"I'm actually not very fun" - said in the most serious and emphatic way. Lol, as someone who has always kind of wished I was a bit more fun, I love this! I love how you own this about you.
I'm a gamine and have been complimented on my "woodsy, cozy style." I got this by looking at pictures of clothes for flamboyant naturals and tailoring those same textures and feels to fit a gamine. It works to look at an outfit you like in someone else's lines and be like "this would work with different shapes."
This is such a underrated trick to get a certain vibe that is usually associated with another type, in some cases you can also keep the cut but change the textures to suit yourself but beware about creating too strong contrasts with that approach (small lines making larger types look larger and large lines making smaller types look overwhelmed).
Well done! To me, this is what everyone should be doing with their Kibbe knowledge. Not feel like they have to become someone new, but apply their lines to what they already like. It takes a bit deeper knowledge, because you have to really understand your lines, but I can’t imagine anyone being happy with thinking they can’t wear their own style anymore because some system told them they were a certain body type. You can indeed apply any Kibbe body type to any style!
This is exactly the advice I needed! My body type is soft natural, but I’m SUCH an INTJ 😂 I love black, androgynous lines, and a dash of 80s grunge. The only SN styles I can find are flowy lines and feminine, gentle silhouettes.
@@milo_thatch_incarnate I feel that. I'm an intj too and a flamboyant gamine. Where a bikini with a dinosaur print, they said. it'll be fun, they said. I thought I must be a dramatic classic because of all the cognitive dissonance here. Also, consider that Kibbe operates off the assumption that you care to present in a famine way. Your lines are specifically the lines to make you look your most feminine. So if you actually want to look androgynous, being an SN should not stop you. For instance, you want to wear black but SN has this great comfy vibe. So you wear tee shirts in a washed or faded black instead of crisp neutrals. Comfy, slouchy grunge was made for you. Rather than a pure monochrome outfit like a dramatic, a dark, muted outfit that isn't too matchy matchy might be your thing. Again, I too am an INTJ. I have often struggled because I literally look like baby tinker-bell. My clothes are just the clothes on my body. Anyone who doesn't think I am decisive, intellectual, or strategic because I wear mini skirts and pretty colors may kindly go fuck themselves. In my opinion, you are not designing a costume version of your personality. You are presenting yourself in the way that make you comfortable.
Lots of INTJs here...we are just about 1% of women but we LOVE learning, research, so I guess that doesnt surprise me. Likely we learn more than most women from UA-cam while more extroverted women learn from girlfriends chit chatting about fashion, make up, hair, appearance and overall style. So glad I am an INTJ...in the Five Factor MODEL a more accurate assessment of personality than the MBTI...I am Open, Conscientious, Introverted, Agreeable...only Moderately so, and about zero Neuroticism....Sybil Francis PhD professor pf psychology
It's kinda hard to find your essence/style as it matches your personality when you don't really know what your core personality is most of the time 🤷♀️
If I am understanding your purpose here what you are describing is congruence. It detracts from our personal power and hence our message if our appearance is different from our energy. Others will mistrust us if we are not congruent.
I think that's certainly one valid interpretation - IF you're seeking to be trusted and also IF others trust you if you are who you appear to be on the outside; in some circumstances that can spook people and actually further mistrust, as well as leave you more vulnerable as you literally are displaying yourself on your sleeve. I think Merriam's method is also valuable for if you're seeking, consciously or unconsciously, for example admiration, or on the flipside entire focus on your abilities and not your personality, then you would cultivate a larger discrepancy, as your aim is to HIDE who you are for whatever reason. Personal power is dependent on eventual interaction - up until that point, there are some benefits socially to having an approachable/admirable/withdrawn image until it is worth being inwardly and outwardly congruent. My apologies for my tangent rambling on your sensible comment!
THANK YOU! I'm tired of seeing soft classic clothing inspiration looking always the same! Always very mature and feminine and classic! And that's just not who I am! I'm sporty and practical and casual with a slight touch of minimalism and romance and fun! And it's hard because you see nothing like that (at least directly) for soft classics! And that is the reason why people think soft classics are boring! Even when I look at traditional soft classic clothes get that idea!...
Hi ladies! Oh no this makes me sad because as a fellow classic, I feel the luckiest of all the body types! Remember we find ourselves in the middle where we have greater access towards any lean (essence) we want! Think how much more challenging it is for example, for a romantic to look analytical if that’s who they feel they are as a person, or for a dramatic to look frilly & feminine if that’s who they feel they are on the inside. I’m not saying it’s impossible for them at all, just requires some creativity on their part. For us classics, we can literally take a black and white look, add one subtle item, touch or colour to it, et voila our entire look takes on that essence! Eg, if I want to look playful, I wear my seemingly predictable classic symmetrical lines from head to toe with my clothing items, then all I can add is simply a bright neon nail colour to instantly cast a playful essence on my entire look, it’s amazing, and from such a small add/change. Or on the opposite end- if I wanted to look dreamy, again I will wear my classic lines head to toe that always make me look my best, but then add a really flowy soft natural scarf loosely around my neck- it instantly gives me a faraway dreamy look. I really hope you come to discover how many options you have as classics, it’s such fun being one!
Jessica Vivian I understand, it’s a journey to get there. But have you seen Merriam’s full video dedicated entirely to different SOFT CLASSIC looks/essences?? It’s all the inspiration and motivation you’ll ever need! Enjoy! 😉ua-cam.com/video/BP3c5C-rXX0/v-deo.html
You are so logical and rational. Thank you. I love the moment when you say it is unethical and untrue to say that a person’s exterior appearance dictates their personality!
Like other women in the comments have expressed, your videos are helping me love and appreciate my body after years of battling an eating disorder. Thank you for all you do, truly 🧡
Awesome video! I always think of Lisa Bonet as a gentle free spirit and Audrey Hepburn as elegant and classic but never hiding her uniqueness. Comparison of the same body type but different essence and style is very helpful. Thank you 💜🌷
Amazing video! I think this is one of your best so far! You know what, I would actually really like a video where you go through the answers of the test and give examples of the different answers. I still have problems telling the difference in some cases, especially with the bones, because they’re not always as viable as the figure and facial features. (What do rounded cheekbones actually look like? Answer B vs answer E jawline, both wide but in different ways, etc). Kind of like what you did with the comparison between SD and SN. It would make the differences more clear, at least for me 😊
I love that idea of " if somone else lived in your body the essence would be different" because it's sooo true. I think this is part of what Kitchener wanted to get across, but it was like mixing that with body types. I think people don't realise that essence ( even as Kicthener thinks of them) are mixed with your personality.
According to Carol Tuttle's system, how you look impacts your energy (which impacts personality). Her research is quite amazing and when I read the section on my type it was like she was talking about me. Very fascinating stuff and I feel that there is nothing unethical about it. In fact, I'm now conducting research to connect what she does too Kibbe, and I'm already seeing quite a bit of connection.
