Romantic Kibbe Body Type

What is the Romantic Kibbe body type?

Kibbe describes each type as a balance of yin (soft, rounded, small, curved) and yang (long, sharp, broad, straight). At one end of his spectrum is the Dramatic, pure sharp yang. At the other end is the Romantic: pure lush yin.

In a Romantic, softness runs all the way through. The bones are delicate and rounded, the flesh is lush and curvy, and the features are full and round. There is no sharp edge, no width, no blunt angle to work around. The image is sensual, luscious and warm.

That is why Romantics need clothes that are soft, curved and flowing, following the curves with a defined waist. Anything hard-edged or boxy sits on top of a Romantic instead of moving with her.

How to recognize a Romantic

Kibbe's later updates start with the vertical line: how tall you look. Romantics read petite to moderate. A long, elongated line is a sign of yang, so it points away from the Romantic family.

The frame

• Small to moderate, softly rounded bone structure
• Sloped, rounded shoulders with no sharp corners
• Small, soft hands and feet

The body

• Lush, soft flesh and clear curves at any weight
• A defined waist with roundness above and below
• Softness that stays rounded rather than straight or squared

The face

• A rounded face with soft bones
• Full, lush features: large round eyes, full lips, soft cheeks
• No sharp angles in the cheekbones, jaw or nose

Remember that Kibbe types describe line, not size. A slim Romantic is still round and soft in shape; a curvy Dramatic is still long and sharp.

Romantic vs Theatrical Romantic, Soft Classic and Soft Gamine

Romantic vs Theatrical Romantic

The closest neighbor. A Theatrical Romantic has the same lush curves on a delicate frame, but adds a sharp edge, usually in the cheekbones, jaw or eyes. She suits sleeker glamour with precise detail. A Romantic has no edge and suits softer, rounder shapes: ruffles, soft bows, rounded necklines, flowing drape.

Try a ruffled, rounded blouse against a fitted top with a sharp V and a geometric earring. The Romantic looks radiant in the ruffles and a bit severe in the sharp version.

Romantic vs Soft Classic

A Soft Classic is balanced and symmetrical with a little softness, and suits softened tailoring. A Romantic has much more curve and lushness, so moderate, polished basics look plain on her. A neat twin set flatters the Soft Classic; on a Romantic it needs a softer fabric, a curved neckline and more detail.

Romantic vs Soft Gamine

Both are small and soft. A Soft Gamine has a compact, lively mix of features with a spark of yang and suits cropped, broken separates. A Romantic suits long, unbroken curves: a soft wrap dress looks heavy on a Soft Gamine and right on a Romantic.

Clothing lines for Romantics

The Romantic line is soft, curved and flowing, with a defined waist and no hard edges.

Tops and jackets

Wrap tops, draped and ruched blouses, soft fitted knits with scoop or sweetheart necklines, cardigans in fine soft yarn. Jackets should be fitted with curved seams and rounded lapels, or cropped at the waist. Stiff, boxy or sharply tailored jackets are the hardest piece for a Romantic.

Bottoms

Soft pencil skirts, tulip skirts, bias-cut midis, fluid trousers with a high waist. Very stiff, straight or wide-cut trousers lose the curves.

Dresses

This is where Romantics shine: wrap dresses, ruched jersey dresses, fitted bodices with soft skirts, draped evening dresses. Avoid shifts, boxy shirt dresses and straight columns.

Fabrics and prints

Fabrics should be soft, fluid and luxurious: silk, velvet, cashmere, angora, chiffon, jersey, lace. Stiff, heavy, rough or chunky fabrics add edges a Romantic does not have.

Prints should be soft and flowing: rounded florals, watercolor patterns, swirls, soft dots. Small to medium scale suits the delicate frame. Sharp geometrics, stark stripes and harsh graphic prints fight the softness.

Accessories, shoes and hair

Accessories range from delicate to ornate, always rounded: pearls, filigree, drop earrings, soft gold, rounded clutches. Angular, heavy or chunky pieces look severe.

Shoes: round or almond-toe heels, delicate straps, soft ballet flats, sleek boots with a curved shape. Clunky soles and very sharp, aggressive shapes clash with the softness.

Hair is soft and full: curls, waves and volume around the face. Severe geometric cuts and very flat, sleek styles tend to look hard on a Romantic face.

Romantic outfit formulas

Three formulas to repeat, from day to evening. The soft, curved lines make them Romantic; the colors should come from your color season.

Romantic celebrities

These names are often used to illustrate the Romantic image. Use them for the overall impression only: celebrities are styled, retouched and photographed at their best.

Is Romantic your type?

If you are soft and rounded throughout, with curves, full features and no sharp edges, and soft flowing pieces have always looked best on you, Romantic is a strong candidate. If you are torn with Theatrical Romantic or Soft Gamine, the free Kibbe body type test shows your yin-yang balance by section and your runner-up. The map of all 13 types shows Romantic at the far yin end of the spectrum.

Confirm with a try-on: a soft wrap dress against a crisp, straight shirt dress, photographed in the same light.