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The Gamine Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The gamine style essence is the playfully dramatic yang essence.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of rebelliousness and boyishness.

Gamines and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of rebelliousness, creativity, and playfulness. Crayons best sum up this style essence.

What is the Gamine Style Essence?

The gamine style essence is the combination of yang and playful theatricality, also known as the playfully dramatic yang essence.

Consequently, individuals with the gamine style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of rebelliousness and playful boldness. Although this style essence is yang like the dramatic essence, it is a youthful, playful boldness as opposed to the mature, dignified intensity of the Dramatic. Adjectives like boyish, rebellious, and creative could be used to describe people of the gamine style essence.

Abstractly, we can associate the gamine style essence with the themes of rebelliousness, creativity, and playfulness. This essence conjures up images of toys and wild baby animals.

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, as it is this smallness of the body parts that makes gamine clothing look great on them. 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 whimsical looks. Their facial features tend to remain childlike even in adulthood. However, this childlike look is not really cute or innocent. It's more of a boyishness that let's you know they've been up to no good.

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. Take a look at the following ladies and pay attention to their whimsical looks and the hint of non-conformity in their features.

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Do you have the gamine style essence?

Individuals with the gamine style essence can credibly pull off boyish looks. Where other types would look like they're wearing children'c clothes, a Gamine portrays coolness and self-assurance.

This essence is all about a playful, rebellious image (not to be confused with the expressive intensity of the Dramatic).

If you can carry off a boyish outfit without looking slightly ridiculous, there's a good chance you have some gamine essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the gamine essence is patterns and fits traditionally associated with boys' clothing. Someone who has the gamine style essence does not look like an adult trapped in boys' clothing. On the contrary, they look nothing short of cool. Check out Emma Watson:

Does Emma look like a boy in these outfits? No. On the contrary, she looks nothing short of cool and self-assured.

Now let's see what boyish clothing does to someone who does not have the gamine style essence.

Well, this does look slightly odd. Emma looks comfortable and effortless in this kind of style, but Scarlett Johansson does look a bit like a woman trapped in boys' clothing.

Pay attention to how separate and disharmonious the clothes on look on Scarlett, whereas on Emma they look like they belong there. Emma looks very natural and comfortable. Scarlett looks like she doesn't want to grow up because she does not have the gamine style essence.

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Let's take a look at another signature style of the gamine style essence: compact clothing and playful, creative patterns. Can you pull them off without looking a child? You probably have the gamine style essence.

Yes, Emma looks credible even in compact clothing and creative patterns. She doesn't look like she's wearing a fancy dress costume and she doesn't look manly. This is a serious look, and she can pull it off comfortably.

On Scarlett, again, these looks don't have the same effect. They look quite unnatural on her, and they do in fact make her appear more masculine than she is. So why do boyish clothes do this to Scarlett but not to Emma? It's because Scarlett has predominantly yin features. So the boyish clothes clash with her natural femininity and the result is a somewhat more masculine appearance.

This does not happen on Emma because she naturally has a boyish appearance. The effect of boyish clothing on her then is the opposite. Instead of making her look more masculine, it makes her look more feminine because it brings out her gamine beauty.

To make the effect even more visible, let's look at Scarlett when she's wearing her essences:

Wow, this mix of ingenue with romantic looks so amazing on Scarlett. Quite the contrast to what she looks like in gamine clothing!

Emma's best look, on the other hand, is the gamine style. She looks stunning, cool, and very comfortable in the playful looks of the gamine style essence.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Gamine Style Essence

The right clothing 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 delicate, petite, rounded lines and soft curves of individuals with this style essence. In addition, we said that the ingenue style essence is associated with youthful innocence and gentle delicacy. These themes will be reflected in ingenue clothing.

To achieve this look in clothing, Ingenues 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, small-scale designs and shapes. Long and oversized garments will overwhelm this type. Shorter dresses and jackets, short skirts, and shorts are all better suited than long and narrow designs.

Accessories are also best when they are compact and not overly big.

Boyish Designs

Part of the gamine essence's signature look is its affinity to boyish tailoring. While still compact, garments are straight and narrow rather than rounded and soft. Leather jackets, dungarees, boy caps, boots etc all work well on this style essence.

Creative Patterns & Prints

The gamine style essence is a bold one. Creative patterns and prints are a must and the more, the merrier. Nothing is too unconventional for this essence. Just make sure that the designs aren't too big, as compactness is still important.

