Dramatic 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.


Dramatic Classic is the balance between Yang and Yin, with added Yang (70% Classic + 30% Dramatic).

The facial features are proportionate and slightly angular or square, such as the nose, cheekbones and jaw. The eyes are moderate in size, generally almond-shaped. The lips are moderate to thin. The skin on the cheeks tend to be taut.

The Dramatic Classic woman is generally average height to tall (up to 5.7ft / 1m74). The vertical line is moderate to long (distance from shoulder line to knees).

The bone structure is balance, slightly angular. The body is slim and compact, with a fine musculature. The bust, the waist and the hips are straight or slightly wide. The shoulders are square and pointed, often narrow. The arms and legs are proportionate to the height or slightly long. The hands and feet are square.

When overweight, the weight accumulates around the waist, hips and thighs.

The Dramatic Classic woman doesn't have a large bone structure. She doesn't look very tall or very petite. She doesn't have very broad features. She doesn't have an hourglass figure.


Clothing Lines

The clothing lines should recreate your symmetry through slender, fitted lines, to accentuate your angularity. Prefer shapes with precise geometry. The emphasis should be placed on shoulder lines with clean edges.

The tops should be fitted with straight, even lines. V-necks, square necklines and narrow turtlenecks are preferable. The jumpers should be figure-hugging or fall straight.

The trousers should be straight-cut, neither too tight nor too wide, with a minimum of detail. The ideal length is just below the ankle.

The skirts and dresses should be straight and narrow. They should have a slightly defined waist. The length can be knee-length or longer.

The jackets and coats should be fitted. They can be mid-length or long, with clean shoulders.


Textiles, Colours and Patterns

The fabrics should be moderately thick, neither too fluid nor too stiff. The textures should be soft, such as silk, velvet and cashmere.

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

The patterns should be geometric, symmetrical and proportionate.


Accessories

The accessories should be geometrically symmetrical, proportionate and minimal.

The shoes should be angular and fitted, without too much detail, with moderately sized heels.

The bags should be medium-sized, compact and rigid.

The belts can be thin or medium, with geometric buckles.

The jewellery should be simple, geometric and symmetrical.


Hairstyles and Make-up

The hairstyles should be neat, structured and geometric. Don't stray too far from your natural colour, it should remain realistic. Medium-length cuts are ideal.

The makeup should be classic and clean, balanced between eyes and lips.


For more inspiration, follow Satine Vespère on Pinterest.


Sources

Painting Title : Half-Length Portrait of a Roman Woman - Anselm Feuerbach / 1. Gena Rowlands - Moviepix / 2. Phylicia Rashad - Ron Galella Collection / 3. Jeon Jong Seo - Marie Claire Korea / 4. Lizzy Caplan - Bust Magazine / 5. Jeon Jong Seo - Marie Claire Korea / 6. Diane Kruger - Vogue Greece / 7. Michelle Dockery - InStyle/ 8. Katharine Ross - Ron Galella Collection / 9. Zoe Saldana - Popsugar / 10. Sora Choi - Harper’s Bazaar Korea / 11. Jackie Kennedy Onassis - Richard Avedon / 12. Grace Kelly - Archive Photos / 13. Gena Rowlands - Archive Photos / 14. Sharon Tate - Hulton Archive / 15. Bianca Jagger - Popperfoto / 16. Jackie Kennedy Onassis - Archive Photos / 17. Gene Tierney - Moviepix / 18. Jackie Kennedy Onassis - Archive Photos / 19. Bianca Jagger - Archive Photos / 20. Katharine Ross - Ron Galella Collection / 21. Bianca Jagger - Archive Photos / 22. Gene Tierney - Corbis Historical / 23. Anna Karina - Hulton Archive / 24. Diane Kruger - Contour RA / 25. ackie Kennedy Onassis - Archive Photos / 26. Gena Rowlands - Moviepix / 27. Sharon Tate - Hulton Archive / 28. Anna Karina - Hulton Archive / 29. Bianca Jagger - Archive Photos / 30. Diane Kruger - L'Express Styles Magazine / 31. Son Ye-jin - Corbis Entertainment / 32. Carey Mulligan - Elle France / Vêtements et accessoires - Pinterest

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

Previous
Previous

Soft Natural

Next
Next

Classic