Confused by the Kibbe Test? Try this!!

[@karenbehymer3634]

Tried this after a very long time of living with an unflattering, mixed wardrobe. SURPRISE! I looked the best in the Dramatic "dress". Very long charcoal turtleneck sweater over skinny black pants - hair sleeked back. I am totally shocked!!! Now I understand why average length and shorter skirts and dresses felt awkward on me, and why even slightly A-line dresses were not flattering. Most of the sewing patterns that I bought and never sewed were more Romantic style or Gamine......Those types of clothes made me feel awkward, manly and silly- even though they are so right on others. Maybe I'm not an ugly duckling after all. Thank You

[@merriamstyle]

That's wonderful Karen! I'm happy this technique helped.

[@cocoacoolness]

Yes similar to me, whilst i really liked short puffier dresses because they were girly and cute, i always look sooo much better in longer dresses. It makes me look tons more elegant, im only now learning to wear more soft dramatic lines.

[@myshanamakisi6063]

I think you have to have a PhD to understand Kibbe. Several videos in, and this -ish is still hella confusing.

[@monicacardenas7924]

I read some comment saying it takes like a year to familiarize yourself 😭😭

[@myshanamakisi6063]

@Aramis3737 😂😂😂👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@OlivePapyrus]

Try Aly art

[@jencrews]

Hahaha thank you I thought it was me being dim

[@groovysecondhalf]

So funny ~ starting to think I’ve jumped down a rabbit hole

[@sunsets6075]

6:00 start of Kibbe Dresses Test: 6:11 dramatic 6:40 classic 7:21 natural 8:16 gamine 8:50 romantic

[@noomre9105]

Thank you

[@chloejoseph9271]

Thank you so much

[@rudyantunes3442]

Thank you thank you

[@LazyNina996]

STOP LYING TO YOURSELF!!! (and everybody else) IT'S NOT ABOUT BODY ANGLES, IT'S ABOUT A STYLE THAT COMPLIMENTS YOU! THERE IS A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BODY ANGLES, 2 SOFT GAMINES ARE NOT SAME! Fashion and style is much more than body angles! You are trying to make the RULES THAT DON'T MAKE SENSE AT ALL! That is why people focus on their curviness and non-curviness, and trying to be something that they are not!!!!!!!!!!! btw you are the reason why my friend and I were mistyped for 5 years. We've been UGLY FOR 5 YEARS. Also your style is awful. STOP LYING TO YOURSELF!!! (and everybody else) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MELLMAO]

@@LazyNina996 are you ok?

[@rubytuesday8698]

Taking photos & adjusting them to black & white is suuuuper helpful!

[@Bellaxx1990]

I actually tried this and the results shocked me so much! I'm 5'7 so just automatically assumed dramatic would be my best lines but they looked... the worst on me. Romantic lines won by a land slide. I've struggled with the test for so long just because of my height and the body type stereotypes, but this little exercise has shown me exactly what my body type is :) Thank you so much for this, and I look forward for your future videos!

[@bruna3240]

I feel the same, i am 5'8 but most dramatic clothing seems to be too stiff or heavy for me... and any natural makes me look like i just got out of bed. But i;m trying to figure it all out still TT

[@bbappzz98]

beyonce is also 5'7 and she's romantic. also rihanna is 5'8 and is TR so there are tall romantics but just not as many as petite romantics.

[@elainelee4828]

Bellaxx1990 yes, I also confirmed myself is a total Romantic after watching this video. I am 5’5.5” (0.5” over the definition) and I don’t even have a left to right wide hip (but front to back thick). I don’t have huge boobs. But I don’t look super flat chested (32B), because my rib cage is completely rounded with front to back thickness and narrow left to right. This height thing really got me confused for a long time. Visual weight is the key.

[@hannahm9893]

im 5’10 but everyone in my family is over 6’1 so im the shorty at home

[@lalu7922]

You guys are probably Soft Dramatics

[@aslhancanik5421]

Merriam you look stunning in this style and I definitely hope to see you in short hair/updos more often it just brings out your beauty

[@emilyk8248]

I have always been super picky about what I wear. Not that I'm beautiful or vain, but when clothes don't "feel" right, I feel very uncomfortable. I asked my husband to figure out my kibbe type and he confirmed my thoughts(and this excellent video) -- a classic. I like things that are neat, fairly fitted, don't swish or swing or get in my way. Even my jewelry can't be too loose or hanging, bouncing, or making noise as I walk. Many of the Kibbe videos are confusing, but you simplified this esp with the five dresses. Thanks so much!

[@elizabethkirkeide2458]

I think this video does a really nice job of comparing and contrasting the 5 main types so you can see what a difference wearing the right clothes for your type makes.

