Child-like ladies do really exist! Man it’s really flattering now, when everybody says you look almost 7-8 years younger than your actual age. But, the struggle is real, when it comes to dressing up. Anything might look SUPER RIDICULOUS and so extra on you.
Layering is the key to mixed bone structure. You have nailed this video - I love wearing oversized items, so I mix with short crop tops with a singlet so that it is higher necklines and then oversized jackets or open shirts over the top with either fitted or loose pants. This has been a game-changer for me as I used to wear only the oversized t-shirts with oversized jackets and I would get lost. Layering is key.
This was a really great video, and I love the way you explained the broken line silhouettes that Audrey Hepburn wears! Really great for when you just want to throw on a monochromatic outfit and not have to worry about any color coordination. :)
Wow this makes so much sense! This is why I don’t always look good in long sundresses, except for when the line breaks like Audrey’s dress or there’s some sort of patterning/blocking. I can’t just wear a long slip dress, for example. Thank you Merriam!
I'm definitely a rounded type! Your videos actually helped me out! I consciously started shopping for my lines and things for the rounded type were the only things that looked effortless!! Thanks for that, btw!
Merriam, this was very complete on the mixed bone structure. I finally understood the missing piece about straight vs curvy figure. As a FG, this gave me some ideas, and confirmed why I am drawn to some of these looks (eg shirt and collar peaking under fitted sweater, and rolling up sleeves!). Thanks, you are awesome
@@theagaram9581 It wasn't meant to be a criticism of Merriam or her video. It's just that gamines are often described as having 'boyish' charm and the clothes recommend for gamine lines often play this aspect up. The problem is, I don't actually want to be 'boyish' and cute. I want to dress like the adult female that I am and look smart, elegant and competent. I was actually hoping that other FGs may have a similar experience and be able to give some tips on how they achieve this.
Hey, Merriam. Do you think you could do a video on tattoos for the Kibbe body types? I don’t think I’ve seen a video on this yet. :) I’m a soft classic and LOVE the idea of tattoos but am not sure if too many/too heavy will look separate from me or overwhelm me.
I was just wondering about this but too late, I am already tattooed lol. Soft classic = blended type in Merriam's Body Geometry system. I guess for your bone structure, not super small but neither huge tattooes work. Maybe not super detailed or saturated ones. I am not a fan of minimalist tattooes but I guess on blended types they look better than on, lets say, beveled types.
At the end of the day, any tattoo would be underneath your outer skin layer, so it will blend into your body anyways. I believe skin tone and skin undertone for choosing colors that heal well on you is far more important, but not as much as it is your body and choose whatever tattoo you want. 💖
this video is really interesting to me because the guidelines in this match pretty well with my own personal style tendencies that I made based on trial and error as I got older and more interested in how my clothes looked. something like this would have been very helpful to me back in middle and high school when things weren't working and I couldn't quite figure out why. it's still helpful now tho to see it condensed down into more clear points
Merriam, this was so excellent! I am just getting into learning my types and lines and have been so utterly confused! This was incredibly informative. The example where you draw the actual line of the silhouette compared to the photo gave me clarity! I finally understand what it means to be a mixed type. I can’t thank you enough!!
I'm a little late to this but as a mixed type I find it very tricky to dress without feeling boring for using basics. I have kind of a hard time shopping for clothes that fit me, literally and style-wise so I decided to curate a Pinterest board based on my type, color palette and things that I like, which has helped me a lot. With these guidelines for the 3 mixed types is much easier to understand what looks the best on us. I'd like to add some other famous mixed types to the list that are not discussed but I've taken inspiration from which are Marianne Faithfull, Jean Seberg and Agnès Varda. Thank you so much for making this video!
I have an idea for a video. Vintage/retro looks for all the types. I love 1950s pin-up or rockabilly looks, but don't have the curves for them. I think it would make a fun video, if you're into it. Of course, I would love it if you did one on different looks for FN. Thanks🙂
Thank you for this video! I’m not particularly stylish. I just want a basic effortless wardrobe. I’ve always been drawn to patterned pants so I’ll likely go with a plain top and patterned bottoms. Simple. I love your videos!
Love this video, Merriam!!! I bought your Mixed Basics Guide and I love it!! I figured out the clothes were chosen from Nordstrom, but that wasn’t too much of a surprise! Please, please, PLEASE do something like this in more detail or to take in different style aesthetics!! For instance, feminine/girly, tomboy/plain, goth, street style, preppy, etc...
Although I'm a TR (mostly D answers) I've always felt drawn to Mixed things like the button-down peeking under a sweater, or rolling up my sleeves. I can tell now they're not my best looks, but they make me look "interesting". What's the logical reason for TR looking good in some Gamine/Mixed elements, besides the short lines?
I'm always super excited to see that you've posted a long video! Loved this idea and would love to see similar videos for the other body types as well :)
This was amazingly helpful! I took your bone quiz & came up completely mixed (at most 2 of the same letters). It really rings true to what I already know about what looks good on me.
Amazing video! Thank you so much! You really helped me understand my body type and validated why I stick to certain things like small prints, black and white, small polka dots and fitted clothes, the one thing I will say about this body type is that I find that it is better to test outfit combinations ahead of time or every now and then to keep them on "archive" in your mind because it can be very difficult to get the right combination when you are in a rush to leave, this strategy really helps me save time!
