A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type

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Learn what hairstyles, clothes, & makeup look great on your Kibbe type
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The Gamine was one of the original 13 body types that David Kibbe included in his bestselling book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can. He defined the Gamine as a combination of opposites with an equal measure of masculine and feminine characteristics. Kibbe has removed the pure Gamine type from his system, but many still find his definition helpful. Read on to learn more about the pure Gamine’s body type, characteristics, and ideal clothing style, along with pro tips from styling experts Christina Santelli and Kalee Hewlett.

The Kibbe Gamine Body Type: Explained

The Gamine body type has a very petite frame with a delicate bone structure and sharp angles. Gamines look best in crisp fabrics with precise tailoring that flatters their slight figure. A Gamine should build a wardrobe with fashion items like well-tailored tops, cropped pants, straight skirts, and cropped jackets.

Section 1 of 6:

What is a Gamine body type?

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  1. David Kibbe originally identified a total of 13 body types that fall along a yin/yang spectrum in his book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can . [1] On this spectrum, yin represents a more romantic, feminine figure, while yang is associated with a dramatic, masculine figure. [2]
    • Kibbe believes that knowing your unique yin/yang balance can help you choose clothing, hair, and makeup that looks natural on you.
    • The other 12 Kibbe body types are Dramatic, Soft Dramatic, Flamboyant Natural, Natural, Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic, Classic, Soft Classic, Flamboyant Gamine, Soft Gamine, Theatrical Romantic, and Romantic.
    • Kibbe has removed the pure Gamine, Classic, and Natural body types from his system because he believes no one falls perfectly into these types. However, many still find these categories useful for determining personal style.
  2. The Gamine falls in the middle of this spectrum with a combination of contrasting feminine and masculine characteristics. The pure Gamine body type tends to have the delicate physique and narrow hands and feet that are associated with yin. On the other hand, gamines have the square shoulders and long arms and legs associated with yang.
    • When a Gamine gains weight, it tends to accumulate in the hips and waist, giving them a square or stocky shape. [3]
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  3. All three Gamines have small features with angular bone structures. However, there are a few characteristics that differentiate them from one another. [4]
    • Soft Gamine is slightly taller with shorter arms and legs. She has a delicate hourglass shape with slightly rounded hips. The Soft Gamine is slightly softer and curvier than the pure Gamine. Her facial features are also softer than the more angular pure Gamine. The Soft Gamine can have shorter arms and legs. [5]
    • Flamboyant Gamine is short but often appears taller than she is because her arms and legs are long in relation to her torso. Her waist is straight or very slightly defined. The Flamboyant Gamine looks slightly stronger and more square than the pure Gamine. Their angularity is slightly broader than that of other Gamines but still not broad. They also tend to look a little younger than the pure Gamines. [6]
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Section 2 of 6:

Physical & Facial Characteristics of a Gamine

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  1. Gamines are often very petite with a figure that is straight, lithe, and lean. The Gamine tends to be sinewy with a flat bustline, and their legs are often described as “coltish.” If you have most of the following characteristics, your body type is most likely a Kibbe Gamine: [7]
    • 5’5” inches & under
    • Square body shape
    • Angular or delicate bone structure
    • Square or tapered shoulders
    • Long arms & legs
    • Slightly short-waisted
    • Small, narrow hands & feet
    • Medium to small bustline
    • Slightly defined or straight waist
    • Narrow, boyish hips
    • Slender forearms
  2. Gamines have sharp facial features with large eyes. They often have a blend of masculine and feminine features, like a strong jawline combined with fuller lips. [8] This combination gives them a cute and boyish appearance that is still delicately feminine. Here is a list of facial features associated with the Kibbe Gamine:
    • Sharp, delicate facial features
    • Large eyes
    • Straight lips that are slightly fuller
    • Taut cheeks with slightly sharper cheekbones
    • Tapered jawline
    • Medium to small nose with a hint of sharpness
  3. If you’re still questioning whether you fit into the Gamine category, there are characteristics that are never seen in this body type. A Gamine body type will never: [9]
    • Be over 5’5” tall
    • Have an extremely large bone structure
    • Have prominent or exotic features (except for large eyes)
    • Have large hands & feet
    • Have an hourglass figure with a wasp waist
    • Have a full bust & hips
    • Have a symmetrical body or facial features
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Section 3 of 6:

