Image consultant David Kibbe introduced 13 body types based on a concept beyond your usual body shapes.
As my style quest in my thirties continued, I stumbled upon the concept of Kibbe Body Type. Like any other concept, this one got a resurgence through TikTok too. Image consultant, David Kibbe, was the one who introduced this concept in his book, Metamorphosis, A Personal Image And Style Book For Women, published in 1987. It talks about body types beyond the traditional shapes.
The key is the integration of the inner and outer.
David Kibbe quotes in his interview with New York Times published in March this year. He also says he was not surprised that this concept stands the test of time, as it goes beyond just the shape of your body. It considers more physical aspects, overall essence, and personality of a person to zero in on their body type.
The Kibbe method is about a person's balance of Yin and Yang, their feminine and masculine energy. Based on this scale, he established five main types, which are dramatic, natural, classic, gamine, and romantic. Dramatic is the Yang side (sharp features), whereas romantic is the Yin side (soft features). A body may have a strong Yin-influence or Yang-influence or different combinations in-between. That is how the 13 different body types came into the picture.
Where to start?
The Concept Wardrobe blog post was my introduction to the Kibbe body types. Then there is the actual test. There are many tests available online that help you figure out your Kibbe body type. The questions are the same, but the visual aids from these following three tests were helpful to me.
Angie Salama has developed a test with instantaneous results. It has a downloadable visual guide and a video explaining the concept.
Alyona Yarushina has a video guide test to help you figure out your body type.
Gabrielle Arruda has a visual guide test to help with the same.
What to do next?
Search your body type on Pinterest to find style guides that will help you enhance your features.
Ellie-Jean Royden has a video that is also a good start as a styling guide for the different types.
All the people I mentioned above also have well-researched information on the Kibbe method if you wish to know more about it.
I hope this helps you deep-dive a bit further with your style. It is about taking care of you on all levels and finding the style that represents the true you. As David Kibbe says in his New York Times interview:
You look the way you do because that’s part of who you are.
Love,
Rashmi B.
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