“... I am actually not very fun!” . I could not help but crack a smile (or two) at that! 😄 I hope you won't be offended that I found humor at a time when you were dead serious. You do present yourself beautifully; you do come across as very serious, trustworthy, reliable; the way you look, the way you speak and what you say are all in sync., but still, there is an impish quality about you that can’t be repressed, and every so often, reveals itself in the most unexpected way. It is so attractive and makes you very likable. 😘 I do believe there is a serious point here: we have many facets to our character, and we might feel conflicted within ourselves and find it difficult to be true to all those facets, and often enough so that we don’t feel repressed. The difficulty is in mastering our styling tools so that we can be subtle enough and still let our message come across. We can be strong and sensitive, serious and impish, or sexy but not a “pin-up”. Personally, I am naturally quiet and very sensitive, but I do hold strong views and beliefs, and I get so very frustrated when people fail to consider my opinions seriously, because I am not loud nor forceful. To be heard, I end up speaking, behaving and even thinking in a far tougher manner than I would like it to be: this creates a mismatch and makes people uncomfortable. How do we emphasize one side of our being without it being to the detriment of the rest of ourselves? I believe it takes an other person to truly identify this. So here is some unsolicited feedback for you: I like this hairstyle and this shirt on you, but not together (especially as your shirt is in such a quiet colour). I feel they are too yang and subdued, and that you need to display a bit more yin and vibrancy for that little imp to be happy and do its job. Your imp’s job is to remind you to always have fun, even when you are doing serious work. I do believe that allowing your impish side to come out will help your message be even more meaningful and convincing. You are doing a brilliant job! Thank you again for the quality of your content.
I'm a soft classic and I am very very drawn to classic lines, mainly simple clothing and elegant. I loove that I can very easily change the whole vibe of the look by adding just one different element. Classics are very lucky in that regard. 😊😊 Much love to you, Merriam for helping me find out all this 🤗🤗
Im also a soft classic. It took me 20 years to understand that "busy" over the top clothing doesnt look good on me and im so glad i found kibbe. If not i would still be wondering how different i look wearing the same clothing that models/ celebs wear.
DeepMoonChild Another soft classic chiming in! I was actually typed as a SC by Merriam! I’m still figuring everything out but just curious if you have some tips for a soft classic to come off more casual/relaxed while still honoring their lines?
@@jinkies507 hey SC sister! Well, I like to wear maybe some nicely fitted pants ( I usually go for some earth colored ones) and pair that with casual T shirts, that are also quite snug on me. Not too big, nor too tight. I hope this helps, although I must admit that even my "casual" wear is maybe a bit more formal according to some... What can I do, that's just what I like 😁😁
@@DeepMoonChild Another SC here. Yeah, my casual is 'casual smart', or preppy, with a touch of feminine detailing. I can't look too relaxed or I'll have ppl telling me that I look sloppy.
As a classic and a lover of ornamental patterns, unique jewelery, dramatic shapes, vintage pieces, I've often felt that to strike a balance between what looks good on me and what I love in style was a challenge. It took me some time to incorporate the right amount of detail and drama into my outfits. Less is more for me but I can still wear interesting things, the pieces just all stand out much more.
This is interesting as I think I haven’t done too bad a job creating a 'witchy' (romantic + bohemian + goth) look for myself as someone with a romantic body type and still pulls inspiration from my love of fantasy and never fully leaving the goth subculture.
@@jessicagomes4043 You can wear TR lines without being sexy. You can look up TR style boards on Pinterest, look up TR guidelines and follow it roughly, watch Merriam's video called "Why You Shouldn't Dress Like an Instagram Model", and watch Aly Art's style videos. You can give off any vibe you want within your body type guidelines if you focus and know what you're doing.
Well, my mind is blown. I think that because of my romantic type, I am misconstrued as "sexy", which is not part of my personality at all. There is not an ounce of seductress in me, and I do not like getting attention because of my shape. I'm a day dreamer and I have a "childlike" personality.
Right. It’s like, “I’m not trying to be sexy folks, I just got dressed this morning 😠” I guess curves automatically equate being “sexy,” but that’s not my goal. My goal is to project elegance.
interesting... thank you for this very helpful video you know, as soon as i found out i have a romantic body type i struggled to accept that and re-took the test couple of times. i was hoping that i was wrong and didn't look at my lines properly. you see, i've always loved the dramatic vibe and the whole long and sharp kinda look. or maybe something bold, fun, loud and geometric. oversized. but the only recommendation for romatics is "soft, flowing, feminine" and it's really not something that was close to me at that time. but interesting stuff happened later. i started to admire my lines for a very first time in my life. you see, i developed those "romantic curves" when i was 13. but cause everybody around me still looked like a teen/child i thought that there was something very wrong with me. my arms and shoulders were too soft and round, my body in general was just too... womanly. i hated it, really. and when i found out that it's actually normal and there were celebreties with my lines.. it empowered me. i started to look at myself differently. and i started to look at feminine clothes differently. i never liked it before, now i'm much more open-minded still struggling tho. i have a very loud voice, i joke around a lot and i like to feel comfortable wherever i am, but at the same time i have those soft lines and sometimes i feel like these two don't match up. i look like a woman, but behave like a tomboy. and i really think the issue here is that i'm on my journey to accept my femininity and true adulthood. since i was a teen i looked at femininity like it was something weak, stupid and sexy, and i didn't want to be all of those things. now i'm older and understand where it came from (hello patriachy, how you doin'? well and thriving? cool) and i am on my way to develope a new look. i really grew to love everything about that "romantic style", but still can't see it on me fully. but now i'll try to look not for a romantic style, but for my style, using tricks from kibbe to make it work for me again, thank you for this video.
I mostly get what you are saying and relate to it but I just have to say something about the patriarchy part because I know there are more people like me who don't dare to speak up: from my personal experience it's not at all the patriarchy enforcing the thought that femininity is weak, it's feminism.
I think extreme feminism and the patriarchy work together very well to belittle femininity as something weak and undesirable. I've experienced more mockery in person from men who find anything feminine something to be scorned, and I've read a lot of the same from extreme feminists. It's hard getting that type of criticism from both sides.
Definitely true about patriarchy spreading ideas of femininity as stupid, etc. (disagree with other commenters, I've not experienced feminists shaming women for softness or having a curvy body but gotten a hefty amount of that elsewhere). I always resented that femininity was defined exclusively as artifice such as stilettos and extreme glamour that the vast majority of women in the world will never wear or do (are they not women? not feminine?). But softness itself, yeah I see that as a common feminine thing and kid's cartoons and media act like it's just for one dimensional women (or it makes women one dimensional). But the weirdest thing is that having a soft, curved body is seen as some sort of active statement, like you're being curvy AT people on purpose. Or that your softness is so loud it drowns out your personality. Joking loudly and laughing shouldn't ever be at odds with having an adult womanly body! So much nonsense to unravel, for me as well. Glad you're finding your own "adult woman" style and enjoying it :)
@@moriahw3947 I have not experienced that a lot but I know what you mean, some men make snide comments at "stupid" feminine hobbies and interests while feminism has a whole culture of looking down upon it, calling it internalized misogyny for example.
I think REAL feminism is (or should be) supporting women regardless of how they choose to be feminine (makeup/no makeup for example) but unfortunately it's gotten out of control. Sadly women are pressured on all sides to conform to what others think they should be.
Hi Merriam! Thank you so much for your content, I came from Aly Art's channel and saw someone recommended your channel and they're right, you explain Kibbe's body types very well!! A funny thing happened; I was watching your clothes for soft classics video and I put on some really sweet, girly perfume. (I think of myself as a soft classic, though I'm not sure.) I realized that didn't seem to suit me as well when I was watching your video even though I usually like it on my skin, maybe because the sweet floral scent doesn't pair well with the classic body type?? I'm not sure if this is possible, but could you possibly make a video about the types of perfumes different types/essences should wear? I'd be curious to see if difference perfume classes can work best on different body types? Thanks again!!