Great explanation of the application of the lines!! I'm curious on one point. You refer to Audrey Hepburn as having a straight figure. When I look at images or see her in movies, she appears to have a very small, defined waist, with comparatively wider hips. I believe it's sometimes referred to as "spoon shaped". What about her figure are you referring to as straight? Is it more about her vertical line? Asking so I can train my eye more. Shapes like hers are tricky, and I see it come up with dramatics/sharps as well. And indeed she looks very good with waist definition, and choosing to break her line there, as you pointed out in the images - so waist would seem to be at least a bit of a factor for her. I did note that you described her figure as taut, which I feel like I can see. Thanks for all your hard work!!
I think straight figure is simply about not having shapely bust and hips and soft flesh on arms and legs. I feel these wider parts matter more, cause they have potential to "bend" the clothes lying on them, whilst narrower parts would just be covered. Waist is also a factor, but in Audrey's case it seems like it's sharply defined and doesn't have a smooth rounded line, hope that makes sense :)
I can’t figure out wether I am a SG or a FG but I feel like your videos still help me a lot because you explain everything in quite a practical manner with good examples
I've just watched this video and now I'm confused whether I'm soft classic or mixed! Have many things to borrow from both. Thank for your videos, they're not just calssification, but they help to understand the essential things.
Absolutely brilliant video. Helped me to understand why some things work on me more than others.i get my wardrobe dos and don’ts now. I know why some of my clothes aren’t working and how to tweak them by changing them up with a rolled up sleeve. Bravo. Loved this. 👏👏👏
Very good video tying lines to basics. Looks like a very useful guide as well. The problem with capsules is they’re mostly drab and boring, but this would be a cool capsule. Trusting you will do this with other types 🤗
I can really see why you think this about capsules, I actually used to think it too until I realized that it's all about how you use the items and it requires more thought, and you have to style/accessorize. What comes out is a much more refined look (made out of basics, vs pieces that carry the entire look). You could check out Dearly Bethany if you haven't already, she does an amazing job of showing this.
Your description of the body types is so refreshing, especially after Kibbe himself being so rigid with his definitions (for example he said recently on a post that FGs can't be taller than 5'4"). I would have a question about this video: when you talk about more curvy figures, do you mean the old SG type? or can a FG also have a curvier figure? As a FG I like waist definition, but not lighter fabrics as much. Very complex :)
Aww I hope to have yours soon for the Beveled type, but it could still be a few weeks or even months. I'm not sure which order to do them in yet, I'm hoping to have all five of the main types out. :o
I’m a mixed type and it seems like all these elements include items not suitable for hot weather and casual looks. Any ideas? I cannot do a high neckline or jackets in 100 degree heat!
Does all the mixed types need to have a short vertical line? I think I might be a mixed type (the top part of my body is sharp with taut flesh wile the bottom part has blunt bones and gets flashy when on my weight) but overall I have a long vertical line
No, Merriam has talked about a lot of mixed types with long vertical lines. It's important to look at the overall picture your quiz answers paints, instead of fixating on a couple of answers.
I love your high quality content! This isn't exactly related to this video, but I would looooove for you to also include recommendations for nailpolishes in your videos. I haven't nailed (haha) that yet. For me, it is even more difficult, since I'm like Brigitte Bardot - in between beveled and mixed, but leaning more heavy against mixed. Thank you!
Thank you! ❤️ I finally have a great visual and know how to branch out and use my own clothes. A lot of these clothing details are things I gravitate to. But I’ve been told to always wear v-neck blouses because I’m short.....wrong!
About the high neckline- my friend has a wide face and a short, wide neck. She is very short with broad shoulders and narrow hips. Is it still the way to go with high neckline when you have a short neck....?
I was wondering how can a mixed type (with added softness) rock long hair? does layers and curtain bangs work well? (especially with naturally straight hair)
Most hard is to dress the romantic and theatrical romantic body types, we easily appear stuffier and shorter, rounder and fatter with the simplest mistake, of course the body apparence is sexy and so féminin but sometimes we dont feel like wearing ruffles and gatherings and all the extra féminin stuff that might not suit our personality or at least our mood 24/24 and we just wanna reach for our more comfy, simple, relaxed, Sporty, Tom boyish outfits, more suitable lines for naturals, in everyday basis. dressing for a romantic bodytype feels too extra !!!
This is a tip I have based on my experience as a round type (TR). For references, I am a size 8 top, size 10 bottom. Unisex small t shirts with regular crewneck look more relaxed on me than women t shirts, which make me look puffy, even in my M size. If I wear women t shirts, they need to have an open neckline and loose sleeves. For relaxed bottoms, high waisted joggers with fitted ankles are perfect. Not super tight, neither baggy, just right size. Pairing it with a t shirt tucked in or in a knot is perfect. But to not look over slouchy, groom your hair. And remember, light weight fabrics, not super stiff ones. I hope this helps.
@@Phoenix333Rising I feel it is easier this way. I was struggling to determine how much width and softness is necessary to go from TR to R. At the end of the day, those things that compliment a R will also compliment us TR because we have both short bones with rounded edges.
The style recommendations in this video seem very “gamine.” My confusion is that my body bones are mostly B and my face bones are mostly D. So I have thought that I am a Soft Natural in kibbe type, but with Body Geometry, I’m definitely Mixed Bone structure. I have long arms, long torso, short legs, small frame, blended shoulders (they do not slope, but are not narrow or broad.) But the style guides in this video seem the opposite of Soft Natural. Not sure what to think.
Very good video, Merriam! ❤️ You're a real genius, I love your videos! I have a question, if I may: How does a soft dramatic look in (soft | flamboyant) gamine clothes? Or vice versa? I think they don't show a bad look, but I'm interested in your opinion 🙏🏻
yes, if you think about 'fittedness at the hem' or 'fittedness at the edges'....then that means fitted at the cuffs, hemline, etc. And what's a fitted neckline? A high neckline.
