Albert Einstein said: "Genius is making complex ideas simple, not making simple ideas complex." Merriam, that's you! This video was so clarifying and refreshing. Thank you!! 💕
Thank you for breaking this down so simply, this really helps me look at the lines, angles, and shapes of my body big picture, and not get hung up on what styles I look best in. I think we get so caught up in archetypes being a way to figure out what clothing looks best on us, but forget that the first goal is to find our body's geometry. This helped put things back into perspective for me.
After being extremely confused between D, DC and FG, I had finally decided I will not put myself in a body type box. I know have dominant yang in my bone structure with some yin traits. I keep playing with D and FG lines but in an edgy yet sleek way, also taking into consideration my cool and dark essence and it has been working very well for me. This video makes a lot of sense because I really don't think the majority fall into a particular category especially not with age and weight changes. The yin-yang balance and essence system is way more useful to find our own unique "body/style type"
i can relate- i have also been confused with typing myself between D, DC, and FG. it seems unsatisfying at first to not narrow it down to one category, but its true that when you take a step back, these 3 types wear very similar lines. for myself i know that i am narrow, angular, and elongated so i will simply dress to accommodate these things.
Excellent breakdown! My body's pretty easy to analyse, I've clearly got short, narrow and round features there... but the face is SO hard to analyse. An in depth video about finding the lines of your face would be lovely.
I'm happy you like the breakdown! This is the new way of seeing things I was referring to in your earlier comment from my last video. I think it makes more sense this way/is more streamlined. I'll certainly be making all kinds of videos on this in the future, including more in depth videos on the face and things like that. But meanwhile, you could consider 'draping' different types of either hairstyles or earrings to see what looks best against your face and that will give you your angles.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, or if you have figured it out by now, but you may be smooth! I think this is the most difficult one to figure out - it has taken me months to realize that I fall in the middle, and your features in your profile look too streamlined to be beveled, while I see no pronounced narrowness or roundness… you look smooth, like me :)
I love your version of Kibbe so so much more, I think the Kibbe community can be quite gatekeepey and I much prefer your analytical way of viewing the system. The more I learn about Kibbe the more it seems that Kibbe himself keeps backtracking and changing things? I think everyone needs to remember that as with literature its all about interpretation, and if the original system works for you and how you style yourself then that's literally the only thing that matters!
Merriam, this is so simple and straightforward that is just GENIUS! I have been suspecting my body type just based on the lines I have been identifying, look more harmonious on me. Since I am 5’ 2”, it wasn’t easy to identify I had moderate to long line (for my height), wide bones and beveled face features. I don’t have particularly wide shoulders, at least not like a taller Natural but my bones are so wide that I can tell that they need much more room in the clothing I wear to look right. Any fitted clothing makes me look 20 pounds heavier!!! I just find fascinating that all of this happens at a short height like mine.
thank you, that's what i needed!! we get so caught up in the names of the types and the possible meaning that is commonly used with those terms that we get more lost. this approach is the real thing after all, knowing our lines and matching them and our yin/yang balance, no matter what the type is called. I also think that it creates more combinaison possible and it will be more personalized as I feel like that the existing types aren't considering all combinaison and that someone can have two different angles to take into consideration. I'm wondering what if someone have slightly narrower shoulders but the ribcage is slightly more on the wider side? that would be more a moderate width I guess?
During the classic art classes i took as a child, i have learned that a truly proportionate body contains 8 times of the head lengthwise in total body height and 3 times head width across the shoulder line... maybe it would be helpful to someone in determining their proportions.
I have moderate lines, wider bone structure, and smooth facial angles but the thing is that anytime I wear a looser silhouette or an open neckline on my upper body it makes me look very wide and top-heavy, while my legs end up appearing too skinny and short so I always have to combine this type of silhouette with heels. Though I can go for a different type of outfit if I'm wearing black since it will take away from the width of the body, a black turtleneck/high shirt with sleeves above the elbows and black jeans that are slightly cropped makes me look soo good, even if I'm only wearing sneakers. It's weird because I used to think I'd never look good in those types of lines but they fit my body soo good. Thanks to all of the TH-camrs who were and still are talking about the lines, because if it wasn't for them I'd never experiment
how about an open neckline but tight top, and sounds like you could be long waisted, so tuck in your top and wear high rise pants that are wide to bring in some of that width? From what you're saying definitely sounds like you're on the right track with slightly cropped jeans for moderate length lines!!
That was SO helpful! I’ve been watching so many Kibbe analysis videos and I keep getting more and more mixed up about which type I am. This clarified that I really am a soft classic and not a romantic, or soft dramatic (although all of those have slightly similar clothing suggestions). For the first 6 months I never thought I could be a classic because I am not at all drawn to boring things. I’m more artistic & ecclectic, but as I’ve started to dress in more clean lines with waist emphasis I’ve realized I actually can create that quirky look better than with an oversized (natural) kimono.
You really have a talent for this! In 12 minutes you demystified some concepts that I was stuck on for months. I felt certain I was some type of short (5'4") Soft Natural, as I've always been quite muscular, and have broad shoulders, a high forehead, and wide cheekbones. But I also have large (almond-shaped) eyes, a small round nose, and quite a large head in proportion to my body, and I scored Theatrical Romantic on the Kibbe quiz. I've been puzzled ever since, but your video helped me to stop overthinking my lines and finally understand why I'm the type that I am. My lines are clearly short, wide, & round (+beveled?). Even the though I tend toward muscularity, my muscles & limbs are quite rounded, and so is my face (very round cheeks regardless of weight) despite some underlying sharpness. Thanks for your insight! Sometimes I feel like the archetypes of Kibbe's and other similar systems can be a bit distracting to people who overthink, and its easy to develop an overly abstract view of yourself. I really enjoyed your intuitive take on the lines as well as your lovely drawings!
Thank you for sharing this, I feel like I'm in the same place you were in. I've always typed myself as a Dramatic Classic but some of his suggestions feel too angular and sharp for me. My body is definitely dry on top and heavier on the bottom and my bones are narrow. But the face is so complex and hard to type, my cheeks are a bit rounded and my nose/mouth/chin definitely not sharp at all. Artistic license ignores the distinction/discrepancy between bone and flesh and only looks at the overall line and angle, which makes it easier, as does the color typing which ignores undertone/overtone and just look at the overall color. So now my job is to try to unlearn everything I know about Kibbe typing?? lolll
@@haoqinggeng514 I’m an obvious R but it sounds like my sister is very similar to you, we settled on DC for her but although she has a sharp yang bone structure, she looks very good in softer touches (wavy hair, dainty jewelry, small floral prints, etc). I don’t think all of the typical DC recommendations are quite right for her in that they’re a touch too simple and harsh, but she’s still much too sharp for SC. Which is why I’m baffled that Kibbe eliminated the pure categories like pure Classic, pure Gamine, and pure Natural. But why did he keep pure D and pure R? It’s a mystery to me. I think my sister probably would fall into pure Classic.