Completely agree. I'm a Flamboyant Natural and I've always been attracted to the colourblocked styles if the 60s. Not slouchy boho looks in subdued colours LOL
People think I come across as dreamy and innocent but when they start talking to me they actually realise I know what I'm talking about. For me it is very interesting as I see and feel myself kind of more fierce and passionate.
Dressing Your Truth is all about the body type and design line to define the essence or personality type of a person and not about who they feel they are. Type 1 is cute, bubbly and light. They wear only tints and light crisp fabrics with patterns and lines reflecting this type. Lots of animation. Seasonal Colour Analysis describes this as Spring. There are 3 other types, 2, 3 and 4. It doesn’t matter who you believe that you are, if you have certain physical features and movements, then that’s it. Obviously this is exactly the opposite of what you are talking about and ironically Dressing Your Truth is about Dressing someone else’s idea of what your truth should be.
For me, I love this Merriam video...and also love the Dressing Your Truth channel (though I prefer systems that use more than 4 seasons, for example I identify as Soft Autumn which is an Autumn heavily influenced by Summer and if DYT typed me as Type 2 or Type 3 neither would be quite right). I'm gathering and absorbing thoughts on all these typing systems and more and letting them integrate in my head as I see valid things in all of them. Very interesting. Doesn't make total sense yet but is getting there. I don't fully see myself in any one kibbe type yet and is hard for me to tell skeleton and flesh types. Boho and super comfortable are the main style elements I'm drawn to. Been experimenting with new lines like with safety pins, etc. But standard recommendations for body types such as pear, apple, hourglass, etc., are in my head and often helpful so am bit confused how that all fits with kibbe types.
Good examples. I love Lisa Bonet too and I have been interested in her style arch over the years. I’ve always wondered if she is also INFP. Anyway thank you for fleshing out this idea.
this distinction is so important! well done! its important to understand that essences/vibe and body type are not at all the same and that style expresses personality and vibe within the rules of the body type. Body type is physical, essence isnt, and you described that very accurately.
I love your videos and love how you could look into all kinds of information and integrate them together. Your ability to connect the dots is amazing! I love to see how different essences could be expressed in different Kibbe types in real life examples. You are such an intelligent and graceful woman. Love your work! Thanks so much!
I’m a soft dramatic and an ENTP. I tend to express my creativity through color and makeup when it comes to external appearances. The yin aspect of soft dramatic clothing works well with a mature ENTP personality with a developed Fe. But in an immature state, I tend to pull dramatic in clothing. I usually come off as fun, intense, awkward or elegant.
Got to love it when you said, "I'm not very fun". Most people would be too proud to admit that. 😅 I would hate to think we have to be someone we are not just because we may be typed a certain way. I'm 67 and I'm always going to be me! Too late to change now...LOL. Your video makes so much sense!
Thank you, very helpful, especially as a Flamboyant Gamine! It just clicked for me about how body type/style/personality/essence work together. So now I'm curious to find out what my essence is! 💗😊
The physical frame is your body type, your essence is your attitude and style is how you express yourself. Essence and style can shift, but a gamine will always be a gamine, a classic is a classic...a natural..etc...
I'm a very ("ethereal") dreamy/artsy/boho type of person, and it doesn't merge too well with my culture, I've faught against it most of my life, and tried my best to be an uptight "type A" but people can see right through me and call it every time, even if they only know me from a place where I have to curb that (think: internship at a hospital where everyone wears the same scrubs). I used to hate that about myself, but thanks to you and Aly, I'm starting to embrace the real me that I could never hide anyway! I now appreciate myself for who I really am
I have never heard anyone explain facts and details SO WELL, SO PUT TOGETHER. You truly have both an eye for this and a brain that I "envy" 😅😅😅💖💖💖👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Lots of love, looking forward to every new video.
I always thought people were being judgmental when they expected me to be a certain way because of my choice of clothing or hair, but maybe it is weird to not pair the two.
Well it's really interesting--I've thought about this a lot! I think first impressions from what people are wearing might be alright in some cases (and honestly, it's not so much about alright or not alright, it just happens), because we do see all of people's life choices including clothes as just that....choices that reflect something about them......but the trouble comes up when we want to stick to those first impressions despite the person showing us through their words and behavior otherwise. I used to dress cute and people just couldn't wrap their head around the idea that I'm actually not cute whatsoever. People just don't like inconsistency--it's upsetting to not be able to predict how someone will behave because it makes the world seem even more chaotic, and may make the person seem untrustworthy. Look one way....behave another way......since style is a form of communication, it might be subconsciously seen as 'dishonest' to 'communicate' one thing when you're another. And this is a touchy subject in general, so I'm really not talking about the ethics of first impressions (can get into some really nasty situations there with stereotypes, etc), but just speculating on how people's minds tend to work, for better or for worse.
Wow I follow a lot of fashion UA-camrs and you are unique. You definitely caught my attention and I will be watching more of your videos. Thank you - love and blessings
really fantastic breakdown video. I'm riveted by your ideas on body type, essence and style. I've never heard anyone put it all together quite that way. Subscribed and will be watching 😊👍
This type of videos are amazing, TYSM! 😭 I have a classic body, but I'm more a fun/informal person than elegant. If I wear pearls and pencil skirts I could feel like a grandma lol
I think Classics can wear a lot of styles you just need less of the details to make yourself have a certain vibe than what other types need :) I don't know what style you prefer but a simple colour block can be enough for a Classic to look really fun when a Gamine might look like they're having a laid back classic style in the same thing. Merriam has a great video called "Are Classics Boring and Gamines Fun?" where she explains how contrasts work in such a great way, I really recommend it.
This is one of the greatest videos of you!! Everything was scattered and you amazingly linked them together and cleared everything up 👏🏻 I’ve been interested in the same idea of personal style lately, and I was trying to see how each body type can be whatever style they want from dramatics to romantics, but the whole essence thing is beyond magical ♥️ Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us 💕
Each video I see I think is the best one and then you surprise me with another amazing one!!! You are awesome!!! Thank you so much!!! A video like this with other body types examples would be GREAT!
This is an excellent video, thank you! Would you consider videos on how to dress in particular style for your body type? For example, how to look professional/sexy/edgy/boho/etc. For each of the body types?
Also, can you pretty please 🙏 do a video (like soft classic atural\gamine) on flamboyant natural? It's so annoying looking for inspiration and only finding boho styles. Or maybe a video on the characteristics of each clothing type (broken silluette for gamines, vertical lines for naturals) no preassure of course, i just trust your insight the most!
I agree body type doesn't determine personality, but I wouldn't be surprised if you got certain personalities grouping in different body types. Which explains how we "read" people's personality just from looking at them
Yes, yes, yes to all the things. I love how you get to the truth of getting one's best look. I've studied so many style types (colors, energy, cuts, etc) for years to try to look good, and your fashion guru-ness has helped me to finally look like the pretty person I always felt like I looked like but never seemed to achieve through fashion (which tended to do the opposite even though I was sticking to the "type" I was supposed to fit in). And it is so refreshing to learn fashion from someone who gets it, who actually sees the puzzle pieces and puts them together. So thank you, madam!
