Soft Dramatic vs. Theatrical Romantic!

[@unneighborlyarcades6356]

Rather than "awkward", I would say Tyra Banks looks "bigger" than her clothes in theatrical romantic lines. I don't mean "bigger" as in size, but in a figurative, "feeling" sort of way. She feels more grandiose than the clothes. I imagine her bursting through a door very dramatically. You've gotten me into this awful habit of attempting to type everyone I see. Friends, relatives; passers-by. I watched an old Laurel and Hardy film and even found myself analyzing their features!

[@merriamstyle]

I agree, that's a better description!

[@unneighborlyarcades6356]

@@merriamstyle I hope you don’t mind, as it has been quite some time, but I have one disagreement with your analysis of Tyra Banks-that being her nose. In the photographs shown here, it does indeed appear quite sharp and a bit prominent, but I think she must contour it. In photographs wherein she isn’t wearing make-up, her nose actually appears much softer and not as narrow. I imagine you’ve looked at more pictures than I have, so I would be interested to know your reasoning.

[@connie6738]

Yes!! She looks more like a character, instead of a person, if that makes sense.

[@aphr0d]

this was very helpful. I’m so glad you showed the examples of Rihanna, who is a tall TR, and compared her to a SD.

[@ew3594]

This is so helpful! Soft dramatic vs. theatrical romantic is my exact dilemma. Thank you for talking about some of the lesser talked about Kibbe types :)

[@4rtsm4rty]

I would love more videos on how to dress as a Soft Dramatic. I find it very confusing!

[@SarahAlexandraLee]

To me Rihanna has always seem mistyped in the TR category because the average tallest height in TR is 5’6” and Rihanna is 5’8” plus she seems to have a more balanced and classic face compared to like Rachel McAdams and also bigger boned structurally than other TRs. Just wondered what your thoughts were, or if there’s an explanation for the inconsistencies?

[@funkuchen2]

Rihanna is a SD; Rachel McAdams is a SN. Merriam classified these celebreties not according to Kibbe's system but her own (without knowing it yet) using Kibbe's vocabulary.

[@joyceadena]

TR are actually smaller than that so I'm confused

[@oceane6018]

Rihanna was confirmed TR by kibbe himself

[@Supachosen]

@@oceane6018that’s because he thinks she’s below 5’6. She’s 5’8. I’m the same height as her, people say I look like her also. She’s a SD

[@sidecar_mama]

You get more insightful every video! I really appreciate you comparing different and similar cheekbones, jawlines, etc. on the different bodies, and consistently suggesting gamine as an option for people having trouble not fitting squarely in any of the other types. Very helpful. Loving all the TR videos lately, although it has just served to confirm that I am not TR 😂 I would also suggest that for people not at their ideal weight and going back and forth between SD and TR that they also consider Flamboyant Gamine (not just Soft Gamine), since yin flesh can be harder to nail down for us! More on Flamboyant Gamines! xox

[@TB-rx1ue]

Thanks. This is very helpful! I’m a soft dramatic who sometimes feels influenced to wear very romantic clothing at the influence of my friends! I always feel like some awkward, lanky giant but I feel right comfy and at home in severe lines. I get so much style advice but it gets lost in translation. Thanks for helping me understand why. The only feminine bones I have are small hands and feet! I also always wondered why my arms are as long as a monkey’s. This explains it! *whew* Lol i would love to see a side by side comparison like this for all dramatic types!

[@brooklove90]

I agree with everything but its amazing how great Rihanna looks in absolutely everything she wears

[@seeseesstopmotionstudio120]

This I think is the basic difference between my mother and I. We're discussing this exact point these days so your video couldn't have been timelier for us! Love your work!

[@seeseesstopmotionstudio120]

My aunt is soft gamine, and the difference among the three of us is so evident when we take your tips to account! You're so on the spot!

[@merriamstyle]

yay!!

[@vanessavalenzuela2839]

I'm between soft natural and theatrical romantic 🤦‍♀️

[@visa9313]

Rihanna is a Soft Dramatic with flamboyant gamine influence though. If you look at her old pictures you can see that she has a very straight body and not that curvy.

[@abhaya_ananth]

Please a video about naturals and how we can achieve different looks (sexy, cute, feminine). I know you have one on soft naturals but can you make one on "pure" naturals? Pleease 🙏

[@elinljungstrom3932]

I second that! And flamboyant naturals please! :)

[@chrissie8593]

Very helpful video, thank you! Could you also do a Soft Natural vs. Theatrical Romantic comparison, please.

[@di3486]

chrissie yes please!!!

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

Yes! 14:28 This is a Soft Dramatic wearing "romantic lines". Wouldn't this be the perfect dress for a Soft Natural? I am soft natural, and I think this would look good on me! 🙂

[@valentinapostruzin1862]

Your knowledge is really admirable! Through your videos I finally determined I'm TR. Eye opening! I hope to start dressing for my body type as soon as possible. But it's quite difficult to find clothes for TR in mainstream stores.

[@merriamstyle]

Yay that's awesome! Have you watched my casual looks for R and TR? I'd say it'd be good to watch both. In casual looks for R, I mention how there are lots of ways to add yin aside from lace and frills. R does not always mean ultra frilly, you can do other things like gathers, fittedness, lightweight fabrics, waist emphasis, etc. But anyway, hope you check those out if you haven't already!

[@valentinapostruzin1862]

@@merriamstyle Thanks for the reference! I'll check those videos! I've started to explore body types recently. I hope to order your style analysis some time this year because there are still so many questions plus I want to figure out my skin undertone. Now I understand why some clothes fit perfectly and some just look awful. Thanks for your work and effort!

[@squirrellychan]

15:02 but woman on right looks AMAZING in that soft gamine dress

[@katemaconeil7087]

Both of those videos are great ! You really explain clearly the bone structure which I find more difficult to see. I would be very interested in a video on Flamboyant Gamine both in body type and in clothing lines.

[@alysmarshall2684]

Seconding the request for a FG video 👍

[@saraz5635]

It would be really nice if you´d want to make a video about flamboyant naturals, it would be really helpful to learn more about different styles/impressions that are possible using their lines :) 'Cause I feel quite limited honestly Also! It´s nice to see that you pst so often, your videos are always so in depth, they´re fantastic

[@merriamstyle]

Thank you Sara!!