Elaborate Details

While jewellery is not really something that Gamines wear well, details are incredibly important. Be it buttons, creative collars, cuffs or anything that adds extra interest is preferable over plain designs.

Mix & Match

The creativity of the gamine style essence is not only expressed through unusual patterns, but also through mixing and matching colours and patterns in unexpected and wild ways. The more colourful and unexpected, the more impactful.

Vintage Designs

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

Comments

Not Gamine? Check out the other style essences:

Ingenue
Natural
Classic
Dramatic
Romantic
Angelic
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The Natural Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The natural style essence is the sportive, casual yang style essence.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of activeness and a laid-back, easy-going nature.

Naturals and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of nature, the outdoors, and activeness. Wild landscapes best sum up this style essence.

What is the Natural Style Essence?

The natural style essence is the combination of yang features and activeness, also known as the sportive, casual yang essence.

Consequently, individuals with the natural style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of relaxed sportiveness. Although this style essence is yang like the dramatic essence, it is a casual, relaxed essence as opposed to the BOLD theatricality of the Dramatic. Adjectives like sporty, laid-back, and casual could be used to describe people of the natural style essence.

Abstractly, we can associate the natural style essence with the themes of adventure and freedom. This essence conjures up images of unspoiled, wild landscapes.

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 natural style essence tend to have a strong and sturdy body type. It is this appearance of strength that makes natural clothing look great on them. This doesn't necessarily read as muscularity - although it certainly can - but simply as a sturdiness as opposed to a petite, delicate body type.

In a similar vein, naturals also often have broad shoulders and tend to be tall (over 5'7). There is typically some irregularity in the facial features of a Natural - just like wild landscapes.

Compared to others, individuals with the natural style essence tend to look sporty and active. For them, fashion tends to be first and foremost about practicality and comfort.

Their features communicate an easy-going, approachable nature. Take a look at the following ladies and notice how they all look first and foremost very approachable.

Do you have the natural style essence?

Individuals with the natural style essence can pull off casual looks without looking underdressed. Where other types would appear sloppy in such a style, a Natural portrays a laid-back elegance.

This essence is all about a relaxed image (that does not look sloppy). If you can carry off a casual outfit and don't look as if you didn't make an effort, there's a good chance you have some natural essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the natural essence is activewear. Someone with the natural style essence can wear this and look put together. Check out Gigi Hadid:

Does she look sloppy and as if she just picked some clothes out of a hamper? Not at all. She looks quite put-together and stylish.

Now let's see what activewear does to someone who does not have the natural style essence.

Well, this does look a bit like Kim Kardashian picked her clothes out of a hamper. Kim doesn't look very put together in these outfits, she looks a bit sloppy. On Gigi, activewear looks stylish, on Kim it looks sloppy - as if she just didn't make an effort.

Pay attention to how separate and disharmonious the clothes on look on Kim, whereas on Gigi they look like they belong there. Gigi looks very natural and comfortable. Kim looks like she had a bad day.

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Let's take a look at another signature style of the natural style essence: oversized, shapeless garments. Can you pull them off without looking sloppy? You probably have the natural style essence.

Yes, Gigi looks still looks good in shapeless garments. She looks neither overwhelmed nor sloppy. This is a serious look, and she can pull it off comfortably.

Kim, in contrast, again doesn't look like she's made an effort. These styles look very unnatural on her - as if they don't belong on her body - and the whole ensemble just looks very unlike Kim. She doesn't look like herself in these clothes.

To make the effect even more visible, let's look at Kim when she's wearing her essences:

Now this looks more like Kim! This mix of classic with some romantic looks amazing on her. She looks comfortable and like herself.

Gigi's best look, on the other hand, is the natural style. She looks very stylish and very comfortable in the laid-back looks of the natural style essence.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Natural Style Essence

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 natural style essence are irregularity, length, and sturdiness. And the themes that this essence communicates are sportiveness and adventure.

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

Unstructured Shapes

The natural style essence is an unruly, but relaxed essence. The shapes that best fit this description are unstructured, not clearly defined, and irregular - what we would normally think of when we think of something 'natural'.

Accessories look best when they retain the original shape of the material they are made out of - such as stones for a necklace. Bags can be slouchy, belts a bit unruly.

Relaxed Fits

Hand in hand with unstructured shapes goes the concept of relaxed fits. This is a casual essence. Comfort is high on the priority list of this type, and clothing is therefore relaxed and loose - even a bit messy.

Layering

Something that is closely related to comfort is layering. Being able to adjust one's clothing to the temperatures outside and inside is great. Thanks to their sturdy body types, Naturals would also not be easily overwhelmed by great amounts of clothes in the way a petite body type would.

Layering is also possible with accessories. Multiple necklaces, bracelets etc. look amazing on the natural style essence.

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Earthy Colours

The natural style essence is connected to the outdoors. So where best to take its colours from than from nature itself? Earthy greens and browns, off-whites etc. all look natural and harmonious on this type.

Botanical & Tribal Patterns

The best patterns for this style essence are wild and irregular, but not bold. Signature patterns of the natural style essence are tribal and botanical patterns as well as bohemian patterns.

Denim

The natural style essence looks great in natural materials, such as wool, straw and linen. But the signature material of this essence must be denim. Nothing says casual more than a pair of jeans.

Comments

Not Natural? Check out the other style essences:

Gamine
Ingenue
Classic
Dramatic
Romantic
Angelic
The Shop

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The Ingenue Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The Ingenue style essence is the decorative small-scale yin essence.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of innocence and youthful femininity.

Ingenues and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of delicacy, idealism, and childlike innocence. Small, delicate flowers best sum up this style essence.

What is the Ingenue Style Essence?

The ingenue style essence is the combination of femininity with childlike innocence and delicacy, also known as the decorative, small-scale yin essence.

Consequently, individuals with the ingenue style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of youthful femininity and innocence. Although this style essence is feminine like the romantic essence, it is a childlike, innocent cuteness as opposed to the mature, sensual femininity of the Romantic. Adjectives like gentle, cute, and pretty could be used to describe people of the ingenue style essence.

Abstractly, we can associate the ingenue style essence with the themes of innocence and childlike idealism. This essence conjures up images of baby animals and delicate flowers.

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 ingenue style essence tend to have a petite or short body type, as it is this smallness of the body parts that makes ingenue clothing look great on them. This doesn't necessarily mean that only short people can have the this style essence, but that the body is compact in a way that makes long or oversized clothing overwhelming.

Ingenues often have a round or heart face shape. Regardless of the shape, their facial features almost always remain delicate and childlike even in adulthood. Eyes may be wide-spread and are often round and large. The eyebrows are also often soft and rounded, never really arched. And the lips may have a bowed shape.

Individuals with the ingenue style essence tend to look sweet and gentle compared to others. They are often drawn to cute things. Their features communicate innocence and a childlike playfulness. Notice how the ladies in the following examples all have playful appearances and a hint of innocence in their faces.

Do you have the ingenue style essence?

Individuals with the ingenue style essence can pull off cute, girly looks with ease. This essence is all about an innocent, feminine image (not to be confused with the mature sensuality of the Romantic).

If you can look effortlessly cute and girly without looking childish, there's a good chance you have some ingenue essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the ingenue essence is the short, (often flouncy) dress. Someone who has the ingenue style essence does not look like an adult trapped in girls' clothing when wearing such a dress. On the contrary, they look nothing short of pretty. Check out Aja Naomi King:

Does Aja look like she's wearing children's clothing? Far from it. She looks incredibly pretty and little playful.

Now let's see how a girly dress looks on someone who does not have the ingenue style essence.

Well, this is not quite the same effect that we got on Aja. Katrina Kaif does look a bit like she's trapped in children's clothing. Pay attention to how separate and disharmonious the clothes on look on Katrina, whereas on Aja they look like they belong there. Aja looks very natural and comfortable. Katrina looks a bit like a comic stage character because she does not have the ingenue style essence.

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Let's take a look at another signature style of the ingenue style essence: delicate, playful patterns. Can you pull them off without looking clownish? You probably have the ingenue style essence.

Yes, delicate, playful patterns work on Aja. She doesn't look like she's wearing a fancy dress costume. This is a gorgeous look, and she can pull it off comfortably.

Katrina, in contrast, doesn't look very convincing. We get more of the adult-trapped-in-children's-clothing vibe. To make the effect even more visible, let's look at Katrina when she's wearing her essences:

Part of the reason why ingenue clothing doesn't work on Katrina is because she is tall with incredibly long legs. The ingenue essence is a petite essence with compact designs, which don't go well with Katrina's primary feature: her height. And it's exactly that which makes Katrina looks amazing in dramatic clothing.

Aja's best look, on the other hand, is the ingenue style. She looks pretty, cute, and very comfortable in the girly looks of the ingenue style essence. This clothing style highlights her naturally girlish beauty and brings it out even more. The result is a harmonious and pretty image.