@@merriamstyle I feel like the high necklines thing isn't equally applicable to all 'mixes'. Unless I've misunderstood and the only possible way for a mixed type to look is to have a compact and short face. I think I meet criteria for 'mixed' as I've understood it, but the overall impression of my face is still vertically long, and space around my face complements that better than abrupt interruptions of clothing do.
I’m not exactly sure what I am but I think I look good in a mix of Soft Natural, Theatric Romantic, Romantic, and occasionally Soft Gamine. I think I have a Romantic face(rounded features, broader face, hardly any harsh or sharp lines).
These mixed types make me wonder... did Kibbe miss some types? The test definitely left orphan women who have half B and half C, would there be a missing Natural Classic? What about a missing Classic Gamine? half C, then a quarter A/B and a quarter D/E? Could there even be a missing Natural Gamine?
Peachy undertone is warm always. It could be more radiant or delicate but always warm. Cool undertones look more pink rather than peachy. Believe me, I am a cool and delicate undertone (very similar to Merriam) and peach looks hideous on me, I am more pinkish.
I feel like being is a mixed type und to dress nice is such a struggle 😂 i wish i would be a natural, i would just slap on some relaxed stuff and go But when you are a mixed type you have to actually get ready (or i feel like i have to do that in order to look good) like doing my hair, doing my make up and really thinking about what to wear or i will not look good in These streets
Can’t agree more! It is like splitting an atom, trying to find the precise soft:sharp:rounded:fitted:vertical lines:horizontal lines:colour-blocked;stiff-fabric-but-not-too-stiff ratio in every outfit in order to look halfway decent. And don’t get me started on being a Spring who can’t even rely on basic black and white to look good on me. Not to mention I am apparently so small that even size 00 is too big and layering just makes me look frumpy, even with thin layers. AAAAND I have to wear at least a bit of makeup lest I get hauled into the embalmer! Getting ready makes me want to punch myself in the throat every...damn...day.🤣
@@swannblood1680 girl those are some first world problems but FEEL YOU! Same i have to slap make up in and do my hair! When my hair is not done i dont look "put together" And in those fast fashion Times i feel like its really difficult to find good fitted kind off stiff items for example i simple white t-shirt!
@@HumanimalChannel yes of course you are right every type has its own "dificulties"! But i just felt like as a natural its a little Bit easier to look presentable but maybe thats just the view from a non natural ;)
@@hotkebab3317 see for me I feel like a classic can look good so easily as long as there clothes are crisp.sinple things that fit well !one thing to remember about Natural that makes it tricky is, you can't just be ALL sloppy, or all...neat...botndesxribong that wel but you do need to get a certain mix right. I think may be it's easy for any type yo go off track
I'm a soft gamine. I have short legs and curvy hips and big thighs. I don't like skinny pants. they show off a lot of my curves and I also don't like relaxed pants with fitted hem. they make me feel more curvy. I always find myself searching for skirts. any suggestions? :)
I think I have the same shape as you and my go to skirt is knee-length, fitted at the natural waist and more flowy at the bottom. The material is a sturdy but stretchy jersey so it hugs the hips but doesn't do the pencil skirt thing all the way. I love it so much. Maybe you can find something similar. Another tip: Swedish designer, Emmy Design, has trousers that usually work well for me.
Can I still be a mixed type if high necklines don't work for me? My shoulders are a bit wider than in a 'standard' mixed type, and if I cover the whole neckline area it seems enlarged out of proportion. I have an issue with the shorter hair recommendation too - I'm pretty sure that if I cut my hair this way my head (the bone structure of which is all B, I'd say) would seem even wider than it is and out of proportion to the rest of my narrow and skinny body. Other recommendations: color blocking, details, and most importantly the broken silhouette all work perfectly for me. My bone structure seems pretty mixed - A arms and legs, but with a short torso (I know this wasn't in the test, but I think it's an important feature for me because it calls for short lines on top). Does anyone else here have a similar problem?
Right there with you! My shoulders are my widest measurement, with my bust coming in second, and my neck is not long, so when I wear high necklines I look...upholstered, lol! And the shorter my hair is, the wider my top half looks. With very long hair (with at least one side draped in front of my shoulders), it seems to cut that vast expanse of shoulders/boobs, making me look more proportional. Shorter hair just makes the rest of me look dumpy. Being 5’ 2” and this top heavy just doesn’t jibe with a higher neckline, generally speaking. The exception to this is a Byron Lars high neck lace dress I own: it seems the tiny cutouts in the lace up near my face/shoulders/neck ‘opens up’ all that fabric, looking less heavy & upholstery-like. So, while I best fit the Soft Gamine type, it IS confusing that deep square necklines, v-necks, and long hair are most flattering. GAH! *tears hair out*
@@DefineFive Thanks for the reply! I know my lines kind of instinctively, but not in detail. And it's the details that come into play when I plan to order clothing from a brand based in another country and I want to make sure that it will be worth the fuss and that I won't have to return the items ;) The "problem" is that I really can pull off a lot of different lines (or rather: take elements of this and that and mix them in a way that looks good on me), but my underlying guidelines match gamine best (colour blocking etc.), apart from the high necklines and shorter hair, which I'm afraid disqualifies me as a gamine. When I first got interested in the Kibbe system I came to a conclusion that I could be a soft classic, but the recommendations for SC go kinda against my own. I've never actually considered a natural type (elements of it - yes - but not primarily natural)... this might be a step in the right direction. The other day I watched Merriam's video about how Brigitte Bardot was a mix of two types, I suppose my case may be similar. Plus, I've been wondering if the need for contrasting colours in my clothing actually has anything to do with my body type, or if it comes purely from my colouring (clear winter here).
