Intro to the Kibbe System: The Natural Family: Soft Naturals and Flamboyant Naturals
The Kibbe Natural Family
In the Kibbe system, the Natural family is dominated by the Softened Yang. To illustrate Softened Yang more clearly, first take a look at Pure Yang. Pure Yang is sharper, more narrow, sleek, and columnar. Imagine taking the sharp corners of Pure Yang and stretching them out both sideways and upwards. What results is more broadness, width, and angular elongation. Imagine the corners being softened too- the sharp edge is replaced by a more blunt shape (blunt meaning “a sudden change in direction.” Imagine taking a corner of paper and folding it over.)
The Kibbe Flamboyant Natural
The Kibbe Flamboyant Natural has a frame dominated by Softened Yang and a Yang undercurrent. Flamboyant Naturals have broadness, width, and elongation to their bone structure without prominent sharpness. The Flamboyant Natural’s flesh, or tissue is naturally a bit muscular, and they tend towards leanness or solid definition.
Flamboyant Naturals vs Dramatic Classics
These two types are often muddled as they are both on the Yang side of the spectrum with a Yang undercurrent. Dramatic Classics are still Classics and are dominated by moderation- their width, elongation, and slight broadness is relatively contained or compact next to the Flamboyant Natural’s more expansive and extensive Softened Yang.
In terms of accommodation, Dramatic Classics need much more tailoring, tautness, moderation, and sculpted-ness, which is likely to weigh down or constrain the Flamboyant Natural.
The Kibbe Soft Natural
The Kibbe Soft Natural also has a Softened Yang frame, but due to their smaller size/scaling, they have a gentler version of it. The Soft Natural frame can be described as “very Softened Yang” and manifests as slight broadness, width, or squareness throughout the silhouette. The Soft Natural tends towards softness in flesh, with a slightly small waist and more curvature through the hips and bust.
Soft Naturals vs Soft Gamines
Soft Naturals and Soft Gamines can be confused for one another; both types are Yin in undercurrent and can be smallish in scaling/size. The Soft Gamine possesses small scale Yang- their frame is more narrow, sharp, and delicate in comparison to the Soft Natural, who possesses more broadness and very little if no sharpness or delicacy.
Soft Gamine accommodations require a more form fitting, tapered, nipped, and tucked approach, which is likely to constrain the Soft Natural.
Soft Natural vs Flamboyant Natural
Soft Naturals are smaller and more Yin in flesh than Flamboyant Naturals, who look broader, taller, and more solidly defined.
Remember, the Natural Family exists on a spectrum. Two Soft Naturals can require very different levels of accommodation in terms of their undercurrent and overall physique and proportions. Flamboyant Naturals can look wildly different. One needs to find their general position on the spectrum and fine tune their styling by accommodating their unique silhouette and harmonizing with their personality and preferences.
Soft Natural and Flamboyant Natural Styling and Accommodations
Soft Naturals look best in relaxed, softly flowing lines without sharpness or tailoring. Soft waist definition, a loosely geometric approach, and uncluttered detailing brings out the freeness and beauty of their silhouette.
Flamboyant Naturals look great when they embrace a T shape, with shoulder broadness being emphasizes and paired with a relatively straighter approach to the rest of the body. The FN lines are relaxed, loose, sweeping, and can be very irregular, oversized, and unconstructed (as can their details or approach to ornamentation). Continuity must be preserved as their vertical is very dominant.
Soft Natural and Flamboyant Natural Casual Styling
Following the same guidelines listed above, Soft Naturals look great in simple but cohesive separates. Slim pants are great so long as they don’t appear overly constraining are are well matched with a figure hugging top that maintains a relatively relaxed feel. Soft waist definition and simpler patterns work wonderfully.
Flamboyant Naturals are gorgeous in elongated jeans and/or outerwear like oversized blazers, longline cardigans, and long coats. Waist definition isn’t a priority, and breaking up their vertical with fussy cinching or tucking is contrary to their overall styling.
Soft Naturals and Flamboyant Naturals Styles to Avoid
Going against the innate momentum and directionality of their silhouettes, the Naturals can distract from their beauty. Soft Naturals obscure their figure with very tapered, ornate, sculptural, heavy, and sharp garments. Flamboyant Naturals create a disparate look with too much narrowness, sharpness, intricacy, curved lines and flares, and cropped or dainty lines and details.
Watch My Guide to the Kibbe Soft Naturals and Flamboyant Naturals
Watch for more details.
xx
Nona
For more details, please check out my video.