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Kibbe: Soft Classic Style Guide

Kibbe: Soft Classic Style Guide

You’ve tried to find your style and copy trends, but after countless failed outfits, and an extremely high credit card bill, you accept fashion just isn’t for you.  But then, you stumble upon Kibbe. 

Now you’ve accessed your yin/yang balance, had a crash course in Kibbe terminology, and finally see the light at the end of the tunnel when you wear those beautiful soft classic style lines.  

So, now what? 

The goal of the Kibbe Image Identity system is to find your body’s yin/yang balance and harmonize your clothes WITH your body, instead of against. 

It can be an incredibly eye-opening process where you begin to train your eye to see what garments make you shine, and what trends or looks might overwhelm or overshadow your unique beauty. 

Now, if you’re not far along in your Kibbe adventure, I recommend starting here. It will provide a general overview and the beginning steps to take in this style exploration. 

It is important to note that exploring and landing on a kibbe ID is recommended to be a 6+ month process. It is meant to be a journey of self-exploration and personal growth.  So you must learn the terminology, understand the goals of the system, and then apply and understand them to your own style and body. 

The knowledge you gain from the system can be incredibly helpful and be an asset to developing your personal style, but you can’t rush the process or force yourself into an ID. Just because you love the name “theatrical romantic” doesn’t mean you are in fact one. 

But, before we deep dive, let’s go over the Soft Classic ID to make sure you are in the right place. 

What is the Soft Classic Kibbe ID?

The Soft Classic ID is one of the original 13 Kibbe Body Types and it is part of the Classic Family. 

The Classic family is known for its moderation, balance, and blended characteristics.  

The Classic family consisted of three IDs:  The Dramatic Classic, the Pure Classic, and the Soft Classic. 

kibbe classic family examples: dramatic classic, pure classic and soft classic

David Kibbe has since removed the Pure Classic, stating that nobody has perfectly balanced yin/yang so that will lead them to lean either towards dramatic classic (a bit more yang), or soft classic (a bit more yin). 

You will hear the term “accommodations” used in the Kibbe world.  It simply means what your body’s most dominant trait is, and what therefore needs to be taken into consideration when evaluating silhouettes, styling techniques, and your overall outfits head-to-toe. 

Soft Classics need to accommodate their balance/moderation and their slight curve.  Remember it is all about harmonizing your clothes WITH your body, so essentially we are looking for clothing styles that also have moderation and allow for slight curve. 

Soft Classic ID Overview 

Please note that these are general guidelines and just a starting point for exploring your ID.  If one trait doesn’t match, that doesn’t exclude this ID as an option, as long as that trait doesn’t disrupt the overall yin/yang balance. For instance, your height being that “one trait” would disrupt your overall yin/yang balance and if you were extremely tall, you would not be part of the classic family. 

Also, when evaluating your body’s physical characteristics remember that these traits and proportions are only in comparison to your own body and not others.  So trying to compare yourself to a verified celeb or your neighbor will not lead to ID clarity. 

Soft Classic Celebrities (verified)

soft classic celebrities verified

Here is a list of verified Soft Classic celebrities. 

  • Veronica Lake 
  • Naomi Watts
  • Norma Shearer
  • Olivia de Havilland
  • Meryl Streep
  • Meredith Baxter Birney
  • Marion Cotillard 
  • Laura Linney
  • Kirsten Dunst
  • Joan Fontaine
  • Emma Thompson
  • Donna Reed
  • Denne Benton
  • Constance Bennet
  • Catherine Oxenberg
  • Carolina Herrera
  • Barbara Waters
  • Grace Kelly (reassigned from Pure Classic after it was removed)
  • Lee Remick (reassigned from Pure Classic after it was removed)
  • Catherine Deneuve (reassigned from Pure Classic after it was removed) 
soft classic verified celebrity style inspiration

Suspected Soft Classics (unverified but suspected) 

  • Sienna Miller 
  • Dianna Agron 
  • Lupita Nyong’o 
  • Dakota Johnson 

Please note:  There is a lot of misinformation on Kibbe and verified celebs out there.  I myself have shared my typing opinions on unverified celebs on TikTok, however, I do not claim to be David Kibbe or officially type anyone. And celebs are not really meant to be data points or comparison points.  They are just examples of how yin/yang can be spread within an ID.  Just because you look mildly close to a celeb who is verified, does not mean you share the same Kibbe ID. 

