Ali MacGraw
• Angelina Jolie
• Carol Burnett
• Chris Evert Lloyd

Body Type

• The natural body type is defined by the overall combination of the soft Yang (slightly broad and angular physicality, and fresh and open spirit)
• Height: Moderate to slightly tall, up to 5’8″
• Body type: 
  • Straight and muscular. Lean and slightly lithe. 
  • Flat hips and slightly flat bustline.
  • Slightly long arms and legs. 
  • Possibly long-waisted.
• If overweight:  The body tends to remain straight (as opposed to becoming curvy). Excess weight tends to make you a little square in shape as it broadens the midsection. Extreme excess weight gives a very stocky appearance.  

Bone Structure

• Slightly straight. 
• Slightly angular with blunt edges (as opposed to sharp). 
• Slightly squarish. 
• Broad shoulders. 

Facial Bones and Features

• Blunt angular facial contours (nose, jawline, cheekbones). 
• Hands and feet are moderate to slightly large and squarish. 
• Slightly broads, blunt, or irregular. 
• Moderate to small eyes. 
• Taut cheeks. Slightly wide features (open). 
• Straight, slightly thin lips. 

A Natural Will Not

• Have an hourglass figure 
• Be extremely petite or extremely tall 
• Have overly exotic or prominent features 
• Be symmetrical with evenly spaced features 
• Have extremely sharp features 
• Have a boyishly thin figure with a lack of musculature in the arms and legs

Kibbe Natural Body Type Clothing

Dos

• A relaxed, straight line is the outline of your look.
• Your silhouette is softly tailored, always unconstructed.
• Your outline should be fairly narrow and slim, in a loose and easy way.
• Simple necklines (soft horizontals, boat-necks, clean slashes, deep V’s, loose cowls, notched collars) are best, and you should concentrate on open necklines for your air of casual chic.
• Your use of prints can include casual styles that are soft-edged geometrics (plaids, stripes, paisleys, etc.) and funky prints in irregular shapes (abstract asymmetrics, leaves, animal prints, etc.).

Don’ts

• Avoid: Sheer fabrics. Clingy fabrics (except for knits). Flimsy fabrics
• Avoid: Extremely tailored detail. Extremely sharp or angular detail. Extremely oversized detail.
• Avoid: Monochromatic color schemes-they are very dull and boring on you, unless the fabric is exquisitely textured beyond belief!

Kibbe Soft Natural Body Type

Soft Natural Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with soft natural Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Jane Fonda
• Katy Perry
• Helen Mirren
• Sissy Spacek
• Kim Basinger
• Kat Dennings
• Julie Andrews
• Marissa Tomei
• Julianne Hough
• Rene Zellweger
• Barbara Hershey
• Jessica Brown Findlay
• Sandra Bullock

Body Type

• The soft natural body type is defined by the overall combination of the very soft Yang with a Yin undercurrent (slightly soft and fleshy body type on an angular frame combined with an appealing innocent essence)
• Height: Moderate to slightly small, up to 5’7″.
• Body type:
  • Slightly soft, tends towards fleshiness. 
  • Slightly small waist that’s in proportion to bust and hips. 
  • Slightly curvy, tends to an hourglass shape, but not extremely so. 
  • Slightly fleshy upper arms and thighs.  
• If overweight: Body tends to become extremely soft and fleshy, with the waist thickening. The upper arms, thighs, and hips tend to collect excess weight and cellulite most rapidly. 

Bone Structure

• Slightly angular bones. 
• Slightly square or broad shoulders. 
• Moderate to slightly short limbs (slightly leggy look also possible). 
• Hands and feet are moderate and fleshy, or slightly small and wide. 

Facial Bones and Features

• Slightly blunt, or small and irregular facial contours (nose, cheekbones, and jawline). 
• Full and rounded. Round eyes, full lips, soft cheeks. Nose tends to be small and wide, or slightly irregular (blunt or wide). 