Ingenue vs Gamine style essence

The ingenue and the gamine style essence are both youthful essences. Both have a childlike appearance. But the ingenue is a feminine, girly essence, whereas the gamine essence is boyish.

Let's take a look at Tzuyu and Emma Watson. Both have youthful appearances. Neither has vey mature features. But Tzuyu has more of a girly appearance, whereas Emma's is more boyish.

Tzuyu looks okay in boyish gamine clothing on the right. But she looks even more comfortable in the girly dress on the left.

With Emma it's the opposite. She looks like herself in the boyish clothing on the right. She doesn't even look okay in the ruffle dress.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Ingenue Style Essence

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

For the ingenue style essence that means following the delicate, petite, rounded lines and soft curves of individuals with this style essence. In addition, we said that the ingenue style essence is associated with youthful innocence and playfulness. These themes will be reflected in ingenue clothing.

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

Compact Shapes

The ingenue style essence is a petite essence. Therefore, Ingenues look best in compact, small-scale designs and shapes. Long and oversized garments will overwhelm this type. Shorter dresses and jackets, short skirts, and shorts are all better suited than long and narrow designs.

Similarly, accessories should be delicate and dainty.

Pretty Trimmings

But even though ingenue clothing designs are petite, they are not simple. Far from plain designs, the ingenue essence benefits from decorative, playful trimmings such as ruffles and bows. This accentuates the gentle playfulness of this essence.

Whimsical Patterns

Similarly to the compact designs, prints are best when they are small-scale. The best patterns for the ingenue style essence are playful and whimsical. Small florals and botanicals are also great choices.

Pastel Colours

The ingenue style essence is a delicate, gentle essence, not a bold one. Colours are therefore toned down. However, it's not a formal essence, but a playful one. As such, colourful pastels are perfect to portray this essence.

Light-Coloured Lace

Lace is a great material for the ingenue style essence because it comes in delicate, intricate designs, a signature stye of this essence. But light-coloured lace is preferable because it communicates innocence. Dark lace (a signature style of the romantic style essence), in contrast, portrays sensuality - not something the ingenue essence is known for.

Vintage Designs

Vintage styles work incredibly well on the ingenue style essence because of their affinity to small, intricate details and the love for trimmings.

Comments

Not Ingenue? Check out the other style essences:

Gamine
Natural
Classic
Dramatic
Romantic
Angelic

The Dramatic Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The Dramatic essence is the most yang and theatrical style essence.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of dignity, intensity, and theatricality. John Kitchener says that all the world is a stage for this type.

Dramatics and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of wildness, exoticism, boldness, and extravagance. Feline jungle animals such as cheetahs and leopards best sum up this style essence.

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What is the Dramatic Style Essence?

The dramatic style essence is the combination of yang and drama, also known as the most yang, theatrical essence.

Consequently, individuals with the dramatic style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of dignity and theatricality. Although this style essence is yang like the natural style essence, it has a more bold, dramatic air as opposed to the relaxed, easy-going vibe of the Natural. Adjectives like intense, dignified, poised, theatrical could be used to describe people of the dramatic style essence.

Abstractly, we can associate the dramatic style essence with the themes of danger and wildness. This essence conjures up images of feline jungle animals such as cheetahs, tigers, and leopards.

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 dramatic style essence tend to have a straight, sharp-edged, and angular body type, as it is this straightness of the body parts that makes dramatic clothing look amazing on them. This doesn't necessarily read as ultra-skinny - although it certainly can - but simply as a narrow, sharp straightness as opposed to a very soft, rounded, and curvy body type.

Dramatics tend to be quite tall (over 5'8), as height is another main characteristics of this style essence. Length is what makes dramatic clothing come alive on this type.

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

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. Notice how the ladies in the following examples all have bold appearances and a hint of danger in their faces.

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Do you have the dramatic style essence?

Individuals with the dramatic style essence can pull off creative and unconventional looks with seriousness. Where other types would look out of place or 'clownish' in such a style, a Dramatic portrays poise and self-assurance.

This essence is all about a dignified, intense, and highly expressive image (not to be confused with the expressive boyishness of the Gamine).

If you can carry off a theatrical, unconventional outfit and look like you mean business, there's a good chance you have some dramatic essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the dramatic essence is the man suit. Someone who has the dramatic style essence looks powerful and elegant when wearing a man suit. Check out Zoe Saldana:

Does she look like she's wearing her husband's clothes? Far from it. She looks amazing, bold, and incredibly beautiful.