[@saraz5635]

Merriam Style I sort of feel like it’s hard to look more classy/elegant as flamboyant natural lines sometimes feel like just baggy clothes to me. Also having a more feminine or cute vibe, that feels almost impossible as a flamboyant natural Thank you for answering!

[@elinljungstrom3932]

I completely agree! If I were a celebrity and had a life style that allowed me to have crazy, wild hair and big, elaborate clothing, I would find it easier, but to make it work in a regular job takes more effort, I think.

[@sidramuntaha27]

Plz do romantic and soft natural next.

[@destinychild4659]

SidraM That would be so awesome. I would like to see sexier looks for soft naturals.

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

I wonder, if a soft natural could put on soft gamine lines? ☺

[@saphiral8203]

Yes that would be amazing

[@mahamzahid7846]

Tyra isn't overpowered by larger lines, but she doesn't seem to look her personal best in most of these clothes either

[@katyakomlach6171]

I wonder if you could also compare the classic types, perhaps with some not by the book examples (like Jada Pinkett being 5'0'' and DC, but not necessarily in regards to height). Also would love you to discuss classic classics, are they such rare of a type or is there more diversity to them than we think? Thanks!

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

Katya Komlach Rachel is sooo beautiful! I would have thought she's a Classic, and not a Theatrical Romantic! 😊 Classics are soooo pretty!

[@sararubicubi]

I think I'm soft dramatic but I don't have a large bust (as in big) and my face is not as angular as the models usually shown

[@leticiaadrumond1]

Merriam I saw your video in your site and I loved it. Please, make a video with the difference between theatrical romantic and romantic.

[@merriamstyle]

Thank you Leticia, I will do that!!

[@leticiaadrumond1]

@@merriamstyle I cant wait for that! I love your channel! Huges from Brazil!

[@crystallam7335]

Yes I’m a soft natural who used to dress almost exclusively in and is attracted to theatrical romantic styles - help!!! I’m intrigued by the goddess lines of SN that I could explore please, and how not to appear larger in TR lines (ie accommodating my SN lines). LOVE your videos as ever, thank you so much!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@beth4990]

These two are so alike.... I thought I was TR, but it was the height range that helped me... definitely a SD

[@desislavayordanova896]

Great video! Btw, it would be amazing if you could explain the Kibbe test!!!

[@renee3384]

Please could you make a video for SOFT DRAMATIC VS FLAMBOYANT NATURAL. THANK YOU

[@helenapersson5076]

Yeeeees please!!

[@hellotherefriend2990]

I would love to hear you talk more about flamboyant naturals :)

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

hellothere friend Flamboyant naturals are so beautiful! 😍 I'm a soft natural... 😔

[@poojaasharma]

Hi Merriam! I would love to know what you think of this: Bigbang is my favorite South Korean band and I think they're very unique! All five of them have different body types. (As per my observation) G-dragon: Flamboyant Gamine Top: Soft Dramatic Taeyang: Romantic Daesung: Natural Seungri: Soft Classic And GD is THE fashion icon! You're a gamine too so maybe you'll like his style!

[@PattyFru]

NO WAY!!! I tried to type Bigbang as well (failed miserably though) :D I never thought that someone would do the same thing.

[@poojaasharma]

@@PattyFru Yes! 😃 I tried to type them like this as GD literally never gets over-powered by any outfits and it made me curious of his body type. Kibbe works for everybody! Lol I wanted to discuss this with someone but no-ones into it like me.

[@poojaasharma]

@@PattyFru What do you think their body types are?

[@PattyFru]

@@poojaasharma To be honest I am terrible in typing men :D I agree with G-dragon, mostly because like you said, he can pull ANY outfit (any in this case means combined, contrasted), more "crazy" the better. Not sure about Taeyang - TR or R, but definitely romantic family

[@jcyangson5156]

Yes! GD is definitely FG, I admire how he can rock eccentric style so well. Another SK boy group that I could type as well is BTS: Jin: Soft Dramatic Namjoon/RM: Flamboyant Natural Yoongi/Suga: Gamine Hoseok: Flamboyant Gamine Jimin: Soft Gamine Taehyung: Classic Jungkook: Soft Natural

[@laurag1611]

@MerriamStyle , I think I've finally found my body type! (maybe I'm still wrong hehe). The first time I did the test, I undoubtedly identified me with the Soft Natural type. I admit that I wasn't objective, I've always had a weakness for the Boho style and I have used the natural-free style without questioning whether it suited me or not. Nevertheless, I began to doubt if my body would be a Soft Dramatic. I have Hands & Feets A, Arms & Legs A, Cheekbones A and a height of 5ft 7in (172cm). But the rest of my characteristics are D/E and I don't think I am so voluptuous and big as a Soft Dramatic... So, maybe a Theatrical Romantic? What has confused me the most has always been my height. Although I look like shorter and I've got a lot of Yin influence, when I take me photos with other people many times I'm taller than theirs, so that has made me think sometimes that I don't look delicate enough as a Theatrical Romantic. However, as you have shown us there are Romantic celebrities like Rihanna, Charlize Theron or Beyonce who are tall. Another thing that has made me confused is that I don't feel identified with the Theatrical Romantic style. Although I like it, I have always tended to dress myself bohemian and relaxed. So I think I can finally be a Theatrical Romantic... I just wanted to tell you about my experience, Merriam! I would like to know what you think :).Thanks for all your work, it's amazing! xx

[@emmanem630]

I was nodding at everything said in the SG vs. TR video!!

[@funkuchen2]

Only Problem: Rihanna isn't a TR but SD.

[@person3506]

What is she?

[@danisha5844]

I love your videos so much omg

[@candice446]

Rihanna is 5’8” so TRs can also be tall, but look shorter. A lot of people think TRs are petite as in height.

[@Alvyonzo]

Great video

[@merriamstyle]

yay, thank you for all your support Alvyonzo!!

[@TinaB.-fr1hl]

I recommend this one exercise when deciding between two type-wear the lines/hair/makeup for each type for one month alternately and take many photos,then compare. Which got more positive feedback,wich felt more like yourself etc. If your really stuck in figuring out your kibbe type, are ambitious and love a challenge,you could take the whole year and try on all the types on a month by month basis and see what results.🤗

[@gabbyfringette7250]

Me, a theatrical romantic, hoping my side wins, while knowing it's not a competition.