@@DefineFive Thanks for your help, I'll keep digging :) Yeah I heard about how negative Kibbe groups tend to be. It's so sad especially that the subject is body positivity related.
@@DefineFive I am curious on why are you watching Merriam if you dislike her system. I find her system way more accurate than Kibbe's, who overcomplicated his. Just because she disagreed with Kibbe doesn't mean she was wrong, Kibbe is not omniscient god.
Great video ✨ I'm a non-binary mixed type and I'd love to see you talk about androgynous or more masculine styles. It's very hard for me to look masculine or ambiguous because I have a curvy figure, a common problem among us afab enbies 😩
It's the short type that nails it for me.. I know I'm defintley no type of gamine even though it considered it! Everyone who is on this fence should try this shirt.
I think this is my answer. I’ve been going through the Kibbe rabbit hole and come to the conclusion I can only be a Dramatic type, however it doesn’t seem completely right to me. I’m mixed, I have yin and Yang juxtaposition which would have made me gamine if I wasn’t 5’6 looking much taller with my long neck and small head. At the same time I have very short arms and legs and small hands and feet. No clothes fit me. Jumpsuits in my size are too short in the torso, shirts have too long arms and pants are too long, are too tight in the legs or too loose in the waist. I must be mixed. It doesn’t make any sense to me how there can’t be a type who looks tall but has many petite elements just as there is a person who looks petite but has many long elements in the gamine. I’m the opposite of the gamine but I’m told to wear the lines of people with long skinny legs, I just feel stunted in that. Thank you for giving us some direction 😊
I am a mixed type but my breasts are too large to wear high necklines and when I am overweight like I am now I am also wide. What looks good on me is wrap blouses and dresses.
I’m here because I es t to help my daughter when she shops. She’s 18 years old and 5’1” tall. It’s hard to tell d we’d by somethings don’t work on her. I just want to understand better. Thank you
Child-like ladies do really exist! Man it’s really flattering now, when everybody says you look almost 7-8 years younger than your actual age. But, the struggle is real, when it comes to dressing up. Anything might look SUPER RIDICULOUS and so extra on you.
QUEEN HAS UPLOADED. and its 30 mins long.
*heaven*
YES!
Amen!🤩
Does she have an IG account?
Layering is the key to mixed bone structure. You have nailed this video - I love wearing oversized items, so I mix with short crop tops with a singlet so that it is higher necklines and then oversized jackets or open shirts over the top with either fitted or loose pants. This has been a game-changer for me as I used to wear only the oversized t-shirts with oversized jackets and I would get lost. Layering is key.
Excellent, so it looks like my strategy of "boring basics but with colorblocking and the occasional funky accessory" has been right all along!
This was a really great video, and I love the way you explained the broken line silhouettes that Audrey Hepburn wears! Really great for when you just want to throw on a monochromatic outfit and not have to worry about any color coordination. :)
will you do this type of video for other types too?
Hope she does
Wow this makes so much sense! This is why I don’t always look good in long sundresses, except for when the line breaks like Audrey’s dress or there’s some sort of patterning/blocking. I can’t just wear a long slip dress, for example. Thank you Merriam!
Not even a mixed type and I'm invested 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
what type are you!
I'm definitely a rounded type! Your videos actually helped me out! I consciously started shopping for my lines and things for the rounded type were the only things that looked effortless!!
Thanks for that, btw!
Merriam, this was very complete on the mixed bone structure. I finally understood the missing piece about straight vs curvy figure. As a FG, this gave me some ideas, and confirmed why I am drawn to some of these looks (eg shirt and collar peaking under fitted sweater, and rolling up sleeves!). Thanks, you are awesome
PS we LIKE long videos :)
How do you avoid looking like a boy? This is my sturggle and Merriam didn't address that unfortunately.
@@sewhip why would she? This video was not about style but the lines of clothes that fit with the lines of the body.
@@theagaram9581 It wasn't meant to be a criticism of Merriam or her video. It's just that gamines are often described as having 'boyish' charm and the clothes recommend for gamine lines often play this aspect up.
The problem is, I don't actually want to be 'boyish' and cute. I want to dress like the adult female that I am and look smart, elegant and competent. I was actually hoping that other FGs may have a similar experience and be able to give some tips on how they achieve this.
@@sewhip there's alot of FG celebrities who do not look boyish, it's a stereotype that FG's look boyish. Look up Tessa Thompson, she looks classy.
Awesome, can you talk about natural everyday hairstyles for mixed body type!!
I just love this. You’re fabulous fairy who turns everything complex and irresistible into simple and beautiful.
Hey, Merriam. Do you think you could do a video on tattoos for the Kibbe body types? I don’t think I’ve seen a video on this yet. :) I’m a soft classic and LOVE the idea of tattoos but am not sure if too many/too heavy will look separate from me or overwhelm me.
I was just wondering about this but too late, I am already tattooed lol. Soft classic = blended type in Merriam's Body Geometry system. I guess for your bone structure, not super small but neither huge tattooes work. Maybe not super detailed or saturated ones. I am not a fan of minimalist tattooes but I guess on blended types they look better than on, lets say, beveled types.