[@katariina7697]

From watching your videos I've realized: I'm a soft natural who's been wearing gamine and sometimes classic lines (probably because I'm very short, I thought gamine clothes would suit me). Oops. No wonder that - especially as I've gotten older and a bit chubbier - I've started to look a little matronly in those choices. Well, yesterday I bought my first clearly soft natural dress, and it looks fantastic! Can't wait to go out and find more clothes that actually flatter me. Thank you so much, your videos are excellent!

[@White_Isida]

My dear!! After a huge amount of time defining myself according to the Kibbe system, I intuitively switched to dresses. They give information about body types more clearly. But thanks to your video, I now see everything as it is! Thank you very much!

[@jro418]

Wow, this could not have been more aptly timed. I was planning on going TOMORROW to fake shop at a store to figure out once and for all if I am a Theatrical Romantic or a Soft Gamine! Just discovered Kibbe last week, been obsessing ever since, found your channel this week, and thank you so much for everything you've posted, I've watched pretty much everything and learned a lot! I thought that was just too perfect that you went and posted this today! 😆

[@merriamstyle]

The universe has helped us!! Hope you have fun, and I'm happy you're enjoying my channel!

[@KimberleyIndira]

I also had issues deciding between whether I am SG and TR but finally realised I am TR just the other day when I was shopping!

[@diamarieful]

I would be interested to know how you go! I'm pretty sure I am TR, with some lingering doubts about SG. I know TR is an R subtype but I think it has a special connection with SG. Good luck finding your type :)

[@Em-fz5uh]

How did it go ? Have you find out ? I don't know if I'm theatrical romantic or soft gamine

[@peggy-sue-reads-a-book]

@jro418 Miriam explains the difference between TR and the soft subtypes so well. TR is mostly D answers -- pointy yin. The soft subtypes all have E undercurrents. You may be a TR if you feel each of your features is sharp yet you have the overall appearance is very feminine. Also, TR and SG faces can look similar or have the same test results. Look at your body and see if your proportions are straight and petite or slinky hourglass. If you think you may be TR, don't be thrown off by the frilly outfits and rhinestones the internet wants you to wear. You may not like those things and therefore not feel you look good. Instead, use process of elimination. As an ornate, yin type, you will look plain or sloppy in the wrong lines because of the contrast. If you look especially homeless and sad in ugly sweaters or especially boring in minimal looks, that's your clue that you're a romantic.

[@CalynnAli]

My friends and I are doing this this week! I am pretty sure I'm a Soft Natural (but not positive), and my one friend is stuck between Soft Natural and Soft Gamine, then our other friend is a Romantic. It's going to be fun to see how we all look in the same dresses :)

[@merriamstyle]

That sounds like so much fun!

[@madisonaubrey6076]

How did it go? (:

[@stardustonmyheart]

That sounds fun. How did it go?

[@Kpower]

You look so pretty and fresh in that half sleeve, crew neck top.

[@merriamstyle]

Thank you

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

@@merriamstyle Could you do a more personal video or FAQ? I would love to know your ethnicity! :)

[@jurysdykcja]

Thanks! That helped a lot. I always perceived myself as a bit heavy and out of proportion, so I guess it affected my replies in the Kibbe test - I was ending up as a soft natural every time I took it. The problem was, I look absolutely terrible in natural lines. Finally I decided to ask my mother and my friend to take the test for me, and they both ended up with classic. It is hard for me to accept, as I see classic as exceptionally proportional (I am not... at least I don't think I am) - maybe due to the fact, that all this body evaluations are done with actresses and models - so in comparison to them I just can't see myself as classically balanced. To summarize - I do feel best in classic lines - sometimes gamine (bodycon, not girly A line). In romantic I feel unnatural and fake, dramatic unfortunately makes me look like rihanna in this masculine suit and this shiny, long, natural dress you have showed is probably the worst outfit I could pick for myself :)

[@fin418]

Bit late to the party, but wanted to thank you for this simple but genius idea. I been unsure weather I'm a SG, SN or PR. Just tried on a load of clothes and can finally confirm I am a SG. I have had such difficulty with the kibbe system and this makes the whole thing much easier. Thank you so much

[@primeg2539]

I'm a soft gamine and before I even heard about Kibbe's body tipe I've always had many natural clothes.. I think this video explained a lot. Good job.

[@merriamstyle]

Oh I'm so glad! Yes, I think soft gamines look so cute in natural clothing because it makes them look tiny, but not necessarily the most 'complimenting' lines of all the choices. :)

[@primeg2539]

@@merriamstyle Great to explore my real lines with your videos. Love them!

[@mianutt]

I think this explains a lot about me as well. I'm fairly sure I'm a gamine, but I have a few draped outfits that are relaxed and comfortable, and I get compliments on them even! I think the key is I always layer and break up my silouette (different coloured dress, tights, and boots) when I do wear these styles.