A Soft Natural will not

• Have an extremely straight body type 
• Have extremely sharp features 
• Have extremely sharp bone structure 
• Be extremely tall 
• Have an extremely large and broad bone structure 
• Be symmetrical in body type and facial features 

Kibbe Soft Natural Body Type Clothing

Dos

• SHAPE: Asymmetric and irregular curves (elongated ovals, wide circles, ellipticals, etc.). Relaxed geometrics with rounded edges. Easy swirls. 
• LINE AND SILHOUETTE: Unconstructed silhouette with shaping, particularly at waist. Relaxed lines with subtle drape and flow, particularly bias cuts. 
• Waist should be defined, although loosely.
• Fabrics weights should be light to moderate so fluid movement is possible.
• Your use of color should be vibrant and rich. Brights and pastels form the basis of your wardrobe,

Don’ts

• Sharp geometrics.
• Wide, chunky and boxy shapes. Plain, symmetrical shapes. Overly ornate shapes. 
• Wide, shapeless silhouettes.
• Sharp, severe silhouettes.
• Symmetrical silhouettes. Fitted silhouettes.

Kibbe Dramatic Classic Body Type

Dramatic Classic Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with dramatic classic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Jackie Kennedy
• Olivia Munn
• Diana Rigg
• Polly Bergen
• Jane Wyman
• Suzanne Pleshette
• Connie Sellecca
• Katharine Ross
• Gena Rowlands
• Linda Gray
• Phylicia Rashad
• Maria Shriver
• Tracy Scoggins

Body Type

• The dramatic classic body type is defined by the overall combination of the balance between Yin and Yang leaning (slightly angular physicality with a coolly sophisticated essence)
• Height: Moderate, up to 5’7″.
• Body type:
  • Fairly trim and compact when at an ideal weight. Slightly muscular when at ideal weight. 
  • Bustline, waist and hips are somewhat straight and in even proportion when at ideal weight.
  • On occasion slightly short-waisted. Legs and arms tend to be average or slightly long. Your body type will seem to radically change when you gain even a little weight. This is actually an illusion because your bone structure remains the same.  
• If overweight: Excess weight shows up right away and collects from the waist down. You seem to gain weight in the hips and thighs. You rarely gain weight around the bustline. The heavier you get, the more pear-shaped you become. 

Bone Structure

• Symmetrical, with slightly angular edges.
• Straight and slightly wide. 
• Shoulders are tapered or slightly square, usually narrow. 
• Slightly squarish hands and feet. 

Facial Bones and Features

• Slightly sharp, angular or squarish facial contours (jawline, nose, cheekbones). 
• Usually moderate to large eyes, moderate lips.

A Dramatic Classic will not

• Have extremely long limbs. 
• Have extremely exotic or overly lush facial features. 
• Have extremely large bones or extremely large hands and feet. 
• Have delicate bones or extremely small hands and feet. 
• Have an hourglass figure. Have a boyishly straight figure. 

Kibbe Dramatic Classic Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Your silhouette is always trim and tailored with sharp edges.
• Clean, sleek lines.
• Straight lines. Elongated draping.
• Strong, defined shoulder line with crisp edges. Strong vertical and diagonal lines.
• Use carefully. Separates can be extremely effective for you when well-planned in matched sets.

Don’ts

• Multicolor splashes. A mix ‘n match approach to color. All neutrals or monochromatics with bold accents.

Kibbe Classic Body Type

Classic Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with dramatic classic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

Body Type

• The classic body type is defined by the overall combination of the perfect balance between the Yin and Yang extremes (symmetrical physicality and cool, reserved essence).
• Height: Moderate, usually between 5’4-5’7″
• Body type: 
  • Evenly proportioned bust, waist, and hips. 
  • Slightly lithe and sinewy musculature. 
  • Moderate to slightly long limbs. 
• If overweight: The body remains symmetrical, and the weight is usually evenly distributed. 

Bone Structure

• Evenly proportioned bust, waist, and hips. 
• Slightly lithe and sinewy musculature.
•  Moderate to slightly long limbs. 

