Welcome to a new series in which we delve into the McJimsey Body Types or Style Essences. Please note that while I do my best to stick to the original ideas, I cannot help but perform interpretations as I try to expand on these concepts.
McJimsey Style Essences and Yin/Yang Concepts
Author and stylist Harriet McJimsey described various essences based on Yin/Yang concepts in her book “Art and Fashion in Clothing Selection” (1973). She broke down the Yin/Yang spectrum into the 6 “archetypes” which she called Dramatic, Natural Yang (Athletic), Classic, Romantic, Gamin, and Ingenue.
McJimsey emphasized the importance of considering not only physical attributes, but expressive qualities like mannerisms, persona, and voice when creating the most authentic expression in clothing and costuming. One’s build, scaling, and posture influenced the general outline or silhouette the most heavily. Facial characteristics depend most on necklines and details around the face to blossom. Personal coloring had to be used strategically to create certain effects that aligned with these archetypes, and other nuances like voice, expressions, and mannerism modified the overall look look as well.
In this post, I will focus on the softened Yang type, the Natural, and the resonant details that extend this type of beauty.
Yang Softened By Yin
Below are some of the symbols that McJimsey described as being very Yin or Yang in quality. For more detail, please check out my previous post outlining the spectrum of Yin and Yang.
The Yang qualities of strength, durability, largeness, and solidity remain, yet a bit of Yin is introduced to soften the Yang formality and directness. Yin gives more openness, youthfulness, and friendliness to Yang’s more authoritative and formal nature. What results is the Natural- still quite Yang but without the sharpness.
Physical Traits of the Natural Essence
Because McJimsey’s system focuses on much more nuanced humans, below are the physical traits she considered as being quite Natural. Natural Essence beauties include Candice Bergen, Ali McGraw, Happy Rockefeller, and Mary Lindsay.
Note that these women are all beautifully statuesque yet very relaxed in composure. Their faces are dignified but approachable and their overall vibe is quite direct but easygoing. These women appear to have an easy confidence to them, a self assurance that truly allows them to come across as laid back and ready for whatever comes their way.
Natural Essence Elements and Silhouette
Naturals look best in simple, sweeping shapes that allow for movement and comfort. A sense of informality and lack of severe tailoring supports their laid back vibe. Far from boring, the Natural easily shines in large and bold prints and a range of moderate to heavy materials that may overwhelm less structured types.
Specific Garments for the Natural
More specifically, the Natural Essence can be celebrated with the use of open, informal, or softened collars such as sailor, square neck, convertible collars, large bows or ties, and shirt collars. Formal wear tends toward simple, straight, or gored silhouettes (“gored” referring to an item created from multiple trapezoid cuts of fabrics). Lovely textures include suede and leather, wooden or metal buttons and beads, hand knits, fringe, embroidery, and natural gem stones and material. Fabrics are kept raw or rough and shoes are simple and a bit broad.
Here are some examples of modern garments that resonate with these costuming suggestions.
Do You Resonate with the Natural Style Essence?
Check out my video for more details.
xx
Nona