Soft Classic Physical Profile 

The Soft Classic will have the following characteristics: 

Height:  Moderate, up to 5 ft 6 inches tall.  Above that height and you have added a yang element to the mix and will lean more towards Dramatic Classic if you have moderation/balance. 

Bone Structure: 

kibbe soft classic body type marion cotillard

The Soft Classic has the following bone structure traits;

  • Symmetrical body shape with slightly soft or rounded edges 
  • Straight and slightly delicate
  • They can be small and slightly wide but with softer edges, not square.  They do not have “kibbe width”
  • Shoulders can have a slightly sloped or tapered appearance 
  • Their facial bones and contours are slightly small and can appear slightly wide, which can be seen in the nose, cheekbones, and jawline 
  • Their hands and feet tend to be moderate, small, and can appear a bit wider 

REMEMBER: Please do not obsess over any one trait you have if they do not line up.  These are just possibilities and ultimately you need to look at your body holistically and see the overall yin/yang balance, not one individual trait. 

Soft Classic Body Type

  • Soft classics tend to be slightly rounded 
  • Slight fleshiness 
  • Evenly proportioned through the bust, waist, hip 
  • Can be slightly short-waisted 
  • Arms and legs tend to be moderate in length compared to other proportions but can also be slightly shorter 

Soft Classic Facial Features

kibbe soft classic face example naomi watts
  • Fleshy face 
  • Slightly full and soft
  • Larger eyes
  • Soft cheeks
  • Can have fuller lips 
  • Symmetrical, evenly spaced features 

A Soft Classic will not have: 

  • Large bone structure 
  • Angular bone structure 
  • A naturally muscular look 
  • Have a “true” hourglass shape with a waspish waist 
  • Be tall (over 5 ft 6 in)
  • Be extremely petit or small-boned 

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Soft Classic Weight Gain Pattern 

soft classic weight gain pattern

You can find my full article on kibbe weight gain patterns including plus to mid-size examples here.

Please be aware that you cannot type yourself on weight-gain pattern alone.  It is merely one clue. 

When Soft Classics gain weight their bodies tend to become very soft and their facial features tend to get a fleshy look. 

The waist is often the first to lose definition, and it can look a bit thicker. 

Here’s a plus-size Soft Classic example:

soft classic kibbe plus size example

Soft Classic Coloring 

Soft Classics can technically have any coloring (warm or cool toned), but they can lean towards having blended or low contrast coloring.  If they have high contrast coloring there will still be a delicateness to their overall aesthetic as opposed to sharpness.

Personally, I favor finding your own seasonal color analysis over following any Kibbe ID’s color guidelines.  This will create a more personal approach to the style guidelines and take into consideration your unique blend.  If you’d like to see how I personally combine Kibbe IDs, with essences, and your seasonal color palette, you can check out that video here.

Are you a Soft Classic?

The best way to start evaluating your Kibbe ID is with a proper ID photo and the line exercise.  You can find the full list of extensive exercises in the Strictly Kibbe Facebook group, here. You will need to request access, and while I love hearing David Kibbe’s direct advice, the group culture may not be for everyone.

But here is a general overview.  Take a full-length photo from chest length (this is important for distortion).  If you are above 5 ft 6, as per Kibbe himself, you won’t be in the Soft Classic family because your height would be automatic yang and throw off that balance. If you think you still fit the classic family, check out Dramatic Classic, here. 

how to take a photo for the kibbe body test, camera chest level with the camera 90 degrees to the floor (not tilted)

Using your full-length photo, being to see the shapes and balance your body makes.  You can use the markup feature on your iPhone photos, or procreate to draw the shapes your body creates. You’ll want to generally outline your shoulders to your knees.  

Now, I don’t have a perfect “ID” photo for Marion Cotillard below, but that photo was the best I could find for demonstrative purposes.

soft classic body versus flamboyant natural

You can see in my photo (I’m a Flamboyant Natural), that my shoulders and length are immediately visible.  This throws off the yin/yang balance so I would not be in the classic family. Now look at Marion Cotillard’s photo and you don’t immediately notice any one physical trait.  There is a balance to her body and a slight curve.   She’s actually a touch taller than I am, but she looks way less frame dominant.

