How to Style the Flamboyant Gamine & Build a Capsule Wardrobe

PDF download Download Article
The best clothes, accessories & styles for your Kibbe body type
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve recently discovered you’re a Flamboyant Gamine body type and want to know more about how to dress, 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 Gamine as being a sassy chic dynamo with long vertical lines, large eyes, and straight figures. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this body type, its characteristics, and how to style it so you can work with your body type to look your best.

Flamboyant Gamine Body Type at a Glance

The Flamboyant Gamine body type has a square frame with a wide bone structure and sharp angles. Gamines look best in fitted, tailored clothing in mid-to-lightweight matte fabrics. A Flamboyant Gamine should build a capsule wardrobe of well-tailored tops, cropped pants, short skirts or dresses, and cropped jackets.

Section 1 of 8:

What is a Flamboyant Gamine?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Generally, this body type has balanced yin (feminine features) and yang (masculine features) with a little extra yang. They have a youthful, bold, and brassy essence. Overall, they are small with broad and angular bodies. [1]
    • Flamboyant Gamines are usually under 5’5” with straight figures, long arms and legs, extremely large eyes, and full lips.
    • When a Flamboyant Gamine gains weight, they may become stocky and square, carrying more of their weight from the waist down. [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 8:

Flamboyant Gamine Physical & Facial Characteristics

PDF download Download Article
  1. This body type represents a combination of opposites, with both masculine and feminine characteristics. They tend to be small, with a broadly angular bone structure. If you have most of the following characteristics, your body type is most likely a Kibbe Flamboyant Gamine. [3]
    • 5’5” and under
    • Square shoulders
    • Bones that are slightly wide
    • Large hands & feet
    • Long arms & legs
    • Very defined musculature
    • Lean & strong
    • Long, straight vertical lines
    • Small to medium bust
    • Straight hips & waist
  2. This Kibbe type tends to have wider, sharper facial features than other Gamines. The Flamboyant Gamine is characterized as having very large eyes and clearly defined cheekbones. They also have fuller, more dramatic lips. [4] A few additional facial features include:
    • Broad facial contours
    • Extremely large eyes
    • Broad or long face shape
    • Sharply defined jaw
    • Medium or large nose
    • Taut cheeks with prominent cheekbones
    • Moderate to full lips
  3. Still questioning whether you fit into the Flamboyant Gamine category? Check out the characteristics that are never seen in this body type. A Flamboyant Gamine body type will never: [5]
    • Be tall
    • Have exotic facial features (except for the large eyes)
    • Have a delicate bone structure
    • Have small feet & hands
    • Have an hourglass figure with a wasp waist
    • Have curvy hips & bustline
    • Be completely symmetrical
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 8:

Flamboyant Gamine Clothes & Accessories

PDF download Download Article
  1. Fitted or tailored clothing in a retro style (think 1920s or 1930s) looks fantastic on the Flamboyant Gamine body type. Choose pieces in matte fabrics with asymmetrical lines or prints to showcase your natural combination of opposite energies and to break up your square outlines. [6]
    • Chunky or sculpted shapes both work well on you…especially if you find ways to combine them. Try starting with a slim or narrow base and adding a wider geometric shape for contrast.
    • Choose slightly crisp fabrics that are light to moderate in weight. More tailored or clingy fits pair well with lighter fabrics.
    • Go with bold, animated prints with irregular patterns and contrasting colors. You can get away with more humorous or whimsical designs that match your flamboyant personality. [7]
  2. Go with narrow tops in crisp fabrics with clean, simple necklines. Sleek, fitted turtlenecks are the perfect basic layer. Asymmetrical detailing or geometric trim is ideal. Try an asymmetrical cami in either a matte fabric or one that’s very shiny for a night out. [8]
    • Avoid frilly or ultra-clingy styles that clash with your yang energy.
    • Your style essence is sassy chic, which is way too fun and funky for traditional, symmetrical styles.
  3. Your longer legs allow you to choose cuffed pants that hit at or above the ankle . Shorter cropped pants and short straight-legged jeans are also great options for the Flamboyant Gamine. Skin-tight pants are ideal for pairing with bulkier tops. [9]
    • Avoid wide, unstructured, shapeless styles that can overwhelm your small stature.
    • Draped pants with a gathered waist and tapered legs clash with your vertical line.
  4. Severe tailoring or a clean, tapered hemline best showcase your long legs and small figure. Choose skirts that are no longer than the middle of your knee. Don’t be afraid to go super-short with funkier styles. Wear a longer skirt only if it has a slit and tapers to the knee and then very slightly flares. Mid-calf pleated skirts work if the pleats are stitched down in the hip area. [10]
    • Avoid traditional styles, like A-line skirts or anything that’s unstructured or long and flowing.
    • Flouncy, overly ornate styles are way too big and fussy for your short stature and vertical lines.
  5. Opt for narrow styles that are cut close to the body and dresses that have a dropped waist , like the flapper styles of the 1920s. Go with shorter lengths to show off your long legs. Asymmetrical hemlines that are a little lower are also flattering. Ribbed-knit dresses that sculpt your figure are excellent choices. [11]
    • Avoid frilly, flouncy dresses with full, flowing skirts that can be overwhelming on your petite frame. [12]
    • Wide, unstructured dresses will swallow your slight stature.
  6. The Flamboyant Gamine is a combination of opposites. That holds true for their wardrobe. For example, try a chunky sweater that’s cropped and hugs your body. Try quirky sweaters with bold, geometric patterns in vibrant colors. [13]
    • Avoid traditional crew-neck and cardigan styles as they are too bland for your style. Instead, choose a cropped cardigan with funky detailing.
    • Soft, fluffy knits like Angora are too romantic and fussy for your dramatic yang energy.
  7. Boxy jackets in cropped lengths no longer than the top of the hip are best for your shorter stature. Jackets with fitted waistlines can work with your frame as long as they have pronounced shoulders and sharp lapels. Look for asymmetrical lines or irregular detailing to compliment your natural asymmetry. [14]
    • Avoid long or oversized jackets that hide your body. Only wear longer jackets open over a very slim silhouette.
    • Standard blazers may be too plain and boring for your sassy chic vibe.
  8. Go with either funky flats or straight high heels with flair. Low boots with a lug sole and chunky heels are great choices, as are loafers in a fun and funky print . [15]
    • Avoid plain pumps or delicate, strappy shoes with overly ornate trim.
  9. Small triangle, square, and skinny rectangle shapes are great choices for fun structured bags . Wear wide, stiff belts in bright colors with unique (or even wild) patterns. Try hats that are small, crisp, and asymmetrical. [16]
    • Avoid rounded or delicately shaped bags and belts with ornate trim.
    • Oversized bags and hats are also less flattering for the Flamboyant Gamine body type.
    10. Advertisement
Section 4 of 8:

Building a Flamboyant Gamine Capsule Wardrobe

PDF download Download Article
  1. A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of timeless clothing that you can mix and match to create the perfect outfit for every occasion. When creating a capsule wardrobe invest in essential pieces that are less trendy and more classic. [17] For a Kibbe Flamboyant Gamine, try:
  2. Frilly, flouncy styles in drapey fabrics and oversized, unstructured clothing will drown your slim, petite frame. This can make you look immature. Pass on:
    • Shirts with cowl necks
    • Flowy maxi skirts & dresses
    • Long blazers
    • Fluffy sweaters
    • Delicate, strappy shoes
    • Hobo bags
    • Floppy oversized hats
    3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 8:

Flamboyant Gamine Hair & Makeup

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your flamboyant nature allows you to try wild or very trendy styles. Whatever style you choose, your hair mustn’t hide your face, especially your large eyes. Ask your stylist for layers or beveled edges to keep geometric cuts fresh. Choose bigger, over-the-top styles for longer hair. [18]
    • Avoid overly severe cuts, as they can overemphasize your angular features.
    • A dramatic asymmetrical sweep of hair looks elegant on you.
    • Choose clear, vivid hair colors, whether you go with natural hues or theatrical shades like blue-black, fiery red, or platinum.
  2. Use makeup to add a little sophistication to your look. Your best look combines deeper, sultry colors with more vibrant eyeshadows and liners. Stick with mattes during the day, but a little sheer sparkle will elevate your style for the evening. [19]
    • Avoid pastels or watercolor blends that may seem to age your youthful features.
    • Stay away from overly glittery or ornate looks that often appear a little unsophisticated when paired with your youthful energy.
    3. Advertisement
Section 6 of 8:

What celebrities are Flamboyant Gamines?