One of your best videos. I personally believe the Kibbie system doesn't work for everyone. I think looking at yourself as being unique and curating a look based on your specific qualities is a better approach than trying to fit into a very specific category. I'm also with the idea that the face has a major impact on the way clothing looks overall. I'm now curious as to how well dressing only for your face works as an approach, and to what extent.
@@mkim4091 And here I was contemplating wearing my skirt on my head. The point is, your facial features impact the way the clothes look on your frame and how in harmony they are, or aren't, with you and your lines as a whole. Wearing lines that clash with your face can be enough to make them out of place. I'm sure you've noticed how a haircut or hairstyle can make or break a look. Same goes with your facial features. However, altering your face is obviously different than hair. That is why dressing for your face is a thing. Especially if its different from the lines of the body. I personally have classic features and a very romantic body. More often I look better and more in harmony as a whole in classic clothes unless I play with my hair and makeup and do extra work.
Yes you are very right about that people should not just dress for the body, but mostly important dressing for your face bcs people may see you for a long distance and when the come near for you ,if the outfit doesnt match with the face the overal look will be broken. Dressing for your body may work if you are a clothes model and often people miss the point that the style theys are more leaning the most is determinate for the facial aesthetics/archetypes!@@marionsmith9579
Pure genius. I've been trying to understand what my lines are in the kibbe system for forever - oscillating between DC, N, & FG. This made it so simple & now I feel clear. Thank you, this is exactly what I needed!
Fabrics have really helped me. I am small, petite, and have a mix of round and sharp angles on my body. High waisted things make me look thicker. A slight natural waist makes me look longer. Though realiseing longer lines of color look better on me breaks my heart as a high waist lover, I have come to grips with it. But, really I have felt better with all the realizations to my body (Like the fact I have broad shoulders, thicker limbs, longer torso and limbs, and a long neck) with the fabrics. Stiffer fabrics with some sharpness has been my saveing grace for my self esteem. I can't pull off the loose and lazy but yet kept together look. Things have to be ironed and tightly fitted around my chest. The way things fit are more of a priority and I am thankful for it. I am a small person, like I said, but feeling big or looking big when you know that you yourself are 100 pounds is not good for the self esteem. So thank you. I have learned a lot from these body type videos. I might not know my type. But at least I can say I am proud of the improvement I made for my wardrobe and self esteem.
For anyone who has been thinking about booking a consultation from Meriam, I would highly suggest to go for it! It has made my life much easier and I actually accept myself more now that I don't try to fit into other body's lines. Not to mention Meriam is very sweet and helpful and I have gotten my result for both consultations even before the "due date!" 😊
I find the pictures of celebrities you use to visually teach us very helpful and would like to see that here. Examples of celebrities of the body lines wearing outfits that enhance their body lines and also examples where outfits detract from their body lines.
@@merriamstyle Hey, thanks for the reply🙂 I learned that celebrities get a lot of photo editing and many change their bodies a lot, so that is why I really like the drawings. Makes more sense👍
After watching your videos I've finally been able to train my eye well enough to determine my skin is cool and radient. You're a good teacher. With videos like this maby I'll be able to figure out my bone structure too!
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I finally understand why I can't do ruffles and many details without looking... off-putting lol. I've recently been trying to buy girlier clothes, but poufy shoulders and ruffles make me look like a troll lmao. Now I know it's because I have a smooth shaped faced. My closet is full of clothes with minimal details and now I know why these are best on me. Also being petite, I realize now why long skirts look bad on me too. It doesn't compliment my short lines. It's like the skirts are wearing me. I guess I now need to find myself a tailor lmao.
Thank you! This was so helpful! I've been confused about my type. I have short narrow lines with mostly rounded angles. I get lots of D/E answers in the test, but floaty, ruffly dresses don't suite me (although I love ruffles as a detail, say around a neckline). Also, I wear my yang in the bridge of my nose. I actually have an obviously round tip of my nose, but definitely a prominent bridge. I feel like that makes my dose of yang hard to ignore compared to say, having large hands. Anyway, your recommendation of wearing fitted clothing and high/snug necklines around my narrow shoulders is definitely spot on for me. I guess I'm leaning towards SG and maybe borrowing from TR.
This is a very good summary on the potentially complicated approach. Try things out to see what looks good. Thanks! It will be helpful to provide more color family suggestions with examples.
Happy New Year! 🥳🎉 Merriam, I always find you brilliant. I think you could just call your whole system "Artistic License"--with AL Color Theory and AL Body Typing as subsets of your system. I think it's a good idea to bring, this way, all of your ideas under one roof. 💕
Hi Merriam, I'm a Mixed type - pure or with a bit more sharpness. When I gain weight I get *very* bottom-heavy which confuses me, as this phenomenon just isn't included in any description of Mixed/Gamines: they seem to *always* be "leggy". I'm definitely a mixture of opposites with a lot of sharpness in my face and bones - and this rather soft and big bottom + a defined waist. It almost looks like two different bodies on top vs. at the bottom. I have always felt those curves aren't secondary, but very important, I always have to accomodate them first when I dress - and then my sharp bones! Aren't pear-shape and hourglass-shape very common and how would they look different on different types? I would really love to finally see someone talk about those of us, who carry their weight on the bottom - how that relates to the yin-yang-balance, and how to accomodate them properly if you're a Mixed or whatever other type. Lots of love! :-)
Has anyone purchased her consults and received it? I purchased the Full Report and have yet to receive it. It's 10 days past due and Merriam failed to respond to my emails asking for updates.
Hi Monique, I've refunded you as a courtesy. Your report was sent on the day that you had booked, however, your email was coming back as 'inbox full'. This is also probably why I didn't receive your email asking for an update. I try to give a grace period of a few weeks before I issue a refund if I can't get in touch with a client. However, I did receive your email from the alternate email address, and I've also forwarded the original email with the report to that address. In any case, you should see your refund reflected in 5-10 business days, and I hope you enjoy your report free of charge!
I LOVE THIS APPROACH!! It's way easier to use than traditional Kibbe and it's way more flexible. In my opinon, the Kibbe system works well over all, but I like your approach better. :) It takes some things into account that I think is lacking in the Kibbe system. And this answers my question about what my mother's recommendations would be - tall and narrow, but with clear beveled angles to her face. :) I never new how to approach that; FN lines are way too wide for her narrow silhouette, but somehow it doesn't fell right to go full on long and sharp lines and overlook the clear beveled angles to her face. Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this. :)
yaaay! I'm so happy this approach works for your mom. so many more people have different combinations like this, and once you see it, you can't unsee it!!
Oh, and how has no one commented about the gorgeous sweater you're wearing!! Would you mind sharing where you found it? I guess maybe one more clue I may be SG is that I always love what you're wearing! ❤️
Long/wide/rounded. I can still wear tight-fitted tops with straight pants. I think it's the same principle with creating a broken line that you mentioned for mixed bone structure.
I gave up on Kibbe it was driving me Krazy! I too am long wide and smooth. EZ. Now what? It seems Merriams drawing of tall and wide is perfect to go on, and I guess smooth then minimal detailing in all else? Purses, jewlery, shoes makeup? I am eager for future video!