[@asma.psychologue]

Hi. Thank you for your videos. Could you please make a video for the perfect black dress for each body type or the perfect maxi skirt, etc. ? :)

[@susanholl5994]

Wow, this is super helpful. I was confused about the whole kibbe system. I watched part of the aly art series then turned it off because I didn't understand the differences and had no idea what type I was. I did the quiz finally and soft natural was the outcome. This dress test confirms it too. Gamine dresses look terrible on me. Also, flowy unconstructed stuff usually looks fine, even though I'm thin with not many curves.

[@sattvadevi]

You are so beautiful Merriam! I have a request. I would love it if you made a video about Gamine clothes for older women, with examples of celebrities over 50, and why not 70 too. Of course it would be interesting to see all the types, but I'm particularly curious about Gamine, and how to make that style more mature. I'm a Soft Gamine and 48 years old. And I love your videos! Thank you! 🧡❤️💛

[@emilyscottbanks7638]

Same for Romantic! I'm struggling because I think that's my general area - but no way am I doing ruffles and bows at my age. I feel like this drives me more to classic options...which aren't necessarily the best? Thank you!

[@user-ud6uv6xm6w]

@@emilyscottbanks7638 and theatrical romantics... Business casual tend to look horrible on me and that's such an inconvenience..

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

Thank you for making this video! It was extremely insightful! I believed I had it narrowed down to a Classic type from watching a lot of analysis on different types and looking at both my features and what I know looks good on me on not. This video really cemented that fact, and I now with certainty can say I am a type of Classic. There are so many styles that are just too much of something and I struggled to figure out what. They were too frilly or fuzzy, too strict, too busy as examples. The Classic dress here would definitely look the best on me of these, and the natural dress would be something I’d shy away from as I know that type of cut is awful on me.

[@JuliaMarieH]

Oh I’m absolutely classic. Thank you, this was so helpful!! I think I might be dramatic classic because dramatic lines look ok on me too. My face is very round and feminine so that throws me off, but the dresses don’t lie!

[@paulinanowak314]

Thank you for another insightful video! You suggested that Naturals stay away from v-necks, and I can understand why, because v-shapes are sharp. However, I have often read that v-necks are recommended for Naturals, especially Flamboyant Naturals. Is it because FNs are closer to Dramatics than Ns and SNs? I'm confused now! Would you consider making a video in which you type clothes?

[@laululla]

I also would like to see a video of typing clothes. Even better typing printable sewing patterns, because then if you find out something that would fit, it would be accessible to get that garment. There could be even a serie of videos for different occasions like everyday, busines/office, workout, celebration...

[@LiveLaughLove1101]

I am reading the comments before watching the video. I'm a flamboyant natural and my favorite tops are v neck. I watched another video regarding FN and it recommended that v necks in which I agree. I guess it really boils down to personal preference. That's interesting. Thanks for sharing. I looked at one of her other videos(wedding dress for body types) under FN there are v necks.....

[@mimaesthetic2517]

Paulina Nowak Flamboyant naturals sometimes have Wide shoulders which is very Yang/Sharp energy so I think they can get away with it

[@mandarinz69]

I'm not sure if I'm a Classic or Natural. I looved the Classic dress you showed and it looks like most of my outfits and I hated the Natural dress.

[@nesminra8982]

Same problem right here

[@federicanardi7227]

Thank you SO MUCH. I was really confused and now I'm sure I'm a romantic. A theatrical romantic I think. That romantic dress is basically the prototype of most of the dresses I have in my closet. It's not even my favourite kind of dress but it's the kind of dress that really fits me and flatters me. When I was younger my mother used to try to dress me like a dramatic because those kind of clothes are her favourite styles and I always looked awkward and goofy. Natural clothes make me look like a sack. Classic are not horrible, but make me look older. Gamine clothes are kind of okish, but I feel too constrained in fitted clothes and I look somehow heavier.

[@dinnahcalvo6517]

I’m still finding it confusing since I’m a bigger girl. Would be nice to see guidance for plus size women and some examples of plus size models/celebrities.

[@kuramacabre]

She does have videos on curvy and plus size women.

[@dinnahcalvo6517]

@@kuramacabre Yes I found them soon after. Thanks! 😁

[@flowersafeheart]

I love this idea of trying on 5 dresses! If they are all the same color I think that would be the most fair comparison. Best if it's in a color very flattering to that person. Someone in the comments said they would try on the 5 dresses with their friends - great idea! Is there a FB group to post photos and get opinions?

