Tried this after a very long time of living with an unflattering, mixed wardrobe. SURPRISE! I looked the best in the Dramatic "dress". Very long charcoal turtleneck sweater over skinny black pants - hair sleeked back. I am totally shocked!!! Now I understand why average length and shorter skirts and dresses felt awkward on me, and why even slightly A-line dresses were not flattering. Most of the sewing patterns that I bought and never sewed were more Romantic style or Gamine......Those types of clothes made me feel awkward, manly and silly- even though they are so right on others. Maybe I'm not an ugly duckling after all. Thank You

6:00 start of Kibbe Dresses Test: 6:11 dramatic 6:40 classic 7:21 natural 8:16 gamine 8:50 romantic

I have always been super picky about what I wear. Not that I'm beautiful or vain, but when clothes don't "feel" right, I feel very uncomfortable. I asked my husband to figure out my kibbe type and he confirmed my thoughts(and this excellent video) -- a classic. I like things that are neat, fairly fitted, don't swish or swing or get in my way. Even my jewelry can't be too loose or hanging, bouncing, or making noise as I walk. Many of the Kibbe videos are confusing, but you simplified this esp with the five dresses. Thanks so much!

Taking photos & adjusting them to black & white is suuuuper helpful!

Bit late to the party, but wanted to thank you for this simple but genius idea. I been unsure weather I'm a SG, SN or PR. Just tried on a load of clothes and can finally confirm I am a SG. I have had such difficulty with the kibbe system and this makes the whole thing much easier. Thank you so much

I actually tried this and the results shocked me so much! I'm 5'7 so just automatically assumed dramatic would be my best lines but they looked... the worst on me. Romantic lines won by a land slide. I've struggled with the test for so long just because of my height and the body type stereotypes, but this little exercise has shown me exactly what my body type is :) Thank you so much for this, and I look forward for your future videos!

I think you have to have a PhD to understand Kibbe. Several videos in, and this -ish is still hella confusing.

Merriam you look stunning in this style and I definitely hope to see you in short hair/updos more often it just brings out your beauty

From watching your videos I've realized: I'm a soft natural who's been wearing gamine and sometimes classic lines (probably because I'm very short, I thought gamine clothes would suit me). Oops. No wonder that - especially as I've gotten older and a bit chubbier - I've started to look a little matronly in those choices. Well, yesterday I bought my first clearly soft natural dress, and it looks fantastic! Can't wait to go out and find more clothes that actually flatter me. Thank you so much, your videos are excellent!

I think this video does a really nice job of comparing and contrasting the 5 main types so you can see what a difference wearing the right clothes for your type makes.

Thank you soooooo much for this tips!! I've been getting more confused with every video i watched on this subject, but your dress technique just made it so clear for me, i don't even need to go "shopping", i've always looked like crap in the 'dramatic' structure and great on 'natural' style. I was doubting between those two , so thank you so much!! You have a new subscriber :)

This is the video that has finally given me the insight I needed. Thank you Merriam.

Thanks! That helped a lot. I always perceived myself as a bit heavy and out of proportion, so I guess it affected my replies in the Kibbe test - I was ending up as a soft natural every time I took it. The problem was, I look absolutely terrible in natural lines. Finally I decided to ask my mother and my friend to take the test for me, and they both ended up with classic. It is hard for me to accept, as I see classic as exceptionally proportional (I am not... at least I don't think I am) - maybe due to the fact, that all this body evaluations are done with actresses and models - so in comparison to them I just can't see myself as classically balanced. To summarize - I do feel best in classic lines - sometimes gamine (bodycon, not girly A line). In romantic I feel unnatural and fake, dramatic unfortunately makes me look like rihanna in this masculine suit and this shiny, long, natural dress you have showed is probably the worst outfit I could pick for myself :)

Excellent video! Much better than taking the test and trying to analyze your body parts. I finally am sure of my type!

My friends and I are doing this this week! I am pretty sure I'm a Soft Natural (but not positive), and my one friend is stuck between Soft Natural and Soft Gamine, then our other friend is a Romantic. It's going to be fun to see how we all look in the same dresses :)

Hi. Thank you for your videos. Could you please make a video for the perfect black dress for each body type or the perfect maxi skirt, etc. ? :)

You look so pretty and fresh in that half sleeve, crew neck top.

Thank you, that was so helpful! I was torn between R and SN but trying the dresses and actually taking the photos made it clear as day!

Thank you for this video. It is what I needed to be sure about my type.

Thank you SO MUCH. I was really confused and now I'm sure I'm a romantic. A theatrical romantic I think. That romantic dress is basically the prototype of most of the dresses I have in my closet. It's not even my favourite kind of dress but it's the kind of dress that really fits me and flatters me. When I was younger my mother used to try to dress me like a dramatic because those kind of clothes are her favourite styles and I always looked awkward and goofy. Natural clothes make me look like a sack. Classic are not horrible, but make me look older. Gamine clothes are kind of okish, but I feel too constrained in fitted clothes and I look somehow heavier.

So helpful!! Thank you very much. I just discovered the Kibbe body types and it has helped me fine tune my clothing and understand what looks best on me.

What a great idea! I tried this today and was shocked that Romantic looked best! I never would've tried on those extreme styles. I am quite slender, though (sharper bone structure) so I think I'm Theatrical Romantic. After a year of looking at Kibbe, your method really made it simple to see it and understand it and eliminate the obvious ones that don't work. Thanks!

Oh I’m absolutely classic. Thank you, this was so helpful!! I think I might be dramatic classic because dramatic lines look ok on me too. My face is very round and feminine so that throws me off, but the dresses don’t lie!

My dear!! After a huge amount of time defining myself according to the Kibbe system, I intuitively switched to dresses. They give information about body types more clearly. But thanks to your video, I now see everything as it is! Thank you very much!

I like your hair. Thanks for the examples of the dresses for each of the 5 main types. That helped me narrow it down to 3 at least. One of the naturals-leaning SN

You're so right about the photo versus mirror. And take someone you trust, someone who can be candid and give you a good opinion. That helps too.

I found this test at the perfect time. I needed to buy a dress for my son's hockey tournament banquet. The test was not difficult to do at all. My eye generally steered me to what I like. I am a Theoretical Romantic. I took the different type of dresses into the dressing room, but I already knew which ones I didn't like. Even before looking in the mirror I could tell by how it felt when putti g it on. And, you're right, I definitely feel best with waist emphasis. Great tips and great video.

Wow, this could not have been more aptly timed. I was planning on going TOMORROW to fake shop at a store to figure out once and for all if I am a Theatrical Romantic or a Soft Gamine! Just discovered Kibbe last week, been obsessing ever since, found your channel this week, and thank you so much for everything you've posted, I've watched pretty much everything and learned a lot! I thought that was just too perfect that you went and posted this today! 😆

Wow, this is super helpful. I was confused about the whole kibbe system. I watched part of the aly art series then turned it off because I didn't understand the differences and had no idea what type I was. I did the quiz finally and soft natural was the outcome. This dress test confirms it too. Gamine dresses look terrible on me. Also, flowy unconstructed stuff usually looks fine, even though I'm thin with not many curves.

You are so beautiful Merriam! I have a request. I would love it if you made a video about Gamine clothes for older women, with examples of celebrities over 50, and why not 70 too. Of course it would be interesting to see all the types, but I'm particularly curious about Gamine, and how to make that style more mature. I'm a Soft Gamine and 48 years old. And I love your videos! Thank you! 🧡❤️💛

I am planning to try this out. I think it’s helpful to do the main types because it can help narrow down the possible types. I also like knowing what looks worse on each type that helps narrow down the types . Thank you 😊

Haha, I totally agree that gamines looks cute in natural lines! My friend is a gamine and in somehow unconstructed loose pyjamas she looks so soft and cute :D (while wearing her right gamine lines makes her look just right, even badass when she turns into flamboyant gamine clothes) I am a classic and in natural lines I look like a homeless person.

i found you this evening and i really enjoy your videos! you have a lot of insight and a really pleasant voice.

This is very helpful. I can see from the dresses you have that I'm Classic with a bit of romantic, SC. Thank you!

You did a good job. I took the test I'm gamine.. I look best in fitted clothing. Thanks for resolving

Just came across this video while looking for Kibbe related topics. I think I'm a romantic type, BUT there's always that bit of doubt. I do feel the most comfortable in this style of clothing. The idea of trying on different styles is so simple, but genius. To actually see intentional side by side comparisons will really help. I'm going to take advantage of Amazon Prime Wardrobe to help figure this out. Even in the store I'm a bit overwhelmed, so this seems like a good option.

This is such a practical way to look at it! I can't wait for lockdown to end so I can go try this out:)

Hello. I find your channel so beautiful and helpful. The videos are so well put together and I can see how much effort you put in them. Thank you. I am still struggling with kibbe. I gained a lot of weight the last years and trying now to get down in weight. My face and body shapes changed or just because of the overweight I think I often tend towards maybe a wrong type. I thought I am a Romantic or Theatrical Romantic. A professional now did a quick look and that Soft Gamine. I will definitely try the dress Test you recommend here. It is interesting. Still I find Kibbe confusing a bit. Though I love the thought behind it to emphasize every types special features. Thank your for sharing your knowledge.

