Dramatic Style Essence:
A Comprehensive Guide

I. Characteristics

Note: The following characteristics are typically associated with this style essence. Don't get hung up on them; you may look different but still have this style essence.

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As the most yang essence on the spectrum, the characteristic shape of the dramatic style essence is the rectangle. Consequently, the physical appearance of individuals with the dramatic style essence is generally sharp and angular with prominent, defined facial features.

Dramatic body types give the impression of height, length and straightness. Shoulders tend to be sharp-edged, and the body lacks defined curves.

The look of a Dramatic tends to be more ‘intense’ compared to others. They are seemingly more extroverted, have a highly-expressive nature, a rebellious attitude, and they may be drawn to extreme fashion and costume that expresses their theatrical nature.

Their features communicate danger and intensity.

Physical Features

I. Vertical line

Length is a crucial characteristic of the dramatic style essence. Therefore, individuals with the dramatic style essence typically have a long vertical line, meaning they appear tall. Often, they are actually tall (5'8 feet and over), but it's also possible for someone to simply appear tall. This is what is referred to as a long vertical line.

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II. Body type

Individuals with the dramatic style essence tend to have a straight and long body as opposed to a curvy, round one. They lack defining feminine curves and will often have a small or undefined bust. Shoulders are typically sharp-edged.

‍III. Facial features

Individuals with the dramatic style essence often have sharp and mature facial features. They may have an angular jawline, prominent, high cheekbones, or a prominent nose. They may also have close-set (feline) eyes or thin lips.

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Dramatic / Gamine / Natural

All three of these style essences are yang essences, but they are not the same.

In contrast to the gamine essence, the dramatic essence has a longer vertical line and can only wear a long, unbroken silhouette. The gamine essence, on the other hand, only looks good in a staccato (broken) silhouette.

Like the dramatic style essence, the natural essence also has a long vertical line; but its edges are blunt (slightly rounded) rather than sharp. Consequently, the natural silhouette is oversized and flowing, whereas the dramatic silhouette is tailored and stiff.

III. The Dramatic Style Essence

The dramatic style essence is the most yang essence, its particular type of yang being theatrical yang.

Since this essence is the closest to the square shape, dramatic clothing features long, straight and stiff silhouettes, sharp angles and edges, and large, rectangular shapes.

The dramatic style essence creates a striking, powerful image and an overall visual impression of power, intensity and extravagance.

The dramatic style essence can be associated with the themes of wildness, exoticism and extravagance. Large jungle animals with bold patterns such as leopards, tigers and zebras best represent this style essence.

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Elements of a dramatic outfit

The Dramatic Silhouette

The dramatic silhouette is a rectangle - long and straight with sharp edges.

The silhouette is stiff with no movement, meaning thick, stiff fabrics are ideal, particularly when they are properly tailored.

The dramatic silhouette is unbroken and clean. Avoid adding small details to the outfit, which distract from the elongated silhouette. Mono- or duo-chromatic colour schemes are ideal to achieve a unifying look.

IV. Styling Principles

The best garments for any style essence are those that mimic and repeat that essence's natural lines, shapes, and themes.

Remember, the characteristic features of the dramatic style essence are straightness, narrowness, and angularity. And the themes that this essence communicates are boldness, danger, exoticism, poise, dignity, and extravagance.

To achieve this look in clothing, Dramatics look best when they incorporate the following style principles into their wardrobe:

Large Angular Shapes & Asymmetry

Individuals with the dramatic style essence often have slightly asymmetric features. Consequently, asymmetry in clothing and accessories is not only very flattering but also adds interest to an outfit.

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Stiff, Thick Materials

The dramatic style essence looks best in sharply-tailored clothing with sharp edges. Consequently, fabrics need to be stiff and thick to hold their shape. Materials such as patent leather, hard plastic, velvet, and heavy wool are ideal.

Dark, Rich Colours

In order to play up the theatricality of the dramatic essence, dark and rich colours are ideal. But don't mix and match them freely. Mono- or duo-chromatic looks are best to achieve the long dramatic silhouette.

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Large Geometric Patterns

The dramatic style essence can and should wear patterns, but they should be a statement piece. Choose patterns with large, geometric elements (preferably rectangle shapes or vertical stripes). Patterns may also be asymmetrical.

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Animal Prints

The symbol of the dramatic style essence is the feline jungle animal, so it only makes sense that Dramatics look good in animal prints.

Bearing in mind the principles of this essence, the best dramatic animal prints are large, bold, and asymmetrical. Think zebra prints, croc leather, and snake leather etc.

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Statement Accessory

The dramatic style essence looks best when its long, rectangle silhouette is unbroken and undisturbed. That means clutter is not something Dramatics look good in. Choose one statement accessory to finish off your outfit.

Accessories should follow the same principles as clothing: large, bold, and mono- or duo-chromatic.