[@danielletasch4295]

I'm torn between these two agghhhh

[@homeuser8479]

I think Soft Gamines often have this doll cuteness("няшность" по-русски очень слэнговым, жаргонным выражением:)... Like Ethereal:) Or like complicated face bone structure - like Kourtney Kardashian, Sazan Hendrix, Teni Panosyan, rock energy in their face.. Look very deinty - teen girl or boyish, in the best way. And they pull off bright lip and eye together well, for example, smokey eyes. TR and SD - is a Woman... All different makeup - more precise lines(Real smokey eyes from Aly Art video is a very questionable choice), longer brows, shimmer finish for TR, SD, look good in glitter. Different accessories for TR , SD and SG..:) Kim and Koutney had a fitting for their VS model Halloween looks. And there is one famous pic of them, in one outfit with angular lines... It suits Kortney so much!... Matches her face with lines... - And it doesn't suit Kim... But the glitter that it has on.. It suits Kim so much, by nature!... I wrote a comment there, based on Kibbie... Interesting, hudreds of people liked it not knowing about Kibbie, haha

[@merriamstyle]

I think that word in russian, in quotations, would be best translated as 'delicate' in english. :) But I wouldn't say all soft gamines look doll like, I don't think Halle Berry or Hayden Panettiere (both soft gamines) look particularly doll like (this is more ingenue).

[@homeuser8479]

@@merriamstyle it is like "cute cute cute cute" - I'm saying in a higher voice, with a smile, that word is very Internet slang:) Full load of cuteness, in a good way:)) Stereotype that sometimes works out well..:) Someone wrote about their mom... I think my mom is a SG too, and she is not this delicate..

[@ranikster9955]

I finally discovered someone who is only 5 ft2 just as me and who is a soft dramatic

[@trebelle614]

All of the references to Flamboyant Gamines in this video makes me hopeful that the next video you make will be for FGs!

[@nanagursky188]

As for tall TR, like Rihanna... I'm thinking of singer Justine Skye! She is 1.80. Looked to me 1.65. She is likely a TR. Though maybe, maybe a SD - not this likely. She pulls off TR style just greatly

[@Hasna256]

yes just googled her and she is a TR I think. SD lines look too heavy on her, and a V neck line doesn't suit her. And SG lines make her look more womanly/badass.

[@patricialinares241]

Dramatic vs natural vs flamboyant natural please

[@FannysLoA]

omg yes please

[@abhaya_ananth]

Yes, would like to see that. In my opinion, if naturals are squarish and dramatics are rectangular, flamboyant naturals, being a mix of the two would be a T shape (I know, I could have described all these types better lol but this is how I understand it)

[@Mienarrr]

Can theatrical romantics *be* quite tall? I‘d say I look very ying leaning apart from maybe a few blunter features but nothing about me is really *sharp*. I did the test and got theatrical romantic, which I would agree with apart from the fact that everyone says romantics can only be short... i‘m confused

[@lapetitepoire5]

Could you create a similar video for Soft Classic vs Theatrical Romantic? I know I'm definitely not SD or SG, but I keep going back and forth between SC and TR.

[@ambercotrone]

Thank you for this vid! I’m a Soft Dramatic and I really struggle with feeling sexy, and I definitely don’t identify with the sexy style. But I do love feeling elegant :)

[@christinegruber4015]

I think I am a Soft Dramatic. The most important thing for me is to dress for my vertical. If I don't do it, the whole outfit does not look good on me. I cannot wear a black T- shirt and white jeans, or seperates in general. Im 1,67 cm, but I have a long vertical line. A lot of people think I am taller. Even my sport clothes have to look chic. As a teatrical Romantic you can wear seperates. In general the biggest mistake a Soft Dramatic and a pure Dramatic can make, is to cut their body in two parts. As a Soft Dramatic you have to dress 80% like a pure Dramatic and 20 % you take from the Romantics. Not the other way. I see a lot of Soft Dramatics, who dress way to Romantic. To much softness is not working for a Soft Dramatic.

[@fiorellacontreras8744]

I feel more comfortable wearing a single line most of the time (or monochromatic maybe) but the bad thing is that I can also wear dark colors on the top and light or medium tones on the bottom and that confuses me, but I still feel more comfortable feeling a little soft dramatic even though I can wear those color cuts sometimes and I don't know what to do.

[@racatiwood]

these Kibbe analysis videos annoy me to no end, and yet I can't stop watching...

[@merriamstyle]

what a nice comment to leave.

[@racatiwood]

@@merriamstyle sorry, it's my own damn fault. Your voice definitely has an ASMR quality to them. All the analysis has me convinced I'm best suited to wearing burlap sacks and economy-sized trash bags, though :)

[@corsidicanto6848]

And what is the difference in the test between soft dramatic and pure gamine? They both have answers A and E but what differentiates them mainly in the distribution of responses in the bone and flesh? Thank you!

[@ayimaayima2784]

I couldn't definite if I were theatrical romantic or soft gamine or soft dramatic while my face is more Sophia Loren, but my body is more romantic more soft. BUT my height is pure Gamine. Thanks to this video I know that Im Soft Dramatic. Little Soft Dramatic 😊

[@JB-rh7ej]

Is it accurate to say that theatrical romantics will feel that typically yang clothes will make them look/feel 'masculine'? If I wear yang lines I feel like I look awful and my instant thought is 'it makes me look masculine'. Since doing the kibbe quiz and spending a lot of time better understanding the system, I'm certain I'm theatrical romantic. So then I got thinking - is the reason typically yang clothes make me feel like I look 'too masculine' because I'm so yin dominant that it completely clashes and overpowers rather than compliments?

[@Melissa-ld8fz]

TF I feel the same happens to me. Thanks for pointing that out. I feel so unattractive when I wear yang only lines and as soon as I add some delicate yin like a thin yet ornate necklace or a ruffled neckline I feel so much more satisfied with how I look.

