Gamine 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.

‍

Individuals with the gamine style essence tend to have a petite or short body type. This doesn't necessarily mean that only short people can have the gamine style essence, but the body is compact in a way that makes long and oversized clothing overwhelming.

Gamines often have a 'boyish' looks. Their facial features tend to remain childlike even into adulthood and communicate a bold youthfulness.

Compared to others, individuals with the gamine style essence tend to look 'whimsical.' They tend to be energetic and impish and poke fun at fashion. The gamine style essence communicates youthful rebelliousness.

Physical Features

I. Vertical line

The gamine essence is one of two 'petite' essences. Therefore, individuals with the gamine style essence typically have a short vertical line, meaning they appear short. Often, they are actually short (5'5 feet and under), but it's also possible for a person to simply appear short despite their actual height. This is what is referred to as a short vertical line.

‍

II. Body type

Individuals with the gamine style essence tend to have a straight and narrow 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 childlike features. Their faces may appear less mature continuing into adult life. They may have a 'boyish' rather than feminine appearance. Facial features may be visibly asymmetrical.

‍

Gamine / Dramatic / Ingenue

These three style essences share similar characteristics, but they are not the same.

Bot the gamine and dramatic style essence are yang essences. But in contrast to the dramatic essence, the gamine essence has a shorter vertical line and can only wear a staccato (broken) silhouette. The dramatic essence, on the other hand, only looks good in a long, unbroken silhouette.

Like the ingenue style essence, the gamine essence is a 'petite' essence, meaning they both have a short vertical line. But since it is a yang essence, the gamine silhouette is square and angled, whereas the ingenue silhouette is soft and flowing (as it is a yin essence).

III. The Gamine Style Essence

The gamine style essence is a yang essence, its particular type of yang being playfully dramatic yang.

Gamine clothing features sharp angles and edges and square shapes. Its silhouette is a compact, staccato one. To achieve an eclectic look, bright colours and patterns are mixed and matched freely.

The gamine style essence creates a youthful, boyish image and an overall visual impression of rebelliousness and creativity.

The gamine style essence can be associated with the themes of youth, rebelliousness and eclecticism. Abstract paintings with bold, eclectic patterns best represent this style essence.

‍

Elements of a gamine outfit

The Gamine Silhouette

The gamine silhouette is a square - short and straight with sharp edges.

Garments are short and fitted rather than oversized. Fabrics are mixed and matched freely.

The silhouette is broken up through colour- and pattern-blocking (staccato silhouette) to create a colourful potpourri.

IV. Styling Principles

The best garments for any style essence aims at mimicking the natural lines of that style essence's physical characteristics.

For the gamine style essence that means following the compact shapes and straight lines of individuals with this style essence. In addition, the gamine style essence is associated with youthful rebelliousness and playfulness.

To achieve this look in clothing, Gamines look best when they incorporate the following clothing styles into their outfits:

Compact Shapes

The gamine style essence is a petite essence. Therefore, gamines look best in compact, square designs. Long and oversized garments will overwhelm this type. Shorter dresses and jackets, short skirts, and shorts are ideal.

The same goes for accessories. Keep your bags, sunglasses etc. small - no oversized items.

‍

‍

Boyish Designs

The gamine essence is a yang essence, meaning clothing should be straight and sharp-edged. Boyish tailoring and designs are therefore well-suited for this essence. Leather jackets, dungarees, boy caps, boots etc. all work well on Gamines.

‍

Creative Patterns & Prints

The gamine style essence is a bold one. Creative patterns and prints are a must and best if they are small-scale. Geometric patterns (think squares and stripes) work best to accommodate the yang element of this essence.

‍

Mix & Match

The gamine silhouette is staccato, meaning it is broken. This is achieved through colour-blocking and mixing patterns and prints freely. Don't be afraid to combine patterned bottoms with a patterned top. The more colourful, the more impactful.

‍

Elaborate Details

While jewellery is not something that Gamines wear well, details are vital. Be it buttons, interesting collars, or cuffs - anything that adds extra interest is preferable over plain designs.

‍

Vintage Designs

Due to their playful and creative designs, retro and vintage styles work extremely well on the gamine style essence.