PDF download Download Article
  1. In his book, Kibbe identified several celebrity Flamboyant Gamines. Since the book was published, some fashion and Kibbe imagery experts have identified other celebrities as having the body type. Here’s a list of a few Flamboyant Gamine celebrities:
    • Julie Harris
    • Nastassja Kinski
    • Debbie Allen
    • Debra Winger
    • Tina Turner
    • Twiggy
    • Bonnie Franklin
    • Patti LuPone
    • Shari Belafonte
    • Shirley MacLaine
    • Kelly Osbourne
    • Penelope Cruz
    • Zooey Deschanel
    • Jennifer Love Hewitt
    • Zoe Kravitz
    • Kiernan Shipka
    • FKA Twigs
    • Julia Garner
    • Kelly Osbourne
Section 7 of 8:

More About Flamboyant Gamines

PDF download Download Article
  1. In his 1987 bestseller, Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can , David Kibbe identified 13 body types, including the Flamboyant Gamine. [20] These body types fall along a yin/yang or feminine/masculine spectrum, with each type representing a combination of the two energies. The yin end of the spectrum features more feminine and romantic figures, while the yang features dramatic, masculine figures. [21]
    • According to Kibbe, your unique balance of yin and yang can help you choose makeup, hairstyles, and clothing that look natural on you.
    • Kibbe’s other body types are Dramatic, Soft Dramatic , Flamboyant Natural , Natural, Soft Natural , Dramatic Classic , Classic, Soft Classic , Gamine , Soft Gamine, Theatrical Romantic , and Romantic .
    • Since writing his book, Kibbe has removed the pure Gamine, Classic, and Natural body types from his system. These three body types represent an equal balance of yin and yang, and he believes that no one will fall perfectly into these types.
  2. Along with the Flamboyant Gamine, Kibbe originally included the pure Gamine and the Soft Gamine in his system but later removed the pure Gamine. All 3 Gamine body types share shorter statures and angular bone structure. However, there are characteristics that differentiate them. [22]
    • Soft Gamine has shorter arms and legs than the Flamboyant Gamine. She has slightly rounded hips and a larger bust that gives her a delicate hourglass shape. The Soft Gamine is softer and curvier than the more angular, Flamboyant Gamine with more delicate facial features. [23]
    • Pure Gamine also has shorter arms and legs, which makes her appear shorter overall than the Flamboyant Gamine, even if they are the same height. Her body is slightly less square and looks less sturdy due to her narrower bone structure. [24]
    3. Advertisement
Section 8 of 8:

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. Do the descriptions of this body type sound like you? If so, you just might just be a Flamboyant Gamine. If you’re still not totally sure whether this Kibbe type is your perfect match, take our Kibbe body type test to help you make your decision. Remember, the most important thing is finding a style that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If the test says you’re another Kibbe type , but you feel like the Flamboyant Gamine style fits you best, go ahead and wear what you like!
    • Unfortunately, Kibbe’s book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can is out of print, but your may be able to find it at a local used bookstore or thrift store.
    • The good news is that David Kibbe is working on a new book with updated style tips.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Determine Your Body Shape
      How to
      Determine Eye Shape
      How to
      Measure Jacket Size
      An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)
      How to
      Determine Your Face Shape
      How to
      Choose a Winter Jacket Size
      A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type
      Soft Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide
      The Ultimate Guide to the Soft Dramatic Kibbe Type
      Dramatic Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide
      How to
      Look Shorter if You're Tall
      Soft Natural Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Styling Guide
      Everything You Should Know About the Romantic Kibbe Body Type
      Theatrical Romantic Body Type: What It Means & How to Dress
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/_D_9E5wQ0YY?t=13
      2. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      3. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      4. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      5. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      6. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/10/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-gamine/
      7. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/10/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-gamine/
      8. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n99/mode/2up?view=theater
      9. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n99/mode/2up?view=theater
      1. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/10/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-gamine/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/bf2mWDZrdag?t=140
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/bf2mWDZrdag?t=71
      4. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n99/mode/2up?view=theater
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/qaHZ9-AIzkk?t=260
      6. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/12/10/sew-your-kibbe-flamboyant-gamine/
      7. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n99/mode/2up?view=theater
      8. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/what-is-a-capsule-wardrobe-5366609
      9. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n99/mode/2up?view=theater
      10. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n101/mode/2up?view=theater
      11. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/style/kibbe-body-types.html
      12. ↑ https://youtu.be/97sFd1aeYK8?t=265
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/IYZ8CfQhVKk?t=673
      14. ↑ https://youtu.be/IYZ8CfQhVKk?t=697
      15. ↑ https://youtu.be/IYZ8CfQhVKk?t=722

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,662 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement