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How to Dress and Accessorize as a Soft Classic
If you have a Soft Classic body type, you might be asking yourself, “What should I wear?” Well, you're in luck! This article will guide you through understanding and styling your Soft Classic body type according to David Kibbe’s influential book Metamorphosis from 1987. Soft Classics have a balanced frame with gently rounded edges, boasting a soft, hourglass silhouette. Let’s delve into the characteristics of this body type and the best ways to dress it.
Key Points to Note
- If you identify as a Soft Classic, you possess soft arms and thighs, a well-proportioned bust and hips, tapered shoulders, and a rounded jawline.
- Opt for flowing, neutral fabrics that gracefully drape over your feminine contours without being overly tight or loose.
- Enhance your hourglass figure and balanced proportions by accessorizing with a waist belt to cinch your midsection.
Style Tips
Understanding Soft Classic Body Type
Soft Classic epitomizes a body type characterized by gentle, rounded hourglass contours. Within the realm of fashion, David Kibbe delineates 13 distinct body types in his 1987 masterpiece Metamorphosis. These classifications revolve around the structural integrity and proportional harmony of the human physique, delineating a spectrum ranging from yin to yang. Situated towards the middle of this spectrum, Soft Classic embodies a touch more femininity with its softly rounded features.
- Individuals boasting a Soft Classic body type typically exhibit a harmonious blend of bone structure and yin-influenced softness in both physique and facial attributes.
- The Classic body types outlined by Kibbe encompass Dramatic Classic, Pure Classic, and Soft Classic.
- Dramatic Classic exudes angular sophistication in physique and demeanor.
- Pure Classic boasts a symmetrical frame paired with a reserved essence.
- Soft Classic showcases a slightly more rounded physique alongside a refined demeanor.
- In cases of weight gain, Soft Classic individuals tend to further manifest soft, rounded features. The waist may lose its hourglass definition as weight redistributes across the bust and hips.
Key Attributes of Soft Classic
Soft Classic classification in women encompasses various characteristics and physical attributes. If you resonate with the following traits, chances are you align with the Soft Classic category:
- Moderate stature (approximately 5.6 ft (67 in))
- Soft, rounded arms, thighs, and waistline
- Well-proportioned bust, waist, and hips
- Slightly shorter limbs
- Shoulders with gentle slope
- Soft, broad nose
- Round jawline
- Large, expressive eyes
- Plump cheeks
- Full lips
Conversely, the Soft Classic category is characterized by its divergence from certain physical attributes. You're less likely to fall under the Soft Classic designation if you exhibit the following traits:
- Above-average height (exceeding 5.6 ft (67 in))
- Lean, slender limbs
- Distinctive facial features with pronounced contrasts
- Narrow, straight hips
- Smaller eyes
- Dainty, sharply defined bone structure
- Naturally muscular build
Style Advice for Soft Classic Individuals
Clothing Soft Classics should embrace symmetrical and feminine styles that accentuate the waistline. Opt for garments that are neither too tight nor too loose, ensuring a flattering fit on the softer frame. Defining the waistline is key to enhancing the hourglass figure, creating a chic and feminine silhouette. Explore the following clothing items tailored for Soft Classics:
- Tops: Round necklines, turtlenecks, and tapered sleeves
- Bottoms: High-waisted, wide-leg, and ankle-length skinny jeans
- Skirts: Midi-length, flowing, and flared designs
- Dresses: Waist-defining styles, ranging from short to midi-length with an A-line silhouette
- Sweaters: Turtlenecks, crewnecks, and fitted cardigans
- Outerwear: Long coats and jackets featuring a built-in belt
- Shoes: Rounded or almond-shaped toes
Fabrics Soft Classics should opt for lightweight materials that delicately drape over the body, highlighting feminine features. Cotton, wool, linen, and silk fabrics are particularly suitable for this body type, offering a soft texture and minimalistic appeal.
Prints Soft Classics should avoid bold and vibrant prints that may overwhelm their graceful essence. Instead, opt for smaller prints and monochromatic combinations to emphasize balanced proportions.
- Lace complements Soft Classics with its soft edges and neutral tones.
- Watercolor shades enhance the femininity and soft features of Soft Classics.
- Dainty floral prints accentuate the feminine essence of this body type.
- Horizontal stripes create the illusion of height and can emphasize the waist when cinched.
Accessories When accessorizing, Soft Classics should choose belts and elegantly timeless jewelry. Clean-cut shapes add dimension to the slightly rounded frame, making pearls, minimalist gold jewelry, cat-eye sunglasses, and slim to medium-width belts ideal choices for Soft Classics.
Hair Soft Classics look most flattering with shoulder-length wavy hair. Kibbe advises soft, wavy shoulder-length hair with a simple curtain bang for those with a Soft Classic body type. Minimalistic hair accessories are recommended to avoid detracting from a Soft Classic’s prominent eyes and soft features.
- Remember, this hairstyle suggestion is just that. As a Soft Classic, choose a hairstyle that makes you feel confident, regardless of Kibbe's guidelines.
Makeup Soft Classics achieve a youthful appearance with soft, muted, and natural makeup looks. Emphasizing their large eyes and full lips, experts advise Soft Classics to enhance their natural beauty rather than contouring their softer features. Therefore, Soft Classics should steer clear of heavy eyeliner and contouring.
- If you're a Soft Classic, embrace a natural makeup style with pink cheeks, rosy lips, and subtle eyeshadow.
Which celebrities are Soft Classics?
Confirmed Soft Classic Celebrities These celebrities are acknowledged to have a Soft Classic body type by fashion and Kibbe image analysts:
- Barbara Walters
- Carolina Herrera
- Donna Reed
- Emma Thompson
- George Clooney
- Grace Kelly
- James Franco
- Joan Fontaine
- Kirsten Dunst
- Laura Linny
- Marion Cotillard
- Meryl Streep
- Naomi Watts
- Norma Shearer
- Paul Rudd
Suspected Soft Classic Celebrities While not confirmed by experts, these celebrities are suspected to have a Soft Classic body type:
- Dakota Johnson
- Dianna Agron
- Jessica Chastain
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Sienna Miller
Determining If You're a Soft Classic
Identify whether you fit the Soft Classic description or take a Kibbe ID test. If the characteristics mentioned resonate with you, chances are you're a Soft Classic. For a more personalized assessment, consider taking a free online self-evaluation test like those offered by The Concept Wardrobe or Our Fashion Garden.
- Unfortunately, David Kibbe's original 1987 book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can is no longer in print, but you might find it in thrift stores.
Self-Reflection Questions to Determine Soft Classic Body Type Embark on your Kibbe journey by exploring yourself! Consider these questions to gauge if you align with the Soft Classic body type. If most of your answers are 'yes,' you likely fall into the Soft Classic category.
- Are you often perceived as shorter than your actual height?
- Do you have sloped and tapered shoulders?
- Are your arms and legs shorter than your torso?
- Do you possess small, wide hands?
- Is your figure symmetrical?
- Do you have a full, rounded chest?
- Is your waist soft and well-defined?
- Do you have a rounded chin and full cheeks?
Key Takeaway
The Kibbe system is a tool, not a label. While Kibbe's body types can guide your style choices, remember they don't define you. If you're classified as a Soft Classic but dislike the recommended style, don't worry! Dress according to your preferences and comfort. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and at ease.
Pointers
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Within the realm of fashion, 'soft' doesn't necessarily equate to 'cute.' Soft denotes a rounder, more feminine, and elegant aesthetic, whereas cute conveys a youthful and vibrant vibe.