You can also see I’m wearing a more Soft Classic style dress. This just emphasizes any ID can wear any clothing, it will just look different on each ID.

Soft Classic Style Lines 

The Soft Classic is referred to as a “Graceful Lady”.  But before we deep dive into the original recommendations for the SC, I want to talk about the evolution of Kibbe’s system and how it has been modernized. 

Since the initial book was released, Kibbe has improved his approach and addressed the complaints that people might feel “boxed-in” by the overall recommendations or style ID adjectives. Any ID, however, may wear any piece of clothing as long as they keep their head-to-toe ensemble in mind. They have to keep in mind how each ensemble harmonizes with their body and pay attention to their distinct dominant characteristics.  In the case of the Soft Classic that would be accommodating balance/moderation and curve. 

I have a video that generally goes over applying trends or unique styles to each kibbe family, and it can help further clarify the concept of the head-to-toe look, here.

However, understanding these initially recommended pieces and the overview of the Soft Classic style guidelines is incredibly important as well.  Think of this process as similar to learning a new cooking recipe.  The first time you bake chocolate chip cookies you need an ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.  After a while, you learn how to adjust the flavor profiles, tweak the ingredients, and adjust them to your own liking.  But you need that base recipe first before you start experimenting for the most successful cookie evolution. 

So review these base suggestions and try to see WHY they are being suggested.  They are not boxes keeping you from your true style.  They are a stepping stool helping you get to your own style ladder.  ( I know, I went with one too many analogies). 

The silhouette guidelines for the Soft Classic include smooth, draped pieces with softly flowing lines.  We want these lines to be clean, not clingy.  They often have a controlled shape and symmetrical quality. 

It is crucial to consider soft-shaped garments with smooth, rounded edges.  We can see this in the details of a garment like the necklines and sleeves. 

The Soft Classics avoid fussy or overly ornate pieces as that can overwhelm their delicate balance and symmetry. 

You are a classic first and foremost and your romantic undercurrent should be used very sparingly.  We are shooting for refined sophistication and not overtly glamorous.   And on the flip side, we don’t want too much structure, tailoring, or sharpness in garments either, that would lean more towards the Dramatic Classic. 

The Soft Classic does smooth, soft pieces that have a balanced look to them.  Honor the symmetry, moderation, and gentle curve of your body, and try to harmonize your clothes to those accommodations. 

NOTE: Please keep in mind that there will be some “avoids” in each category. Please take each “avoid” suggestion with a grain of salt. The idea of wearing a head-to-toe outfit is essential, and some individuals’ bodies may be able to wear certain pieces more easily than others. It’s still a personal journey and will benefit from personal exploration. 

How to dress the Soft Classic: Style Guide 

Yin/Yang Balance: Balanced yin/yang, with a yin influence 

Soft Classic Shape 

When we refer to the shape of the garment we are exploring the general outline, emphasis points, or full silhouette of the garment and/or outfit. 

Some IDs have a very clear shape goal- the Dramatic Classics aim for an inverted triangle shape within their outfit’s outline.  The Soft Classic aims for soft, curved shapes that have rounded or delicate edges.  They are focusing more on circular, oval, or swirling shapes. Nothing that has sharp edges or straight clean lines. 

Soft Classic Line and Silhouette 

The Soft Classic looks beautiful and refined in smooth, symmetrical silhouettes that have soft edges and some shaping to them.  Clean lines that are unbroken, gently flowing lines, and soft waist emphasis are all great attributes for the SC.   They can also play around with smooth horizontal or diagonal draping. 

Avoid:  Hard-edged silhouettes, geometric silhouettes, angular pieces, overly ornate or intricate silhouettes, wide or unconstructed looks, straight silhouettes with no shaping or flow, overly crisp pieces, or fitted silhouettes with staccato edges

Soft Classic Fabric 

So, fabric is a huge component of the Kibbe system, in my opinion. And honestly, I don’t think enough people are talking about it. 

The goal of the Kibbe system is to feel in harmony with your clothing and mimic your body’s natural properties to your clothes. 

soft classic fabrics and weight
shop soft classic pieces

So fabric weight and structure can drastically affect this. 