Facial Bones and Features

Chiseled, symmetrical and evenly spaced. 

A Classic will not

• Be extremely tall. 
• Have large bone structure, or large hands and feet. 
• Have prominent or exotic facial features. 
• Be extremely petite with extremely delicate features. 
• Have an hourglass figure. 
• Have full, lush facial features (extremely round eyes, full lips, fleshy cheeks)

Kibbe Classic Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Keep your outlines smooth and symmetrical with the emphasis on controlled and even edges, soft, straight lines or smoothly curved lines-softly tailored or slightly flowing. A clean, unbroken silhouette is your most elegant statement. Think “head-to-toe,” and blend everything accordingly.
• Beautiful, luscious fabrics are an important element in your understated look, which stress your love of quality. Spend your money on the most expensive fabrics-here’s where it will show on you!
• Moderate weights. Lightweights in very constructed and tailored garments. Matte finish or slight sheen. Luxurious to the touch (French silks, Italian gabardines, etc.). Lightweight textures (raw silk, shantung, linen). Smooth knits (cashmere, softly ribbed, heavy jersey). 
• The key is to make sure the color tones (intensities) blend, instead of contrasting.

Don’ts

• Oversized prints. Sharp and angular geometrics.
• Sharp color contrast. Multicolor splashes. Mix ‘n match color combos.

Kibbe Soft Classic Body Type

Soft Classic Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with soft classic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Marion Cotillard
• Naomi Watts
• Olivia de Havilland
• Emma Thompson
• Meryl Streep
• Laura Linney
• Meredith Bexter
• Joan Bennett
• Joan Fontaine
• Kristin Dunst

Body Type

• The soft classic natural body type is defined by the overall combination of the balance between Yin and Yang extremes with a slight Yin leaning (slight soft physicality with a refined and gracious essence)
• Height: Moderate, up to 5’6″
• Body Type
  • Slightly rounded, tends to slight fleshiness. Soft arms, thighs, and waistline. 
  • Evenly proportioned bust, waist, and hips. 
  • Possibility of being slightly short-waisted.
  •  Arms and legs tend to be moderately short (in proportion to height). 
• If overweight: Body becomes very soft; facial features become very fleshy. A “thickish” look is usually the result of excess weight; the waist is the first to lose any definition. 

Bone Structure

• Symmetrical, with soft or slightly rounded edges. 
• Straight and slightly delicate. May be small and slightly wide (but with soft edges, not square). 
• Shoulder are tapered or slightly sloped. Facial contours are slightly small and wide (nose, cheekbones, and jawline). 
• Hand and feet tend to be moderate to small and slightly wide.

Facial Bones and Features

• Soft and full, slightly fleshy. 
• Large eyes, soft cheeks, full lips. 
• Symmetrical and evenly spaced. 

A Soft Classic will not

• Have a large or angular bone structure 
• Have exotic or prominent facial characteristics 
• Have a boyish or muscular body type 
• Have a true hourglass figure, with a waspish waist 
• Be tall 
• Be extremely petite or small boned with extra delicate hands and feet. 

Kibbe Soft Classic Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Soft, curved shapes with rounded edges. Smooth, symmetrical shapes that flow gently. Circles, ovals, subdued swirls. 
• LINE AND SILHOUETTE: Smooth, soft, symmetrical silhouettes with slight shaping. Gently flowing lines that flare or swirl. Clean lines that are unbroken. Smooth, horizontal, or diagonal draping. 
• Your use of color should be soft and luscious within your complimentary palette. Pastels and moderately bright tones are best while light neutrals are quite elegant in luxurious fabrics. Color combinations should be softly monochromatic,

Don’ts

• Sharply tailored detail.
• Wide, unconstructed detail.
• Overly ornate or fussy detail
• Animated, “perky” detail
• Minimal “no detail” looks. 