[@spacecat942]

You mention that Romantic bodytype is the opposite of Gamine but I could totally see a Gamine wear the dress at 8:52 and look adorable (high neckline, short lenght, belt, doll-like vibe) and I think that about almost all romantic clothes that have a high neckline. But to be fair, as a gamine, I'm incredibly biased :D I think I look my worst in Soft Natural lines but Natural lines, as you mentioned, give off a cute vibe which I like on me.

[@SwanTheQueen]

Space Cat a romantic style in a Gamine looks odd, might seem cute for you but is just not harmonious

[@kittyfittsy]

I was mostly trying to confirm that I'm a pure Classic, because the push towards dramatic or soft classic was really confusing for me, and I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't really push towards either side? Trying on the other shapes was *really* helpful cementing that I'm a Classic, whichever more yin or yang I actually swing towards, this at least helped it make way more sense by wearing what is clearly *wrong* on me!!!

[@llbsab]

Are all short (5' 2" and under) women gamines? There are a lot of short women, of all ages and weights, that I work with and observe, that I don't know if the "personality" traits, for example, fit the gamine.

[@greentree_]

Good question! I wonder too if all very short women are gamine, I’m 5’1” and I’m thinking I may be one. But, yes, what about personality, weight and age influencing, right?

[@merriamstyle]

I don't think personality has anything to do with Kibbe! It's just how we look, not who we are, after all. Not all gamines are short, and not all short ladies are gamines. Lily Cole is 5' 10" and she's soft gamine (I have a video all about her), and, Lucy Liu is 5' 3" and she is dramatic!

[@nourafahad5383]

Merriam Style I’m 5”1 and I have hour glass figure i also got some boobs

[@llbsab]

Thank you Merriam, and others for your response. I had wondered if I had missed an example of a short celebrity who is not 'gamine'. I guess I did! The 'personality' part of my question was due to the names given to each body type, rather than names like "pear", "apple", etc.

[@4Distractiononly]

Some romantics can be quite petite

[@starminoui]

Could you please explain the difference between natural and flamboyant natural? I'm 5'7" and I have always gravitated towards natural lines - draped tops, big hats, big scarves, etc. It's hard to tell if I'm flamboyant since I'm not super tall.

[@annamichelle3248]

This was very helpful for me. On tests, I'm either a soft gamine or theatrical romantic. I have some features of each but don't fit in either exactly. But I look better in romantic styles.

[@xxyxx6885]

Same with me here 🙂🤞

[@spaceforthesoul6286]

1. Not too fitted. No waist. A v neck. But stiff material. (Dramatic) 2. Simple. Noo harsh angles. Not extremely fitted. Not too stiff or shiny. (Classic) 3. Draped and long. No colourblocking. No v necks (Natural) 4. Bright design. Fitted. (Gamine) 5. Very delicate, waist emphasis, not flowy or elongated (romantic) Or have a look at what's your worst: Dramatic is opposite of romantic Natural look not good in gamine Classics need put together so not natural Gamine shouldn't wear romantic, akward.. Thanks a lot darling

[@sherryedwards695]

What about Theatrical Romantic and Soft Gamines? I thought that they could wear each other's lines.

[@madisonaubrey6076]

Finally figured out I am TR and not SD! My height kept psyching me out. I’m 5’8 and every source I found kept saying that’s too tall for TR. Most of my features are on the soft and feminine side, but I still couldn’t figure out if I was truly a TR. In the end, TR clothing really helped me shine. Even though I could pull off SD due to my height, it seemed more like the clothes were wearing me, and that they looked stiff. In photos of me with TR clothing I am glowing and angelic. Thank you so much!!

[@nso5625]

I think I'm having the same revelation! I'm also 5'8 and the height element threw me off initially, but there's something about the SD style of dress that doesn't quite vibe with me.

[@dawsld]

This test really worked for me, after trying lots of dresses and taking photos it became immediately obvious I’m a soft natural, and dressing as such has made such a difference since discovering this, clothes are actually starting to suit me for once. Before this all the tests came out as soft classic or romantic which both felt wrong.

[@olgaperez4705]

omg!!! i like the way I look in romantic and natural. ive tried several dresses now and I honestly can't tell if I am a soft natural or a soft classic.

[@kuramacabre]

They are super different. 😱 If you want to, I would gladly help you to narrow down, I am getting too passionate about this topic. XD

[@bellam7546]

Can you do a video for Kibbe types for african women? Because I havent seen any kibbe examples for black women apart from beyonce and rihanna. What body type is Lupita N`yongo?

[@euniceimmortalis3584]

Could be Dramatic Classic or Flamboyant gamine!? Lupita's body is goals! imo

[@jamierenner2115]

My guess would be DC

[@qtdeshina]

She uploaded one 3 hours ago and you can find it here! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5jGh6uCi8p5m8U

[@user-ud6uv6xm6w]

girl i feel you... what I feel about applying this test on coloured women is you have to compare the tested person's features (sharp nose? medium height? curved?) with women of her own ethnicity, not the general public. for reasons like one can be considered very tall in one ethnicity and moderate in another and etc.