If you are a Soft Classic and you are using heaving, sharply tailored pieces it is going to hide your beautiful symmetry and overwhelm or inhibit the gently rounded shapes your body is made up of. 

Therefore just like you are moderate and soft, your fabrics should also be of light to moderate weights.  And they should drape easily or flow along your body’s natural curve. (not clingy!)

The finish of the fabrics should honor your balance and moderation, which makes slightly matte or slightly sheen fabrics good options.  Soft, luxurious textiles like silks, cashmere, crepe, velvet, raw silk, or hanker-chief linen all work well. 

You want soft texture and weight, high quality, without leaning too yang or yin with the overall fabric. 

Any knits or woven fabrics should be light and drape-able without being overly clingy. 

Avoid:  Heavy or stiff fabrics, Rough or thick textures, bulky fabrics or knits, overly shiny fabrics like patent leathers, or overly dull fabrics 

Soft Classic Detail 

kibbe soft classic dress example

We want to emphasize our classic roots and add the smallest amount of romance as an afterthought to honor your romantic undercurrent. 

Clean, soft necklines are a great place to start.  They honor the SC’s delicate moderation and the yin undercurrent.   Draped necklines or cowls are a great choice.  Jewel necklines and scoop necklines also accomplish this. 

You’ll also want to seek out silhouettes that have a clean waistline or soft waist emphasis and tapered sleeves. 

In order to keep the SC moderation in mind, you’ll want to generally avoid sharply tailored details,  oversized details, frilly or ornate details, or playful details.  This isn’t to take the fun out of your wardrobe, but the goal is not to overwhelm your soft balance.  And if you’re aghast at this suggestion, try adding any “avoid” details farther away from your face. 

Soft Classic Separates 

Obviously, the fashion of today employs a lot of separates, so how do they work for the Soft Classic? Kibbe suggests using them sparingly and with an ensemble approach or a “well-matched” look.  

You want the colors, textures, and elements to feel harmonious with one another and not have a staccato or sharp look to them. 

soft classic plus size example outfit with red blouse and pencil skirt
Both model and outfit fit SC guidelines

Soft Classic Jackets 

Soft Classics do need to take into consideration of the cut of their jackets and make sure that they have soft shaping to them, and gently highlight the waist.  We are not aiming for strong waist emphasis like a peplum jacket, but more a tailored look that allows the waist to be visible. 

In terms of length, you will want to go with a short to moderate length most often. If you opt for a longer hem jacket, a belt around the waist can help you accomplish your curve accommodation. 

We want subdued or elegant details and stylings within the jacket.  

soft classic suit outfit example on gabrielle arruda
Some SC’s don’t like double-breasted jackets, so pay attention to how that style falls on your body

Avoid:  Fussy or overdone style elements,  sharp-edged tailoring, boxy jackets or overly loose silhouettes, overly cropped jackets, and any excess trim. 

Soft Classic Skirts

(don’t go too short!)

Skirts are a great way to gently show off your curves, and you’ll want to aim for skirts that have a soft, smooth, and gentle flow to their silhouette. 

Lighter-weight fabrics will help accomplish this.  And in terms of silhouette, you should look for A-line (soft fabric), flared skirts with uneven hemlines ( to create some visual movement), soft straight skirts, and you can even try bias skirts as well. 

Waist detail should be more minimal but allow for shaping; you could look for soft gathers or soft pleats. 

Your hems should generally be knee length and above.  Midi skirts will start to overwhelm your frame.  However, remember these are just guidelines and the best way is to try these styles, take a photo, and evaluate the garment on your proportions. 

Avoid:  Maxi skirts, long or straight skirts, wide or heavy skirts, overly shaped or clingy skirts, and extremely flouncy skirts. 

Soft Classic Pants 

Kibbe style suggestions don’t have to be as complicated as you think when you initially start diving into your ID. 

Soft Classic pants should be softly tailored ( to harmonize with your balance and slight yin influence). 

If you want some more exact silhouette details you can look for soft pleats, soft gathers, and a slightly tapered leg.  And a hem that hits just above your ankle.  The classic family is balanced, so we want to avoid any extreme detail, focal points, or silhouettes that deviate from the body dramatically. 