Styling Clothes & Accessories for Gamines

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  1. When dressing your Gamine body type, think of fitted garments with precise tailoring to match your yin energy combined with crisp fabrics and sharp detailing for your yang energy. Use straight lines to create a severe silhouette for the most flattering look. [10]
    • An abundance of detailing adds interest to the precisely fitted pieces.
    • Professional stylist Christina Santelli advises clients to remember that “style is being comfortable in your clothing. I always think people that have good style also have good fitting clothes.”
  2. Shirts and blouses that are very tailored or form-fitting in stiff fabrics like crisp cotton or oriental silk are the best choices. Look for sharp cuffs, collars, and pleating. Wear cropped shirts or tuck shirts in to maintain a boyish look with a square silhouette. [11]
    • Avoid anything oversized or unstructured that can swallow your petite frame.
    • Stay away from frills and flimsy, sheer materials that can throw off your natural yin/yang balance.
  3. Crisp detailing like cuffs and pleats on pants with sharp waistlines compliment your straight figure. Skin-tight, stretchy pants in cropped lengths from the calf to the top of the ankle are excellent choices that bring your long legs into balance. [12]
    • Avoid baggy, unstructured styles with tapered legs that can overwhelm your petite frame.
    • Give plain-front pants and drapey styles a pass because they clash with your square silhouette.
  4. Always go with short skirts that have very fitted waistlines. Crisp gathers can work, but only if they’re small and shallow. Keep hemlines above the kneecap and, as Image Consultant Kalee Hewlett recommends, “go for something that has a little bit of stretch because it's really challenging to walk when it’s that tight and the fabric doesn't breathe.”
    • If the skirt is very slightly flared, it can graze the top of your calf.
    • If you’d like to wear a longer skirt, try a pencil skirt with a high slit. [13]
    • Avoid full, flouncy skirts that can make you look extremely young and clash with your boyish yang energy.
    • Oversized or strong A-lines can look dowdy on you because your petite frame can get lost in all that fabric.
  5. A trim dress in a fabric that keeps its shape is ideal for Gamines. A dropped waist or asymmetrical hemline that calls back to the flapper styles of the 1920s is a fun way to showcase your long legs. Slim mini dresses like those worn in the 1960s are another great choice. [14]
    • Avoid flowy, flouncy dresses since they can seem too feminine for your yang energy.
    • Ornate styles with lots of shirring or plain unstructured styles are too much for your petite stature.
  6. Short, cropped cardigans with ribbing at the wrist are extremely flattering. Ribbed collars and waistlines are also good choices. Thick knits can work for you as long as they are fitted at the waistline.
    • Avoid oversized sweaters, heavy textures, and fluffy knits that are too bulky for your delicate bone structure.
  7. A men's-style bomber jacket can work for you as long as it’s got a short, cropped length. Try a precisely fitted, structured blazer with a sharp lapel and piping or other trim to accentuate the crisp lines. [15]
    • Avoid long jackets or anything too unstructured or oversized because they can make you look like you’re borrowing a larger person’s clothes.
    • Stay away from ruffles, droopy lace trim, and ruffles.
  8. Choose lightweight materials in fun and funky styles that use trimming or patent leather . Asymmetrical detailing, wedges, and sharp points are all good choices for the pure Gamine body type. All types of flats work for you, as do bold colors and printed fabrics, like plaids and stripes. [16]
    • Avoid overly delicate or strappy styles that can accentuate your narrow feet and make them seem overly delicate.
    • Plain pumps don’t match your fun sense of style, so give them a pass.
  9. Mid-weight fabrics capable of holding defined shapes and precise tailoring are best. A matte finish is the most flattering choice, but the occasional metallic can add a little extra pizzazz to your eveningwear. [17]
    • Avoid rough textures or oversized floppy fabrics because they can seem heavy on your delicate frame.
    • Sheer, flowing fabrics that drape can’t hold up to the precise tailoring that looks best on your body type.
  10. Geometric and angular prints that make you think of Picasso’s paintings are a perfect choice. Gamines can also get away with larger prints that are almost cartoonish as long as they aren’t oversized. [18]
    • Avoid watercolor prints that are too ornate or symmetrical for your already-balanced square frame.
    • Intricate or realistic prints are not as flattering because they can come off as a little too serious for the Gamine’s boyish style.
  11. Carry clutches or bags that are small and boxy. Wear belts that are either stiff leather or elastic fabric in bright colors with geometric buckles. Try small hats like berets or cloches that have crisp lines and tailoring. [19]
    • Avoid anything oversized, whether it’s a big, floppy hat or a giant hobo bag.
    • Ornate or heavy styles are also a no-go for this petite body type.
    • Accessories are crucial, Hewlett advises, because “working with belts, scarves, shoes, jewelry really help to transform basics. They can add pops of color, pops of print, and they can add a whole new dimension to the look.”
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Section 4 of 6:

Gamine Hair & Makeup

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  1. Bobbed hair is always a go-to, especially if worn with an angled or asymmetrical cut. [20] If you choose a bob, ask for layering around the face to soften a more geometric cut. Alternatively, a side part can bring more asymmetry into your look, no matter what hairstyle you choose.
    • However, the signature hairstyle for all 3 of the Kibbe Gamine body types is the Pixie cut, which fits their balanced masculine and feminine energy. [21]
    • Avoid long hair and heavy bangs that can hide or overwhelm your delicate facial bone structure.
    • Overly smooth or blunt cuts can look too severe with your sharp features.
  2. Glowy or slightly dewy foundation looks great on you. Light contouring with subtle highlighter can emphasize your natural “lit-from-within” complexion. Play up your big “doe-eyes” with smokey eye colors and heavy mascara. Choose deeper shades for your cheeks and lips. Dial up the glitz for your evening look with a liberal application of sheer sparkle on your cheekbones, temples, collarbones…basically, any spot you want to showcase. [22]
    • Avoid soft watercolors or frosty makeup sheens and neutral looks without the more dramatic eye and lip makeup.
    • “No-makeup” makeup looks are too plain and can tip the balance toward the masculine side of the scale, making you look a little too boyish.
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Section 5 of 6:

What celebrities are Gamines?

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  1. Kibbe identified several celebrity Gamines in his book, but there’s some disagreement over who fits the category since he removed this body type from his official system. These celebrities have been identified as having a Gamine body type by some fashion and Kibbe imagery experts:
    • Paulette Goddard
    • Jean Seberg
    • Mia Farrow
    • Leslie Caron
    • Edith Piaf
    • Coco Chanel
    • Geraldine Chaplin
    • Rosanna Arquette
    • Pat Benetar
    • Heather Locklear
    • Michelle Williams
    • Kate Mara
Section 6 of 6:

How do you know if you’re a Gamine?

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  1. If you think the descriptions of this body type sound like you, you might just be a Gamine. Don’t worry about Kibbe removing this body type from the system. The recommendations for a pure Gamine can still help you develop your personal style. If you’re still not totally sure, take our Kibbe Body Type test to find your match.
    • Remember, the most important thing is finding a style you love that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If the test says you’re another Kibbe type, but you love the Gamine style, ignore the results and wear what you like!
    • Unfortunately, Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can by David Kibbe is out of print, so check your local used bookstore or thrift store if you want a copy.
    • The good news is that David Kibbe is working on a new book with updated style tips.
    David Kibbe, Creator, Kibbe Body Types

    The Kibbe body types were designed to help women develop their style. "Style is a journey. It’s a journey you should go on your entire life, but you also have to learn technique. I wanted to give women techniques to understand how their bodies are."

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/24/style/kibbe-body-types.html
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/97sFd1aeYK8?t=283
      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://youtu.be/IYZ8CfQhVKk?t=673
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/IYZ8CfQhVKk?t=697
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/IYZ8CfQhVKk?t=722
      7. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      8. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      9. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater
      1. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/10/29/sew-your-kibbe-gamine/
      2. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theater
      3. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theater
      4. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/10/29/sew-your-kibbe-gamine/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/KE3G1KGo6sI?t=122
      6. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/10/29/sew-your-kibbe-gamine/
      7. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theaterhttps://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theater
      8. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theater
      9. ↑ https://doctortdesigns.com/2018/10/29/sew-your-kibbe-gamine/
      10. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theater
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/cxgS0oP2YBI?t=1454
      12. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n79/mode/2up?view=theater
      13. ↑ https://archive.org/details/david-kibbe-david-kibbes-metamorphosis-discover-your-image-identity-and-dazzle-a/page/n81/mode/2up?view=theater

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