[@user-vk8vk4wu6l]

if you’d like some black examples; Naomi Campbell is a flamboyant natural, Halle Berry is a soft gamine, Skai Jackson is a gamine Zoe Saldana seems to be a dramatic classic and Lupita Nyongo seems to be a soft classic

[@maladjustedmaverick6619]

Huh... I won't be able to do the test for a while (quarantine), but after watching this I'm almost 100% sure I'm a classic. I was wavering between soft natural and classic/soft classic, and was even starting to suspect romantic, but now I realize I've always gravitated toward classic styles and gotten the most compliments while wearing them. A couple months ago I tried on what I think was a natural dress (it had a halter neck but below that fell in loose, unstructured pleats to the knee), and it looked pretty awful. I wouldn't touch ruffles with a ten foot pole, and I'm pretty sure I'd look (or at least feel) like a clown in them. I'll probably do the test at some point but for now I'm going to assume I'm classic.

[@AlexisTwoLastNames]

i found you this evening and i really enjoy your videos! you have a lot of insight and a really pleasant voice.

[@merriamstyle]

aw welcome! thank you!

[@user-ud6uv6xm6w]

THANK YOU. Finally confirmed. I'm a theatrical romantic who loves wearing soft natural and soft gamine style as long as there's a waist line. Have always been confused cuz most theatrical romantic stuff I researched online are so middle-aged, and I'm a 5'2'' Asian who fits in and looks fine in GAP Kids.

[@wolfferoni]

Hm I don't know. A lot of the dresses that don't suit the body types just aren't flattering in general. It would be much better if we could see the same dress on different types. There's so much that goes into a dress that could determine whether it would look good on a person or not.

[@amandateoh1164]

As a gamine I am devastated to find out that my opposite is not dramatic but romantic... Although I really admire and am obsessed with the romantic look especially their dresses, the whole frilly soft princess elegant ball look 😭💔

[@kuramacabre]

I am a TR and I like it but not always. I would happily exchange lines with you so you can wear the dress that you want. UwU

[@amandateoh1164]

@@kuramacabre yes plssss 🥺🥺🥺❤

[@macthomas8776]

i and a soft dramatic but im in love with natural looks. i want to be a bohemian goodess lol

[@AlyssaGrawey]

Girl I think you got classics a bit wrong lol. Yes we tend to look better in simplicity than other types (besides dramatics) but that doesn't mean we can't have any detail at all! In fact we tend to look even better in clothing with symmetrical, clean detail as this can highlight our well balanced features. But this took me a while to figure out as well. Aly Art even recommends to avoid minimal detail for classics, as well. And I think I can see why; because our features can be a bit understated, too plain clothing can make us look a bit boring. Just my interpretation!

[@tasmaniandevil6750]

Yuevie that is interesting. I’m a natural and even before I heard of Kibbe I’d say that I don’t need a lot of ornamentation.

[@ezodragon]

i think the idea is that you work to emphasize your type not subdue it, so if you have "understated" features, it looks better to have understated clothing, as well, so your features are not lost in your clothing. of course im sure there is space for detail, but not with the goal of "making up" for your classic lines

[@elia.0713]

I also didn't like the dress she chose, I felt it too soft for a dramatic classic such as myself to wear it. I might be wrong though.

[@cocoacoolness]

When i think classic clothing i think of lots of the clothes kate middleton wears. Im not sure if she is classic... I think she might be, but she rarely wears things overly simple. Not too out there, and not too subtle. Edit: dont think that classsics are boring at all. Every other body typing system considers this to be the most beautiful and ideal type and say they can get away with wearing anything. whilst i dont agree they'd look their best in everything, this may be the case.

[@elia.0713]

In the meantime while watching Merriam I've realized I might be gamine so I retract what I've said 🙄

[@notimportanotimporta4049]

Thank you soooooo much for this tips!! I've been getting more confused with every video i watched on this subject, but your dress technique just made it so clear for me, i don't even need to go "shopping", i've always looked like crap in the 'dramatic' structure and great on 'natural' style. I was doubting between those two , so thank you so much!! You have a new subscriber :)

[@tastedpurple1492]

Please make a video on tops+trousers and shorts!♥️ I've been wondering what your type is too since you look great in this dress!

[@merriamstyle]

Oh, I am soft gamine--my face is gamine, but my body is soft gamine. Overall, my body type is soft gamine! The dress is primarily a gamine dress.