At the end of the day, any tattoo would be underneath your outer skin layer, so it will blend into your body anyways. I believe skin tone and skin undertone for choosing colors that heal well on you is far more important, but not as much as it is your body and choose whatever tattoo you want. 💖
Print recommendations would probably have some good principles to consider
this video is really interesting to me because the guidelines in this match pretty well with my own personal style tendencies that I made based on trial and error as I got older and more interested in how my clothes looked. something like this would have been very helpful to me back in middle and high school when things weren't working and I couldn't quite figure out why. it's still helpful now tho to see it condensed down into more clear points
Merriam, this was so excellent! I am just getting into learning my types and lines and have been so utterly confused! This was incredibly informative. The example where you draw the actual line of the silhouette compared to the photo gave me clarity! I finally understand what it means to be a mixed type. I can’t thank you enough!!
I love your videos ❤️ Thank you for making everything easier to understand & love my body
I'm a little late to this but as a mixed type I find it very tricky to dress without feeling boring for using basics. I have kind of a hard time shopping for clothes that fit me, literally and style-wise so I decided to curate a Pinterest board based on my type, color palette and things that I like, which has helped me a lot. With these guidelines for the 3 mixed types is much easier to understand what looks the best on us. I'd like to add some other famous mixed types to the list that are not discussed but I've taken inspiration from which are Marianne Faithfull, Jean Seberg and Agnès Varda. Thank you so much for making this video!
I have an idea for a video. Vintage/retro looks for all the types. I love 1950s pin-up or rockabilly looks, but don't have the curves for them. I think it would make a fun video, if you're into it.
Of course, I would love it if you did one on different looks for FN.
Thanks🙂
I like this simplified version of 5 types instead of all 13 types
Thank you for this video! I’m not particularly stylish. I just want a basic effortless wardrobe. I’ve always been drawn to patterned pants so I’ll likely go with a plain top and patterned bottoms. Simple. I love your videos!
“Scarves and bone structures” maybe is a good topic.;)
Yesss!
Yes please!! What a great idea
Yas, yes please!
You drawing on the images really really makes the emphasis. I get it! Thank you
omg 00:18 to 00:50 editing craziness, you guys are too nice.
Love this video, Merriam!!! I bought your Mixed Basics Guide and I love it!! I figured out the clothes were chosen from Nordstrom, but that wasn’t too much of a surprise! Please, please, PLEASE do something like this in more detail or to take in different style aesthetics!! For instance, feminine/girly, tomboy/plain, goth, street style, preppy, etc...
Although I'm a TR (mostly D answers) I've always felt drawn to Mixed things like the button-down peeking under a sweater, or rolling up my sleeves. I can tell now they're not my best looks, but they make me look "interesting". What's the logical reason for TR looking good in some Gamine/Mixed elements, besides the short lines?
she did a video on this using Rachel McAdams as an example: ua-cam.com/video/l1--IJlbYS8/v-deo.html
Yes exactyl what Yuki said--gamine lines make theatrical romantic look more badass/womanly. I show examples in the Rachel McAdams video.
We look serious and more mature in mixed lines. That's what happens to me. 😂
Hey Merriam! Can you do a video on best stores to shop at for each body type?
I'm always super excited to see that you've posted a long video! Loved this idea and would love to see similar videos for the other body types as well :)
This was amazingly helpful! I took your bone quiz & came up completely mixed (at most 2 of the same letters). It really rings true to what I already know about what looks good on me.
Please please do a video about color makeup that better suits for each season!!!! 😙
Amazing video! Thank you so much! You really helped me understand my body type and validated why I stick to certain things like small prints, black and white, small polka dots and fitted clothes, the one thing I will say about this body type is that I find that it is better to test outfit combinations ahead of time or every now and then to keep them on "archive" in your mind because it can be very difficult to get the right combination when you are in a rush to leave, this strategy really helps me save time!
Incredibly helpful video for me, thank you Merriam!
Great explanation of the application of the lines!! I'm curious on one point. You refer to Audrey Hepburn as having a straight figure. When I look at images or see her in movies, she appears to have a very small, defined waist, with comparatively wider hips. I believe it's sometimes referred to as "spoon shaped". What about her figure are you referring to as straight? Is it more about her vertical line? Asking so I can train my eye more. Shapes like hers are tricky, and I see it come up with dramatics/sharps as well. And indeed she looks very good with waist definition, and choosing to break her line there, as you pointed out in the images - so waist would seem to be at least a bit of a factor for her. I did note that you described her figure as taut, which I feel like I can see. Thanks for all your hard work!!
I think straight figure is simply about not having shapely bust and hips and soft flesh on arms and legs. I feel these wider parts matter more, cause they have potential to "bend" the clothes lying on them, whilst narrower parts would just be covered. Waist is also a factor, but in Audrey's case it seems like it's sharply defined and doesn't have a smooth rounded line, hope that makes sense :)
I have always very much seen the spoon in her physique as well!
I can’t figure out wether I am a SG or a FG but I feel like your videos still help me a lot because you explain everything in quite a practical manner with good examples
Love these in-depth looks into the types! Would definitely love to see the same (or something similar) for other types (:
I've just watched this video and now I'm confused whether I'm soft classic or mixed! Have many things to borrow from both. Thank for your videos, they're not just calssification, but they help to understand the essential things.
Love your videos. It has to be said, though, that Audrey H's body has a broken line! She looks corseted naturally.
Absolutely brilliant video. Helped me to understand why some things work on me more than others.i get my wardrobe dos and don’ts now. I know why some of my clothes aren’t working and how to tweak them by changing them up with a rolled up sleeve. Bravo. Loved this. 👏👏👏
thank you!
This is SO HELPFUL. Thank you!
I'm hoping you'll make a video like this for each of the 5 base types
This was perfect! Will you do a video like this on the Blended Bone Structure too?
