Hi everyone, I have another video for you in my Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe for the Kibbe Types series, and today we are looking into the Soft Gamine style.

Before we get into the actual garments, just note that this is a very simple and limited capsule wardrobe, designed to give you an example of clothes and items that you can definitely infuse your personality or sense of aesthetics into. Also, note that these examples are non-exhaustive—I don’t include professional attire or outfits for all temperatures and seasons, but I plan to go into those topics in future series.

Flutter or Ruffle Sleeve Tops

First up, we have some form of a flutter or ruffle sleeve top. The ruffle or flutter sleeve creates a nice, crisp, upright shoulder exaggeration that helps define the waist even more, while also incorporating some of that Yin curve. If you can’t find a flutter or ruffle sleeve top, try to find some ruffling or fluttering across the collar, shoulder line, or yoke—anything that adds lift and angularity somewhere near the shoulder line. You can choose a plunge neck to create even more emphasis on the tapering from the shoulders to the waist, or go for a nice, crisp boat neck—nice and wide—to beautifully emphasize the shoulders.

Collared Half-Sleeve Shirts

Next, I chose one variation of a collared half-sleeve shirt. If you want to do a larger collar, make it a little bit exaggerated but still crisp and pointed in shape. If you do a wider collar, make sure it doesn’t dig in or blend into the shoulder line. When the collar is wide and lacks uprightness, it can dilute the shoulder definition. You can also go for a smaller collar, a stand-up collar, or a notched collar. Perking it up a little to give it height is also really lovely. The half sleeve provides accuracy and segmentation, but if you can’t find one, just neatly fold up your sleeves.

Queen or Angled Off-Shoulder Tops

The queen anne neckline is gorgeous—it’s regal yet youthful and emphasizes that Soft Gamine tapering. As you can see, it works beautifully on Winona Ryder here. If you can’t find a queen anne neckline, you can go for an angled off-shoulder top, which has a similar effect.

Mini or Knee-Length Skirts

Next, we have the bottoms. The first is a mini or knee-length skirt. If you want to go longer—by long, I mean knee-length, just above or slightly below—you can go for a more form-fitting shape. For shorter lengths, make sure the skirt has some flare or width at the bottom to add tapering, structure, shape, and angularity.

If you’ve ever been frustrated with shorts—especially denim shorts—because they make you look funny, it might be because you’re wearing an overly straight or tight version. If you wear the same kind of rise or waist, like a high-waisted denim short, but opt for a wider opening at the leg, it will look much more flattering. This avoids compressing the body and creates a clear leg line.

Ankle Pants

Next up, we have ankle pants. By ankle pants, I mean pants cropped a few inches above the ankle bone to give a very clear span of skin. Exposing skin above the ankles really helps to create segmentation and definition for Soft Gamines. You can go high-waisted or mid-rise, but if you go mid-rise, make sure the curve of your hips and outer thighs is clearly defined.

Patterned Dresses

Let’s talk about patterned dresses. Choose a lively but clean, simple pattern, like polka dots. The sleeves should have a clear shape, and many different lengths will work. For shorter dresses, look for a bit of flare so the dress isn’t overly clingy or skin-tight, which would lose that crisp definition and tapering. If you go just above the knee, this works great, and for slightly longer dresses, you can add soft but crisp volume.

Plunge Neck or Boat Neck Belted Dresses

Next, we have plunge neck or boat neck belted dresses. For shorter lengths, choose a crisper material. For longer dresses, go for something softer. Soft flares are gorgeous. I love how similar these two dresses are on Winona Ryder and Bette Davis—the sleeves and necklines are slightly different, but the overall vibe is so similar.

Pea Coats

For outerwear, go for a pea coat with a rounded or narrow stand-up collar. Many lengths work. For shorter coats, you can add a little width and flare. For longer coats with soft volume, ensure the waist is defined. If you want a slimmer fit, make sure it stays quite closed even when unbuttoned, so you don’t lose definition.

Moto Jackets

Lastly, a moto jacket is lovely for Soft Gamines. If you want lapels, go for something notched and not super wide to avoid overwhelming the frame. A form-fitting moto jacket works well, and simpler models with no lapel or collar are also gorgeous.

Soft Gamine Capsule Wardrobe Example

Stick to a limited palette, but think about adding contrast between the lightest and darkest values. Patterned dresses add excitement, and small accessories, like a tiny polka-dot scarf, can make a big difference. For shoes, incorporate different textures or even ruffles. You can imagine all the outfits working beautifully with the outerwear examples. Sneakers add casualness, while ruffle sandals or patent leather shoes add playfulness.

If you need help refining your wardrobe or understand the needs of your silhouette, please check out my services.