[@polinaracheeva9163]

I am a strange case: I look great in classic dresses (I have very similar one to the girl you showed, but in teal), but I also look good in natural dress. However, I look like granny in romantic. What am I?

[@isobel5175]

Ah this is so difficult, I am torn if I am a romantic or a classic, my test said classic but I am not sure I answered correctly. Also from your example I think both romantic and classic look good on me. Dramatic for sure look the worst, so bad. But natural also look bad on me like you said classics would, but not as bad as dramatic in my opinion. So hard.

[@crisheadley9100]

Just came across this video while looking for Kibbe related topics. I think I'm a romantic type, BUT there's always that bit of doubt. I do feel the most comfortable in this style of clothing. The idea of trying on different styles is so simple, but genius. To actually see intentional side by side comparisons will really help. I'm going to take advantage of Amazon Prime Wardrobe to help figure this out. Even in the store I'm a bit overwhelmed, so this seems like a good option.

[@kathleen-delilahevans5575]

Your dress is lovely!

[@mariemai2902]

I think I am Gamine Classic, a combination of both styles looks best on me.

[@diamarieful]

It's weird, because I think I am TR, but I feel like of those dresses the classic one would look the best on me and the natural one would be the worst. For the R dress, I get a very girly, innocent vibe from it, whereas I sort of feel R has more sensuality to it (think Liz Taylor... sensual even when she wasn't trying to be). Thanks for another great vid :)

[@NiceSuccubus]

Haha, I totally agree that gamines looks cute in natural lines! My friend is a gamine and in somehow unconstructed loose pyjamas she looks so soft and cute :D (while wearing her right gamine lines makes her look just right, even badass when she turns into flamboyant gamine clothes) I am a classic and in natural lines I look like a homeless person.

[@peggy-sue-reads-a-book]

I've played around with this! We can wear classic or natural lines as long as we find ways to color block them. A soft gamine might look cute in a sloppy tee shirt if the hem doesn't go below her hip and it looks boxy instead of slouchy. Everything has to be in our proper size -- not oversized. Audrey Hepburn's look is basically just chopping up classic outfits by cropping everything and making the waist higher.

[@cocoacoolness]

Similar here, im a soft dramatic and anything too baggy or too casual makes me look homeless. Hell, anything remotely casual makes me look sloppy. I guess this is the downside of being soft dramatic

[@ChriaraCass]

“homeless person” soooooo true

[@raveluniefaylastima1820]

I am watching this because I cannot tell if I am a Theatrical Romantic or a Soft Classic so I am gonna try this tomorrow since its already 11pm here I am so excited to know my exact body type hehe thank you so much ❤

[@kuramacabre]

How did it go?

[@AthenaProsperus]

This helps so much!! Thank you. I always thought my body type was romantic but I hated the way I looked in romantic type outfits. I look so much better in classic and gamine looks

[@schoo9256]

This is such a practical way to look at it! I can't wait for lockdown to end so I can go try this out:)

[@maya8050]

You are not a soft gamine like seriously??? You have a sharp nose, sharp mouth, and sharp jaw. you are taller than 5’5 and gamine clothes doesn’t look good on you and that’s facts.

[@caroltaylor4282]

This makes total sense! Thank you!

[@carrietwickler3157]

You did a good job. I took the test I'm gamine.. I look best in fitted clothing. Thanks for resolving

[@sorciere_de_la_foret]

I dunno but I just can't tell the difference. Like some of those examples with "not correct lines" still looked pretty good to me. I can't tell when the lines don't suit a person and yes I haven't been able to find my type hence I'm here. I might be a natural but I really don't like the clothes that are supposed to look good on naturals.

[@elaineanderson1904]

What a great idea! I tried this today and was shocked that Romantic looked best! I never would've tried on those extreme styles. I am quite slender, though (sharper bone structure) so I think I'm Theatrical Romantic. After a year of looking at Kibbe, your method really made it simple to see it and understand it and eliminate the obvious ones that don't work. Thanks!

[@dindranew.6808]

Would it be possible at all to do something like this, showing the differences between often-confused types, with plus-size models? It's harder to tell on us at times. When I'm thin, I'm an hourglass and I sound like a Romantic, but the idea of waist-definition right now is horrifying. I don't HAVE a waist. So having that bodily distortion complicates our viewpoint, and we could use some extra tips. Please! Thank you.