[@mandalasongs6494]

I've been confused for so long... so I just put my pictures next to them, so I look like a teenager next to Sophia kkk And I look so much like Rihanna and Mila! Thank You for this video

[@elinljungstrom3932]

Merriam, you explain this so well, I have two questions for you :) First: what's your thought on women who have a slight yang undercurrent in the facial features, not in the bone structure, but where the rest of the test answers are D and E? My sister has all D and E answers in her skeletal bones (body and face) and body flesh, but her eyes and lips are B and A? That doesn't fit the description of her yang undercurrent coming from her bones, but she's still primarily yin with a slight yang undercurrent and looks amazing in TR clothing. Would she still be considered TR? Second: I also wonder about women who have wide and round bones like romantics, but with a slight yang undercurrent in the facial bones (all flesh = yin). I find that most examples of theatrical romantics are of women who are not as wide as romantics, more delicately feminine. But if you have E answers in flesh and bones (body), and therefore have a body who looks romantic, but with some sharpness in the facial bones, you'd still be theatrical romantic...? Thank you for all the work you put in, you're a great inspiration!

[@um4883]

K I am still confused a bit. My yang Features : tall height, really long vertical line, long legs and arms, long hands and feet, almond shaped close spaced eyes, prominent cheekbones, sharp jawline, broad sharp shoulders My yin features: slim hourglass (defined bust hips and waist), fleshy lips and cheeks, small rounded nose Guess I am a soft dramatic then

[@merriamstyle]

yes! soft dramatic. how do you look in costume jewelry (like really glamorous looking huge chunky jewelry?). If you don't like it, it's alright, it's more a question of if you pull it off or not. If you can pull it off, you might be SD. Another thing is the hair, if you can do sophia loren type huge hair then SD. And sparkles and lightweight fabrics.

[@um4883]

Wow thanks :)))

[@bru308]

Oh my God, THANK YOU for this video!! Now I am 100% sure I'm a TR - the mix of yin and yang can really confuse us!

[@orangeblossom5362]

Despite being tall, I knew I wasn't a SD because I don't have that long body line. I'm wide and despite being 5'9 I don't look "tall" and my feet and hands are dainty and narrow. I'm very curvaceous but my bones show through and look sharp. Theatrical romantic makes sense for me.

[@dianal1679]

Great video! The comparisons you made are very insightful (: I know you've done a lot of videos lately about TR, but I would love to see one about TR vs Romantic. As far as I've seen (and please correct me if I'm wrong), there isn't really that much of a difference in what these 2 types can wear? Also, can TR have their yin come from B answers? Thanks again for all the work you put into your videos!

[@merriamstyle]

Yes, I'd say the difference between R and TR is much smaller in terms of the clothes than let's say, D and SD. But generally, TR has more sharpness at the edges (I'm not sure if you watched my video on casual looks for TR but I talk about it there)!

[@dianal1679]

@@merriamstyle Thanks for responding to my question! Yes I've watched that video but I might rewatch anyway. (: In your opinion, would a R look worse in TR clothes than vice versa?

[@merriamstyle]

I don't think either would look worse or vice versa. I think that TR would look cute in R clothing, because it'll be as a contrast to their dainty angularity, TR may look slightly more like SG in R clothing. Then, R would look more badass and overtly sexual potentially in TR clothing (sort of like the same effect when TR wears SG clothing if you watched my Rachel McAdams video)!! From yin to yang in the skeleton, we have, R, TR, SG. To look more badass, R can wear TR, TR can wear SG. To look more cute and childlike, SG can wear TR, and TR can wear R (going in the other direction). That's my little 'theory'!! R can also wear SG to look pretty badass as I showed in that Rachel McAdams video!

[@cinderling5472]

Merriam Style Such a fascinating theory!

[@dianal1679]

@@merriamstyle Oooh I love that theory. My favourite part of your videos is how you use the info about Kibbe types and apply it in real life/find patterns within the rules. Great work as usual - thank you so much! (:

[@rdpcl]

At 09:30 Rihanna looks almost taller than Tyra, it's amazing

[@jazmeenkiddo]

Interesting. However note that both Tyra and Rihanna had nose jobs. Both noses were naturally wider and flatter.

[@homeuser8479]

Love Keira Knightley in that picture in romantic lines:) At least, from the phone:))

[@Nofretari]

I think I am Theatrical Romantic but I also have curves on top and bottom. Always have even when I dropped to a size four. Could you do a video on the differences between romantic and class? Because someone told me I was soft classic where other people tell me I am Theatrical Romantic.

[@onemore7632]

This is SO helpful, thank you!

[@homeuser8479]

I'm so sorry for commenting so much while I watch the video, Merriam!..:) You just inspired me!:))) And it's always a pleasure to discuss Kibbie with people who have the same minds(like the same subjects:), and since I'm also a bit of a journalist in me:))) Thank you so much for your videos, for your work, Merriam!:)) It really means a lot for us! And the video was also my request too!:)) I was really so happy to see the video!:) I'm also kinda in between. I googled on it, and sometimes they type some people as a few types. The example of a mixture of a TR and a SD - they suggested Susan Lucci!:)

[@merriamstyle]

awwww thank you for all your support + comments! I really enjoy discussing this and am always waiting for comments by the computer right after I post!

[@gittevandevelde2208]

I did the test again, after someone commenting that my saying that I am very narrow but still have some softness is 'pretty much the definition of theatrical romantic' And I have figured out this: my flesh is a combination of C and D, and my bones a combination of D, C and A - which are, like, 3 answers (body & face combined, with my vertical line being B-A), and I have *kind of* returned to possible being a theatrical romantic, which can be right. A lot fo the 'good for TR' styles work quite well on me. I wouldn't know sure though as I have very little TR clothes. It's also funny, because when I first got into kibbe, my instinct was 'theatrical romantic obviously!' but then got a bit carried of because I didn't exactly fullfill stereotypes exactly. I am/look a bit taller than the average TR and I don't really have a hardcore hourglass figure. There's waist definition...A dent...But my waist is rather an answer C. I am also generally not as 'fleshy' but I am a bit underweight, and considering my weight I *should* be bonier, which I am not. The only place in my body where you can really see bones is my ridicilously thin neck and my knobbly elbows.

[@EM-cg4iy]

But we know Lilly Cole at 5’10” is too tall to be SG so what now?