I love your channel Merriam and I’m really tempted to get my full report from your consult soon! My question is do you ever come across people who are untypeable? Maybe it’s my untrained eye but I see myself as contradictory - both cool and warm at times, with conflicting body types! your information is so clear, however I feel disheartened that I just don’t see myself fitting into anything clearly 😅😔
Hi Merriam, it all does make sense! But there is no info in this whatsoever how to actually determine all these lines and angles. After watching this video I am aware that these lines exist, but do I have long lines or short lines, or what are my angles I have no clue. It would be nice to watch a video with photo examples of different lines and angles
Hello Miss Merriam! I love your videos! Would you be willing to critique the Golden Globe gowns? I am interested in knowing if the stars matched their body types. Thanks for all you do! You have a lovely, soft persona!
I find this approach simple and useful, I think I am a short and either medium or wide type, which already gives me a good pointer on the wardrobe. What confuses me is the face, it's kind of hard for me to dustinguish the lines. I think I am either smooth or beveled. I have to say, after trying to Kibbe type myself several times and only managing to conclude my answers are not A or E, this is a lot easier and intuitive. Thank you for putting the effort into breaking it down and making it simpler!
Do you have an opinion on high hip bones/spoon shape? I see pear mentioned a lot, but my hips look somewhat like Audrey Hepburn's. A very abrupt hip shelf jutting out from a somewhat narrow waist. Upper and lower hips are the same width. The hips are wide especially compared to narrow shoulders, but look almost angular instead of round and fleshy. Sorry if I'm not explaining that well. Like if you traced around a photo, one person's hips might look like a circle while one is square regardless if they are narrow or wide. I wondered if you can have wide hips, but fit into a type like FG if shape of the hips is more angular than round?
Ugh ... I also have what I refer to as high, square hips ... love your “shelf” description! The only thing that balances them on my body is my head! (So I guess that means my head is on the larger side 👽😬.) I would say that the rest of my body would probably, in comparison, be considered narrow. Hips like this are a bit of a challenge to dress! Wearing “fitted” clothes draws attention to the “shelf” but loose clothes makes me look larger than I am. The other thing is I am quite short-waisted, so if I cinch at the waist, my upper torso looks disproportionate and my “shelf” looks enormous. Aline works best on me, with a high fitting neck. I also look best with broken lines so I tend to layer (mid thigh Aline top with skirted leggings underneath for example). In other words, I try and skim over the hips.... at the expense of defining the waist.....emphasizing the narrower shoulders, arms and legs. I never considered the size of my head before this video, but I guess it sort of helps to balance the larger part of the ALine.... 🤔..... I wish it was easier to find Aline clothes and outerwear in stores. Another thing in my experience is that these kind of hips don’t look as good in pants, so I tend to wear leggings underneath skirts and longer Aline tops. Thank you so much for this video! It has helped me see things a little differently and understand from a different perspective .... especially the head-thing! Because you are right about head size being a factor! Just curious, Amber ... do you consider your head to also be on the larger size? Is that a thing?.......Larger head going with high, square, shelf hips? I am going to keep my eyes peeled for large-headed people from now on so I can answer that question .... so weird, I know😚😏!
@@cindytoennies5538 you explained all this so well! My experience with clothing is nearly identical. I do well in high necklines and anything that makes my narrow shoulders look wider. As far as skimming over the hips I find peplum tops work very well. I also cannot find pants that fit, and have to wear stretchy bottoms. I have a large head compared to my frame (I'm 5'1), but small in general (standard hats are way too large). I think I'm some kind of gamine as I have an odd mixture of opposites like round jawline, but prominent nose. Fleshy cheeks, but thin lips. A straight, flat upper torso, but wide hips. I never seem to fit neatly into any category even within the gamine stereotypes. Our hip shape is so dramatic that I can't see it being something you can just ignore to focus on the Yin/Yang balance in the rest of the body. I know it's the main thing I have to dress around, so it would be nice to know how it fits into these systems. I saw someone mention tracing a line around a photo of your body in the shape of a dress to more easily visualise your lines. I did so with a few other celebrities who have been typed and my lines do look the most similar to Audrey (though I am shorter and wider). But even within the FG type her figure seems uncommon. It's so odd how one feature can throw off so much of your overall shape.
Angular but wide hips are definitely a thing! All different types can have a smaller waist and wider hips. Without knowing anything else about your lines, that would suggest to me that you're some angular type. Even dramatics can have a defined waist, but their hip shape often looks more angular than rounded! FG sounds plausible without knowing anything else, though of course keep in mind that it's not about matching features with a celebrity, but about the overall. There's also a ton of variation within types. You can have lines in common with people who look very different from you if you start closely analyzing individual features.
I heard someone who IDs as Flamboyant Gamine describe her hips as "trapezoidal", which sounded familiar to me, so I looked it up and found an article about there being 5 basic hip shapes. Sure seems fundamental to me! And yeah, there's that picture of Audrey in all black, slim tucked top with (maybe pleated) slim trousers that shows this outline perfectly.
I love this video to the core! I am a soft gamine, however I initially thought I am Soft Natural because I really don't look like a conventional Soft Gamine.. My body bones are very beveled but my facial bones are very soft and yin.. This really helped me to understand more.. I really like high constracted necklines and color block with loose fitting...
Same!! I have beveled bones, and they're not exactly sharp like other SGs. I tend to wear crew necks instead since I have a shorter neck, and I wear fitted trousers or pants, or bodycon skirts! 😁
@@kaidawisteria I'm glad I am not alone.. I had been in denial about being an SG because I of how beveled my body is but when I wear SN, it does not really match my very romantic facial bones and features.. But when I wear loose gamine styles, everything goes harmoniously.
@@dominicusalanus875 Same!! I used to think I was SN too, until I realised that a full-on SN outfit was unflattering on me, and just made me look miserable. So glad to hear that there's someone similar to me out here haha! :D
thank you for this ! But then I have a question. I love it to simplify, compared to the complex kibbe types. But the thing is when you have less categories, it's harder to fit into them. What do you do for example if you have narrow shoulders but wide bottom below the waist ?
I have narrow shoulders bur wide hips. So am I narrow ? or should I wear tight tops but wider bottoms ? But I feel like it makes me look bottom heavy. Guess I will have to go shopping to try different things on.
Long hems and monochrome, moderate to loose clothing, beveled fabric folds and beveled accessories, textured fabric, maybe not too wild-leaning a little minimal
I guess my problem is that I don't know how to tell things apart like what is long vs short or narrow vs wide. I see myself or other people and everybody looks relatively the same to me unless they have extreme bodies like very tall or very wide.
I have the same problem. I look at me and example pictures of others and go "that's all normal, so I guess moderate for everything" but I know it doesn't work like that...
Merriam my chin looks beveled but I am a short Theatrical Romantic ... When I take pic of myself while facing my phone to my chest , I seem to have slightly long legs and I look slightly taller than my actual height which is 5'1 .... It doesn't seem like I have completely rounded lines but the beveled type seems to have a longer vertical line than I do so I am stuck ......