[@ang5798]

One of the problems I've encountered is that the lines of (theatrical) romantics and soft classics overlap a lot and many of the outfit recommendations for soft classics could be taken out of R/TR look books but with less emphasis on waist. Then it appears that some gamine elements like cropped hems look great, but the boxiness that fits only them is questionable at best. Thought I couldn't possibly be in the romantic family, until I found out Mila Kunis and Selena Gomez are TR. And of course there's the problem that most clothing by common retailers are made for dramatic or natural shapes, if any at all

[@sammartin913]

I suspect I am soft natural, so natural with romantic characteristics. This kind of made it make more sense to me. As a natural, I look great in flowy things without harsh lines or color blocking and have always HATED v necks unless they are very very wide and loose and flowy. But I also look significantly better if garments are fitted to me, especially to my waist. So like flowy and draped, but fitted to my body's silhouette. I also look good with a bit of frilly detail, but like low key. Kind of bohemian I guess.

[@Jess-hx8gr]

D: I'm a soft natural and my favourite clothes have gamine lines! That explains a lot. Now I'll have to figure out why I'm so personally against wearing natural clothing. Thanks for the video, I hadn't realised this before and now I know where my problem is.

[@clairekurdelak2913]

Jess maybe you like the accessories and personality of gamine? Naturals can have lots of great accessories too! And it’s not a big problem for you to wear flamboyant natural if you like it.

[@SA-sk6rc]

I’m confused my body between romantic and soft natural.😭

[@littlemage3523]

Same! If you have figured out how to decide let me know!

[@oliviadouglas9474]

I have a dress identical to the classic example you should. It’s the one type of dress that looks so good on me!

[@ArpitGupta-tp1sz]

Hi😊

[@shinaeyoo1882]

Could you do a vibe of each body type, like what kind of image people think of each body type

[@Jess-hx8gr]

As a SN what type's lines could I wear to dress cuter? Also, I don't think I have an ingenue essence. I love the cute girly looks gamines can have.

[@kaidawisteria]

J Same for me! I love how Gamines look when they dress in their lines. If only I could look just as cute as them...

[@jessicagomes4043]

I think I’m a soft natural but not a 100% sure

[@eo6637]

I can only judge by your small profile picture but your face looks kind of classic to me

[@naolucillerandom5280]

All I have is t-shirts and jeans and shorts 😂 Seems like it's time to go to the stores.

[@perly0153]

Romantic but my bone structure is more elongated, so some classic suits me, i tried with a long and short dress, perfect thank you

[@4Distractiononly]

You're so right about the photo versus mirror. And take someone you trust, someone who can be candid and give you a good opinion. That helps too.

[@pouchika5672]

I'm pretty sure I'm a soft classic because when I did the great majority (80%+) of my answer were c but I also had thetrical romantic answers and some of the stuff you suggested not to pick for the classic like the v neck actually look good on me . I think it could just be because of the shape of my chest or something and also waist emphasis look good on me but I don't look that good in frills.

[@thehalfbloodserb]

This is so helpful! Also, I wonder if you could discuss Natalie Dormer's kibbe type? I've seen her typed as Flamboyant Natural but I'm having a hard time seeing that since she rarely wears those lines; she tends to wear more Gamine lines, which made me initially think she's a type of Gamine.

[@hollywood7702]

You are so very knowledgable! I wish to save up for your personal test indeed. It will save me the headache of my wardrobe pulling me in five directions. I have always been so confused. what looks good on me, I feel like I am a mix of two, because I always looked great in high waist dresses with small romantic patterns for like 20 years, but suddenly I feel like an oversized baby in it and maybe one can grow out of ones type?

[@kuramacabre]

Merriam, if you ever see this, I love your videos. 💖 Also, I am curious about why classic stuff looks nice on me if I am supposedly a rounded type (TR). In my Body Geometry test, I got blended in second place after rounded, not any sharp or beveled answers. When I was slimmer and looked less soft, SC lines were amazing on me as well.

[@peggy-sue-reads-a-book]

I would love to see you explain the difference between a flamboyant gamine and a dramatic classic.

[@thousanduniverses]

So classic types look the worst in natural dresses, hmm :D In my test results I got mostly natural and right behind on the second place is classic. But I could be a dramatic classic too, because there is no subcategory for natural + classic. My body tends more torwards the b (natural) and c (classic) answers, but my face from a (dramatic) to b (natural).

[@Han_Nabi_]

I also get a lot of B and C answers and it's so confusing!! 😂

[@YukiTombo]

Used this method and determined that I'm not a dramatic classic after all, but rather a Flamboyant Gamine! THAT'S why I'm 35 but still look like a gawky teenaged girl in anything professional or formal. Thanks for giving me the green light to let my freak flag fly :D

[@AmazingJane137]

This is the video that has finally given me the insight I needed. Thank you Merriam.

[@Candellina]

I first only heard your voice in your videos, and I LOVE your voice. It's sounds so feminine and sweet. Is there such a thing as a yin and yang mixture of voices that people can have?

[@groovysecondhalf]

What style is a classic v neck jersey wrap dress? Maybe like a classic Diane von Furstenberg in a solid fabric.

