Finding the Right Style System
Hey everyone, welcome back to my channel! It’s Nona here from TheAlignedLover.com. I’ve been thinking about this question for a while, and I’m finally making a video on it: Which style system is right for you? With so many different systems out there, how do you know which one will truly serve you the best?
Clarity and Precision in Style Systems
When it comes to any style system, no matter the goal, I think the number one priority should always be clarity in how to achieve your personal style. If a style system can’t help you clearly understand how to enhance or define your style, then it’s not serving you well. The only way a system can offer precision is if it truly resonates with your personal goals and values. Without this, it risks becoming irrelevant.
You end up with a ton of information that doesn’t seem to apply. In my experience, each style system tends to have a core goal or theme that drives it. And over time, I’ve noticed distinct patterns, which I’ll share today. These are just my interpretations based on years of studying various systems. I hope they resonate with your journey, too!
The Kibbe System: Body Type Focused
Let’s dive into the core goals of some popular systems. I talk about the Kibbe system the most, which is heavily focused on style archetypes. Initially, Kibbe’s work emphasized the concept of “star power,” exploring how you can cultivate different identities that resonate with your physicality and essence.
Over time, the system’s focus shifted more toward identifying the most flattering outfits for various body types. I believe the original concepts, like femme fatale and diva chic, have been less discussed, possibly because they’re a bit specific or limited. These days, the emphasis is on how fabrics and silhouettes interact with the body, which I believe adds a technical edge to Kibbe’s system.
It’s also worth noting that historically, Kibbe has overemphasized the face. But I think there’s more focus needed on the body. The style essences systems, like McJimzee and Kitchener, take a broader approach, focusing on presence and even more abstract concepts like voice, mannerisms, movement, and personal affinities (e.g., the types of environments you thrive in).
Style Essences: A Holistic Approach to Personal Expression
These systems account for physicality, but they put more weight on a more personal, internal essence. So while Kibbe’s system offers a highly technical approach, style essences focus on a more holistic representation of your inner self through clothing.
Some systems are very specific, like Kitchener, which assigns percentages to different essences, while others, like other essence stylists, are more intuitive and offer general combinations without specific ratios.
While Kibbe is technical and focused on silhouette and physicality, style essences focus more on the big picture—on how you want to represent yourself in a deeper, abstract sense. They’re both incredibly valid, but they’re different in what they prioritize.
Body Shape Systems: Understanding Proportions
Then there are body shape systems, like the “fruit shapes” (apple, pear, banana, hourglass, etc.). These systems assign a dominant shape and provide tips on how to balance out your proportions for a more harmonious look. However, many of these systems tend to glorify the hourglass figure and present non-hourglass shapes as needing more work or balance.
If you’re a classic hourglass, these systems will celebrate that body type, but if you don’t fit the typical hourglass, you may feel a bit out of place or “flawed” by these standards. This can be limiting for some people, which is something to keep in mind when exploring this system.
Archetype Dressing: Expressing Your Inner Identity
Another interesting system to consider is archetype dressing. While this isn’t as widely discussed as the others, it’s an insightful way to represent your purpose or role through your clothing. For instance, if you strongly identify with the queen or sage archetypes, your wardrobe will lean toward regal, sophisticated styles. If you align more with the mystic or huntress archetype, your outfits may lean more toward flowing, boho-inspired pieces.
Seasonal Color Systems: Complementing Your Natural Beauty
Lastly, there are seasonal color systems. Although not a full style system on its own, color theory is foundational to many systems. However, seasonal colors can feel limiting in practice—finding bold or edgy items in lighter spring colors, for example, can be a challenge.
Instead of expecting one system to cover all your needs, ask yourself: What makes you the most satisfied? Satisfaction is key. If you wear an outfit that’s perfect for 9 out of 10 people but it doesn’t please you, then it’s not successful for you.
Your satisfaction may come from the way an outfit emphasizes your body, represents your identity, makes you feel empowered, or simply makes you feel elevated. There are no wrong reasons—just be honest with yourself about what makes you feel the most fulfilled.
Choosing the Right System Based on Your Goals
If you want to emphasize your body, I’d recommend the Kibbe system for its detailed guidance on how to enhance your natural body lines. On the other hand, if personal expression or identity is your priority, style essences might be the way to go.
For a creative and more expressive approach to dressing, the archetype system can be a perfect fit. It’s about creating a visual language for who you are and how you want to be perceived.
When your goal is to enhance your natural beauty, especially through color, exploring seasonal color systems will help you refine your wardrobe to complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
If you’re looking to conceal certain aspects of your body or create a more polished, protective aesthetic, the body shape system is an excellent choice. It helps you create a curated, almost armored look without feeling too exposed.
Understanding the Limitations of Each System
Don’t make the mistake of expecting every style system to be the perfect solution for all of your style goals. For example, don’t use Kibbe to protect areas of your body you feel insecure about—this system is focused on showcasing your body shape, not concealing it. For that, body shape systems are better suited.
Similarly, don’t use the body shape system if you’re trying to express your personal identity. Style essences are more aligned with this goal because they focus on your personality and how you want to express yourself through clothing.
Embrace Style with Intuition and Skill
Avoid confusing style systems with the need for complete freedom. Every system has its limitations, but understanding those limitations is essential. It’s not about trying to wear anything and everything, but rather about finding what enhances and complements you.
Also, remember that no matter how detailed the style system, it takes time to apply what you learn and gain experience with what works for you. It’s a journey, and learning is ongoing. Be patient with yourself!
Final Thoughts: Quality and Consistency Matter
Lastly, quality matters. When considering clothing, don’t assume all garments are made equally. Pay attention to stitching, fabric quality, and fit. Don’t be naive about what you’re purchasing.
So, which style system is right for you? I recommend exploring them all, but focus on one at a time. Study the system that aligns with your current goals, and don’t be afraid to take breaks or dive into a different system for a new perspective.
Keep a record of your journey. Write down notes, take photos, and reflect on what you’re learning. Understanding your style is an evolving process.
Lastly, remember that style is an avenue for self-expression, but it’s not everything. Don’t let it take over your life. Experiment, have fun, and always look for new ways to express yourself—whether it’s through clothes, accessories, or other forms of creative expression.
As I like to say, “Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” You can always develop your taste, but let the creation of your wardrobe be an art form, blending intuition with technical skill to create a satisfying and authentic personal style journey.