Classic to Romantic no doubt is what I am ...its very interesting because I was able to identify myself almost immediately after viewing your content ...I love your content its so wonderful ...I had no idea about this ...my only problem is as a redhead with a very curvy body romantic 100% I have to tone it down more than the usual woman to not appear sexual when its not appropriate ...its a struggle
16:48 okay. This is why I thought I wasn’t a flam gam. I was wearing more soft gamine lines & feeling a little too stiff. I think I have the same essence blend as Lisa after really studying her & what changes on her in different outfits. This is also helpful for any gamines out there to consider bc it’s so easy to learn you’re a gamine & try to wear the “cute” animated & staccato gamine style & feel completely dissatisfied with your look. Lol It helped me develop more of my style when I studied flamboyant natural outfits I am so drawn to & realized what aspects overlapped with fg body type, my essence blend, & my personal preferences.
Merriam you are so amazing and this video is so well argued!!! The whole thing with Kibbe where your lines are meant to define the "true personality" or "spirit" you have is really weird to me and just seems like a really prescriptive and restrictive approach. Its so cool that you can show people how to separate the analysis of the body shape and form from the analysis of essence or style, thank you 💞💞💞
According to Dwyn Larson's observations (pure) gamines tend to be actually predisposed to analytical thinking, and more on the modest side in terms of personality. Nevertheless, animated lines fit their appearance. But any style can be expressed with these lines, yeah!
Girl, you are really feeling a gap as far as styling advice is concerned... I d like to see all types with different essences and personalities... Thank you for great information!!!
What a great video! I definitely get the concept. I'd still love, in any future videos, to see examples (like the Lisa Bonet "case study") even though it already makes sense. When you, specifically, go through a case study, it doesn't just clarify the concept, but the way you think through the specific puzzle is some other sort of demonstration, it's hard to describe. But super fun to watch. Anyway, it's a talent and I enjoy those types of videos even if the concept already makes perfect sense.
I’m a dramatic and I hate attention so I dress very natural. I don’t see much of dramatic essence in me even though I’ve had many times people telling me they were intimidated by my facial expression when they met me, and were surprised I’m a nice friendly and sensitive person. So to be honest I’m still confused by who I am as an essence. I think I’m natural and very approachable girl next door but people get a different impression from me unless they know me close.
I think I'm a dramatic but most clothes I see in shops around me that fit my lines don't fit my personality and/or my colors at all. I don't know what to do. Do you have any tips on that?
@@merriamstyle A mix of dreamy, romantic and edgy - I think quite similar to Lisa Bonet but less ethereal. Most dramatic lines I see are very minimalistic or energetic fun in bright colors but that's not me at all. Thank you for your reply ❤️
lightweight fabrics in long clean long lines might work well for that, and sometimes darker colors to add a bit of an edge, or lighter colors to go for a more dreamy look depending on your mood.
Not finding lines that fit your personality is a tough fix, but the colors are easier. It takes time and it's a bit of a hassle, but good quality fabric dye is fairly cheap - you could always bleach and re-dye to get the color you're looking for.
Thank you for this video! It makes total sense and I needed to hear that my body type did not dictate the way I should dress. The examples were very helpful. I think it tired in very well with other videos where you mention we are not archetypes. Brilliant!
I feel like your examples of flamboyant gamine make it easier in that they naturally mix lines, so they should be able to have more options with styles. They also both appear to look good in black. As a theatrical romantic with a strong warm and radiant undertone, it is so hard to find *anything* that suits both my lines and colors, let alone change my style. Good thing I fit the stereotype of "utterly feminine."
What you said about the style not matching the personality (when talking about Lisas look while she would have a type A attitude) is actually quite relatable to me. I'm a flamboyant natural, so flowing relaxed unconstructed lines are recommended. But I'm actually not a relaxed, easy-going person. I love rules, punctuality etc. Is there a way to combine body type and personality in my case?
That sure wouldn't be me. I go around red robin's barn to tell a simple story. LOL. I wonder where that puts me? I once had a neighbor who would begin to tell a story and you really thought it was going to lead to something profound. The ending was always something simple.😂 She sure could hold your attention. She should have been a writer or a storyteller!
How do I get to look like a serene and understated goddess in every day life without looking odd or outrageous?? Haha. I believe I'm Theatrical Romantic.
I am TR too and I get called 'goddess' a lot😱 its easy for us, it doesn't look odd. Maybe you feel outragious because you are more introverted? I have more extraverted energy. Seems like it has more do with: do you dare to be visible, to be seen, maybe even judged?
A very educational and informative video. I was waiting for something like this. I would love to read your book. I love your comment that you are not fun, well, at least you have a sense of humour. Great topic.
I loved this. I am very into the idea of style as a tool for authenticity, for being who we are and showing to others. I'd personally like to know more about your concept of essence. What essences have you noticed? And how do you figure out your own essence? Since we don't see our own faces in every day situations or observe our own movements it's a hard one to look at objectively.
"I'm actually not very fun" - said in the most serious and emphatic way. Lol, as someone who has always kind of wished I was a bit more fun, I love this! I love how you own this about you.
😂 My friend's daughter said this exact thing once, same intensity too. But, my friend's girl is a wee Scorpio and everything is intense with her 🤷🏻♀️
I loved that comment too, as I’m not fun either 😂
Yes!!! That was hilarious! So true!
My family jokes that when I have a few drinks, "fun Nicole" comes out. Lol.
Haha, yes! That was exact moment when i clicked like. Everyone does not need to be the "fun one"!
I personally love the shock value of when someone’s style doesn’t match their personality
You’re that type that likes to watch the world burn, ey? 😂 I guess I see what you mean. Makes the shock great
I think this is me. I dress like a classic for work but act like a child lol
5:42 " I am actually not very fun." I felt that
Saadet Öztürk 🤣 love her honestly
🤣🤣🤣🤣
And she was so serious I - 😂😂😂
"I'm a gamine, and I'm actually not very fun." That by itself is very fun. (Well, to a super-boring introverted flamboyant gamine it is. ;) )
Hahahaha, I felt that. I'm a SD and I should be the "center of attention" kind of girl, but I'm pretty introverted and calm 😂😁
Soft gamine here same story..
I'm a gamine and have been complimented on my "woodsy, cozy style." I got this by looking at pictures of clothes for flamboyant naturals and tailoring those same textures and feels to fit a gamine. It works to look at an outfit you like in someone else's lines and be like "this would work with different shapes."
This is such a underrated trick to get a certain vibe that is usually associated with another type, in some cases you can also keep the cut but change the textures to suit yourself but beware about creating too strong contrasts with that approach (small lines making larger types look larger and large lines making smaller types look overwhelmed).
Well done! To me, this is what everyone should be doing with their Kibbe knowledge. Not feel like they have to become someone new, but apply their lines to what they already like. It takes a bit deeper knowledge, because you have to really understand your lines, but I can’t imagine anyone being happy with thinking they can’t wear their own style anymore because some system told them they were a certain body type. You can indeed apply any Kibbe body type to any style!
This is exactly the advice I needed! My body type is soft natural, but I’m SUCH an INTJ 😂
I love black, androgynous lines, and a dash of 80s grunge. The only SN styles I can find are flowy lines and feminine, gentle silhouettes.