[@4Distractiononly]

How is Lily Cole a soft gamine? She's taller with very long legs in proportion to her body, a smaller head and a long vertical line? I mean look at her in pics with other SGs... She's so big

[@Hanna-nw8mn]

I saw her classified as soft classic…

[@4Distractiononly]

@@Hanna-nw8mn well she's not as blended and symmetrical as a classic would be.

[@4Distractiononly]

I mean basically on the system we would have the same body type. Which is ridiculous if you would look at the two of us side by side. I can't think that what would be flattering on her would be the same for me.

[@merriamstyle]

Soft gamines aren't always short with short legs, this is just a stereotype! I did an entire video on Lily Cole that you could check out if you're interested!

[@Hanna-nw8mn]

@@4Distractiononly Oh, I just realised I was thinking about Lily James...surely she is a soft classic, not Lily Cole, my bad!

[@niqswoods]

Are you able to be a soft dramatic without being curvy?

[@joyursales2135]

Im confused whether I'm soft natural or romantic

[@TheAfroClub]

Thank you so much for the video, Merriam! I have 2 questions: 1) Would you ever be willing to do a video on noses? With wide noses, how do you distinguish B from E? 2) I have small eyes that are slightly upturned and heavy-lidded. They're sharp, but "bedroom-y". Would they be C because they're a mixture of yin and yang, or would they be A or D? Thank you.

[@ju2082]

Hi, I wanna try and give an advice on the nose question, B nose tends to be wide and large in a defined way, the bridge is well structured, for example Christy Turlington's, she doesn't have the largest nose but I think it is a good example of a Natural nose. E nose is softly wide, so the bridge is sort of blurred, example is Rihanna or Marilyn Monroe before her nose job. Also B nose tends to go more straight down and E nose likely tapers out at the bottom, can be bulbous at the tip as well.

[@TheAfroClub]

@@ju2082 Thanks, that was really helpful! The difference between "blunted angles" and "curves" is a lot more difficult to distinguish than it initially seems to be.

[@ju2082]

@@TheAfroClub Oh I am glad! I would also like to see a video explaining the test answers with more examples, still not an expert myself. Like with the eyes you mentioned, cannot decide where I would put them, even though when you say bedroom-y that sounds like answer D, does maybe some celebrity have the same or similar ones? I would be interested to see to get a better idea.

[@TheAfroClub]

@@ju2082 I didn't really have anything better to do, so I made an Imgur post with a few pictures of my eyes. Forgive the shoddy Microsoft Paint work! imgur.com/a/bBWov2Q

[@ju2082]

@@TheAfroClub Oh my, those are some captivating eyes! Beautiful. I would put them as an answer D, I think the lids are making them appear a bit rounded overall, and also they are upturned, dramatic eyes would make a more of a horizontal straight line. But also I am not extra sure here 😅. May I ask what body type you are considering?

[@FannysLoA]

I am still struggling. I know my bones are yang, but unsure how much soft flesh I have. Also unsure if they're wide enough for FN.... I mean, I struggle to see the difference between Tyra Banks and Julia Roberts. Both are tall, curvy and with big eyes and lips, yet Julia is apparenly an FN... Can you please also take a look at LeeLee Sobieski, who seems pretty hard to type, and perhaps some famous girl bands where we see many types next to each other? Like The Spice Girls, Destiny's Child, All Saints, Dixie Chicks and so forth?

[@unneighborlyarcades6356]

I'm by no means an expert, but I thought it would be interesting to compare Tyra Banks and Julia Roberts and I wanted to help. Julia's lips aren't really full; they're just quite broad. For me, they are the perfect example of a B-lip. Tyra's lips are not as wide, but they are fuller. And actually, I think this lack of broadness lends itself towards her lips being fuller. If I make dough and place it in a small pan, it will look plumper than if I took the same amount and covered a large cookie-sheet with it. This is applicable to Julia's bust as well. The eyes are a bit tricky because makeup can really change their appearance a lot. After looking and comparing photos of the two without makeup, I would say Julia's are answer A and Tyra's lean more towards E. They are a bit close together, which may cause someone to answer D, but the shape is more rounded with the absence of any makeup. Most eye-makeup seems to lift the eyes at the corners. If, by curvy, you mean to say both have prominent busts and hips and/or a defined waist, I would disagree. I would call Tyra's bust an answer E because, even as a supermodel (and presumably very thin), she had a rather large bust. Julia's bust I would call answer B. She has a chest, to be sure, but it isn't prominent when compared to the entirety of her body. I think this is probably to do with the overall width of her body-a feature of naturals, of course. Robert's hip-line is answer B and does not really appear "curved" to me. If you compare them to Banks', which are quite literally rounded in shape, it becomes very obvious. For their waists, I would say Robert's is answer B and Banks' is answer A. But, the most important question is: What is the most noticeable thing about them? I would say that, with Tyra, I notice length and lushness atop that. For Julia, broadness is the first thing I notice. Something to note about the "Curves" of a yang type: Despite a prominent bust or hip-line, the overall shape of a yang type is quite straight. Demi Lovato is a great example of this. The "defined waist" of a yang type is more angular than rounded, as with a yin type, and brings out the angularity of their bones. Audrey Hepburn is a great example of this. I hope this was helpful and please feel free to argue with me. I love to hear other people's opinions.

[@FannysLoA]