Avoid:  Pants that have sharp edges, heavy fabrics, wide or unconstructed styles, baggy styles, or any excessive trim or detail that pulls focus or throws the balance of the outfit off

Soft Classic Jeans 

I have a video here with an overview of my interpretations of jeans for each Kibbe ID. 

Because jeans have evolved a lot since the 80s, and so have style expectations, jeans are most likely a staple in your wardrobe.

Jeans for the Soft Classic should accommodate your balance and curves.  Skinny jeans that hit at the ankle and that don’t have a lot of detail or wear marks are best. 

You could also try more fitted mom jeans that have some more fitting through the waist so that your curve is not lost.  A baggier mom jean might be more applicable to the soft natural, so be sure to try on the jeans and snap a pic to verify it isn’t disrupting your balance or too loose. 

Pure washes that don’t have wear, whisker marks, or holes are easiest for the SC.  And jeans that don’t feel heavy or too long will be easiest to integrate into your wardrobe. 

Soft Classic Blouses 

Soft classics have an elegance about them, and their blouses usually exemplify this.  They are soft and smooth and made of lighter-weight fabrics.  We want softer fabrics so that they drape nicely over your curves (yin influence).  

Soft edges are best.  

soft classic style tip for soft edges on fabric

When it comes to necklines you can add soft crew necklines, draped necklines, soft bows, or even a soft jabot.  You can have a delicate lace trim in your blouse neckline or details, just nothing too over the top. 

For trim, you want to look for more subdued elegance, like delicate applique, shirring or gathering, and some beading. 

Fabrics should be lightweight, which helps accomplish those soft edges we were talking about before.  Silk fabrics or lightweight fabrics with a luxurious texture or soft sheen are perfect. 

Soft Classic Sweaters

Soft classics do very well with soft and light sweaters that have a luxurious feel.  Cashmere, angoras, and silk weaves are fantastic. 

We want the sweaters to generally “feel” soft and smooth.  Lighter weights can accomplish this, and if you opt for a heavier sweater make sure the texture is soft and not “rough” or bulky.  

Avoid: Bulk, rough, or oversized sweaters, perky patterns, or overly playful details. 

Soft Classic Dresses 

I hope all of this is starting to click, but if it’s not just leave a comment below.  And if you have a different personal style that doesn’t mesh with the “graceful lady” that SC exudes, comment below and we can help workshop and bridge them. 

Dresses for the Soft Classic are most often described as graceful.  You want dresses that are soft, smooth and have soft waist definition.  Draped dresses are an excellent choice.  As are dresses that have a flared shape with waist definition. 

Soft wrap dresses, soft a-line shapes, and easygoing summer dresses with soft waist definition all work perfectly. 

Avoid: Overly tailored dresses ( a lot of sharp seaming, or heavier weight fabrics), wide/billowy/unconstructed styles), or overly fussy dresses. 

soft classic dress style do's and don'ts
soft classic dress comparison do's and don'ts
Jessica Chastain is not verified but generally thought to be an SC. I’m not sure I agree with this typing for her, but the outfits illustrate SC guidelines overall

Soft Classic Use of Color 

Soft Classics are recommended to use a blended approach to their wardrobe color palette and make sure there is a harmonious, ensemble look to the colors.  They often work well with pastels, soft monochrome or tonal, light neutrals, and moderate brights. 

When he says “soft monochrome”, he essentially means tonal instead of all one color.  You can opt for light/bright combinations as well.  And if you use a lot of darker colors they should be lightened up with texture or brighter additional pieces. 

Please take this section with a grain of salt.  Your seasonal color or preference on how to use color is more important than only abiding by these color suggestions.  If you are deep autumn, you can use the blended approach with simply darker colors.  These are just general guidelines or one tool to apply, and ultimately YOUR unique qualities and coloring should come first. 

Soft Classic Prints 

soft classic outfit example

Soft classic prints that have soft edges are best.  Watercolor, abstract, or prints that have movement are perfect. 

If you go for a more traditional stripe or plaid, just make sure there isn’t too much contrast between the colors. 

I personally think moderate floral patterns work beautifully for the SC. 

Avoid: Sharp prints, overly playful or cute prints, and anything too small. 

Soft Classic Accessories 

For accessories, you want to aim for clean, elegant shapes with some detail to them. 