@@milo_thatch_incarnate I feel that. I'm an intj too and a flamboyant gamine. Where a bikini with a dinosaur print, they said. it'll be fun, they said. I thought I must be a dramatic classic because of all the cognitive dissonance here. Also, consider that Kibbe operates off the assumption that you care to present in a famine way. Your lines are specifically the lines to make you look your most feminine. So if you actually want to look androgynous, being an SN should not stop you. For instance, you want to wear black but SN has this great comfy vibe. So you wear tee shirts in a washed or faded black instead of crisp neutrals. Comfy, slouchy grunge was made for you. Rather than a pure monochrome outfit like a dramatic, a dark, muted outfit that isn't too matchy matchy might be your thing.
Again, I too am an INTJ. I have often struggled because I literally look like baby tinker-bell. My clothes are just the clothes on my body. Anyone who doesn't think I am decisive, intellectual, or strategic because I wear mini skirts and pretty colors may kindly go fuck themselves. In my opinion, you are not designing a costume version of your personality. You are presenting yourself in the way that make you comfortable.
You prove your intj when you say, “actually I’m not very fun” ....amused intj me
Lots of INTJs here...we are just about 1% of women but we LOVE learning, research, so I guess that doesnt surprise me. Likely we learn more than most women from UA-cam while more extroverted women learn from girlfriends chit chatting about fashion, make up, hair, appearance and overall style. So glad I am an INTJ...in the Five Factor MODEL a more accurate assessment of personality than the MBTI...I am Open, Conscientious, Introverted, Agreeable...only Moderately so, and about zero Neuroticism....Sybil Francis PhD professor pf psychology
I thought she was an infj
It's kinda hard to find your essence/style as it matches your personality when you don't really know what your core personality is most of the time 🤷♀️
I felt that
You are a combination. I am too. I have at least 4 worlds inside me, and I enjoy expressing all of them. Watch her video "How to find your style"
If I am understanding your purpose here what you are describing is congruence. It detracts from our personal power and hence our message if our appearance is different from our energy. Others will mistrust us if we are not congruent.
I think that's certainly one valid interpretation - IF you're seeking to be trusted and also IF others trust you if you are who you appear to be on the outside; in some circumstances that can spook people and actually further mistrust, as well as leave you more vulnerable as you literally are displaying yourself on your sleeve. I think Merriam's method is also valuable for if you're seeking, consciously or unconsciously, for example admiration, or on the flipside entire focus on your abilities and not your personality, then you would cultivate a larger discrepancy, as your aim is to HIDE who you are for whatever reason. Personal power is dependent on eventual interaction - up until that point, there are some benefits socially to having an approachable/admirable/withdrawn image until it is worth being inwardly and outwardly congruent.
My apologies for my tangent rambling on your sensible comment!
Please give us examples of styles icon from all body types! Great video 💙
Yes please! ❤️
yes please
Yes!
THANK YOU! I'm tired of seeing soft classic clothing inspiration looking always the same! Always very mature and feminine and classic! And that's just not who I am! I'm sporty and practical and casual with a slight touch of minimalism and romance and fun! And it's hard because you see nothing like that (at least directly) for soft classics! And that is the reason why people think soft classics are boring! Even when I look at traditional soft classic clothes get that idea!...
Hi ladies! Oh no this makes me sad because as a fellow classic, I feel the luckiest of all the body types! Remember we find ourselves in the middle where we have greater access towards any lean (essence) we want! Think how much more challenging it is for example, for a romantic to look analytical if that’s who they feel they are as a person, or for a dramatic to look frilly & feminine if that’s who they feel they are on the inside. I’m not saying it’s impossible for them at all, just requires some creativity on their part. For us classics, we can literally take a black and white look, add one subtle item, touch or colour to it, et voila our entire look takes on that essence! Eg, if I want to look playful, I wear my seemingly predictable classic symmetrical lines from head to toe with my clothing items, then all I can add is simply a bright neon nail colour to instantly cast a playful essence on my entire look, it’s amazing, and from such a small add/change. Or on the opposite end- if I wanted to look dreamy, again I will wear my classic lines head to toe that always make me look my best, but then add a really flowy soft natural scarf loosely around my neck- it instantly gives me a faraway dreamy look. I really hope you come to discover how many options you have as classics, it’s such fun being one!
Filipa See ☝🏾!
Jessica Vivian Also see ☝🏾! oxo
Jessica Vivian I understand, it’s a journey to get there. But have you seen Merriam’s full video dedicated entirely to different SOFT CLASSIC looks/essences?? It’s all the inspiration and motivation you’ll ever need! Enjoy! 😉ua-cam.com/video/BP3c5C-rXX0/v-deo.html
Maropeng Ralenala You have articulated the Classic and the wide diverse range in how to change just one thing to relay a look. ❤️
You are so logical and rational. Thank you. I love the moment when you say it is unethical and untrue to say that a person’s exterior appearance dictates their personality!
Like other women in the comments have expressed, your videos are helping me love and appreciate my body after years of battling an eating disorder. Thank you for all you do, truly 🧡
Literally I finally feel like I can appreciate myself as I am
You are talking alot about ethereal and ingenue essences. Is there any other? Could you please cover the topic?
Awesome video! I always think of Lisa Bonet as a gentle free spirit and Audrey Hepburn as elegant and classic but never hiding her uniqueness.
Comparison of the same body type but different essence and style is very helpful. Thank you 💜🌷
Love love love your videos. Thanks to you, I now have self-confidence for my body and what i wear :)) flamboyant natural here 👋
Amazing video! I think this is one of your best so far! You know what, I would actually really like a video where you go through the answers of the test and give examples of the different answers. I still have problems telling the difference in some cases, especially with the bones, because they’re not always as viable as the figure and facial features. (What do rounded cheekbones actually look like? Answer B vs answer E jawline, both wide but in different ways, etc). Kind of like what you did with the comparison between SD and SN. It would make the differences more clear, at least for me 😊
I love that idea of " if somone else lived in your body the essence would be different" because it's sooo true. I think this is part of what Kitchener wanted to get across, but it was like mixing that with body types. I think people don't realise that essence ( even as Kicthener thinks of them) are mixed with your personality.
According to Carol Tuttle's system, how you look impacts your energy (which impacts personality). Her research is quite amazing and when I read the section on my type it was like she was talking about me. Very fascinating stuff and I feel that there is nothing unethical about it. In fact, I'm now conducting research to connect what she does too Kibbe, and I'm already seeing quite a bit of connection.
I get so sad when your videos end :(
awww :(!!
Same
Same. I can watch a hour long video of her.
“... I am actually not very fun!” . I could not help but crack a smile (or two) at that! 😄
I hope you won't be offended that I found humor at a time when you were dead serious. You do present yourself beautifully; you do come across as very serious, trustworthy, reliable; the way you look, the way you speak and what you say are all in sync., but still, there is an impish quality about you that can’t be repressed, and every so often, reveals itself in the most unexpected way. It is so attractive and makes you very likable. 😘
I do believe there is a serious point here: we have many facets to our character, and we might feel conflicted within ourselves and find it difficult to be true to all those facets, and often enough so that we don’t feel repressed. The difficulty is in mastering our styling tools so that we can be subtle enough and still let our message come across. We can be strong and sensitive, serious and impish, or sexy but not a “pin-up”.
Personally, I am naturally quiet and very sensitive, but I do hold strong views and beliefs, and I get so very frustrated when people fail to consider my opinions seriously, because I am not loud nor forceful. To be heard, I end up speaking, behaving and even thinking in a far tougher manner than I would like it to be: this creates a mismatch and makes people uncomfortable.
How do we emphasize one side of our being without it being to the detriment of the rest of ourselves?
I believe it takes an other person to truly identify this. So here is some unsolicited feedback for you: I like this hairstyle and this shirt on you, but not together (especially as your shirt is in such a quiet colour). I feel they are too yang and subdued, and that you need to display a bit more yin and vibrancy for that little imp to be happy and do its job. Your imp’s job is to remind you to always have fun, even when you are doing serious work. I do believe that allowing your impish side to come out will help your message be even more meaningful and convincing.
You are doing a brilliant job! Thank you again for the quality of your content.
I'm a soft classic and I am very very drawn to classic lines, mainly simple clothing and elegant. I loove that I can very easily change the whole vibe of the look by adding just one different element. Classics are very lucky in that regard. 😊😊 Much love to you, Merriam for helping me find out all this 🤗🤗
Im also a soft classic. It took me 20 years to understand that "busy" over the top clothing doesnt look good on me and im so glad i found kibbe. If not i would still be wondering how different i look wearing the same clothing that models/ celebs wear.
DeepMoonChild
Another soft classic chiming in! I was actually typed as a SC by Merriam! I’m still figuring everything out but just curious if you have some tips for a soft classic to come off more casual/relaxed while still honoring their lines?
@@jinkies507 hey SC sister! Well, I like to wear maybe some nicely fitted pants ( I usually go for some earth colored ones) and pair that with casual T shirts, that are also quite snug on me. Not too big, nor too tight. I hope this helps, although I must admit that even my "casual" wear is maybe a bit more formal according to some... What can I do, that's just what I like 😁😁
@@DeepMoonChild Another SC here. Yeah, my casual is 'casual smart', or preppy, with a touch of feminine detailing. I can't look too relaxed or I'll have ppl telling me that I look sloppy.
But it's hard to mantain a good looking hair as a soft classic
As a classic and a lover of ornamental patterns, unique jewelery, dramatic shapes, vintage pieces, I've often felt that to strike a balance between what looks good on me and what I love in style was a challenge. It took me some time to incorporate the right amount of detail and drama into my outfits. Less is more for me but I can still wear interesting things, the pieces just all stand out much more.
Video on Myers personality type & Perfume based on the body type please
omg what a good idea
This is interesting as I think I haven’t done too bad a job creating a 'witchy' (romantic + bohemian + goth) look for myself as someone with a romantic body type and still pulls inspiration from my love of fantasy and never fully leaving the goth subculture.
I’m a TR and I don’t feel as myself dressing like a TR top to botton. I’m still striving to find my style
what do you mean when you say 'dressing like a TR', do you mean sexy, or do you mean more dressing in TR lines?
Merriam Style yes sexy, womanly , sophisticated, femme fatale. I don’t resonate. I’m striving to find my essence.
@@jessicagomes4043 You can wear TR lines without being sexy. You can look up TR style boards on Pinterest, look up TR guidelines and follow it roughly, watch Merriam's video called "Why You Shouldn't Dress Like an Instagram Model", and watch Aly Art's style videos. You can give off any vibe you want within your body type guidelines if you focus and know what you're doing.
You can also take a picture you like and change the texture and flow of the outfit in the photo to suit your body type lines
Well, my mind is blown.
I think that because of my romantic type, I am misconstrued as "sexy", which is not part of my personality at all. There is not an ounce of seductress in me, and I do not like getting attention because of my shape. I'm a day dreamer and I have a "childlike" personality.
Right. It’s like, “I’m not trying to be sexy folks, I just got dressed this morning 😠”
I guess curves automatically equate being “sexy,” but that’s not my goal. My goal is to project elegance.
I love how you say style is not a body type.
You make everything make sense. Love how you explain everything thoroughly
interesting... thank you for this very helpful video
you know, as soon as i found out i have a romantic body type i struggled to accept that and re-took the test couple of times. i was hoping that i was wrong and didn't look at my lines properly.
you see, i've always loved the dramatic vibe and the whole long and sharp kinda look. or maybe something bold, fun, loud and geometric. oversized. but the only recommendation for romatics is "soft, flowing, feminine" and it's really not something that was close to me at that time.
but
interesting stuff happened later.
i started to admire my lines for a very first time in my life. you see, i developed those "romantic curves" when i was 13. but cause everybody around me still looked like a teen/child i thought that there was something very wrong with me. my arms and shoulders were too soft and round, my body in general was just too... womanly. i hated it, really.
and when i found out that it's actually normal and there were celebreties with my lines.. it empowered me. i started to look at myself differently.
and i started to look at feminine clothes differently. i never liked it before, now i'm much more open-minded
still struggling tho. i have a very loud voice, i joke around a lot and i like to feel comfortable wherever i am, but at the same time i have those soft lines and sometimes i feel like these two don't match up. i look like a woman, but behave like a tomboy.
and i really think the issue here is that i'm on my journey to accept my femininity and true adulthood. since i was a teen i looked at femininity like it was something weak, stupid and sexy, and i didn't want to be all of those things. now i'm older and understand where it came from (hello patriachy, how you doin'? well and thriving? cool) and i am on my way to develope a new look. i really grew to love everything about that "romantic style", but still can't see it on me fully.
but now i'll try to look not for a romantic style, but for my style, using tricks from kibbe to make it work for me
again, thank you for this video.
I mostly get what you are saying and relate to it but I just have to say something about the patriarchy part because I know there are more people like me who don't dare to speak up: from my personal experience it's not at all the patriarchy enforcing the thought that femininity is weak, it's feminism.
I think extreme feminism and the patriarchy work together very well to belittle femininity as something weak and undesirable. I've experienced more mockery in person from men who find anything feminine something to be scorned, and I've read a lot of the same from extreme feminists. It's hard getting that type of criticism from both sides.
Definitely true about patriarchy spreading ideas of femininity as stupid, etc. (disagree with other commenters, I've not experienced feminists shaming women for softness or having a curvy body but gotten a hefty amount of that elsewhere). I always resented that femininity was defined exclusively as artifice such as stilettos and extreme glamour that the vast majority of women in the world will never wear or do (are they not women? not feminine?). But softness itself, yeah I see that as a common feminine thing and kid's cartoons and media act like it's just for one dimensional women (or it makes women one dimensional). But the weirdest thing is that having a soft, curved body is seen as some sort of active statement, like you're being curvy AT people on purpose. Or that your softness is so loud it drowns out your personality. Joking loudly and laughing shouldn't ever be at odds with having an adult womanly body! So much nonsense to unravel, for me as well.
Glad you're finding your own "adult woman" style and enjoying it :)
@@moriahw3947 I have not experienced that a lot but I know what you mean, some men make snide comments at "stupid" feminine hobbies and interests while feminism has a whole culture of looking down upon it, calling it internalized misogyny for example.
I think REAL feminism is (or should be) supporting women regardless of how they choose to be feminine (makeup/no makeup for example) but unfortunately it's gotten out of control.
Sadly women are pressured on all sides to conform to what others think they should be.
Hi Merriam! Thank you so much for your content, I came from Aly Art's channel and saw someone recommended your channel and they're right, you explain Kibbe's body types very well!! A funny thing happened; I was watching your clothes for soft classics video and I put on some really sweet, girly perfume. (I think of myself as a soft classic, though I'm not sure.) I realized that didn't seem to suit me as well when I was watching your video even though I usually like it on my skin, maybe because the sweet floral scent doesn't pair well with the classic body type?? I'm not sure if this is possible, but could you possibly make a video about the types of perfumes different types/essences should wear? I'd be curious to see if difference perfume classes can work best on different body types? Thanks again!!
I always thought that Lisa bonnet was so beautiful. Her style has always been amazing I love her ethereal essence ✨ 💖
lisa gives me some natural vibes, am I the only?
You're getting very philosophical here, love it!
Completely agree. I'm a Flamboyant Natural and I've always been attracted to the colourblocked styles if the 60s. Not slouchy boho looks in subdued colours LOL
People think I come across as dreamy and innocent but when they start talking to me they actually realise I know what I'm talking about. For me it is very interesting as I see and feel myself kind of more fierce and passionate.
Dressing Your Truth is all about the body type and design line to define the essence or personality type of a person and not about who they feel they are. Type 1 is cute, bubbly and light. They wear only tints and light crisp fabrics with patterns and lines reflecting this type. Lots of animation. Seasonal Colour Analysis describes this as Spring. There are 3 other types, 2, 3 and 4. It doesn’t matter who you believe that you are, if you have certain physical features and movements, then that’s it. Obviously this is exactly the opposite of what you are talking about and ironically Dressing Your Truth is about Dressing someone else’s idea of what your truth should be.
I agree 1000%! I much prefer Merriam's approach.
For me, I love this Merriam video...and also love the Dressing Your Truth channel (though I prefer systems that use more than 4 seasons, for example I identify as Soft Autumn which is an Autumn heavily influenced by Summer and if DYT typed me as Type 2 or Type 3 neither would be quite right). I'm gathering and absorbing thoughts on all these typing systems and more and letting them integrate in my head as I see valid things in all of them. Very interesting. Doesn't make total sense yet but is getting there. I don't fully see myself in any one kibbe type yet and is hard for me to tell skeleton and flesh types. Boho and super comfortable are the main style elements I'm drawn to. Been experimenting with new lines like with safety pins, etc. But standard recommendations for body types such as pear, apple, hourglass, etc., are in my head and often helpful so am bit confused how that all fits with kibbe types.
omg i love the way you talk about style! i'd never actually thought about it from this angle but it makes a lot of sense
Good examples. I love Lisa Bonet too and I have been interested in her style arch over the years. I’ve always wondered if she is also INFP. Anyway thank you for fleshing out this idea.
I love her too! I would think she's ISFP, but her Ni is definitely present.
this distinction is so important! well done!
its important to understand that essences/vibe and body type are not at all the same and that style expresses personality and vibe within the rules of the body type. Body type is physical, essence isnt, and you described that very accurately.
I love your videos and love how you could look into all kinds of information and integrate them together. Your ability to connect the dots is amazing! I love to see how different essences could be expressed in different Kibbe types in real life examples. You are such an intelligent and graceful woman. Love your work! Thanks so much!
I’m a soft dramatic and an ENTP. I tend to express my creativity through color and makeup when it comes to external appearances. The yin aspect of soft dramatic clothing works well with a mature ENTP personality with a developed Fe. But in an immature state, I tend to pull dramatic in clothing. I usually come off as fun, intense, awkward or elegant.
Also obsessed with Lisa Bonet - but just because she's fucking gorgeous.
Got to love it when you said, "I'm not very fun". Most people would be too proud to admit that. 😅 I would hate to think we have to be someone we are not just because we may be typed a certain way. I'm 67 and I'm always going to be me! Too late to change now...LOL.
Your video makes so much sense!
Thank you, very helpful, especially as a Flamboyant Gamine! It just clicked for me about how body type/style/personality/essence work together. So now I'm curious to find out what my essence is! 💗😊
The physical frame is your body type, your essence is your attitude and style is how you express yourself. Essence and style can shift, but a gamine will always be a gamine, a classic is a classic...a natural..etc...
Well said!
I'm a very ("ethereal") dreamy/artsy/boho type of person, and it doesn't merge too well with my culture, I've faught against it most of my life, and tried my best to be an uptight "type A" but people can see right through me and call it every time, even if they only know me from a place where I have to curb that (think: internship at a hospital where everyone wears the same scrubs). I used to hate that about myself, but thanks to you and Aly, I'm starting to embrace the real me that I could never hide anyway! I now appreciate myself for who I really am
I have never heard anyone explain facts and details SO WELL, SO PUT TOGETHER. You truly have both an eye for this and a brain that I "envy" 😅😅😅💖💖💖👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Lots of love, looking forward to every new video.
I always thought people were being judgmental when they expected me to be a certain way because of my choice of clothing or hair, but maybe it is weird to not pair the two.
Well it's really interesting--I've thought about this a lot! I think first impressions from what people are wearing might be alright in some cases (and honestly, it's not so much about alright or not alright, it just happens), because we do see all of people's life choices including clothes as just that....choices that reflect something about them......but the trouble comes up when we want to stick to those first impressions despite the person showing us through their words and behavior otherwise. I used to dress cute and people just couldn't wrap their head around the idea that I'm actually not cute whatsoever. People just don't like inconsistency--it's upsetting to not be able to predict how someone will behave because it makes the world seem even more chaotic, and may make the person seem untrustworthy. Look one way....behave another way......since style is a form of communication, it might be subconsciously seen as 'dishonest' to 'communicate' one thing when you're another. And this is a touchy subject in general, so I'm really not talking about the ethics of first impressions (can get into some really nasty situations there with stereotypes, etc), but just speculating on how people's minds tend to work, for better or for worse.
Wow I follow a lot of fashion UA-camrs and you are unique. You definitely caught my attention and I will be watching more of your videos. Thank you - love and blessings
really fantastic breakdown video. I'm riveted by your ideas on body type, essence and style. I've never heard anyone put it all together quite that way. Subscribed and will be watching 😊👍
This type of videos are amazing, TYSM! 😭 I have a classic body, but I'm more a fun/informal person than elegant. If I wear pearls and pencil skirts I could feel like a grandma lol
I think Classics can wear a lot of styles you just need less of the details to make yourself have a certain vibe than what other types need :)
I don't know what style you prefer but a simple colour block can be enough for a Classic to look really fun when a Gamine might look like they're having a laid back classic style in the same thing. Merriam has a great video called "Are Classics Boring and Gamines Fun?" where she explains how contrasts work in such a great way, I really recommend it.
@@user-qp6lj6gu7s ok, I'll take a look to that video, thanks!
I think this is the first time I’ve really understood these concepts and the difference between them, thanks!
This is one of the greatest videos of you!! Everything was scattered and you amazingly linked them together and cleared everything up 👏🏻
I’ve been interested in the same idea of personal style lately, and I was trying to see how each body type can be whatever style they want from dramatics to romantics, but the whole essence thing is beyond magical ♥️
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us 💕
Each video I see I think is the best one and then you surprise me with another amazing one!!! You are awesome!!! Thank you so much!!! A video like this with other body types examples would be GREAT!
This is an excellent video, thank you! Would you consider videos on how to dress in particular style for your body type? For example, how to look professional/sexy/edgy/boho/etc. For each of the body types?
so many good points, when I wear super formal/smart clothes I feel like a total phony because my personality is so laid back!
Ocean's 8 used this idea of Holywood "essences" really well.
Great video! Can you tell us your main types of essences / personality traits? That would be interesting for me.