Very good video tying lines to basics. Looks like a very useful guide as well. The problem with capsules is they’re mostly drab and boring, but this would be a cool capsule. Trusting you will do this with other types 🤗
I can really see why you think this about capsules, I actually used to think it too until I realized that it's all about how you use the items and it requires more thought, and you have to style/accessorize. What comes out is a much more refined look (made out of basics, vs pieces that carry the entire look). You could check out Dearly Bethany if you haven't already, she does an amazing job of showing this.
Have you ever heard about the Larson system? There are some new types like gamine-natural, classic-gamine, natural-classic etc.
Well explained, thanks. I can grasp it more now.
Re-watching this during quarantine. Still brilliant.
Your description of the body types is so refreshing, especially after Kibbe himself being so rigid with his definitions (for example he said recently on a post that FGs can't be taller than 5'4").
I would have a question about this video: when you talk about more curvy figures, do you mean the old SG type? or can a FG also have a curvier figure? As a FG I like waist definition, but not lighter fabrics as much. Very complex :)
She means any mixed type (G, SG or FG) with curves.
I’m not a mixed type at all but I really enjoyed this video. Thank you 💕
Could you that one for soft natural? I already have your “ebook” but this would be a Nice addition
Aww I hope to have yours soon for the Beveled type, but it could still be a few weeks or even months. I'm not sure which order to do them in yet, I'm hoping to have all five of the main types out. :o
I love it Merriam xx
Great vid👍👍😍🤩
I’m a mixed type and it seems like all these elements include items not suitable for hot weather and casual looks. Any ideas? I cannot do a high neckline or jackets in 100 degree heat!
Broken sillhouette works every time. I am not a mixed type but I don't find it difficult whenever I want to look gamine-ish. 😂
Great video, very informative and fun. I hope to see one for soft dramatic type( by kibby)!!!
This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Does all the mixed types need to have a short vertical line? I think I might be a mixed type (the top part of my body is sharp with taut flesh wile the bottom part has blunt bones and gets flashy when on my weight) but overall I have a long vertical line
No, Merriam has talked about a lot of mixed types with long vertical lines. It's important to look at the overall picture your quiz answers paints, instead of fixating on a couple of answers.
@@dianal1679 thank you!! I'll review my test
@@clarae7241 good luck!! if all else fails, you can try out dresses in each type's lines and see which fits you best (:
I love your high quality content! This isn't exactly related to this video, but I would looooove for you to also include recommendations for nailpolishes in your videos. I haven't nailed (haha) that yet. For me, it is even more difficult, since I'm like Brigitte Bardot - in between beveled and mixed, but leaning more heavy against mixed. Thank you!
What would nail polish have to do with body type?
Thank you! ❤️ I finally have a great visual and know how to branch out and use my own clothes. A lot of these clothing details are things I gravitate to. But I’ve been told to always wear v-neck blouses because I’m short.....wrong!
About the high neckline- my friend has a wide face and a short, wide neck. She is very short with broad shoulders and narrow hips. Is it still the way to go with high neckline when you have a short neck....?
Super helpful, thank you!
Thank you! This video spoke to me very much!
Will you be making these "basics guide" books we can buy online for the other body types too?
Can you pls do this type of videos for the Classics.. especially for the ones building capsule wardrobe?
Thank you, thank you, thank you - love this!!!❤️
Please make this same video for blended :)
I was wondering how can a mixed type (with added softness) rock long hair? does layers and curtain bangs work well? (especially with naturally straight hair)
Aly Art has some good videos about hairstyles. She is a SG herself.
Most hard is to dress the romantic and theatrical romantic body types, we easily appear stuffier and shorter, rounder and fatter with the simplest mistake, of course the body apparence is sexy and so féminin but sometimes we dont feel like wearing ruffles and gatherings and all the extra féminin stuff that might not suit our personality or at least our mood 24/24 and we just wanna reach for our more comfy, simple, relaxed, Sporty, Tom boyish outfits, more suitable lines for naturals, in everyday basis. dressing for a romantic bodytype feels too extra !!!
MARRAM THIS. I love my body type but sometimes feel limited to expressing my style because I can EASILY look stuffier/shorter/fatter
SUCH A GREAT INQUIRY !
This is a tip I have based on my experience as a round type (TR). For references, I am a size 8 top, size 10 bottom.
Unisex small t shirts with regular crewneck look more relaxed on me than women t shirts, which make me look puffy, even in my M size. If I wear women t shirts, they need to have an open neckline and loose sleeves.
For relaxed bottoms, high waisted joggers with fitted ankles are perfect. Not super tight, neither baggy, just right size. Pairing it with a t shirt tucked in or in a knot is perfect. But to not look over slouchy, groom your hair. And remember, light weight fabrics, not super stiff ones.
I hope this helps.
When I want to wear more comfy outfits, I tend to default to wearing something like leggings/joggers and a soft but snug shirt w 3/4 length sleeves
This was so helpful, thank you Merriam!
What do you call theatrical romantic in your new typing system?
Romantic and Theatrical Romantic = Rounded type in Merriam's Body Geometry system.
@@kuramacabre Thank you. But so then there's no distinction made between R and TR?
@@Phoenix333Rising Not really. If you feel like it, you could add a bit more sharpness to your outfit.
@@kuramacabre Thanks. Kind of surprised tbh.
@@Phoenix333Rising I feel it is easier this way. I was struggling to determine how much width and softness is necessary to go from TR to R. At the end of the day, those things that compliment a R will also compliment us TR because we have both short bones with rounded edges.
Thank you. Very informative. Love it.