Soft Classic Shoes

  • Tapered Shapes
  • Delicate visual look
  • Narrow shape/heel/toe
  • Can have a “bare” or slingback look
  • Delicate, feminine flats 

NOTE:  Please don’t go crazy trying to find pieces that fit “every” guideline.  Take these suggestions as a starting point, try them on, and evaluate your head-to-toe look and how the clothes look on YOUR body, and if they represent YOU. Don’t lose yourself in this process, it is more about harmonizing your clothes with your body than checking off style boxes. 

Soft Classic Belts 

  • Narrow to moderate width
  • Elegant
  • Can have an ornate buckle, as long as it’s not too over the top
  • Fine texture, leathers, fabrics 

Soft Classic Bags

  • Small to moderate in size ( although if you have to go larger for lifestyle needs, just keep the silhouette clean and simple)
  • Rounded shapes work well with some trim
  • Clutches or crossbody bags
  • Fine leather 

Soft Classic Jewelry 

For jewelry, you don’t want anything that draws too much focus.  It should be clean, elegant, delicate, and sophisticated. 

Rouned shapes work well, as do slightly ornate (not over the top) shapes, and symmetrical shapes. 

You can opt for a slightly antique feel as well. 

Soft Classic Hair 

soft classic hair

Hair can really impact your overall look.  So if you’re not vibing with the following suggestions, consider taking your Kitchener Essence into consideration.

SC hair should be soft, controlled, and smooth.  Curls, waves, and gentle soft shapes are best as long as they aren’t overly teased or done up. Blunt cuts or gentle layering is the easiest style to start with. 

In terms of length, moderate-to-long lengths are usually the most harmonious.  But if you have long hair, more “styling” may need to be applied to create the polished look we are aiming for. 

Kibbe highly recommends avoiding an unkept or loosely natural look that is uncontrolled. I think this recommendation is a sign of the times he wrote it.  Natural hair looks have come a long way in popularity, so just keep it more towards the controlled natural side and it will be great. 

Avoid:  Severe cuts, geometric cuts, overly layered hair, overly teased looks, or cropped cuts.  

soft classic hair do's and don'ts

Soft Classic Makeup 

soft classic makeup

Makeup can have a big impact on your overall head-to-toe look, so don’t forget to consider where you are going in this outfit. 

Elegant, polished makeup is perfect.  You don’t want anything too geometric, harsh, or bright.  Softly blended eyeshadows and blushes are perfect. In terms of the color contrast, you should look for soft to bright shades depending on your complexion. (nothing overly saturated or sharp). 

Rosy cheeks, slightly glossed lips, and even a bit of sparkle around the eyes all work.  

Avoid: Heavy contouring (especially if it looks unnatural), smoky colors, sharp or overly bold eyeliner lines or shadows, and the “no makeup” look. 

soft classic makeup do's and don'ts

Soft Classic Outfit Ideas

Here are a couple of outfit ideas to get you started.  No outfit will ever hit “every” kibbe guideline, and that should not be the focus.  It’s about accommodating your dominant features- balance and curve and feeling good in your clothes.

So if you don’t resonate with these outfits, that’s ok. This is just a starting point to visually see what is meant by the SC style suggestions. 

Jeans that taper and fit your curves, a perfect soft classic elegant blouse, and classic accessories for an easy casual SC outfit.

This is a great semi-formal or wedding guest outfit for a Soft Classic. Just be sure to watch the midi length if you are slightly shorter (you may need to hem it a bit to be more knee length). This dress could also be made more casual with flat sandals, and a simple tote bag for summer or spring weekend outings.

And to ensure all sizes feel like they are represented and that these SC guidelines can work for all bodies, here are some plus size outfit examples for the soft classic.

Be sure to tuck in the blouse for light waist emphasis in this look. The classic blouse with skinny jeans and matching accessories provides a chic and casual look.

Not going to lie, Betty Draper is a great inspiration for SC, especially when it comes to your hair. This outfit has a classic feel, and polished look, and honors your slightly rounded edges. This would be great for dinner out or attending a wedding.

soft classic plus size sweater look

This is a great polished, SC outfit that has plus sizes available. Just be sure to try on the skirt before you purchase/keep it as the length could be a touch long for your unique proportions.