@@unneighborlyarcades6356 This was very insightful, thank you. Julia has admitted to putting a filler in her top lip, claiming it was much smaller than her bottom. So I can agree that her lips aren't THAT full, and that they are more wide than they are full, but they are still quite full and makes her appear rather soft. Tyras lips may be fuller because she's black? I'm not quite sure how race plays in to Kibbe, but even though her lips are full, they're not sticking out as "full for a black woman", I think? More average sized, compared to, say her rival on the runway; Naomi Campbell. But maybe that's not relevant at all, and almost all black women will have a yin answer on the lips? Tyra's bust is definately large and noticeable regardless of her overall body size, but I think Julia's bust would be a D, or maybe C, definately not a B answer as I find her boobs a little too big to fit a B answer. I think Tyra currely uses a bit of shapewear on her waist, making her appear more curved than she really is, because when I looked up pics from her modelling career, I can agree that her waist is more of an A answer. However, she has said she gains first around the middle, which could make it more of a B answer, but she appears these days to have a D answer. Julia does seem to be a clear B, even some hint of abs there. But her hips seems more of a C to me, where'as Tyra's are an E like her bust. But if I take away Julia's lips, I'm not sure broadness is the first thing I notice about her, whereas Tyra is definately a ripe hourglass with long limbs. So if Tyra wasn't so tall, she'd probably be a romantic.... But I guess that IS the epitome of the SDs, they seem like elongated Marilyn Monroes. But then, I just found out Phoebe on Friends (Lisa Kudrow) is also a SD. And she's not quite a ripe hourglass to me, she has a slightly defined bust, but it's not the first thing you notice about her, like it can be with Tyra or some other SDs. As for Demi Lovato, has she had a boob job? I googled, and can find some pics where her chest is quite flat, and some others where it's quite lush. But she seems more wide and muscluar to me, so I have no problem typing her in the Naturals-group. And Audrey Hepburn is a FG, isn't she? Maybe I still stuggle so much with this because I can't really see myself clearly, and dislike the style reccomendations of category I probably belong to?

[@nanagursky188]

And guys, also what kinda look, style, clothes, hair, accessories this person looks best with... - Julia Roberts is one of those "Amazons", "free" "Mermaids"(like metaphorical embodiment) in real life, essence, close to Mother Nature... They look good in all these Natural(not glamorous) clothes, messy(if I use proper word in English) wavy hair...Mostly only Naturals can look good and ready enough, waking them up in the morning. It's a border identification of Naturals - they look pretty good with messy hair, can get away with, and even achieve some charm with it. Soft Dramatics - I believe, more intense colors in makeup, definitely more precise lines, longer lines, wing eyeliner, definitely - long precisely shaped brows, brighter intense hair colors for a lot of people(while a lot of Naturals wear "natural" blonde, highlights, balayages..). Glam, lashes, glitters. Google Yasmeen Ghauri - a SD signature style from the 90s with accessories and everything

[@unneighborlyarcades6356]

@@FannysLoA I want to preface this by apologizing for the long reply and by assuring you I don’t think your opinions are invalid. I only wish to further explain why I chose the answers I did. When typing lips, I believe there are 2 characteristics that must be considered: width and 3-dimensionality. To illustrate, I will compare the lips of Lilly Cole, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, and Tyra Banks. Lilly Cole’s and Julia Roberts’ lips, at least to me, seem pretty similar in regards to 3-dimensionality-how much they protrude, I mean. They differ in their width: Lilly’s are rather short and Julia’s are rather long. Because this one characteristic is dissimilar, the vibe I get from their lips is different as well. When I look at Lilly Cole’s mouth, I think the word “dainty”. When I look at Julia Robert’s mouth, I think the word “sturdy”. I would say Tyra Banks’ and Angelina Jolie’s lips are pretty similar (though not exactly) in 3-dimensionality, but differ in width. Even though I would have to categorize Jolie’s lips as yin, I still get that “natural” vibe from her. Tyra’s lips do not read as “delicate”, or “strong”, but as “sensual” to me. As with the eyes, I looked at pictures of these ladies without makeup because their shape and size is often altered with lipstick. I’ve noticed that, even if their lips don’t protrude very much, the lips of a romantic tend to only be as wide or a teensy touch wider than the nose. Yang lips seem to go beyond that border. I think these 2 criteria are much more helpful that saying simply “this black person has thinner lips compared to other black people I’ve seen”. Not to trivialize your comment! It is simply that I don’t think race factors that much into Kibbe typing. Straight lines are straight lines in everyone; rounded shapes are rounded shapes in everyone. That said, I would be interested to see how afro-textured hair can be divided into the answer categories, because they are quite different, and that might be my next hobby. As to whether yin lips are more frequent amongst black women: I don’t know, but it is a very interesting question. In regards to the bust: Mind, a B-type bust doesn’t have to be completely flat. Julia is not flat-chested, but the first thing I notice about her torso is her width. That’s not to say she is a football player, of course! It seems that, when looking at the bust, the top of the breasts are very important. Tyra’s are fuller at the top than Julia’s, which gives them more of a rounded look. The flesh looks to be confined to a smaller width than Julia’s which, again, lends itself to the appearance of roundness. I again refer you to my example of the dough, because that’s the only way I know to describe this. With hips, we must think of the width and the outline. Answer A hips are narrow and made of straight, vertical lines. E hips are wide and made up of curved lines. D are narrower, but appear wider than A hips because they are made up of curved lines. B hips are wide and made up of straight lines, but do not appear as straight as A hips because of the added width. Answer C hips I would describe as an elongated curve-like the outline of an oval-and something neither wide nor narrow. These hips form a continuum, almost. If I were to draw Julia Robert’s in a swimsuit, her hips would consist of straight lines. The lines would be a bit soft, but they would be straight. I’m not so sure that Tyra would be a romantic if she weren’t so tall. If I imagine everything about her stays the same, except for her vertical line, she seems more like a gamine type. Because there is that combination of opposites, you see. I don’t want this comment to be too long, and so I’ll compare Phoebe and Tyra Banks in another reply. I’m not sure if Demi Lovato has had a breast augmentation, but even if there was flesh added, her overall shape is still quite straight. She and Audrey Hepburn are flamboyant gamines. To close, I will say that I think we all have certain stereotypes we have to get rid of when thinking of the types and that it is helpful to ask yourself how you would draw these body parts. Also, would you mind telling me your type? I’m a bit curious.

[@unneighborlyarcades6356]

@@nanagursky188 You are definitely correct that the most sure indicator is what type of clothing, hair, and makeup suits a person best!

[@AthenaProsperus]

Thank you so much! This really helps

[@narayaniangulo9456]

Can i be 5,7 and TR ive seen videos where it says TR are petite so ... Is that like a no? But i think im TR

[@brunamota8865]

for me everything in Keira screams dramatic but her height, she looks very short but everyone online says otherwise.🤷🏽‍♀️

[@juriearvetsus6424]

but what if you have like "angular" but smaller bones in size? is that SD or TR?