Now let's see how a man suit looks on someone who does not have the dramatic style essence.

Well, this is not quite the same effect that we got on Zoe. Anne does look a bit like she's trapped in men's clothing. Pay attention to how separate and disharmonious the clothes look on Anne, whereas on Zoe they look like they belong there. Zoe looks very natural and comfortable. Anne looks almost like a comic stage character because she does not have the dramatic style essence.

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Let's take a look at another signature style of the dramatic style essence: creative and unusual patterns. Can you pull them off without looking clownish? You probably have the dramatic style essence.

Yes, Zoe looks credible even in unconventional patterns. She doesn't look like she's wearing a fancy dress costume. This is a serious look, and she can pull it off comfortably.

Anne, in contrast, doesn't look like she's serious. These styles look very staged on her, as if she were wearing these clothes for comical effect. To make the effect even more visible, let's look at Anne when she's wearing her essences:

This mix of romantic with classic and natural looks so amazing on Anne. Quite the contrast to what she looks like in dramatic clothing!

Zoe's best look, on the other hand, is the dramatic style. She looks stunning, dignified, and very comfortable in the bold looks of the dramatic style essence.

So what's the difference? Pay attention to both ladies' facial features. Zoe's face communicates danger and intensity. This is a face that says: 'watch out.' So adding an item of clothing that communicates the same message will emphasise this look even further, and that is what makes dramatic clothing look stunning on Zoe.

Anne's features, however, don't portray that same intensity. She looks rather friendly with soft and rounded features. She has a different type of beauty.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Dramatic Style Essence

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 wardrobes:

Asymmetry

Individuals of 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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Oversized Shapes & Designs

The dramatic style essence is bold. Understated is not a word related to this essence. And because Dramatics tend to be tall and narrow, they are not easily overwhelmed by oversized garments. But they also don't look sloppy in them.

In a similar manner, bold, chunky accessories are ideal to finish off an outfit. Delicate and flimsy designs won't work on this type because they often have prominent physical features, which are much more flattered by equally prominent accessories.

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 asymmetry and oversized shapes, the best dramatic animal prints are large, bold, and asymmetrical. Accessories follow the same principles and may also be in the shape of wild animals.

Unusual/Shiny Textures

The dramatic style essence thrives on unconventional designs. Slightly unusual or outright exotic textures and fabrics bring life and interest to a dramatic outfit. In addition, textures are best when they're shiny to add glitz and glam.

Plain textures may look boring on this style essence, particularly if the shape of the garment does not follow dramatic principles.

Bold Colours

Hand in hand with unusual textures goes the need for bold colours. Even if it's just one item of the outfit, make a statement.

Large-Scale Patterns & Prints

Unusual and creative patterns are one of the hallmarks of the dramatic style essence. Make sure the pattern is large-scale and asymmetrical as mentioned before.

Comments

Not Dramatic? Check out the other style essences:

Gamine
Natural
Classic
Ingenue
Romantic
Angelic
The Shop

Wardrobe Building Essentials

Need assistance building your wardrobe?

Check out the handy products in the shop that will make your life so much easier.

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The Classic Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The Classic style essence is the formal, traditional essence balancing yin and yang.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of formality, elegance, and conservatism.

Classics and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of aristocracy, conservatism and timelessness. Sculptures best sum up this style essence.

What is the Classic Style Essence?

The classic style essence is the balance between masculinity and femininity also known as the formal, traditional essence balancing yin and yang.‍

Consequently, individuals with the classic style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of timeless elegance and formality. Although this style essence is balanced and thus neutral, it is not androgynous like the gamine style essence. Androgyny is a mix of both feminine and masculine characteristics. The classic, however, is a blend between these characteristics and therefore a neutral essence. We could say, it's gender-less.

Abstractly, we can associate the classic style essence with the themes of conservatism and aristocracy. This essence conjures up images of classic sculptures, lavish country houses, and games of polo and horse racing.

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.

The classic style essence is a blend of yin and yang. And the result is physical features that are so evenly blended and symmetrical that individuals with the classic style essence almost appear 'flawless.' What this means is that there is not one physical feature that seems exaggerated, prominent, irregular, or out of place.

Consequently, a Classic's features are neither very angular and sharp nor very round and soft, but sit perfectly balanced between the two extremes. The same applies to their bodies, which tend to be neither very narrow and straight nor very curvy and rounded.

Classics are often of average height (neither extremely tall nor very petite). Height is not a characteristic aspect of this style essence, it is their symmetry that leads the way.

The look of a Classic tends to be aristocratic and timeless. They are seemingly more elegant and formal compared to others. Trends is not something the classic style essence seeks out. Take a look at the following ladies and note how their features communicate timeless elegance and class.

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Do you have the classic style essence?

Contrary to other style essences, individuals with the classic style essence look best with as little adornment as possible. Where others would look boring, Classics look their best with minimal extravaganza.

If you can look pull off elegant, timeless looks without looking boring and old-fashioned, you probably have some classic style essence in you.

Individuals with the classic style essence can pull off formal, elegant looks without looking old-fashioned. Where other types would look outdated or stiff in such a style, a Classic portrays elegance and regality.

If you can carry off a minimal, formal look without looking boring, there's a good chance you have some classic essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the dramatic essence is the skirt suit (or a dress in combination with a blazer). It's the perfect blend between the yin and yang. Someone who has the classic style essence does not look stiff and uncomfortable when wearing a skirt suit. On the contrary, they look nothing short of classy. Check out Kate Middleton:

Does Kate look old-fashioned and boring in these outfits? If anything, she looks very regal, elegant, and sophisticated.

Now let's see how a skirt suit looks on someone who does not have the classic style essence.

Kate looks elegant, but Jennifer Aniston looks stiff and uncomfortable in this kind of style. Pay attention to how separate and disharmonious the clothes on look on Jennifer, whereas on Kate they look like they belong there. Kate looks very natural and comfortable. Jennifer looks like she is forced to attend a business meeting.

Let's take a look at another signature style of the classic style essence: simple dresses with minimal jewellery. Can you pull them off without looking dated and boring? You probably have the classic style essence.

Kate looks incredibly elegant and sophisticated in this kind of dress as well. The lack of bold jewellery doesn't make her look less elegant. On the contrary, she looks even more classy. This is a very regal look, and Kate can pull it off comfortably.

Jennifer, in contrast, doesn't look comfortable and elegant. She looks stiff and a bit boring. To make the effect even more visible, let's look at Jennifer when she's wearing her essences:

This is Jennifer at her best! Messy hair, relaxed clothing - a natural outfit, and it looks very comfortable on Jennifer. for Quite the contrast to what she looks like in classic clothing.

Kate's best look, on the other hand, is the classic style. She looks elegant, regal, and very comfortable in the timeless, simple looks of this style essence.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Classic Style Essence

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

For the classic style essence that means following the balanced, symmetrical lines of individuals with this style essence. And the themes that this essence communicates are timeless elegance and formality.

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

Timeless Designs

The classic style essence does not follow trends. It's a conservative essence that thrives on styles that have stood the test of time and are just as elegant now as they were decades ago.

Blended Shapes

Since the classic style essence is an even blend between yin and yang, the best clothing shapes for this essence are those that blend yin and yang shapes in a similar manner. The best example of this is the skirt suit - a blend between the yang suit and the yin skirt. Similarly, dresses, coats etc. look best when they are long (yang) but have a fitted waist (yin).

Neutral Colours

There is nothing unconventional or unexpected about the classic style essence. On the contrary, this essence exudes an understated elegance and therefore looks best in neutral, basic colours that don't distract from the Classic's physical features.

Minimal Detail

In the same vein, classic designs are simple with as little detail as possible that would distract from the Classic's symmetry. Extravagant collars, extra buttons and pockets are not something the classic style essence requires. The plainer, the better.

Timeless Patterns

Although the classic style essence looks best in plain outfits, patterns are wearable as long as they are subdued and not attention-seeking. Timeless patterns such as houndstooth or even cable knits can work on this style essence.

Premium Materials

To complement the elegant designs of the classic styles, premium fabrics are a must. Textures and materials should convey luxury and quality.

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Not Classic? Check out the other style essences:

Gamine
Natural
Dramatic
Ingenue
Romantic
Angelic
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The Romantic Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The Romantic style essence is the sensual, deep yin essence.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of sensuality and mature femininity.

Romantics and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of luxury and indulgence. Red roses best sum up this style essence.

What is the Romantic Style Essence?

The romantic style essence is the combination of yin features with mature sensuality, also known as the sensual, deep yin essence.

Consequently, individuals with the romantic style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of sensuality and glamour. Although this style essence is yin like the ingenue essence, it is a mature sensuality as opposed to the cute, innocent prettiness of the Ingenue. Adjectives like sexy, 'womanly', and glamorous could be used to describe people of the romantic style essence.