Kibbe Flamboyant Gamine Body Type

Flamboyant Gamine Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with flamboyant Gamine Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Audrey Hepburn
• Coco Chanel
• Tina Turner
• Penelope Cruz
• Jennifer Love Hewitt
• Liza Minelli
• Twiggy Lawson
• Kelly Osbourne
• Debby Allen

Body Type

• The flamboyant gamine is defined by the overall combination of opposites/extra Yang on the Yin/Yang scale (smallish, broadly angular physicality, along with a youthfully bold and brassy essence).
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches and under. 
  • Body type: Very defined musculature (unless overweight). 
  • Lean and strong.
  • Straight lines (flat bustline and hips) unless overweight. 
  • Tendency toward a leggy look (coltish).
• If overweight: Body tends to become stocky and square. Excess weight usually collects from the waist down, rarely above. Arms and legs tend to become thick, as does the waist and hip area. Face may become very puffy and fleshy.  

Bone Structure

• Broadly angular. Square shoulders. Slightly wide bones.
• Large hands and feet, in proportion to height (if very petite, hands and feet tend to be short, but wide and square). 
• Slightly sharp or broad facial contours (nose, jawline, cheekbones). 
• Arms and legs may be long, in proportion to height (if very petite, they appear to be slightly squarish). 

Facial Bones and Features

• Facial contours tend to be broad (nose, cheekbones, jawline). 
• Usually have extremely large eyes. 
• Usually have a broad or long facial shape (may be very round or slightly oblong). 
• Facial flesh tends to be taut, unless overweight. Lips are frequently moderate to full. 

A Flamboyant Gamine will not

• Be tall
• Have extremely exotic facial characteristics (except for extremely large eyes).
• Have a delicate bone structure with small hands and feet (in proportion to height).
• Have an hourglass figure with a waspish waist and curvy hips and bustline (even when overweight, the bone structure gives a more squarish shape).
• Be symmetrical, in body type or facial features.

Kibbe Flamboyant Gamine Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Chunky, boxy shapes. Sculpted shapes. 
• An obvious use of separates is very effective in keeping your freshness, energy, and vitality visible. Be sure to work with opposing shapes, vibrant colors, and electric patterns.
• Mixing textures, prints, colors, and detail is a most exciting and elegant way to showcase your vibrancy. 

Don’ts

• Delicate, fussy belts. Waist-cinchers. Subdued narrow belts.
• One long line of any color. Monochromatic color schemes.
• Overly blended pastels (unless they are well-accented or crisply defined in patterns).
• Neutrals, unless they are heavily accented. 
• Overly blended watercolor prints.
• Small, symmetrical prints.
• Florals (unless they are absolutely wild and contemporary. 

Kibbe Gamine Body Type

Gamine Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with Gamine Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Leslie Caron (Later on categorized as Soft Gamine)
• Jean Serberg

Body Type

• Gamine is defined by the overall combination of a combination of opposites on the Yin/Yang scale (sharply delicate physicality along with a fresh and spicy essence)
• Height: 5’5″
• Body Type:
  • Straight. Lithe and lean, tends toward sinewy musculature. 
  • Tends toward flatness in bust and hips (unless overweight). 
  • May be very leggy (coltish). Possibility of being slightly short-waisted. 

Facial bones and features

• Large eyes. 
• Moderate to thin lips (narrow or straight, as opposed to full). 
• Taut cheeks and flesh. 

A Gamine will not

• Be over 5 feet 5 inches (and is usually even more petite).
• Have extremely large bone structure. Have prominent or exotic features (except for enormous eyes).
• Have large hands and feet.
• Have an hourglass figure, with a waspish waist and full bust and hips.
• Be symmetrical in body type or facial features.

Kibbe Gamine Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Small, sharp, geometrics. Precision fitted and crisply tailored. 
• Your outline should be sharp, straight, and staccato.
• Fabric must always be crisp, able to hold a defined shapes and be tailored easily.   

Don’ts

• Oversized, large, or long geometrics.
• Unconstructed shapes.
• Soft-edged, flowing, or rounded shapes.

Kibbe Soft Gamine Body Type

Soft Gamine Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with Soft Gamine Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Bette Davis
• Halle Berry
• Winona Ryder
• Reese Witherspoon
• Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
• Octavia Spencer
• Linda Ronstadt
• Judy Garland
• Cyndi Lauper
• Eartha Kitt
• Sally Field
• Clara Bow
• Debbie Reynolds
• Brigitte Bardot, 5’7″

Body Type

• The soft gamine body type is defined by the overall balance of a combination of opposites/extra Yin on the Yin/Yang scale (very rounded body type and features on a delicately angular frame, along with a a playful and spirited essence)
• Height: Under 5’5 (usually very petite). 
• Body type: 
  • Soft, curvy body tends toward fleshiness. 
  • Curved bustline and hips with some natural waist definition. 
  • Arms and legs tend to be soft and fleshy, particularly through the hip and thigh areas. 

• If overweight: Body tends to get very rounded, as the weight collects mainly in the bust and hip areas. Arms and thighs may get very soft, and face tends to become quite fleshy. It is common for Soft Gamines to feel overweight, even when they aren’t because of the extreme round shape of the body paired with the short limbs. 

Bone Structure

• Delicate and small, yet slightly broad and angular. 
• Angular edges, particularly through the shoulders (square or tapered)
•  Small hands and feet (may be slightly wide or fleshy). Arms and legs tend to be shortish (in proportion to height). 

Facial bones and features

• Delicately broad facial contours (nose, cheekbones, and jawline–which may have extra bits of angularity) 
• Doll-like facial features (saucer-eyes, round and fleshy cheeks, full lips) 
• Facial shape may be very rounded, and it can have a slightly sharp or slightly strong jawline. 

A Soft Gamine will not

• Be tall
• Have a rail-thin or extremely straight body type
• Have a large or broad bone structure
• Have large hands and feet or exotic facial characteristics 
• Be symmetrical in body type, bone structure, or facial features
• Have sharp bone structure 

Kibbe Soft Gamine Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Drapeable woven fabrics (jersey, cashmere, challis, etc.) can be used very effectively when there is extra construction in the garment to provide a very defined outline. 
• Knits should be soft and fluffy (angora, mohair, boucle, etc.)
• Your use of color should be bright and sparkling, with a multicolor palette of vivid, rich and intense shades played against each other or on top of either a pale or deep background. 
• PRINTS: You should use lots and lots of prints that are lively and animated! Bright colors, high color contrast, and outlined colors are all good choices. 

Don’ts

• Geometric silhouettes.
• Wide, unconstructed silhouettes.
• Soft and flowing silhouettes.
• Symmetrical silhouettes.
• All elongated lines. All strong horizontal lines. All smooth lines. Severe straight lines. 
• Monochromatic colors

Kibbe Theatrical Romantic Body Type

Theatrical Romantic Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with the theatrical romantic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Vivien Leigh
• Jada Pinkett Smith
• Salma Hayek
• Mila Kunis
• Jane Seymour
• Morgan Fairchild
• Rihanna

Body Type

• Theatrical romantic body type is defined by the overall combination of extreme Yin with a slight Yang undercurrent that creates this Image Identity category. Therefore, slight deviation here or there is always possible and should not be worried over if it does not upset your Yin/Yang balance of a delicately radiant physicality that is combined with a powerfully magnetic essence. 
• Height: Moderate to petite, usually 5’5″ under
• Body type: 
  • Soft and voluptuous, although trim and smallish (as opposed to wide and bulky). 
  • Hourglass figure; curvy bustline and hips with a waspish waist. 
  • Soft or fleshy arms and legs.  
• If overweight: The figure will remain hourglass, with a defined waist. Upper arms, thighs, and face will become quite fleshy. 

Bone Structure

• Small and delicate. 
• Slightly sharp edges (shoulders, jawline, cheekbones, or nose). 
• Small hands and feet (in proportion to height).
•  Facial bones are small, delicate, and slightly sharp. 

Facial Bones and Features

• Soft and lush. 
• Large, luminous eyes (sometimes slightly upturned; sometimes slightly “bedroom”). 
• Full, luscious lips. Soft cheeks. 

A Theatrical Romantic will not

• Be extremely tall 
• Have large or wide bones 
• Have large hands and feet 
• Have extremely prominent facial bones or features 
• Have small, narrow eyes, and thin or straight lips 
• Have a boyishly straight figure devoid of a defined waist 

Kibbe Theatrical Romantic Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Silhouettes should be hourglass, emphasizing the curves and showcasing the waist. The waist should be sharply defined and the shoulders should be crisply padded. 
• Fabric should be lightweight and drapable for soft fluidity (silks, jersey, challis, crepe, handkerchief linen, etc.). Soft textures, a plush pile (suede, velvet, shantung, etc.), sheer fabrics and shiny fabrics are all excellent. Fluffy knits (angora, boucle, etc.) are extremely effective.
• Bows, sheer lace, jabots, soft ruffles, and sparkly appliqué are excellent.

Don’ts

All severe silhouettes.

• All over-sized or unconstructed silhouettes.
• All tailored silhouettes.
• All straight lines.
• All sharp lines.
• All wide or horizontal lines. All long vertical lines that hide the waist.
• Always avoid any kind of harsh contrast between top and bottom.
• Head-to-toe “darks” (too stark). Head-to-toe “neutrals” (too tiring). Monochromatic schemes (too dull).

Kibbe Romantic Body Type

Romantic Kibbe Body Type Celebrities

These are the celebrities with the romantic Kibbe body type either mentioned in the Kibbe body type book or verified by Kibbe himself later on.

• Marilyn Monroe
• Madonna
• Drew Barrymore
• Christina Ricci
• Beyonce
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Helena Bonham

Body Type

• The romantic body type is defined by the overall combination of extreme, soft Yin (soft physicality and magnetic essence) 
• Height: Moderate to petite, usually 5’5″ and under.
  • Body type: Soft and voluptuous. 
  • Hourglass figure; curvy (bustline and hips, with a small waist (in proportion to the curves).
  • Fleshy arms and legs.
• If overweight: The body only gets more rounded; the face gets very full.

Bone Structure

• Delicate and smallish. 
• Usually to the wide side. 
• Rounded or sloped shoulders. 
• Small hand and feet (may be slightly wide). Facial bones are small, delicate and may be slightly wide or lush (nose, cheekbones, jawline). If your bone structure is slightly wide or lush, you may think of yourself as having a large bone structure. This is actually decdeving to you, for the shortness of your limbs and extremities (hand and feet) offsets the width. In context of your overall voluptuous figure, your bone structure is definitely delicate.

Facial Bones and Features

• Lush; full, and sensual (rounded).
• Large, luminous eyes. 
• Full lips. Fleshy cheeks.

A Romantic will not

• Be extremely tall
• Have a large bone structure or large hands and feet
• Have a straight or boyish figure
• Have angular or sharp facial features
• Have a prominent nose or angular chin
• Be symmetrical

Kibbe Romantic Body Type Clothing

Dos

• Keep your shapes rounded with soft edges
• Your outline should always be soft and flowing silhouettes that showcase the lush curves of your body. Waist definition is essential, always, as is lots of gentle draping everywhere.
• Oversized bows, flouncy ruffles, and delicate lace are always good choices as long as they are luscious and womanly, instead of “little-girlish.” 
• Your use of color should emphasize a watercolor palette of soft pastels and luscious brights. Any shade that is named for a food or flower (grape, melon, raspberry, rose, salmon, etc.) is a prime candidate.

Don’ts

• All tailored silhouettes. All straight lines with angular edges. All vertical lines that hid the waist. All unconstructed, boxy, or horizontal lines.
• Dark, monochromatic color schemes.
• Neutral, monochromatic color schemes.
• Sharp color contrast. 

Note: Kibbe himself has made modifications to his system, removing the pure Natural, pure Classic, and pure Gamine types ( (the subtypes for these three IDs still exist), leaving only 10 Kibbe ID categories