Please darling make a video like this and a "basics for...." Rounded types!! Please please please! 😍😍😍😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️♥️PLEASE? OK thank youuu😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼
The style recommendations in this video seem very “gamine.” My confusion is that my body bones are mostly B and my face bones are mostly D. So I have thought that I am a Soft Natural in kibbe type, but with Body Geometry, I’m definitely Mixed Bone structure. I have long arms, long torso, short legs, small frame, blended shoulders (they do not slope, but are not narrow or broad.) But the style guides in this video seem the opposite of Soft Natural. Not sure what to think.
I was confused for months by Kibbe's system, Merriam's is more accurate.
Have the same issue… classed as a mixed but thought I was soft natural
@@kuramacabre Hello. Can you explain to me how her system is?
Very good video, Merriam! ❤️ You're a real genius, I love your videos!
I have a question, if I may: How does a soft dramatic look in (soft | flamboyant) gamine clothes? Or vice versa? I think they don't show a bad look, but I'm interested in your opinion 🙏🏻
I am mixed my dear. I am convinced 😊 what do you think?
Is there a reason why high necklines are recommended for mixed bone structures?
If I had to guess, it's because Mixed types look 'compact' so fitted necklines mimic that
yes, if you think about 'fittedness at the hem' or 'fittedness at the edges'....then that means fitted at the cuffs, hemline, etc. And what's a fitted neckline? A high neckline.
@@merriamstyle Makes sense! Does the fittedness at the edges also apply to Theatrical Romantics and Romantics? I hope I'm remembering it correctly!
Also, because it breaks the sillhouette in smaller parts.
@@merriamstyle I feel like the high necklines thing isn't equally applicable to all 'mixes'. Unless I've misunderstood and the only possible way for a mixed type to look is to have a compact and short face. I think I meet criteria for 'mixed' as I've understood it, but the overall impression of my face is still vertically long, and space around my face complements that better than abrupt interruptions of clothing do.
Youcare a genius! Well done, girl!🥰 Just a question: is theatrical romantic a mixed type?
what about if you have a short neck. I am thinking that a short neckline wouldn't work
Is this for all mixed types? Both flamboyant and soft “mixed”?
I guess yes, you only add more sharpness or softness if needed.
Excellent!
I’m not exactly sure what I am but I think I look good in a mix of Soft Natural, Theatric Romantic, Romantic, and occasionally Soft Gamine. I think I have a Romantic face(rounded features, broader face, hardly any harsh or sharp lines).
Was Katharine Hepburn a mixed type bone structure?
I love this video
These mixed types make me wonder... did Kibbe miss some types?
The test definitely left orphan women who have half B and half C, would there be a missing Natural Classic?
What about a missing Classic Gamine? half C, then a quarter A/B and a quarter D/E?
Could there even be a missing Natural Gamine?
merriam i need your reviews on peach skin undertones, neutral peach , warm peach cool peach.
Peachy undertone is warm always. It could be more radiant or delicate but always warm. Cool undertones look more pink rather than peachy.
Believe me, I am a cool and delicate undertone (very similar to Merriam) and peach looks hideous on me, I am more pinkish.
@@kuramacabre i asked because my nephew is perfect example of true warm peach undertone. but i have slightly muted peach undertone, not overly warm
@@fatimakhan-yl6io Then you are a warm and delicate, he is a warm and radiant.
Do you have one for blended?
That was very informative!
do you do consulting for men?
yes I've had a few men as clients--the lines apply to everyone, men, women, teddy bears, and everything in between. they're only lines.
@@merriamstyle how would you classify soft vs taut flesh for men?
What if higher neckline doesn't suit...i have a longer face and double chin. So prefer open neckline
I feel like being is a mixed type und to dress nice is such a struggle 😂 i wish i would be a natural, i would just slap on some relaxed stuff and go
But when you are a mixed type you have to actually get ready (or i feel like i have to do that in order to look good) like doing my hair, doing my make up and really thinking about what to wear or i will not look good in These streets
Ha! It's not quite like that for natural:)
Esp when youbhave your own essence or preferred aesthetic.
Can’t agree more! It is like splitting an atom, trying to find the precise soft:sharp:rounded:fitted:vertical lines:horizontal lines:colour-blocked;stiff-fabric-but-not-too-stiff ratio in every outfit in order to look halfway decent. And don’t get me started on being a Spring who can’t even rely on basic black and white to look good on me. Not to mention I am apparently so small that even size 00 is too big and layering just makes me look frumpy, even with thin layers. AAAAND I have to wear at least a bit of makeup lest I get hauled into the embalmer! Getting ready makes me want to punch myself in the throat every...damn...day.🤣
@@swannblood1680 girl those are some first world problems but FEEL YOU! Same i have to slap make up in and do my hair! When my hair is not done i dont look "put together"
And in those fast fashion Times i feel like its really difficult to find good fitted kind off stiff items for example i simple white t-shirt!
@@HumanimalChannel yes of course you are right every type has its own "dificulties"! But i just felt like as a natural its a little Bit easier to look presentable but maybe thats just the view from a non natural ;)
@@hotkebab3317 see for me I feel like a classic can look good so easily as long as there clothes are crisp.sinple things that fit well !one thing to remember about Natural that makes it tricky is, you can't just be ALL sloppy, or all...neat...botndesxribong that wel but you do need to get a certain mix right.
I think may be it's easy for any type yo go off track
What type is Chloe Sevingy? She is balanced yet a little muscular. Please can you help me with this?
THANK YOU! I'm a soft gamine with delicate, angular elongation.
I'm a soft gamine. I have short legs and curvy hips and big thighs. I don't like skinny pants. they show off a lot of my curves and I also don't like relaxed pants with fitted hem. they make me feel more curvy. I always find myself searching for skirts. any suggestions? :)
Great question! ALPT of us ha e this shape! I'm a spoon not a coke bottle - flat t from the side !