[@Iliah97]

Can one be soft gamine with a height of 1.72? My head is big so i don't look tall, my nose, eyes and lips are also big, so i kinda look like SD, flesh is soft like Rihanna, which is TR, i guess i could be SG... Brilliant, thank you, i was so confused!

[@starminoui]

Hi Merriam! I really enjoyed the video. I watched your video comparing Soft Natural and Soft Dramatic. If I wanted to find out which one I am, what clothes should I try on? I lean towards natural but I think I'm biased since I love boho style.

[@simonebarents5389]

Thank you Merriam! This video has been really helpful!

[@merriamstyle]

Now that you say that, I feel like I should use a more 'objective' word rather than delicate! Have you considered soft classic? If the ornate things are too much for you, you could be soft classic. Is there a reason why you've discounted it?

[@simonebarents5389]

@@merriamstyle wow, thank you for your quick answer! I have watched the SC video in the meantime to remember... I have been doubting in the beginning especially whether I could be SC. Mostly because of my "vibe" (which i thought matches both naomi watts and marion cotillard) . But i believe my body is too unbalanced (wide hour glass /pear shape when thinner) I had some C answers in the test too, they were all on face. So perhaps that influences the necessity for minimalistic jewelry etc?

[@simonebarents5389]

Haha oops. I just saw your comment on another post about people matching themselves to a celebrity based on their vibe... After posting my reply. :') Guilty... But fortunately i have learned more by now!

[@colochossalvajes]

Well I have either an angular bone structure or a squareish bone structure. I know that people usually complement me when I were clothing that is fitted on me but it’s a thin texture. Also people have told me that when I wear long dresses they look very elegant on me . I’m between these soft dramatic and soft natural. Because my hands are quite large and I also have long fingers. My eyes are small. Long arms and legs . Wide feet and long feet. I’m 5’5” I am aware that I have a large bone structure. And when I gain Weight I get very fleshy on the face upper arms and thighs. People say I have a “broad back” but my bra size is 34 . I have a define waist . Hellppp

[@IncantationSadness]

I'm still very confused about my body type, but I finally understood what answer my jawline is. I'm making progress, I guess! 😅 Typing ourselves is so hard...

[@lindenpeters2601]

So helpful! Please also do Theatrical Romantic vs. Soft Gamine!

[@merriamstyle]

Here's a TR vs SG video on my website! merriamstyle.com/sg_tr.html It's premiering on youtube in a few days. :)

[@lindenpeters2601]

Thanks! I just watched it! I need to do the try-on experiment still, but I am leaning towards TR for myself. I might have a SG body (real mixed bag of answers) and a TR face (mostly yin), which could be why I can wear both, and also borrow some from SC! Thank you so much for these videos, and recognizing that each type can borrow from different styles! Once I recalled being told in high school that I look better in period costume than modern clothes, and Jenna Coleman and Rachel McAdams look great in period films, that sort of solidified the idea that I am TR. Each time I think, "Am I a Soft Gamine?" I remind myself that although I do look younger than I am, I don't look doll-like or pixie-like, as gamines do, and I look average height with my smallish head. Thanks, too, for reminding us that we will all have features that go against our type. For me, I am flat-chested and straight-bodied. But I am definitely not Natural or Dramatic, because I look schlubby without a defined waist! I look best and get the most compliments with good bras and clothes that give the illusion of an hourglass figure. I need to get more peplum tops and dresses, because they are my best friend!

[@jxngl]

I think one tip that helped me was paying attention to my shoulders : if your shoulders are quite narrow then your most likely a theatrical romantic Correct me if I’m wrong

[@PattyFru]

Interesting, I was thinking about the same thing for a moment, but then I realised that it might be the size of the head in comparison to the shoulders (but size of the head is considered in vertical line - Merriam talks about it in a video about Lily Cole). Not sure about SD but D can definitely have narrow shoulders in my opinion.

[@merriamstyle]

I would say to not overfocus on one answer under basically any circumstance! These TRs happen to have smaller shoulders, but they don't all have to, it's just a coincidence that this happened. You could be a TR with answer B shoulders if the rest of your skeleton is yin-dominant!

[@genellebeyer154]

Is it possible at all to be 5'6 and a TR?

[@meriemmimi104]

any soft classics here??!

[@Adaphobic]

Me! I actually bought her Soft Classic look book and loved it. Although I wish she included some Soft classic Hairstyles on it. Looking for the overall soft classic outfit is difficult for being a Spring. I feel like all my clothes should be customized or tailored lol.

[@martinsaugustaf]

me! (though the test always says i am classic)

[@meriemmimi104]

@@Adaphobic ikr i have that problem too. and the hair is the hardest part for me , casually i do look a bit messy never perfect it's hard but i like being a soft classic any way .

[@Duifjaah]

This is super helpful! Thanks

[@AJ-tk7ps]

Where did you learn so much about facial structures and skin tones? Is there a book I read?

[@justina2320]

Hey! I have recently come across a polish stylist who offers kibbe consults just like you. She also types celebrities. But i have found that her typings quite frequently do not much yours. For example Monica Bellucci is romantic, Brigitte bardot is soft natural, Rachel Weisz is theatrical romantic, Mila Kunis Megan fox as a soft natural... it kinda breaks my faith in Kibbe typing hahha. Do you have any idea why the confusion happens? And the list goes on...

[@justina2320]

Nina dobrev as a soft dramatic :o

[@nanagursky188]

Hey! I know a lot of stylists, fashion theoreticians type people differently..:) The world wasn't built on Kibble..:) Different minds, different perception, different taste even, the system is pretty complicated and there seems to be always some little approaches added to it..:) Kibble himself would mistype people not once and acknowledges it....

[@ojyochan]

I'm almost totally romantic but my nose is yang. TR?

[@mjsalinas1032]

Please, do flamboyant gamine!

[@kjcaniglia4023]

Merriam, what is your Kibbe type? I watched your video from three years ago where you talk about the confusion between soft dramatic and theatrical romantic. The entire time I felt like I was watching a home video of myself in my 20’s. I’m for sure what ever type you are!