Thank you for making this video! It was extremely insightful! I believed I had it narrowed down to a Classic type from watching a lot of analysis on different types and looking at both my features and what I know looks good on me on not. This video really cemented that fact, and I now with certainty can say I am a type of Classic. There are so many styles that are just too much of something and I struggled to figure out what. They were too frilly or fuzzy, too strict, too busy as examples. The Classic dress here would definitely look the best on me of these, and the natural dress would be something I’d shy away from as I know that type of cut is awful on me.

Great video! So helpful thanks so much

Wow this is wonderful. Definitely gonna make something out of the shopping stuff afterwards. Thank you Merriam. My experience tells that I'll look the best in your Classic's example. Clevage emphasis and frills just don't work on me, as well as unconstructed, draping lines, I'll look like I forgot to groom myself. I look fine with the formal lines of Dramatic, but stiffness occurs sometimes.

Please make a video on tops+trousers and shorts!♥️ I've been wondering what your type is too since you look great in this dress!

I'm a soft gamine and before I even heard about Kibbe's body tipe I've always had many natural clothes.. I think this video explained a lot. Good job.

I love this black dress you are wearing! 😍

This helped SO much! Wow Thank you 🌟

Just finished browsing through my IG/Facebook pics history haha Definitely confirmed my initial body typing, so thank you!

This makes total sense! Thank you!

This test really worked for me, after trying lots of dresses and taking photos it became immediately obvious I’m a soft natural, and dressing as such has made such a difference since discovering this, clothes are actually starting to suit me for once. Before this all the tests came out as soft classic or romantic which both felt wrong.

Your dress is lovely!

Great insights. Thanks!

I loved this video, it was explained in a simple, but practical and effective way, and it's actually helpful. I found many KZfaqrs who talk about Kibbe usually just read out from the website, the same things like "oh if you have this height you CAN'T be this", " if you are this, you definitely can't have big hands...." And blablabla. Great video!!

You are so very knowledgable! I wish to save up for your personal test indeed. It will save me the headache of my wardrobe pulling me in five directions. I have always been so confused. what looks good on me, I feel like I am a mix of two, because I always looked great in high waist dresses with small romantic patterns for like 20 years, but suddenly I feel like an oversized baby in it and maybe one can grow out of ones type?

I was mostly trying to confirm that I'm a pure Classic, because the push towards dramatic or soft classic was really confusing for me, and I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't really push towards either side? Trying on the other shapes was *really* helpful cementing that I'm a Classic, whichever more yin or yang I actually swing towards, this at least helped it make way more sense by wearing what is clearly *wrong* on me!!!

Amazing video! Thank you!

Wow this video really works!!! I now know I’m definitely gamine, despite being utterly confused by everything for like a month since I looked into this!!! Thank you!! It’s great 👍🏻

This helps so much!! Thank you. I always thought my body type was romantic but I hated the way I looked in romantic type outfits. I look so much better in classic and gamine looks

Can you do more videos for a flamboyant natural? You hardly ever mention us. Love your channel, learned a lot.

This is so simple and accurate.😍

I love this idea of trying on 5 dresses! If they are all the same color I think that would be the most fair comparison. Best if it's in a color very flattering to that person. Someone in the comments said they would try on the 5 dresses with their friends - great idea! Is there a FB group to post photos and get opinions?

Excellent video ! 😊👍

Omg, SO helpful! Thank you

I’m still finding it confusing since I’m a bigger girl. Would be nice to see guidance for plus size women and some examples of plus size models/celebrities.

This is great! 90% sure I'm soft natural but I'll be experimenting with this next weekend 😊

I did this test when I hesitated between TR and SG and the gamine dress I found was just perfect on me! thanks for that exercise it can't lie!

Riiight, you really made it muuuuch easier! :))))

Super helpful.

This is so helpful! Also, I wonder if you could discuss Natalie Dormer's kibbe type? I've seen her typed as Flamboyant Natural but I'm having a hard time seeing that since she rarely wears those lines; she tends to wear more Gamine lines, which made me initially think she's a type of Gamine.

Could you please explain the difference between natural and flamboyant natural? I'm 5'7" and I have always gravitated towards natural lines - draped tops, big hats, big scarves, etc. It's hard to tell if I'm flamboyant since I'm not super tall.

I first only heard your voice in your videos, and I LOVE your voice. It's sounds so feminine and sweet. Is there such a thing as a yin and yang mixture of voices that people can have?

Merriam, if you ever see this, I love your videos. 💖 Also, I am curious about why classic stuff looks nice on me if I am supposedly a rounded type (TR). In my Body Geometry test, I got blended in second place after rounded, not any sharp or beveled answers. When I was slimmer and looked less soft, SC lines were amazing on me as well.

omg!!! i like the way I look in romantic and natural. ive tried several dresses now and I honestly can't tell if I am a soft natural or a soft classic.

I have a dress identical to the classic example you should. It’s the one type of dress that looks so good on me!