Mini A skirts, skater skirts. I am not a mixed type for I have a curvier bottom half.
I think I have the same shape as you and my go to skirt is knee-length, fitted at the natural waist and more flowy at the bottom. The material is a sturdy but stretchy jersey so it hugs the hips but doesn't do the pencil skirt thing all the way. I love it so much. Maybe you can find something similar.
Another tip: Swedish designer, Emmy Design, has trousers that usually work well for me.
Hmm. Thought I was mixed. But... If I cannot wear high necks (short neck) or patterns, am I not mixed?
So... Mixed structure is basically a gamine bt?
Gamine, soft gamine and flamboyant gamine.
Can I still be a mixed type if high necklines don't work for me? My shoulders are a bit wider than in a 'standard' mixed type, and if I cover the whole neckline area it seems enlarged out of proportion. I have an issue with the shorter hair recommendation too - I'm pretty sure that if I cut my hair this way my head (the bone structure of which is all B, I'd say) would seem even wider than it is and out of proportion to the rest of my narrow and skinny body. Other recommendations: color blocking, details, and most importantly the broken silhouette all work perfectly for me. My bone structure seems pretty mixed - A arms and legs, but with a short torso (I know this wasn't in the test, but I think it's an important feature for me because it calls for short lines on top). Does anyone else here have a similar problem?
Right there with you! My shoulders are my widest measurement, with my bust coming in second, and my neck is not long, so when I wear high necklines I look...upholstered, lol! And the shorter my hair is, the wider my top half looks. With very long hair (with at least one side draped in front of my shoulders), it seems to cut that vast expanse of shoulders/boobs, making me look more proportional. Shorter hair just makes the rest of me look dumpy. Being 5’ 2” and this top heavy just doesn’t jibe with a higher neckline, generally speaking. The exception to this is a Byron Lars high neck lace dress I own: it seems the tiny cutouts in the lace up near my face/shoulders/neck ‘opens up’ all that fabric, looking less heavy & upholstery-like.
So, while I best fit the Soft Gamine type, it IS confusing that deep square necklines, v-necks, and long hair are most flattering. GAH! *tears hair out*
@@swannblood1680 Well at least we can find some comfort in knowing we're not the only ones ;) but it's pretty confusing.
@@DefineFive Thanks for the reply! I know my lines kind of instinctively, but not in detail. And it's the details that come into play when I plan to order clothing from a brand based in another country and I want to make sure that it will be worth the fuss and that I won't have to return the items ;) The "problem" is that I really can pull off a lot of different lines (or rather: take elements of this and that and mix them in a way that looks good on me), but my underlying guidelines match gamine best (colour blocking etc.), apart from the high necklines and shorter hair, which I'm afraid disqualifies me as a gamine. When I first got interested in the Kibbe system I came to a conclusion that I could be a soft classic, but the recommendations for SC go kinda against my own. I've never actually considered a natural type (elements of it - yes - but not primarily natural)... this might be a step in the right direction. The other day I watched Merriam's video about how Brigitte Bardot was a mix of two types, I suppose my case may be similar. Plus, I've been wondering if the need for contrasting colours in my clothing actually has anything to do with my body type, or if it comes purely from my colouring (clear winter here).
@@DefineFive Thanks for your help, I'll keep digging :) Yeah I heard about how negative Kibbe groups tend to be. It's so sad especially that the subject is body positivity related.
@@DefineFive I am curious on why are you watching Merriam if you dislike her system. I find her system way more accurate than Kibbe's, who overcomplicated his. Just because she disagreed with Kibbe doesn't mean she was wrong, Kibbe is not omniscient god.
Great video ✨
I'm a non-binary mixed type and I'd love to see you talk about androgynous or more masculine styles. It's very hard for me to look masculine or ambiguous because I have a curvy figure, a common problem among us afab enbies 😩
It's the short type that nails it for me..
I know I'm defintley no type of gamine even though it considered it!
Everyone who is on this fence should try this shirt.
I think this is my answer. I’ve been going through the Kibbe rabbit hole and come to the conclusion I can only be a Dramatic type, however it doesn’t seem completely right to me. I’m mixed, I have yin and Yang juxtaposition which would have made me gamine if I wasn’t 5’6 looking much taller with my long neck and small head. At the same time I have very short arms and legs and small hands and feet. No clothes fit me. Jumpsuits in my size are too short in the torso, shirts have too long arms and pants are too long, are too tight in the legs or too loose in the waist. I must be mixed. It doesn’t make any sense to me how there can’t be a type who looks tall but has many petite elements just as there is a person who looks petite but has many long elements in the gamine. I’m the opposite of the gamine but I’m told to wear the lines of people with long skinny legs, I just feel stunted in that. Thank you for giving us some direction 😊
I love polka dots ❤❤❤
I am a mixed type but my breasts are too large to wear high necklines and when I am overweight like I am now I am also wide. What looks good on me is wrap blouses and dresses.
I’m here because I es t to help my daughter when she shops. She’s 18 years old and 5’1” tall. It’s hard to tell d we’d by somethings don’t work on her. I just want to understand better. Thank you
Thank you for your work 🙏💞🌹
By childlike do you mean looking awkward with the worng clothes?
no, I mean literally youthful.
With a short neck i look horrible with high necklines 😢
I am mixed, my face is more d/e and my body B/A... But i have a very vetical line, so im FG? Also, my face is very soft, i look like a teenager...
you sound like FN with ingenue essence. like Elle Fanning maybe. ?
It's so difficult to find simple, white blouses like the one in the beginning of the video, for women. 😭