Abstractly, we can associate the romantic style essence with the themes of luxury and indulgence. This essence conjures up images of expensive jewellery, candlelit dinners, and red roses.

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 romantic style essence tend to have a fleshy, curvy body type, as it is this roundness of the body parts that makes romantic clothing look amazing on them. This doesn't necessarily read as big breasts and overly wide hips - although it certainly can - but simply as a soft roundness as opposed to a very straight, angular body type.

Romantics are often of average height (neither extremely tall nor very petite). Height is not a characteristic aspect of this style essence, it is their signature curves that lead the way.

Individuals with the romantic style essence may have dark and very full hair (if they haven't, there is a good chance, they would look good in dark hair). Often, they also have large, alluring eyes and sensuous, full lips, which deserve to be highlighted.

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Do you have the romantic style essence?

Individuals with the romantic style essence can pull off sexy looks with glamour. Where other types would look like they're trying too hard in such a style, a Romantic portrays glamour and sensuality.

This essence is all about a mature, sensual image (not to be confused with the innocent prettiness of the Ingenue).

If you can carry off a sexy outfit and you don't look like you're trying too hard, there's a good chance you have some romantic essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the romantic essence is the tight-fitted dress (which may be rushed and draped). Someone who has the romantic style essence looks sexy and effortlessly glamorous in such an outfit. Check out Sofia Vergara:

She looks very comfortable in a tight-fitted dress that shows off her curvy body.

Now let's see how a tight-fitted dress looks on someone who does not have the romantic style essence.

This is not quite the same effect that we got on Sofia. These dresses don't look glamorous on Cara Delevigne. They don't actually do anything for her and just hang from her body. On Sofia, this style is complementing and highly flattering, but on Cara, this look is just disappointing.

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Let's take a look at another signature style of the romantic style essence: large floral prints. Can you pull them off? You probably have the romantic style essence.

This looks amazing on Sofia. This doesn't look like a garden party, and again, we get that glamorous effect on her.

Whereas on Cara, these looks are quite disappointing again. The prints don't have any flattering effect on her at all. Part of the reason romantic clothing does nothing for Cara is because she doesn't have a curvy body type. Consequently, a tight-fitted dress will just pronounce her straightness - the opposite of what this kind of clothing is supposed to do. To make this effect more visible, let's see what Cara looks like when she's wearing her essences:

Now this looks stunning! Cara has the gamine and the dramatic style essences, and this dress makes her look fierce and bold.

Sofia's best look, on the other hand, is the romantic style. She looks glamorous and very comfortable in the sexy looks of the romantic style essence.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Romantic Style Essence

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

For the romantic style essence that means following the soft, rounded lines and curves of individuals with this style essence. And the themes that this essence communicates are sensuality, maturity, luxury, and indulgence.

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

Tight Fits

Sensuality is best communicated through tight-fitted garments. And Romantics look amazing when they wrap their curves into clothing that doesn't leave much room for the imagination.

Draping, Wrapping & Ruching

Sharp angles and straight lines are the wrong designs for this style essence. To follow the natural curves, romantic clothing is soft and flowing. Garments that drape or wrap around the body or have some ruching are ideal.

Accessories should be similarly gathered or draped to provide softness.

Tactile, Luxurious Fabrics

Remember this essence communicates luxury and indulgence. Cheap materials are not appreciated here. Tactile, luxurious textures - such as silk and velvet - have the desired effect.

Premium materials are also required for accessories.

Large Floral Prints

A signature style of the romantic style essence are large, dreamy floral prints. Whether a full outfit or just one garment or accessory, incorporate these into your wardrobe.

The Colour Red

No colour better relays sensuality than red. Consequently, it cannot be missing in a romantic wardrobe.

Dark Lace

Dark lace is often what lingerie is made of - and for good reason. It's dark, but partly transparent - concealing and revealing. Dark lace can be incorporated for instance as sleeves or as a whole garment. Either way, it's another great material to portray sensuality.

Comments

Not Romantic? Check out the other style essences:

Gamine
Natural
Classic
Ingenue
Dramatic
Angelic
The Shop

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The Angelic Style Essence

A Comprehensive Guide

The Angelic style essence is the most yin and ethereal essence.

Individuals with this style essence create an overall visual impression of softness and seem to belong to another age.

Angelics and their clothing styles can be associated with the themes of otherworldliness and the cosmos. Mythical creatures best sum up this style essence.

What is the Angelic Style Essence?

The angelic style essence is the combination of of ying features and mysticism, also known as the ethereal and most yin essence.

Consequently, individuals with the angelic style essence tend to create an overall visual impression of softness and otherworldliness or mysticism. Although this style essence is feminine like the romantic and ingenue essences, this is an 'old soul' kind of femininity as opposed to sensual or cute, pretty femininity. Adjectives like mysterious, ethereal, mystical, or 'old soul' could be used to describe people of the angelic style essence.

Abstractly, we can associate the angelic style essence with the themes of mysticism and the cosmos. This essence conjures up images of mythical creatures, fairies and mermaids, and the cosmos and galaxies.

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 angelic style essence tend to be tall and narrow. But their narrowness is not a straight narrowness like the dramatic one, it's a soft, more rounded narrowness.

Angelics are often oval-faced and waif-like. Their features may be beautifully exaggerated to the point where they start looking as if they came from another age or galaxy. They also often have a distant look in their eyes, as if they were somewhere else entirely, again lending them that air of mystery.

Compared to others, individuals with the angelic style essence tend to look otherworldly or mysterious.

Do you have the angelic style essence?

Individuals with the angelic style essence can pull off fairytale looks with glamour. Where other types would look like they were wearing a fancy dress costume, an Angelic almost looks like a goddess or a mythical creature.

This essence is all about a mysterious, otherworldly image.

If you can carry off an elaborate outfit and you don't look like you're trying too hard, there's a good chance you have some romantic essence in you.

What does this mean?

A signature style of the angelic essence is the long, flared (or draped) dress. Someone who has the angelic style essence looks almost goddess-like in such an outfit. Check out Jourdan Dunn:

She looks incredible in this style.

Now let's see how a flared dress looks on someone who does not have the angelic style essence.

This is not quite the same effect that we got on Jourdan. These dresses don't make Kristen Bell look goddess-like. They just seem a bit overwhelming. On Jourdan, this style is complementing and highly flattering, but on Kristen, this look is just disappointing.

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Let's take a look at another signature style of the angelic style essence: iridescent garments. Can you pull them off without looking clownish? You probably have the angelic style essence.

This looks amazing on Jourdan. She glows like a goddess.

Whereas on Kristen, these looks are quite disappointing again. The iridescent garments don't have the same flattering effect on her as on Jourdan. Part of the reason angelic clothing does nothing for Kristen is because her body is not long and narrow but quite compact. But that's only half of the equation. She also doesn't have angelic facial features. Her face doesn't communicate otherworldliness, it's an approachable face - more of a natural face. To make this effect more visible, let's see what Kristen looks like when she's wearing her essences:

Now this looks amazing! Kristen has the natural style essence, and even though she's still not tall, this outfit is very flattering on her.

Jourdan's best look, on the other hand, is the angelic style. She looks incredible and very comfortable in the ethereal looks of the angelic style essence.

Table of Contents

Dressing the Angelic Style Essence

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

For the angelic style essence that mean And the themes that this essence communicates are mysticism and otherworldliness.

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

Iridescence

What better evokes mysticism than iridescent, transparent, and shiny textures. And hand in hand with that iridescence goes ethereal colours. The angelic style essence looks best in the colours of the cosmos and mythical places - think purple, sea blue and green, creams, taupes as well as gold and silver etc.

Fine Textures

The angelic style essence is ethereal - it floats and flows. And so should its fabrics. Fine satin and silk that is almost translucent. For accessories this means materials from the earth that are rare and iridescent - such as pearls but in their natural shapes.

Draping & Webbing

The angelic style essence is flowing and wants to be wrapped and draped. Stiff materials and cuts are inappropriate here.

Flaring Shapes

Again, stiff shapes are out of place on this style essence. Everything has to flow. And the best way to achieve this is through flaring shapes. That can be in the form of dresses or trousers or even just sleeves. But the clothing has to move - it can't sit still.

Wings & Feathers

The angelic style essence is closely linked to mythical creatures - and those creatures often have wings. It makes them look majestic and powerful. And therefore, any wing-like design or actual feathers will add to the majesty of this type.

For accessories, this can be in the form of actual winged creatures such as butterflies.

Abstract Patterns

Angelic designs tend to be flowing but rather plain. However, patterns are okay as long as they are highly abstract and portray mystical elements.

Comments

Not Angelic? Check out the other style essences:

Gamine
Natural
Classic
Ingenue
Dramatic
Romantic
The Shop

Wardrobe Building Essentials

Need assistance building your wardrobe?

Check out the handy products in the shop that will make your life so much easier.

Visit the shop
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