Dedicated enthusiasts of fashion may be familiar with the Kibbe body type system. Developed by New York beauty guru David Kibbe in the 1980s, this system focuses on an axis of yin and yang (feminine and masculine energy), to define a set of archetypal body shapes based on physical characteristics. The purpose of this system was to help individuals better understand which patterns, cuts, colours and fabric weights work in harmony with their body types.
Around the same time Kibbe established his style system, colour analyst and stylist John Kitchener created his own method for defining an individual's “essence”. In short, your essence is determined by the appearance of your face and the overall ambience that you emanate. It may also be slightly dependent on factors such as your body shape and physicality. Here is a rough guide to the seven essence archetypes. Whether you identify with a singular archetype or a combination of several, you can gain a touch of insight into which style choices may or may not suit your unique qualities.
Dramatic
The dramatic style essence is considered the most yang-dominant, which means it is bold, striking and powerful. Hallmark features of this style archetype include narrow, angular attributes and an overall visual impression of dignity and theatricality. In terms of clothing, strong, powerful shapes, bold patterns, and long, flared silhouettes work exceptionally on individuals with dramatic essence. Celebrity dramatics include Beyoncé, Gwen Stefani and Cher.
Gamine
Gamine is another example of a yang-dominant essence, although whereas dramatic individuals exude intensity, gamine individuals exude playfulness. Gamine faces are considered delicate, youthful and pixie-like, with a high contrast of sharp and soft features. If you have a predominantly gamine frame, oversized garments may overwhelm you, whereas shorter dresses and gender-neutral garments will complement your boyish charm. You could also mix colours and textures to highlight your whimsical creativity. Gamine essence is typical of celebrities like Emma Watson and Liza Minelli.
Natural
Romantic essence is generally categorised by slim, strong features and a laid-back personality. While natural and dramatic are both yang essences, natural leans more towards a relaxed, approachable ambience. Individuals with natural essence may find that they look effortlessly chic in slightly oversized garments and earthy, natural tones typical of 1970s fashion. Gigi Hadid and Jennifer Aniston both exude a typically natural essence.
Romantic
Romantic essence is predominantly yin, defined by glamour, femininity and soft, lush features. Those with romantic essence may seem naturally alluring and exude a sense of mature sensuality. Romantic essence can be accentuated with delicate flowing garments and elegant, timeless fabrics typical of agua clothing. If you have romantic essence, you could also experiment with feature-enhancing pin-up style makeup, quintessential of silver screen movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as modern celebrities such as Lana Del Rey.
Classic
One of the more balanced archetypes, individuals with classic essence may come across as professional, polished and refined. Classic essence is also defined by symmetrical, even facial features and a physical stature to match. If you suspect you may have classic essence, you will look fantastic in timeless, ever-fashionable, even vintage garments that fit your frame well. Consider celebrities with classic essence, such as Anne Hathaway and Taylor Swift, for inspiration.
Ingenue
While ingenue and gamine essence are often confused due to the defining characteristics of petite frames and youthful faces, ingenue is yin-dominated. If you’re often told you have an innocent, youthful charm, you may have ingenue essence, particularly if you have soft, delicate features, a heart-shaped face or large, round eyes. You can exaggerate your yin essence by wearing vintage-inspired pieces, florals, lace and other stereotypically feminine items. Celebrities with ingenue essence include Lupita Nyong'o and Emma Stone.
Angelic/Ethereal
Angelic or ethereal essence is categorised by elongated facial features with an element of softness. Individuals with this highly yin-dominant essence generally have an otherworldly quality to their appearance, with wide-set eyes and prominent cheekbones - they could even be described as “unusual” or “uncanny”. If you have ethereal essence, you will likely look best draped in pale-coloured, fine fabrics like chiffon and silk with dramatic, flowing silhouettes. You might also be complemented by translucency, ornate detail and accessories featuring feathers. Celebrities like Tilda Swinton and Anya Taylor-Joy have quintessentially ethereal essence.