Honestly I love change and am a style chameleon :) recently learned to accept that and embrace whatever view of myself I’m displaying
Also, can you pretty please 🙏 do a video (like soft classic
atural\gamine) on flamboyant natural? It's so annoying looking for inspiration and only finding boho styles. Or maybe a video on the characteristics of each clothing type (broken silluette for gamines, vertical lines for naturals) no preassure of course, i just trust your insight the most!
You are so great 🥰 i love your way to see things. Very good video 👍🏻
I agree body type doesn't determine personality, but I wouldn't be surprised if you got certain personalities grouping in different body types. Which explains how we "read" people's personality just from looking at them
Yes, yes, yes to all the things. I love how you get to the truth of getting one's best look. I've studied so many style types (colors, energy, cuts, etc) for years to try to look good, and your fashion guru-ness has helped me to finally look like the pretty person I always felt like I looked like but never seemed to achieve through fashion (which tended to do the opposite even though I was sticking to the "type" I was supposed to fit in). And it is so refreshing to learn fashion from someone who gets it, who actually sees the puzzle pieces and puts them together. So thank you, madam!
Aww yay!!
This is really exactly what I wanted. You really delivered. Thanks so much for your time and effort!!👏🏾
Classic to Romantic no doubt is what I am ...its very interesting because I was able to identify myself almost immediately after viewing your content ...I love your content its so wonderful ...I had no idea about this ...my only problem is as a redhead with a very curvy body romantic 100% I have to tone it down more than the usual woman to not appear sexual when its not appropriate ...its a struggle
16:48 okay. This is why I thought I wasn’t a flam gam. I was wearing more soft gamine lines & feeling a little too stiff. I think I have the same essence blend as Lisa after really studying her & what changes on her in different outfits.
This is also helpful for any gamines out there to consider bc it’s so easy to learn you’re a gamine & try to wear the “cute” animated & staccato gamine style & feel completely dissatisfied with your look. Lol It helped me develop more of my style when I studied flamboyant natural outfits I am so drawn to & realized what aspects overlapped with fg body type, my essence blend, & my personal preferences.
Hmm. It seems like my Style, bodytyoe and essence all match. Neat.
I've learnt alot from you Merriam xx
Merriam you are so amazing and this video is so well argued!!! The whole thing with Kibbe where your lines are meant to define the "true personality" or "spirit" you have is really weird to me and just seems like a really prescriptive and restrictive approach. Its so cool that you can show people how to separate the analysis of the body shape and form from the analysis of essence or style, thank you 💞💞💞
more about outfit for natural body type please....love your videos💕
interesting💃💃💃
According to Dwyn Larson's observations (pure) gamines tend to be actually predisposed to analytical thinking, and more on the modest side in terms of personality. Nevertheless, animated lines fit their appearance. But any style can be expressed with these lines, yeah!
Girl, you are really feeling a gap as far as styling advice is concerned... I d like to see all types with different essences and personalities... Thank you for great information!!!
I love this video! I'd love to see more like this.
What a great video! I definitely get the concept. I'd still love, in any future videos, to see examples (like the Lisa Bonet "case study") even though it already makes sense. When you, specifically, go through a case study, it doesn't just clarify the concept, but the way you think through the specific puzzle is some other sort of demonstration, it's hard to describe. But super fun to watch. Anyway, it's a talent and I enjoy those types of videos even if the concept already makes perfect sense.
“I’m actually not very fun.” I laughed pretty hard, sorry
A huge thank you for this video!
Maybe you can make a video or a series, where you show two woman with the same body type but with different styles, like you did with your body type.
I like your ideas and observations
I’m a dramatic and I hate attention so I dress very natural. I don’t see much of dramatic essence in me even though I’ve had many times people telling me they were intimidated by my facial expression when they met me, and were surprised I’m a nice friendly and sensitive person. So to be honest I’m still confused by who I am as an essence. I think I’m natural and very approachable girl next door but people get a different impression from me unless they know me close.
She actually has a video on this, it's called "Are Dramatics Intimidating?". It'll work well for you.
I think I'm a dramatic but most clothes I see in shops around me that fit my lines don't fit my personality and/or my colors at all. I don't know what to do. Do you have any tips on that?
what's your personality?
@@merriamstyle A mix of dreamy, romantic and edgy - I think quite similar to Lisa Bonet but less ethereal. Most dramatic lines I see are very minimalistic or energetic fun in bright colors but that's not me at all. Thank you for your reply ❤️
lightweight fabrics in long clean long lines might work well for that, and sometimes darker colors to add a bit of an edge, or lighter colors to go for a more dreamy look depending on your mood.
@@merriamstyle Oh I haven't thought about more lightweight fabric. Thank you I'll try that! ❤️
Not finding lines that fit your personality is a tough fix, but the colors are easier. It takes time and it's a bit of a hassle, but good quality fabric dye is fairly cheap - you could always bleach and re-dye to get the color you're looking for.
Nice hair nice top!!! Looking beautiful!! 💗💗
everything is spiritual
Great video. Just learning about Kibbe. I know I am a romantic. Just need to work in finding my essence and incorporating it.
Thank you for this video! It makes total sense and I needed to hear that my body type did not dictate the way I should dress. The examples were very helpful. I think it tired in very well with other videos where you mention we are not archetypes. Brilliant!
You hit the point Merriam👍👏
Really enjoying these videos! I'd love to see Merriam in some outfits that feel true to her and outfits that feel not her with explanations!
Style icon for soft naturals please...
I feel like your examples of flamboyant gamine make it easier in that they naturally mix lines, so they should be able to have more options with styles. They also both appear to look good in black. As a theatrical romantic with a strong warm and radiant undertone, it is so hard to find *anything* that suits both my lines and colors, let alone change my style.
Good thing I fit the stereotype of "utterly feminine."
Super interesting thank you
What you said about the style not matching the personality (when talking about Lisas look while she would have a type A attitude) is actually quite relatable to me. I'm a flamboyant natural, so flowing relaxed unconstructed lines are recommended. But I'm actually not a relaxed, easy-going person. I love rules, punctuality etc. Is there a way to combine body type and personality in my case?
You have such a relaxing voice!
That sure wouldn't be me. I go around red robin's barn to tell a simple story. LOL. I wonder where that puts me? I once had a neighbor who would begin to tell a story and you really thought it was going to lead to something profound. The ending was always something simple.😂 She sure could hold your attention. She should have been a writer or a storyteller!
I think you're fun!
How do I get to look like a serene and understated goddess in every day life without looking odd or outrageous?? Haha. I believe I'm Theatrical Romantic.
I am TR too and I get called 'goddess' a lot😱 its easy for us, it doesn't look odd. Maybe you feel outragious because you are more introverted? I have more extraverted energy. Seems like it has more do with: do you dare to be visible, to be seen, maybe even judged?
Your eyes are sooo pretty ❤❤
A very educational and informative video. I was waiting for something like this. I would love to read your book. I love your comment that you are not fun, well, at least you have a sense of humour. Great topic.
More more more! 🤗♥️
Yess this was the video i needed! So excited to watch! I've been confused for a while.
Wow. That was amazing. The comparison was so so helpful.
that color looks amazing on you!
I loved this. I am very into the idea of style as a tool for authenticity, for being who we are and showing to others. I'd personally like to know more about your concept of essence. What essences have you noticed? And how do you figure out your own essence? Since we don't see our own faces in every day situations or observe our own movements it's a hard one to look at objectively.