[@rahelschumperli7705]

I was always confused when looking at clothing recommendations for gamine because I feel like skinny jeans and big ruffles look absolutely horrible on me but I like the way I look in boyish clothes. you saying that Gamines look their worst in Romantic lines and that some might actually appreciate the way they look in natural lines helped me a lot.

[@Lindalindali]

I like your idea, but I wouldn't say "stay away from v-necks" to test if you're a classic. Dramatic classics can look amazing in v-necks

[@reginawest3896]

I’m still not sure but I’m certain anything lacy/ruffles look absolutely horrible on me. But a button down shirt dress nipped in at the waist (no belt) looks awesome.

[@moumitadeb9337]

Excellent video ! 😊👍

[@susie9893]

This was interesting. I'm kinda weird cos I score highest at opposite ends of spectrum tapering in to classic but still score some Cs. Hour glass but angular figure. In terms of the dress examples you show I definitely look best in classic but worst in gamine and romantic. Facial features mostly soft natural. Basically the kibbe method is no more helpful to me than any other altho I have to wonder whether all my extremes just cancel each other out and that's why classic styles suit me best. I am definitely NOT gamine - I look dreadful in ANY of those looks. I would LOVE to be gamine or natural but neither fit

[@jsmum196]

This is very helpful. I can see from the dresses you have that I'm Classic with a bit of romantic, SC. Thank you!

[@kermittime6507]

you know it's funny that imo it's actually very hard to find simple classic designs on high street. Better check some online shops which sell this particular timeless style like at all times. I think the fast fashion industry really takes advantage of people's ignorance in the area of knowing your body type, lines etc trying to sell something fashionable and all high street shops selling same trendy stuff hence a bit challenging to suddenly find something that suits your particular body type. Fortunately we live in the Internet era :)

[@poojaasharma]

If should we take photos from chest-level, how much distance should there be between us and the camera? Does it affect it in any way?

[@s.b.7121]

Is it possible to be a mix of classic / dramatic classic and gamine? I am a bit confused and, while I know very well what I am NOT (definitely not a natural, nor romantic or "pure" dramatic), I struggle to understand what my exact type is ...

[@djina3141]

This confused me because i took the test twice and i got soft classic the first time. The i used the mirror the second time and got theatrical romantic as a result. But my face is heart shaped and doesn't match the descriptions i have found of the 2 types. And my height is 5'9 but my hands and feet are small and narrow. I need help lol.

[@SwanTheQueen]

Great video! So helpful thanks so much

[@sweetmeme1987]

This is a great video, I kinda already tried this , i keep trying to pull off an over sized sweater or shirt but it never works I always look lost in them, but i will try the rest for sure , am pretty sure am either theatrical romantic or a soft gamine hopefully this will help me figure it out.

[@shima2756]

Omnia Khalid im also theatrical romantic and finding an oversized sweater i look good in is a damn struggle lol

[@sihemrifiiawsh]

Thank youuuu now i know why i don't know if iam a soft natural or soft gamine

[@merriamstyle]

so which one are you! Oh, and also, I have a video on SN vs SG called 'same face, different Kibbe type'--you could check that out too!

[@burgermister7580]

Are you under 5ft 4 and small frame naturals are medium frame

[@sihemrifiiawsh]

do bla i don't know what frame means but yes im under 5'4 , iam 5'1 but gamine clothes don't always look good on me , same for natural clothes i really don't understand which one i am

[@sihemrifiiawsh]

Merriam Style yes with selena gomez i remember i should rewatch it , i still don't know which one i am but i guess i am gamine et that would explain why i think i am natural because natural clothes maybe look good on me too

[@merriamstyle]

You could be any height ant be any type! Take a look at my video on Lily Cole, she's 5' 10" but soft gamine. Lucy Liu is dramatic and she's 5' 3"! Don't let height or one other answer on the test determine your entire type. :)

[@CC-kk8yh]

Omg, SO helpful! Thank you

[@icewarriorr]

Wow this is wonderful. Definitely gonna make something out of the shopping stuff afterwards. Thank you Merriam. My experience tells that I'll look the best in your Classic's example. Clevage emphasis and frills just don't work on me, as well as unconstructed, draping lines, I'll look like I forgot to groom myself. I look fine with the formal lines of Dramatic, but stiffness occurs sometimes.

[@Liv87]

I am completely confused trying to figure if I am a gamine or soft gamine :)))) could I have some help?

[@merelaartman5046]

I feel like I look good in romantic and classic clothing... Can you be a bit borderline on the kibbe spectrum?

[@merriamstyle]

Soft classic? I have a whole video on them, take a look id you haven’t already and see if you relate to some of it!

[@pootshihi22]

I like the hairstyle