Can you post irl examples of a few? I’m not understanding how having broad shoulders & wearing something loose is flattering ? The wide shoulder thing is usually a hallmark for hourglass types so I feel like broad shoulders+ moderate bust+ smallish waist+ shoulder (bust to 🍑 ) to hip ratio equal makes you look wider if it is not fitted at waist ? Maybe I’m not understanding your system correctly but I think I qualify as long, wide - can’t remember what my face is (round? Maybe mixed?)
Amazing video. So helpful! Quick question! How do I figure out if something is moderate. It seems easier to me to pick out sharp and round, but things like moderate hems/lengths, moderate angels, moderate fit, moderate neckline, and moderate color usage makes me feel lost. (And as someone who is thoroughly moderate, frustrated) thank you!!
I have a question. I feel like my shoulders are a little in the narrow side (if I’m not overweight) but the bones in hips are very wide. I have a pointy chin, small and narrow hands and wide feet 🤦🏻♀️. What am I? Lol
I’m an oddity. My lines are not cohesive. I have the upper body of a romantic with long legs. When young my upper body size 5 lower 13 with. 33” inseam. My arms are actually short like those of a petite person and hands and wrists are small used to wear size 4!ring finger until my 50’s. Short waisted and then lower body of a soft dramatic or something else??? long and curvy etc
I hear you. We are not standard issue. I discovered my best fitting jeans are "Tall Curvy 11+" rise" but I'm barely 5'5" and 118# size 4. I can wear petite XS tops unless long sleeved, which are too short for my long arms. So we are "mixed"/Gamine I guess. But I have a small head & look taller than I am (unless seated!), so "long lines" or "broken lines"? I have a soft Gamine face on a small head.. 🤣
What counts, proportionally, for head size? Is it length (e.g., how many heads tall your body is) or is width also an important factor? I have a narrow jawline, strong chin, decisively rounded features, and wide 'doe eyes'. My hairstyling can make me look like I have a tiny pinhead or like I'm practically an anime character (and I've gotten comments pointing both directions), so it's hard for me to know how to judge.
This is great! I'm short, wide, and smooth in the face, but pretty fleshy but wide in the body. I'd type myself as a (very) soft natural, but the natural clothing advice always feels wrong to me, with too much draping. But knowing that I can allow some smoothness into my look feels great! I feel like I look really good in very casual soft classic details, with my natural coming out in the casual aspect rather than in the drapeyness.
Thanks for this simple method! While I love the Kibbe system I no longer know what my image identity is lol so I’ve been trying to experiment with different lines when trying on clothing
I'm a Long-Narrow-Round. (I'm a Soft Dramatic, btw. I reverse engineered this exercise and found that it still worked for me). This also explains why I have broad shoulders (something between answer A & B shoulders), but I find that I'm still overwhelmed whenever I wear clothes that are too loose. I can do oversized tops to some extent, but they still have to be in a lightweight fabric and have some draping or fittedness to them for them to work for me. I hope this helps someone. Good luck! 💙
Do you like rounded lines *on yourself* or are you saying you have envy for people who look good in rounded lines? If they suit you, maybe you're more rounded than you think! If it's envy, I understand. You might think about what the style is that you actually like (since type isn't style, after all) and figure out how to create the same effect within your own lines. Merriam has some videos that talk about how to create a certain look within your lines.
would you recommend tea length wedding dress if you are rounded with short lines? the dress i like has a nice mix of rounded shapes and a slight pointy shape (i have a pointy nose)but it has long sleeves and is floor length and im afraid it will swallow me whole.
I wonder how some body types look better in "natural colors" but are also bodies with a radiant season of color so like im a soft natural with a summer aka cool and radiant undertone, i wonder if big color contrasts and blocks are not congruent w my body lines etc, i want to strive for a vivid color scheme as wellin order to express my eccentric personality..
You diagnose large and small heads. Can you tell me more about the proportions? I have no clue where "large" starts and "small" ends. Would a large head be larger than 1/8 of the total body height, lets say 160 cm - the head is larger than 20 cm? (I once read the head is typically 1/8 of the total body height. Thank you for answering my question!
What I did with my rampant left brain is gather some of photos of celebs with different claimed body types, measure out the area of their head, and compare that in ratios with their height and width. Then I had actual numbers to attempt a more objective assessment of myself. Not a perfect system, and all the pro stylists will probably say it's more about a vague "how something appears" rather than measurable numbers, but it helped me to have objective numbers tell me that I actually am quite tiny and the image I'm used to seeing in the mirror is not average. NOTE: Keep in mind that my photos were all typical-celebrity-level thin. If you want it to work with more types of bodies, you might want to include a larger variety of bodies. Maybe it would've been best to measure width by shoulders... as I said, imperfect system.
Albert Einstein said: "Genius is making complex ideas simple, not making simple ideas complex." Merriam, that's you! This video was so clarifying and refreshing. Thank you!! 💕
I agree.
I love the simplicity of this approach, wish I found this first when I was just starting out on the kibbe journey
I am throughly confused with kibbe, so I am thrilled to use this system. Have fun everyone!!!
Thank you Merriam for existing
aww!
This is great! It’s almost like the basics of lines for those just starting out or have found other information overwhelming and confusing.
Thank you for breaking this down so simply, this really helps me look at the lines, angles, and shapes of my body big picture, and not get hung up on what styles I look best in.
I think we get so caught up in archetypes being a way to figure out what clothing looks best on us, but forget that the first goal is to find our body's geometry. This helped put things back into perspective for me.
Well said.
After being extremely confused between D, DC and FG, I had finally decided I will not put myself in a body type box. I know have dominant yang in my bone structure with some yin traits. I keep playing with D and FG lines but in an edgy yet sleek way, also taking into consideration my cool and dark essence and it has been working very well for me. This video makes a lot of sense because I really don't think the majority fall into a particular category especially not with age and weight changes. The yin-yang balance and essence system is way more useful to find our own unique "body/style type"
i can relate- i have also been confused with typing myself between D, DC, and FG. it seems unsatisfying at first to not narrow it down to one category, but its true that when you take a step back, these 3 types wear very similar lines. for myself i know that i am narrow, angular, and elongated so i will simply dress to accommodate these things.
Excellent breakdown! My body's pretty easy to analyse, I've clearly got short, narrow and round features there... but the face is SO hard to analyse. An in depth video about finding the lines of your face would be lovely.
I'm happy you like the breakdown! This is the new way of seeing things I was referring to in your earlier comment from my last video. I think it makes more sense this way/is more streamlined. I'll certainly be making all kinds of videos on this in the future, including more in depth videos on the face and things like that. But meanwhile, you could consider 'draping' different types of either hairstyles or earrings to see what looks best against your face and that will give you your angles.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, or if you have figured it out by now, but you may be smooth! I think this is the most difficult one to figure out - it has taken me months to realize that I fall in the middle, and your features in your profile look too streamlined to be beveled, while I see no pronounced narrowness or roundness… you look smooth, like me :)
I love your version of Kibbe so so much more, I think the Kibbe community can be quite gatekeepey and I much prefer your analytical way of viewing the system. The more I learn about Kibbe the more it seems that Kibbe himself keeps backtracking and changing things? I think everyone needs to remember that as with literature its all about interpretation, and if the original system works for you and how you style yourself then that's literally the only thing that matters!