[@snoy98307]

Please make a video on the essence of tr 🥰

[@amaneciamosiameses]

I see myself similar to Monica Bellucci but my waist ratio is smaller than hers and my face got more TR answers, but still I am quite tall like Rihanna but wider :/

[@senharuno6622]

The links are not working 😔

[@PattyFru]

Both of those videos are great, I am confused about being TR or SG for about a year now, it was very helpful to hear your thoughts about this. I am still a little confused though, because I have all skeleton answers D or E, just one A (cheekbones), but I have quite mixed answers in flesh (C, D, E and some A). I tried to find Kibbe type, that would have Yin skeleton and more mixed facial features and flesh, but I didnt find any. I am thinking if I missed something or maybe did the test wrong? I am pretty sure though I have Yin skeleton. Any suggestions? Thanks for your videos, its obvious you put a lot of effort into them.

[@merriamstyle]

It's hard to say without taking a look at you of course, but you'd be between TR (TR may still be a possibility depending on how yin your flesh leans), or you could be FG. I'd guess you're more likely FG. Do you look good in super lacy frilly dresses? It would be a great test for you to try super lacy frilly dresses vs something ultra tailored and more stiff. If you're FG, you'll look noticeably awkward in the lacy frilly item. If you're TR, you'll look fine.

[@PattyFru]

@@merriamstyle Thank you for your answer! FG never crossed my mind, I should research it more. Lacy frilly things look OK if they are not flowy (lacy pencil dresses look great on me), ultra fitted definitely looks good, but not in stiff fabric, that look quite hard on me. Also I like edgy look, so I might be little bit inclined to gamine lines if I am TR for that reason.

[@JessieBanana]

To me there really isn't much confusion of overlap between SD and TR, I was much much confused, based of description, between SN and TR. When I took the test it was easier and more clear to me and I was obviously a TR.

[@milkcatdog394]

Hi, can you please do a video comparing a theatrical romantic to a romantic body type? I’m not sure which one am I!

[@leechun996]

Mila Kunis is a soft gemine in my eyes. she does have some elements of TR. but her waist and feet are not TR. And somehow I think even her face is a bit...more like SD. What do you think, Merriam?

[@merriamstyle]

With her flesh+facial features (and any TR flesh or facial features), you can be either TR or SG. The difference between SG and TR is really in the bones, and Mila doesn't have a mixed skeleton that is slightly yang dominant. But her skeleton is more yin dominant. Then you could say 'well maybe FG because FG has yin skeleton', but her flesh is too soft (FG has yin flesh and features), so, she's TR. I'd say no way she's SG because she doesn't have a mixed and yang-dominant skeleton. I mention all of this in my SG vs TR vid on my website: merriamstyle.com/sg_tr.html

[@leechun996]

Could it be dramatic classic or so, probably not, because her features are not mixed evenly? I give up😁 I don't know, somehow I just can'tssee her as TR. but as you said, I will try to see her in different styles and certainly I will see that she looks best in TR. Kibbe's body typing is amazing. Now umi understand why some things never suit me etc. all makes perfect sense now ❤️❤️ Thank you for contributing & explaining so much. I hope kibbe watches your videos😊❤️

[@leechun996]

Just one thing. I have no idea what I am talking about. I can only identify SD and TR. And maybe SG sometimes. But it's more a guess. So sorry for wasting your time, Merriam. I am new to this all😊😊❤️

[@merriamstyle]

awwwww!! Don't worry about it, it's not a waste of time, I'm sure so many people have thought that and now they can read in the comments section about it even if they're one of the 'silent viewers'!!

[@nanagursky188]

You know what... Look who other TRs are... Let us say, - Nicole Scherzinger (or even Kim Kardashian, though Aly Art typed her as soft natural, I don't quite agree. TR shows her better)... It is supposed, that they all can, pretty, much rock, slay the same clothes, accessories... Though Mila's makeup maybe is more Gamine, in her case. She wears heavy smokey eye... And it's not the best choice for many TR ideally - as far as I know (I can relate). (too much blending, grunge, when they need more precise lines) But Mila looks good with it, iconic. - An exception in her case

[@mooglewhale]

i now think i am either a soft classic or a flamboyant gamine!! Is that two really odd ones to be confused over? haha

[@DJPoundPuppy]

Nice and helpful

[@person3506]

In everyway I'm a theatrical romantic but I'm tall so I'm just confused

[@homeuser8479]

I don't know who would even define their type by the style they like at the beginning of their journey, just by some adjectives that are offered..:) It is like... I don't even know..:) Just like learning how to drive by the fact you have keys. Or judging what this unknown dish tastes like by the way it looks and furthermore, in the box..:) I think few people really do this... But if you know the theory +, judging by some border identification of some types often would be alright (I mean, to touch some ground (if that makes sense in English), some points about these people, looks, without goal to be professional) Like the winning outfits, accessories, the hair, the length, the intensity, type of hair color they wear(like maybe it is balayage, beachy balayage waves or aggressive black), the texture in their hair they wear, makeup looks(lines, intensity), brows... How neat or underdressed they look in something. If they pull off glitter well, Gamines(probably not speaking about Flamboyant..) look better in matt finish Aly would say... If they pull off like boho style, country style, Natural clothes well, if that makes sense. their face, body and clothes patters (like dresses with lace roses, round details, for example) At least, you can tell what types this person's looks leans towards. Combination of factors

[@merriamstyle]

Unfortunately I've seen a ton of people do this (in the comments, even some of my clients come in with some preconceived notions like the ones I describe). If you know the border identification+a bit of theory, I'd say optimistically and generously, you could be wrong 30% of the time, which isn't horrible, but it's also not great or even good by any means (70% correct is a C- grade!!). And I've seen some obvious examples be guessed completely off-base by using this 'technique'. I've seen a lot of crazy claims being in this business! People claiming they just 'get this vibe' from this celebrity, and that's why they're x body type. Ah! Can't tell you how many times I've heard that!

[@homeuser8479]

Had to expand, explain my comment a bit. Though I agree with Merriam

[@homeuser8479]

Also, many stylists type differebt people a bit differently too...

[@lorrainececilebenoit1749]

I took this test several times. I have no idea what I am so I will contact you I have a thin waist and am shapely but short and not very big on top. I’m not straight like a boy but I doubt I’m a gamine and look a bit like a soft classic but I’m too short. When I was younger I looked more like Meryl Streep so I thought I was a soft classic.

[@xylypotatohead3947]

You might still be one but just a tad shorter than they usually are