It sure helped.. thnq gorgeous 💜🌹🎊

Thank you for another insightful video! You suggested that Naturals stay away from v-necks, and I can understand why, because v-shapes are sharp. However, I have often read that v-necks are recommended for Naturals, especially Flamboyant Naturals. Is it because FNs are closer to Dramatics than Ns and SNs? I'm confused now! Would you consider making a video in which you type clothes?

Romantic but my bone structure is more elongated, so some classic suits me, i tried with a long and short dress, perfect thank you

I'm not sure if I'm a Classic or Natural. I looved the Classic dress you showed and it looks like most of my outfits and I hated the Natural dress.

You mention that Romantic bodytype is the opposite of Gamine but I could totally see a Gamine wear the dress at 8:52 and look adorable (high neckline, short lenght, belt, doll-like vibe) and I think that about almost all romantic clothes that have a high neckline. But to be fair, as a gamine, I'm incredibly biased :D I think I look my worst in Soft Natural lines but Natural lines, as you mentioned, give off a cute vibe which I like on me.

Soo helpful!

I would love for you to make a video on the differences between SG and R !!! Hug from Paris

Can you do a video for Kibbe types for african women? Because I havent seen any kibbe examples for black women apart from beyonce and rihanna. What body type is Lupita N`yongo?

I think I am Gamine Classic, a combination of both styles looks best on me.

If should we take photos from chest-level, how much distance should there be between us and the camera? Does it affect it in any way?

I was always confused when looking at clothing recommendations for gamine because I feel like skinny jeans and big ruffles look absolutely horrible on me but I like the way I look in boyish clothes. you saying that Gamines look their worst in Romantic lines and that some might actually appreciate the way they look in natural lines helped me a lot.

Could you do a vibe of each body type, like what kind of image people think of each body type

I really appreciate you using Asian women in your videos especially in the undertone and color videos.

I am watching this because I cannot tell if I am a Theatrical Romantic or a Soft Classic so I am gonna try this tomorrow since its already 11pm here I am so excited to know my exact body type hehe thank you so much ❤

Can you make a video for triangle, yet curvy body type? I have always found it very difficult and much isn’t very flattering.

Going to try this wish there were links to dresses

Thanks for explaining so well in your videos why I’ve made so many mistakes when buying clothes that never “worked” for me. I’m a soft classic.

This is a great video, I kinda already tried this , i keep trying to pull off an over sized sweater or shirt but it never works I always look lost in them, but i will try the rest for sure , am pretty sure am either theatrical romantic or a soft gamine hopefully this will help me figure it out.

I am a strange case: I look great in classic dresses (I have very similar one to the girl you showed, but in teal), but I also look good in natural dress. However, I look like granny in romantic. What am I?

Love this!!!! This confirmed I'm a classic

I feel like the best look on me is something romantic with lace and gentle colors but also very fitted. Not sure if soft classic or theatrical romantic? I'm 162cm tall, with short defined waist and long legs, also my face is on the narrow side. Confusion.

Omg how funny. I was just thinking there needs to be that one outfit that helps us figure this out

Huh... I won't be able to do the test for a while (quarantine), but after watching this I'm almost 100% sure I'm a classic. I was wavering between soft natural and classic/soft classic, and was even starting to suspect romantic, but now I realize I've always gravitated toward classic styles and gotten the most compliments while wearing them. A couple months ago I tried on what I think was a natural dress (it had a halter neck but below that fell in loose, unstructured pleats to the knee), and it looked pretty awful. I wouldn't touch ruffles with a ten foot pole, and I'm pretty sure I'd look (or at least feel) like a clown in them. I'll probably do the test at some point but for now I'm going to assume I'm classic.

This was very helpful for me. On tests, I'm either a soft gamine or theatrical romantic. I have some features of each but don't fit in either exactly. But I look better in romantic styles.

The wall colour makes ur skin look nice

D: I'm a soft natural and my favourite clothes have gamine lines! That explains a lot. Now I'll have to figure out why I'm so personally against wearing natural clothing. Thanks for the video, I hadn't realised this before and now I know where my problem is.

I suspect I am soft natural, so natural with romantic characteristics. This kind of made it make more sense to me. As a natural, I look great in flowy things without harsh lines or color blocking and have always HATED v necks unless they are very very wide and loose and flowy. But I also look significantly better if garments are fitted to me, especially to my waist. So like flowy and draped, but fitted to my body's silhouette. I also look good with a bit of frilly detail, but like low key. Kind of bohemian I guess.

Hi Merriem. I am Looking at your dress in this video. It’s black and it doesn’t look harsh on you. But as a cool muted person, it should look separate from you right? Reason I am asking is because I am trying to figure out my color and hence asking this question. I think bright look too bright on me and muted look is kind of dull on me. I am a cool season but not sure bright or muted. I am a deep winter. Which one you think I would lean towards