Shopping for Soft Classic Pieces 

Here are a few questions to double-check if the piece will work for a soft classic. 

  1. How soft is the fabric? (Soft, visually light) 
  2. Does the piece have soft tailoring or shaping? (Yes)
  3. Does the shape of the garment allow for soft waist emphasis?  (Or allow for a french tuck or tuck to enable waist emphasis?) (Yes)
  4. Does the garment have any overwhelming design elements that immediately draw your focus? (No) 
  5. Is it cut so that your curves are “accommodated”?  Look at the shape of the hips for a curved line, gathers, pleats, or anything that allows your hips to breathe.  Similarly, look through the torso to the waist for the same general curve shaping. 
  6. If it has a print, is the print subtle and elegant or over the top and bold?  (Generally, we are shooting for more subtle ones). 
  7. Is anything over the top, glitzy or flashy?  (No) 
  8. Do you like the garment itself?  ( NEVER just dress for Kibbe guidelines, you are the most important aspect of your style and David Kibbe doesn’t want to box you in) 

Then it looks like it could be a good fit! 

Soft classics have a beautiful, mesmerizing balance about them. But don’t get bogged down if your style doesn’t lean “classic”.  Remember, any style aesthetic can accommodate your SC needs- which are balance and moderation.  Check out this video to see how these elements can be combined.

Now, if you’re still unsure whether Soft Classic is right for you, be patient.  Trying the style lines, and understanding kibbe terminology can take time. Check out the style lines for all the IDs, here to get a better visual understanding or starting point. 

And if this has cemented your SC ID, congrats!  Now go enjoy your beautiful classic softness.

Pin the below image so you can keep your SC wardrobe up to date

soft classic ultimate guide with woman in soft boatneck blouse and fitted wrap dress

Lisa

Monday 26th of February 2024

Hi Gabrielle, Great post!! Would you have any suggestions for retailers that lean towards the Soft Classic aesthetic?

Claudia

Sunday 11th of February 2024

Hello, I find your content very insight- and helpful. I'm on a style-journey myself for a while now, so thank you very much for your effort. I'm still learning to discerne stuff I like (visually) from outfits that actually serve me and are flattering. Especially when it comes to energy, I have to be more aware of what actually belongs to me (energy wise) and what is just a lovely image idea I'd like to entertain. That's a bit of challenge, to be honest. Sometimes I just forget about this and buy something spontaneously just to find out, that the style energy doesn't match my authentic vibe. So, to make a long story short, I think I'm a classic. Probably soft classic. So I took a look at the outfit recommendations. And I feel like, sometimes they are bit off and not actually soft classic. Like the golden slippers in the first Betty Draper panel. They are way too chunky and flamboyant for SC. Sometimes the pieces lean more towards dramatic energy or towards romantic energy - IMHO. My best advise is to look at Kirsten Dunst or Naomi Watts. They almost always get it right. But please correct me, if I'm wrong. It really feels a bit like a labyrinth...

Gabrielle Arruda

Monday 12th of February 2024

I think Kirsten and Naomi are great SC icons. But I also think it's more about the complete look and balance/energy. I personally think a lot of pieces can work for an SC like those gold shoes, and that one item won't make or break an outfit generally. But, they might not match YOUR energy, which is think is incredibly important to be in touch with. IN terms of shopping strategy, you might find this video helpful:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Urob8frW54E

Rhonda

Sunday 11th of February 2024

How does Soft Classic blend with a pear shape? Do I need to figure out where they intersect, or can I just go with the SC recommendations?

Thanks!

Therese Ahl Lennartsson

Saturday 27th of January 2024

Hi I’m searching all over for tips about SC shoes. All I find is great collections of shoes for other body types… Sure, there are a few guidelines but open toe and slingbacks doesn’t work all year round and definitely not on all surfaces. Can you do a piece on shoes and boots that work in different situations and different kinds of weather? Best regards Therese

val

Monday 8th of January 2024

Love your posts...BUT...now that I know I am a soft classic and I also know that I have a figure 8...which is now "pulling focus"...how do I handle all this at once? Change fabrics?? Cuts?? All of my skirts are being changed to pencil now.. figure 8 it is a distraction now that I've lost weight and can really see it versus the rectangle. Any ideas?