Soft Classic

Before getting into the details, it's worth noting that David Kibbe (the creator of the 13 Kibbe types) has repeatedly said that a clothing type doesn't belong to a specific type. Rather, it's how you integrate it into an outfit that makes it appropriate. The aim is not to tell you how you should dress, it's simply a guide, a starting point when you're feeling a little lost. From there, you can fine-tune your clothing style. It's also important to point out that Yang (sharp, angular, straight, long) is often described as "masculine" and Yin (rounded, soft, curved, short) as "feminine". This is totally incorrect and only serves to further skew our view of different morphologies. They're just two different femininities. 

I've taken the liberty of modernising and softening some of the recommendations, so I suggest you refer to his book Metamorphosis, if you want more authentic information. 

A slight deviation is always possible and shouldn't be a cause for concern as long as it doesn't upset the overall balance. If this is a new subject for you, I suggest you read the Glossary of Morphologies before starting.


The Soft Classic woman is the balance between Yin and Yang, with added Yin (70% Classic + 30% Romantic).

The facial features are balanced, slightly small or large, such as the nose, cheekbones and jaw. The eyes are moderate to large. The lips are moderate to full. The skin on the cheeks tend to be slightly soft.

The Soft Classic woman is generally average height (up to 5.6ft / 1m70). The vertical line is moderate to slightly small (distance from shoulder line to knees).

The silhouette is slightly straight with delicate curves. The bust, the waist and the hips are proportionate. The bone structure is moderate, with slightly rounded edges. The shoulders are sloping and slightly narrow. The arms and legs tend to be moderately short in relation to the height. The hands and feet are moderate in size or slightly small and wide.

When overweight, the body develops more curves and facial features become fleshier.

The Soft Classic woman doesn't have a wide or angular bone structure. She doesn't have an hourglass figure. She doesn't look very tall or very petite. She doesn't have very prominent features.


Clothing Lines

The clothing lines should be clean and symmetrical. The waist should be defined. The shoulders should be structured yet rounded.

The tops should be delicate with soft edges, like a draped neckline. The jumpers should hug the figure.

The trousers should be fluid, straight or slightly form-fitting, with neat pleats. The ideal length is just below the ankle.

The skirts and dresses should be soft, straight or slightly flared and defined at the waist. The lengths can be knee-length or longer.

The jackets and coats should be supple yet emphasise the waist and shoulders.


Textiles, Colours and Patterns

The fabrics should be moderately thick or light, so they can drape and follow your curves. The textures should be soft, such as silk, velvet and smooth knits.

You can combine different textures and colours, but this should not disrupt the overall fluidity of the silhouette.

The patterns should be symmetrical and discreet, such as rounded shapes and floral motifs.


Accessories

The accessories should be delicate, symmetrical and minimal.

The shoes should be classic and fitted, with rounded or open toes. The heels should be moderate in size.

The bags should be small or medium-sized, with rounded edges.

The belts should be of moderate size with rounded buckles.

The jewellery should be simple, delicate, rounded and symmetrical.


Hairstyles and Make-up

The hairstyles should be well-groomed, rounded, with soft curls. Don't stray too far from your natural colour, it should remain realistic. Medium-length cuts are ideal.

The make-up should be classic and delicate, balanced between eyes and lips.


For more inspiration, follow Satine Vespère on Pinterest.


Sources

Painting Title : Wang Neng Jun / 1. Kirsten Dunst - The Sunday Times Style Magazine / 2. Lupita Nyong'o - Du Jour Magazine / 3. Meryl Streep - Archive Photos / 4. Liu Yifei - Corbis Entertainment / 5. Donna Reed - Archive Photos / 6. Jessica Chastain - Vogue España / 7. Kerry Washington - David Urbanke / 8. Felicity Jones - Shape Magazine / 9. Liu Yifei - Entertainment News / 10. Grace Kelly - Archive Photos / 11. Lupita Nyong'o - Getty Images North America / 12. Marilyn Monroe - Archive Photos / 13. Lee Remick - Moviepix / 14. Deborah Kerr - Moviepix / 15. Deborah Kerr - Moviepix / 16. Lee Remick - Premium Archive / 17. Lee Remick - Moviepix / 18. Meryl Streep - The Chronicle Collection / 19. Meryl Streep - The Chronicle Collection / 20. Felicity Jones - Gustavo Papaleo The Observer / 21. Deborah Kerr - Moviepix / 22. Donna Reed - Moviepix / 23. Olivia de Havilland - Moviepix / 24. Donna Reed - Moviepix / 25. Lee Remick - Premium Archive / 26. Meryl Streep - The Chronicle Collection / 27. Deborah Kerr - Moviepix / 28. Meryl Streep - Archive Photos / 29. Jessica Chastain - Martin Schoeller August / 30. Kerry Washington - Marie Claire US / 31. Liu Yifei - Crystal Post / 32. Felicity Jones - Elizabeth Weinberg / Vêtements et accessoires - Pinterest

The website Satine Vespère does not own the rights to any of these images.

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