Merriam, this is so simple and straightforward that is just GENIUS! I have been suspecting my body type just based on the lines I have been identifying, look more harmonious on me. Since I am 5’ 2”, it wasn’t easy to identify I had moderate to long line (for my height), wide bones and beveled face features. I don’t have particularly wide shoulders, at least not like a taller Natural but my bones are so wide that I can tell that they need much more room in the clothing I wear to look right. Any fitted clothing makes me look 20 pounds heavier!!! I just find fascinating that all of this happens at a short height like mine.
ThePinkLady Apple That’s great! It really helps to determine what is really width. Width needs room to look right!
thank you, that's what i needed!! we get so caught up in the names of the types and the possible meaning that is commonly used with those terms that we get more lost. this approach is the real thing after all, knowing our lines and matching them and our yin/yang balance, no matter what the type is called.
I also think that it creates more combinaison possible and it will be more personalized as I feel like that the existing types aren't considering all combinaison and that someone can have two different angles to take into consideration.
I'm wondering what if someone have slightly narrower shoulders but the ribcage is slightly more on the wider side? that would be more a moderate width I guess?
During the classic art classes i took as a child, i have learned that a truly proportionate body contains 8 times of the head lengthwise in total body height and 3 times head width across the shoulder line... maybe it would be helpful to someone in determining their proportions.
I have moderate lines, wider bone structure, and smooth facial angles but the thing is that anytime I wear a looser silhouette or an open neckline on my upper body it makes me look very wide and top-heavy, while my legs end up appearing too skinny and short so I always have to combine this type of silhouette with heels. Though I can go for a different type of outfit if I'm wearing black since it will take away from the width of the body, a black turtleneck/high shirt with sleeves above the elbows and black jeans that are slightly cropped makes me look soo good, even if I'm only wearing sneakers. It's weird because I used to think I'd never look good in those types of lines but they fit my body soo good.
Thanks to all of the TH-camrs who were and still are talking about the lines, because if it wasn't for them I'd never experiment
how about an open neckline but tight top, and sounds like you could be long waisted, so tuck in your top and wear high rise pants that are wide to bring in some of that width? From what you're saying definitely sounds like you're on the right track with slightly cropped jeans for moderate length lines!!
@@merriamstyle If I find the right type of pants I'll definitely try it out ^^
That was SO helpful! I’ve been watching so many Kibbe analysis videos and I keep getting more and more mixed up about which type I am. This clarified that I really am a soft classic and not a romantic, or soft dramatic (although all of those have slightly similar clothing suggestions).
For the first 6 months I never thought I could be a classic because I am not at all drawn to boring things. I’m more artistic & ecclectic, but as I’ve started to dress in more clean lines with waist emphasis I’ve realized I actually can create that quirky look better than with an oversized (natural) kimono.
You really have a talent for this! In 12 minutes you demystified some concepts that I was stuck on for months. I felt certain I was some type of short (5'4") Soft Natural, as I've always been quite muscular, and have broad shoulders, a high forehead, and wide cheekbones. But I also have large (almond-shaped) eyes, a small round nose, and quite a large head in proportion to my body, and I scored Theatrical Romantic on the Kibbe quiz. I've been puzzled ever since, but your video helped me to stop overthinking my lines and finally understand why I'm the type that I am. My lines are clearly short, wide, & round (+beveled?). Even the though I tend toward muscularity, my muscles & limbs are quite rounded, and so is my face (very round cheeks regardless of weight) despite some underlying sharpness. Thanks for your insight! Sometimes I feel like the archetypes of Kibbe's and other similar systems can be a bit distracting to people who overthink, and its easy to develop an overly abstract view of yourself. I really enjoyed your intuitive take on the lines as well as your lovely drawings!
Thank you for sharing this, I feel like I'm in the same place you were in. I've always typed myself as a Dramatic Classic but some of his suggestions feel too angular and sharp for me. My body is definitely dry on top and heavier on the bottom and my bones are narrow. But the face is so complex and hard to type, my cheeks are a bit rounded and my nose/mouth/chin definitely not sharp at all. Artistic license ignores the distinction/discrepancy between bone and flesh and only looks at the overall line and angle, which makes it easier, as does the color typing which ignores undertone/overtone and just look at the overall color. So now my job is to try to unlearn everything I know about Kibbe typing?? lolll
@@haoqinggeng514 I’m an obvious R but it sounds like my sister is very similar to you, we settled on DC for her but although she has a sharp yang bone structure, she looks very good in softer touches (wavy hair, dainty jewelry, small floral prints, etc). I don’t think all of the typical DC recommendations are quite right for her in that they’re a touch too simple and harsh, but she’s still much too sharp for SC. Which is why I’m baffled that Kibbe eliminated the pure categories like pure Classic, pure Gamine, and pure Natural. But why did he keep pure D and pure R? It’s a mystery to me. I think my sister probably would fall into pure Classic.
So glad that you keep weighing in on the body typing conversation, Merriam. You cut through any dross.
One of your best videos. I personally believe the Kibbie system doesn't work for everyone. I think looking at yourself as being unique and curating a look based on your specific qualities is a better approach than trying to fit into a very specific category.
I'm also with the idea that the face has a major impact on the way clothing looks overall. I'm now curious as to how well dressing only for your face works as an approach, and to what extent.
Unfortunately clothing doesn't hang on our face or nose. Ur clothing should suit ur frame first and go with whatever essence u relate with second.
@@mkim4091 And here I was contemplating wearing my skirt on my head.
The point is, your facial features impact the way the clothes look on your frame and how in harmony they are, or aren't, with you and your lines as a whole. Wearing lines that clash with your face can be enough to make them out of place. I'm sure you've noticed how a haircut or hairstyle can make or break a look. Same goes with your facial features. However, altering your face is obviously different than hair. That is why dressing for your face is a thing. Especially if its different from the lines of the body.
I personally have classic features and a very romantic body. More often I look better and more in harmony as a whole in classic clothes unless I play with my hair and makeup and do extra work.
Even David Kibbe has grown apart of his own system and uses something similar to what merriam explains here.
Yes you are very right about that people should not just dress for the body, but mostly important dressing for your face bcs people may see you for a long distance and when the come near for you ,if the outfit doesnt match with the face the overal look will be broken.
Dressing for your body may work if you are a clothes model and often people miss the point that the style theys are more leaning the most is determinate for the facial aesthetics/archetypes!@@marionsmith9579
Pure genius. I've been trying to understand what my lines are in the kibbe system for forever - oscillating between DC, N, & FG. This made it so simple & now I feel clear. Thank you, this is exactly what I needed!
So I have a long lines, narrow bones, and my angles are a mix of smooth and beveled. Oh boy…😅
Fabrics have really helped me. I am small, petite, and have a mix of round and sharp angles on my body. High waisted things make me look thicker. A slight natural waist makes me look longer. Though realiseing longer lines of color look better on me breaks my heart as a high waist lover, I have come to grips with it. But, really I have felt better with all the realizations to my body (Like the fact I have broad shoulders, thicker limbs, longer torso and limbs, and a long neck) with the fabrics. Stiffer fabrics with some sharpness has been my saveing grace for my self esteem. I can't pull off the loose and lazy but yet kept together look. Things have to be ironed and tightly fitted around my chest. The way things fit are more of a priority and I am thankful for it. I am a small person, like I said, but feeling big or looking big when you know that you yourself are 100 pounds is not good for the self esteem. So thank you. I have learned a lot from these body type videos. I might not know my type. But at least I can say I am proud of the improvement I made for my wardrobe and self esteem.
For anyone who has been thinking about booking a consultation from Meriam, I would highly suggest to go for it! It has made my life much easier and I actually accept myself more now that I don't try to fit into other body's lines. Not to mention Meriam is very sweet and helpful and I have gotten my result for both consultations even before the "due date!" 😊
That's like the best video on body typing I've ever seen. Thank you so much. Clearly, you are a genius.
The quality of your videos are looking so good! You have great content! I haves learned so much from your videos.
I find the pictures of celebrities you use to visually teach us very helpful and would like to see that here. Examples of celebrities of the body lines wearing outfits that enhance their body lines and also examples where outfits detract from their body lines.
It's really fun to watch the vids w/the drawings. It's easier to understand the lines better 🙂👍
aw yay I'm happy that's the case--I enjoy the drawings because I also feel like I can show exactly what I mean by just drawing it myself. :)
@@merriamstyle
Hey, thanks for the reply🙂
I learned that celebrities get a lot of photo editing and many change their bodies a lot, so that is why I really like the drawings.
Makes more sense👍
After watching your videos I've finally been able to train my eye well enough to determine my skin is cool and radient. You're a good teacher. With videos like this maby I'll be able to figure out my bone structure too!
Merriam I can't get enough of your videos! Your voice is so soothing and you break down the concepts so well.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video. I finally understand why I can't do ruffles and many details without looking... off-putting lol. I've recently been trying to buy girlier clothes, but poufy shoulders and ruffles make me look like a troll lmao. Now I know it's because I have a smooth shaped faced. My closet is full of clothes with minimal details and now I know why these are best on me. Also being petite, I realize now why long skirts look bad on me too. It doesn't compliment my short lines. It's like the skirts are wearing me. I guess I now need to find myself a tailor lmao.
Thank you! This was so helpful! I've been confused about my type. I have short narrow lines with mostly rounded angles. I get lots of D/E answers in the test, but floaty, ruffly dresses don't suite me (although I love ruffles as a detail, say around a neckline). Also, I wear my yang in the bridge of my nose. I actually have an obviously round tip of my nose, but definitely a prominent bridge. I feel like that makes my dose of yang hard to ignore compared to say, having large hands. Anyway, your recommendation of wearing fitted clothing and high/snug necklines around my narrow shoulders is definitely spot on for me. I guess I'm leaning towards SG and maybe borrowing from TR.
Very cool streamlined approach! Just as straightforward and accurate as artistic license. I’m a little undecided about the angles of my face....
This is a very good summary on the potentially complicated approach. Try things out to see what looks good. Thanks! It will be helpful to provide more color family suggestions with examples.
Happy New Year! 🥳🎉 Merriam, I always find you brilliant. I think you could just call your whole system "Artistic License"--with AL Color Theory and AL Body Typing as subsets of your system. I think it's a good idea to bring, this way, all of your ideas under one roof. 💕
I like this clean approach! Is there a chance you can do a even more detailed one about this? 💌
yes, this is the future!!!!!
Hi Merriam, I'm a Mixed type - pure or with a bit more sharpness. When I gain weight I get *very* bottom-heavy which confuses me, as this phenomenon just isn't included in any description of Mixed/Gamines: they seem to *always* be "leggy". I'm definitely a mixture of opposites with a lot of sharpness in my face and bones - and this rather soft and big bottom + a defined waist. It almost looks like two different bodies on top vs. at the bottom. I have always felt those curves aren't secondary, but very important, I always have to accomodate them first when I dress - and then my sharp bones! Aren't pear-shape and hourglass-shape very common and how would they look different on different types?
I would really love to finally see someone talk about those of us, who carry their weight on the bottom - how that relates to the yin-yang-balance, and how to accomodate them properly if you're a Mixed or whatever other type.
Lots of love! :-)
Oh my god I really needed this!♡ Lovely. I have a moderate line, narrow shoulders and round face!
moderate lines, moderate width, and smooth angles. i do consider myself a soft classic, so this makes sense.
Has anyone purchased her consults and received it? I purchased the Full Report and have yet to receive it. It's 10 days past due and Merriam failed to respond to my emails asking for updates.
Hi Monique, I've refunded you as a courtesy. Your report was sent on the day that you had booked, however, your email was coming back as 'inbox full'. This is also probably why I didn't receive your email asking for an update. I try to give a grace period of a few weeks before I issue a refund if I can't get in touch with a client. However, I did receive your email from the alternate email address, and I've also forwarded the original email with the report to that address. In any case, you should see your refund reflected in 5-10 business days, and I hope you enjoy your report free of charge!
Merriam Style Thank you very much!
And now everything is more logic and less restricted and focused on the individual
Well done!
I LOVE THIS APPROACH!! It's way easier to use than traditional Kibbe and it's way more flexible. In my opinon, the Kibbe system works well over all, but I like your approach better. :) It takes some things into account that I think is lacking in the Kibbe system. And this answers my question about what my mother's recommendations would be - tall and narrow, but with clear beveled angles to her face. :) I never new how to approach that; FN lines are way too wide for her narrow silhouette, but somehow it doesn't fell right to go full on long and sharp lines and overlook the clear beveled angles to her face. Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this. :)
yaaay! I'm so happy this approach works for your mom. so many more people have different combinations like this, and once you see it, you can't unsee it!!
This is a fantastic video. I finally understand width and length now.
Oh, and how has no one commented about the gorgeous sweater you're wearing!! Would you mind sharing where you found it? I guess maybe one more clue I may be SG is that I always love what you're wearing! ❤️
Long/wide/rounded. I can still wear tight-fitted tops with straight pants. I think it's the same principle with creating a broken line that you mentioned for mixed bone structure.
Well that was a lot more simple! So I guess I’m long, wide, and smooth. Thanks 😊
I gave up on Kibbe it was driving me Krazy! I too am long wide and smooth. EZ. Now what? It seems Merriams drawing of tall and wide is perfect to go on, and I guess smooth then minimal detailing in all else? Purses, jewlery, shoes makeup? I am eager for future video!
It would be great to see real life examples in your next video😉
Happy New Year Merriam! Love your new hairstyle 😍❤
I love your channel Merriam and I’m really tempted to get my full report from your consult soon! My question is do you ever come across people who are untypeable? Maybe it’s my untrained eye but I see myself as contradictory - both cool and warm at times, with conflicting body types! your information is so clear, however I feel disheartened that I just don’t see myself fitting into anything clearly 😅😔
Hi Merriam, it all does make sense! But there is no info in this whatsoever how to actually determine all these lines and angles. After watching this video I am aware that these lines exist, but do I have long lines or short lines, or what are my angles I have no clue. It would be nice to watch a video with photo examples of different lines and angles
Hello Miss Merriam! I love your videos! Would you be willing to critique the Golden Globe gowns? I am interested in knowing if the stars matched their body types. Thanks for all you do! You have a lovely, soft persona!
Hello, thank you for the video. Could you make a male version for this? That would be really interesting.
Have a nice day!
Just started the video, but already know it's going to be brilliant!!! 😘
I find this approach simple and useful, I think I am a short and either medium or wide type, which already gives me a good pointer on the wardrobe. What confuses me is the face, it's kind of hard for me to dustinguish the lines. I think I am either smooth or beveled. I have to say, after trying to Kibbe type myself several times and only managing to conclude my answers are not A or E, this is a lot easier and intuitive. Thank you for putting the effort into breaking it down and making it simpler!
Do you have an opinion on high hip bones/spoon shape? I see pear mentioned a lot, but my hips look somewhat like Audrey Hepburn's. A very abrupt hip shelf jutting out from a somewhat narrow waist. Upper and lower hips are the same width.
The hips are wide especially compared to narrow shoulders, but look almost angular instead of round and fleshy.
Sorry if I'm not explaining that well.
Like if you traced around a photo, one person's hips might look like a circle while one is square regardless if they are narrow or wide.
I wondered if you can have wide hips, but fit into a type like FG if shape of the hips is more angular than round?
Ugh ... I also have what I refer to as high, square hips ... love your “shelf” description! The only thing that balances them on my body is my head! (So I guess that means my head is on the larger side 👽😬.) I would say that the rest of my body would probably, in comparison, be considered narrow. Hips like this are a bit of a challenge to dress! Wearing “fitted” clothes draws attention to the “shelf” but loose clothes makes me look larger than I am. The other thing is I am quite short-waisted, so if I cinch at the waist, my upper torso looks disproportionate and my “shelf” looks enormous. Aline works best on me, with a high fitting neck. I also look best with broken lines so I tend to layer (mid thigh Aline top with skirted leggings underneath for example). In other words, I try and skim over the hips.... at the expense of defining the waist.....emphasizing the narrower shoulders, arms and legs. I never considered the size of my head before this video, but I guess it sort of helps to balance the larger part of the ALine.... 🤔..... I wish it was easier to find Aline clothes and outerwear in stores. Another thing in my experience is that these kind of hips don’t look as good in pants, so I tend to wear leggings underneath skirts and longer Aline tops. Thank you so much for this video! It has helped me see things a little differently and understand from a different perspective .... especially the head-thing! Because you are right about head size being a factor! Just curious, Amber ... do you consider your head to also be on the larger size? Is that a thing?.......Larger head going with high, square, shelf hips? I am going to keep my eyes peeled for large-headed people from now on so I can answer that question .... so weird, I know😚😏!
@@cindytoennies5538 you explained all this so well! My experience with clothing is nearly identical. I do well in high necklines and anything that makes my narrow shoulders look wider. As far as skimming over the hips I find peplum tops work very well. I also cannot find pants that fit, and have to wear stretchy bottoms.
I have a large head compared to my frame (I'm 5'1), but small in general (standard hats are way too large).
I think I'm some kind of gamine as I have an odd mixture of opposites like round jawline, but prominent nose. Fleshy cheeks, but thin lips. A straight, flat upper torso, but wide hips.
I never seem to fit neatly into any category even within the gamine stereotypes.
Our hip shape is so dramatic that I can't see it being something you can just ignore to focus on the Yin/Yang balance in the rest of the body. I know it's the main thing I have to dress around, so it would be nice to know how it fits into these systems.
I saw someone mention tracing a line around a photo of your body in the shape of a dress to more easily visualise your lines. I did so with a few other celebrities who have been typed and my lines do look the most similar to Audrey (though I am shorter and wider). But even within the FG type her figure seems uncommon.
It's so odd how one feature can throw off so much of your overall shape.
Angular but wide hips are definitely a thing! All different types can have a smaller waist and wider hips. Without knowing anything else about your lines, that would suggest to me that you're some angular type. Even dramatics can have a defined waist, but their hip shape often looks more angular than rounded! FG sounds plausible without knowing anything else, though of course keep in mind that it's not about matching features with a celebrity, but about the overall. There's also a ton of variation within types. You can have lines in common with people who look very different from you if you start closely analyzing individual features.
I heard someone who IDs as Flamboyant Gamine describe her hips as "trapezoidal", which sounded familiar to me, so I looked it up and found an article about there being 5 basic hip shapes. Sure seems fundamental to me! And yeah, there's that picture of Audrey in all black, slim tucked top with (maybe pleated) slim trousers that shows this outline perfectly.
I love this video to the core! I am a soft gamine, however I initially thought I am Soft Natural because I really don't look like a conventional Soft Gamine.. My body bones are very beveled but my facial bones are very soft and yin.. This really helped me to understand more.. I really like high constracted necklines and color block with loose fitting...
Same!! I have beveled bones, and they're not exactly sharp like other SGs. I tend to wear crew necks instead since I have a shorter neck, and I wear fitted trousers or pants, or bodycon skirts! 😁
@@kaidawisteria I'm glad I am not alone.. I had been in denial about being an SG because I of how beveled my body is but when I wear SN, it does not really match my very romantic facial bones and features.. But when I wear loose gamine styles, everything goes harmoniously.
@@dominicusalanus875 Same!! I used to think I was SN too, until I realised that a full-on SN outfit was unflattering on me, and just made me look miserable. So glad to hear that there's someone similar to me out here haha! :D
thank you for this ! But then I have a question. I love it to simplify, compared to the complex kibbe types. But the thing is when you have less categories, it's harder to fit into them. What do you do for example if you have narrow shoulders but wide bottom below the waist ?
WOW, incredibly helpful. Does anyone know if these concepts can be used in the context of men's body/style as well?
I have narrow shoulders bur wide hips. So am I narrow ? or should I wear tight tops but wider bottoms ? But I feel like it makes me look bottom heavy. Guess I will have to go shopping to try different things on.
Wow very well thought. Thanks Merriam
What's the difference between smooth and round?
Long, wide/moderate, smooth/beveled. (Cool and delicate)
Long hems and monochrome, moderate to loose clothing, beveled fabric folds and beveled accessories, textured fabric, maybe not too wild-leaning a little minimal
You're just so good, Merriam. I have learned so much from you
I'm moderate, moderate, smooth/round what do I wear I can't picture an outfit 😂😭😭😭😭
I guess my problem is that I don't know how to tell things apart like what is long vs short or narrow vs wide. I see myself or other people and everybody looks relatively the same to me unless they have extreme bodies like very tall or very wide.
I have the same problem. I look at me and example pictures of others and go "that's all normal, so I guess moderate for everything" but I know it doesn't work like that...
It’s interesting because I’ve naturally dressed this way - long lines, narrow, beveled/smooth.
