Kibbe Flamboyant Natural: How to Dress for Your Body Type

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The best clothes, accessories, hair, and makeup for you
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If you’ve recently discovered you’re a Flamboyant Natural body type, you're in the right place. David Kibbe’s 1987 bestseller Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can defines a Flamboyant Natural as being a chic free spirit with long lines, blunt edges, and noted angularity. [1] People with a Flamboyant Natural body type have straighter, athletic figures, and we're here to explain everything you need to know about this body type, its characteristics, and how to style it so you look your best today and every day.

Kibbe Flamboyant Natural Basics

  • If you have a Flamboyant Natural body type, you have broad shoulders and a tall, straight figure.
  • Wear flowy oversized pieces in soft, textured fabrics with open necklines that soften blunt features.
  • Accessorize with statement pieces and oversized bags and hats to balance your long, lean frame.
Section 1 of 7:

What is a Flamboyant Natural?

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  1. The Flamboyant Natural is one of the 13 body types defined in David Kibbe’s 1987 book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can . In the book, Kibbe describes the body types as falling along a yin/yang spectrum. [2] Yin represents the more feminine or romantic figure, while yang represents a more masculine or dramatic figure. [3] Flamboyant Natural falls on the masculine side of the yin/yang spectrum with some feminine characteristics.
    • The Flamboyant Natural body type has long limbs, broad shoulders, and blunt edges. They have the sharp yang bone structure combined with softer yin curves and facial features.
    • When a Flamboyant Natural gains weight, they tend to appear more square and stocky. [4]
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Section 2 of 7:

Characteristics of a Flamboyant Natural

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  1. They are one of the tallest body types and are the most masculine of the 3 Natural body types. If you have most of the following characteristics, your body type is probably a Kibbe Flamboyant Natural. [5]
    • Moderate to tall height (above 5’5”)
    • Strong vertical lines
    • Broad shoulders
    • Long arms & legs
    • Larger hands & feet
    • Broad, square facial features
    • Large, open eyes
    • Straight, thinner lips
    • Thin, taut cheeks
  2. You can also rule out whether you’re a Flamboyant Natural by identifying characteristics they don’t have. This can be helpful if you feel like you fit into two body types. Flamboyant Naturals don’t have the following characteristics:
    • Voluptuous curves
    • Delicate facial features
    • Petite frame
    • Narrow bone structure
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Section 3 of 7:

Styling Clothes & Accessories for Flamboyant Naturals

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  1. Try oversized silhouettes and soft fabrics to balance your blunt characteristics. Avoid sharp tailoring and stiff fabrics. The Flamboyant Natural looks great in relaxed, flowing outfits. Free-spirited boho looks are perfect for you if you have this body type, but you don’t have to limit yourself to any specific clothing style.
    • In general, avoid sharp tailoring, fussy or ornate details, harsh lines, sheer fabrics, and too much symmetry when choosing clothing and accessories. [6]
  2. Off-the-shoulder, open necklines, or boat necks work best with a Flamboyant Natural’s broad shoulders. Long, relaxed fits, asymmetrical hemlines, and drapey or belled sleeves help to relax some of the blunt lines associated with the Flamboyant Natural body type.
    • Avoid lace, ruffles, and other fussy trim, severely structured styles, and cropped lengths.
  3. Flamboyant Naturals look great in menswear-styled tailored pants with deep pleating, wide legs, and a relaxed fit. When wearing jeans, wide or straight-legged styles work best with your long, lean frame.
    • Avoid tapered legs with gathered waists or sharply tailored, fitted pants.
  4. Choose skirts that are at mid-calf length or longer with slits or button fronts that give you the opportunity to show off your long legs. When shopping for skirts, look for simple details, like pockets or trouser-style pleats.
    • Avoid both full and pencil-slim skirts, opting for pieces that have some movement but aren’t overly flared.
  5. Simple unstructured dresses that are long and relaxed or oversized complement your broad bone structure. Narrow and relaxed fits with dropped waists are flattering to your vertical lines.
    • Avoid flouncy, ornate styles with super-high necklines that overpower your slim frame. [7]
  6. Oversized cardigans with chunky or ribbed knits and long lengths are cozy and flattering. Wear rough or ultra-plush (but not fluffy) knits with oversized patterns.
    • Avoid classic sweater sets and fitted crewnecks that may overemphasize your broad shoulders and cropped sweaters that cut off your long lines.
  7. Oversized and unstructured coats fit your broad shoulders and are comfortable to wear. Always wear double-breasted styles open to fit with your relaxed style.
    • Avoid peplums and severely tailored styles that can make your blunt edges seem harsh.
  8. If you wear a higher heel, choose chunkier styles, wedges, or stacked heels with square toes. All flats, including classic sneakers, work well for you. Flats inspired by men’s styles are also good choices. Choose materials like suede, leather, and satin (for evening).
    • Avoid stiletto or thin, tapered heels and strappy or overly ornate sandals.
  9. You can also try heavier fabrics with lots of sheen for eveningwear. Whether lightweight or heavy, wear fabrics that have lots of texture. For example, choose raw silk or shantung instead of smooth silk or chiffon.
    • Avoid lightweight, floaty pieces made of sheer or clingy fabrics and overly stiff pieces made of flat, tightly woven fabrics. [8]
  10. These types of prints can soften blunt edges. Pick prints with vivid color combinations that fade into each other. Your long vertical line means you can choose bolder patterns like larger florals and thicker stripes. [9] [10]
    • Classic earthy prints like animal and tropical are also good choices and add a sophisticated flair.
    • Avoid sharp, symmetrical geometric prints and small or intricate prints. [11]
  11. Wear oversized statement pieces, like big, funky necklaces, large hats, wide belts, and slouchy totes and handbags. Shiny metals and natural stones fit your vibe perfectly.
    • Chunky or heavy jewelry with rounded edges works best for a Flamboyant Natural. Try handcrafted pieces with bright colors or bold costume jewelry.
    • Avoid delicate jewelry or anything antique and ornate.
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Section 4 of 7:

Flamboyant Natural Hair & Makeup

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  1. [12] When choosing colors, stick with natural sun-kissed highlights or balayage to give your hair dimension and volume. If you have thicker hair, let it go wild in a big lion’s mane style. Flamboyant Naturals with thinner hair can go shorter as long as the style is layered around the face for more volume.
    • You can choose a more drastic hair color as long as you keep the root area closer to your natural shade.
    • Avoid sharply structured bobs or cropped boy cuts and styles that look “done” or slicked back.
  2. Flamboyant Naturals look best with a healthy glow, so don’t be afraid to use a little highlighter for a lit-from-within look. Your perfect everyday makeup could be a subtle eye shadow and blush with a bold red lip. [13]
    • If you go for heavier eye makeup, choose vivid colors and dial down the intensity on the lip with a gloss or lipstick with a bit of shimmer.
    • Avoid thin eyebrows and matte lipsticks in neutrals that can look dull and cold on you. [14]
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Section 5 of 7:

What celebrities are Flamboyant Natural?

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  1. These celebrities have been identified as having a Flamboyant Natural body type by fashion and Kibbe imagery experts:
    • Shirley Maclaine
    • Princess Diana of Wales
    • Anne Hathaway
    • Brooke Shields
    • Cameron Diaz
    • Jennifer Lawrence
    • Charlize Theron
    • Liv Tyler
    • Michelle Obama
    • Christie Brinkley
    • Blake Lively
    • Cindy Crawford
    • Claudia Schiffer
    • Gwyneth Paltrow
    • Julia Roberts
    • Katie Holmes
    • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
    • Chris Hemsworth
    • Brad Pitt
Section 6 of 7:

How do you know if you’re a Flamboyant Natural?

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  1. If you said, “Hey, that sounds like me!” as you were reading through this article, you might just be a Flamboyant Natural body type. Not totally sure? Take our Kibbe Body Type test to find your match.
    • Unfortunately, Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can by David Kibbe has gone out of print. You may be able to find it by shopping at used bookstores or thrift stores in your area.
    • Remember that the Kibbe system is helpful, but it doesn’t define you. While the body types outlined in David Kibbe’s book can help you develop a flattering personal style, they don’t have to represent you. If you’re categorized as a Flamboyant Natural and don’t like the suggested style, ignore it! Wear what you like. The most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your clothes.
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Section 7 of 7:

Flamboyant Natural vs. Other Kibbe Naturals

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  1. They are Flamboyant Natural, Pure Natural, and Soft Natural. All three of these types have more dominant yang, or male, energy with angular edges and straight, athletic bodies. However, there are a few characteristics that differentiate them from each other.
    • Soft Natural has broad hips and shoulders with a curved waistline.
    • Pure Natural has a lean, muscular body, often with flat hips and a flat bustline.
    • Flamboyant Natural has a long vertical frame with a prominent shoulder line. [15]
  2. Pure Naturals tend to be smaller than Flamboyant Naturals without as strong of a vertical line. Pure Naturals also tend to have wider bone structures and more muscular bodies. [16]
  3. The Soft Natural body type is a little closer to the yin side of the spectrum. They have softer bodies that are more proportional. This body type is also a little smaller overall than the Flamboyant Natural, which can make weight gain more obvious on them than the taller Naturals. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n69/mode/2up
      2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/style/kibbe-body-types.html
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/97sFd1aeYK8?t=283
      4. ↑ https://womanology.co.uk/overweight-kibbe-types-and-how-they-differ/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPC7SaHUIDs&list=PLTpI7yrreQVTyArjrIka5j4U1OFp7EEUg&index=1
      6. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/24/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-natural/
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/FTcE-6nW3S4?list=PLjq1drkA_Cmn-bSUsQqAaLZcrIHQCN8vO&t=227
      8. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n71/mode/2up
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/FTcE-6nW3S4?list=PLjq1drkA_Cmn-bSUsQqAaLZcrIHQCN8vO&t=909
      1. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/24/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-natural/
      2. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/24/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-natural/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/r0zMEA5qaiw?list=PLjq1drkA_Cmn-bSUsQqAaLZcrIHQCN8vO&t=172
      4. ↑ https://cozyrebekah.com/2019/10/25/makeup-for-the-body-types/#dc
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/L6XNeDNlngs?list=PLjq1drkA_Cmn-bSUsQqAaLZcrIHQCN8vO&t=875
      6. ↑ https://www.bodyandstyle.com/kibbe-body-types
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/pRE7leddjH0?t=751
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/pRE7leddjH0?t=781

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