I’m a bit late, but what if I have broad shoulders and small wrists / bone structure? Does that average out to “moderate” width?
Cool... Long, narrow, and smooth. Awesome.
Merriam my chin looks beveled but I am a short Theatrical Romantic ... When I take pic of myself while facing my phone to my chest , I seem to have slightly long legs and I look slightly taller than my actual height which is 5'1 .... It doesn't seem like I have completely rounded lines but the beveled type seems to have a longer vertical line than I do so I am stuck ......
Can you post irl examples of a few? I’m not understanding how having broad shoulders & wearing something loose is flattering ? The wide shoulder thing is usually a hallmark for hourglass types so I feel like broad shoulders+ moderate bust+ smallish waist+ shoulder (bust to 🍑 ) to hip ratio equal makes you look wider if it is not fitted at waist ? Maybe I’m not understanding your system correctly but I think I qualify as long, wide - can’t remember what my face is (round? Maybe mixed?)
Amazing video. So helpful! Quick question! How do I figure out if something is moderate. It seems easier to me to pick out sharp and round, but things like moderate hems/lengths, moderate angels, moderate fit, moderate neckline, and moderate color usage makes me feel lost. (And as someone who is thoroughly moderate, frustrated) thank you!!
Good question! I would like to hear more about this from Merriam too :)
Thank you so so much Merriam 💕
Great year to you 🌻
So I think I’m long and wide with a smooth face....I forgot what that means already, so I guess I have to watch the video again 😅
Me too!!
8:16 Round
1:37 Narrow 1st
Merriam what kind of sleeveless top could i wear when i have a wider frame and big chest. Thank you
Maybe an open pretty square-ish in the cleavage one.
What is the difference between a round and a smooth face shape?
I have a question. I feel like my shoulders are a little in the narrow side (if I’m not overweight) but the bones in hips are very wide. I have a pointy chin, small and narrow hands and wide feet 🤦🏻♀️. What am I? Lol
Would be nice if you insert pics of actual people with the various lines
HNY!
I hope everyone's doing well in this crazy time.
I’m an oddity. My lines are not cohesive. I have the upper body of a romantic with long legs. When young my upper body size 5 lower 13 with. 33” inseam. My arms are actually short like those of a petite person and hands and wrists are small used to wear size 4!ring finger until my 50’s. Short waisted and then lower body of a soft dramatic or something else??? long and curvy etc
I hear you. We are not standard issue. I discovered my best fitting jeans are "Tall Curvy 11+" rise" but I'm barely 5'5" and 118# size 4. I can wear petite XS tops unless long sleeved, which are too short for my long arms. So we are "mixed"/Gamine I guess. But I have a small head & look taller than I am (unless seated!), so "long lines" or "broken lines"? I have a soft Gamine face on a small head..
🤣
What counts, proportionally, for head size? Is it length (e.g., how many heads tall your body is) or is width also an important factor?
I have a narrow jawline, strong chin, decisively rounded features, and wide 'doe eyes'. My hairstyling can make me look like I have a tiny pinhead or like I'm practically an anime character (and I've gotten comments pointing both directions), so it's hard for me to know how to judge.
Thanks so much for your videos! They are really inspiring! Please do videos on every Kibby body type recommendations.
can you talk about face shapes?is it really a thing?just curious :D
This is great! I'm short, wide, and smooth in the face, but pretty fleshy but wide in the body. I'd type myself as a (very) soft natural, but the natural clothing advice always feels wrong to me, with too much draping. But knowing that I can allow some smoothness into my look feels great! I feel like I look really good in very casual soft classic details, with my natural coming out in the casual aspect rather than in the drapeyness.
Maybe you're a soft natural with a strong classic essence?
You look beautiful !! Harmony - this is what comes from you today!
Holy moly, this was so helpful! Thank you!
This was really helpful! I’m a soft gamine and I always feel like my style contradicts
Thanks for this simple method! While I love the Kibbe system I no longer know what my image identity is lol so I’ve been trying to experiment with different lines when trying on clothing
I'm a Long-Narrow-Round. (I'm a Soft Dramatic, btw. I reverse engineered this exercise and found that it still worked for me).
This also explains why I have broad shoulders (something between answer A & B shoulders), but I find that I'm still overwhelmed whenever I wear clothes that are too loose.
I can do oversized tops to some extent, but they still have to be in a lightweight fabric and have some draping or fittedness to them for them to work for me.
I hope this helps someone. Good luck! 💙
Missing you! 😿 Where have you been?
Hi can you do a type for Anya Taylor Joy? (actress from Queens Gambit?) She looks so interesting!!
I miss your videos so much dear Merriam❤️
Can you make a video about long, wide, and beveled types? 😊
Thank you so much! Would minimal details, for a soft (oval) face shape, include avoiding intricate prints? Happy New Year!
Ok so I’m 5’7”, tall, wide, and beveled. I find myself confused between soft dramatic and soft natural…
This is what i needed !
what if you like rounded lines but your bone structure is not rounded and you facial fetures are not rounded and you are short.
Do you like rounded lines *on yourself* or are you saying you have envy for people who look good in rounded lines? If they suit you, maybe you're more rounded than you think! If it's envy, I understand. You might think about what the style is that you actually like (since type isn't style, after all) and figure out how to create the same effect within your own lines. Merriam has some videos that talk about how to create a certain look within your lines.
I'm 5'9 and lanky with a big head lol so am I moderate?
Loved this video! This was incredibly helpful!
Which body type would the short/wide/rounded be?
Have you considered Romantic?
This is brilliant!
would you recommend tea length wedding dress if you are rounded with short lines? the dress i like has a nice mix of rounded shapes and a slight pointy shape (i have a pointy nose)but it has long sleeves and is floor length and im afraid it will swallow me whole.
I wonder how some body types look better in "natural colors" but are also bodies with a radiant season of color so like im a soft natural with a summer aka cool and radiant undertone, i wonder if big color contrasts and blocks are not congruent w my body lines etc, i want to strive for a vivid color scheme as wellin order to express my eccentric personality..
You diagnose large and small heads. Can you tell me more about the proportions?
I have no clue where "large" starts and "small" ends.
Would a large head be larger than 1/8 of the total body height, lets say 160 cm - the head is larger than 20 cm? (I once read the head is typically 1/8 of the total body height.
Thank you for answering my question!
What I did with my rampant left brain is gather some of photos of celebs with different claimed body types, measure out the area of their head, and compare that in ratios with their height and width. Then I had actual numbers to attempt a more objective assessment of myself. Not a perfect system, and all the pro stylists will probably say it's more about a vague "how something appears" rather than measurable numbers, but it helped me to have objective numbers tell me that I actually am quite tiny and the image I'm used to seeing in the mirror is not average.
NOTE: Keep in mind that my photos were all typical-celebrity-level thin. If you want it to work with more types of bodies, you might want to include a larger variety of bodies. Maybe it would've been best to measure width by shoulders... as I said, imperfect system.
I'd heard 1/7 head to hight ratio. But yeah, all this subjective language and terminology (beveled bones?)