Soft Classic Kibbe Body Type: The Ultimate Style Guide

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How to style and accessorize as a Soft Classic

Co-authored by Alena Le Blanc and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 14, 2024 Fact Checked

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What is Soft Classic?

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Soft Classic Characteristics

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Style Guidelines

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Celebrity Examples

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Are you a Soft Classic?

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Expert Interview

If you have a Soft Classic body type, you may be wondering, “What on earth should I wear?” Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! According to David Kibbe’s 1987 bestseller Metamorphosis, a Soft Classic body type has a balanced frame with slightly rounder edges. People with a Soft Classic body have a soft, hourglass figure. In this article, we’ll walk you through what this body type means, its characteristics, and how to style it best.

Things You Should Know

If you have a Soft Classic body type, you have soft arms and thighs, evenly proportioned bust and hips, tapered shoulders, and a round jawline.
Wear flowy, neutral fabrics that aren’t too tight or oversized to best fit your feminine frame.
Accessorize with a belt to cinch your waist and exaggerate your hourglass shape and even proportions.

Section 1 of 6:

What is Soft Classic?

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Soft Classic is a body type with a soft, rounded hourglass figure. In the fashion world, there are 13 Kibbe body types. As defined by David Kibbe in his 1987 book Metamorphosis, these types focus on the body's overall structure and its proportions following a yin/yang spectrum.^{[1]
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Research source} On the far right of this spectrum sits yin, the softest and most feminine or romantic figure; on the far left is yang, which represents the most dramatic or masculine figure.^{[2]
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Research source} Soft Classic is near the center of the spectrum, representing a slightly more feminine figure with round features.
- Those with a Soft Classic body type have a balanced bone structure and yin-influenced body flesh (distribution of weight) and facial features.
- The Kibbe scale has 3 Classic body types: Dramatic Classic, Pure Classic, and Soft Classic.
  - Dramatic Classic has a slightly angular frame and sophisticated essence.
  - Pure Classic has a symmetrical frame and reserved essence.
  - Soft Classic has a slightly rounder frame and refined essence.
- If a Soft Classic gains weight, the body and face will become even more soft and round. The waist will likely lose its hourglass shape, as the weight distributes throughout the bust and hips.

Section 2 of 6:

Characteristics of a Soft Classic

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A Soft Classic body type in women can be defined by several characteristics or physical descriptions. Chances are, if you have these attributes, you’re likely a Soft Classic:^{[3]
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- Moderate height (around 5.6 ft (67 in))
- Soft arms, thighs, and waist
- Evenly proportioned bust, waist, and hips
- Short arms and legs
- Tapered shoulders that are slightly sloped
- Soft and wide nose
- Rounded jawline
- Large eyes
- Soft cheeks
- Full lips
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A Soft Classic body type can also be defined by what it doesn’t have. You’re likely not a Soft Classic if you have these physical characteristics:^{[4]
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- Above average height (taller than 5.6 ft (67 in))
- Lean limbs
- Contrasting facial features
- Narrow and straight hips
- Small eyes
- Delicate or sharp bone structure and features
- Naturally muscular appearance

Section 3 of 6:

Style Guidelines for Soft Classics

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Clothing Soft Classic body types should opt for a symmetrical and feminine style that narrows the waist. Items that aren’t too tight or oversized fit best on a Soft Classic’s softer frame. Along with this, a Soft Classic must always define the waistline. Drawing the eye to the waist exaggerates the hourglass figure, providing a flattering and feminine silhouette.^{[5]
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Research source} Take a look at which items suit Soft Classics best for even more guidance:
- Tops: Round necklines, turtle necks, and tampered sleeves
- Bottoms: High-rise, wide-leg, and skinny jeans that end above the ankle
- Skirts: Midi-length, flowy, and flared
- Dresses: Waist definition, short to midi-length, A-line silhouette
- Sweaters: Turtlenecks, crewnecks, and fitted cardigans
- Outerwear: Longer coats and jackets with built-in belt
- Shoes: Rounded or almond toes^{[6]
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Lightweight materials move with the body to accentuate a Soft Classic’s feminine features. Clothing made out of cotton, wool, linen, and silk are ideal for this body type because of how they delicately drape over the frame. Plus, their neutral, minimalistic, and soft texture appeals to the body’s feminine attributes.
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Prints Loud and bright prints can draw the eye away from a Soft Classic’s gracious essence, making them appear larger than they are. Instead, Soft Classics should opt for smaller prints and monochromatic combinations to emphasize their even proportions.^{[7]
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- Lace amplifies a Soft Classic’s soft features with its undefined edges and neutral tones.
- Watercolor shades accentuate a Soft Classic’s femininity and soft features.
- Dainty floral prints bring out this body type’s femininity or yin even more.
- Horizontal stripes help a Soft Classic look taller and can exaggerate their waist when cinched.
Soft Classics should always reach for belts and classically elegant jewelry when accessorizing. Clean-cut shapes look best on this body type because they add dimension to the slightly rounder frame. So, a Soft Classic can wear pearls, minimalist gold jewelry, cat-eye sunglasses, and slim to medium-width belts.
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Hair Soft Classics look best with wavy, shoulder-length hair. Kibbe suggests that those with a Soft Classic body type should have soft, wavy hair that’s about shoulder length with a simple curtain bang. Hair accessories are also suggested to be minimalistic, as too much in the hair could pull attention away from a Soft Classic’s large eyes and soft features.
- Keep in mind that this hairstyle is only a suggestion. If you’re a Soft Classic, opt for whichever hairstyle or haircut you feel the most confident in (even if it doesn’t follow Kibbe’s “rules”).
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Makeup Soft Classics appear the most youthful in soft, muted, and natural makeup looks. With their large eyes and full lips, experts recommend this body type to draw attention to their natural beauty rather than sculpting away their rounder features. Because of this, Soft Classics should avoid heavy eyeliner and contour.^{[8]
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- If you’re a Soft Classic, rock a natural makeup look with pink cheeks, rosy lips, and minimal eye shadow.

Section 4 of 6:

What celebrities are Soft Classics?

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Verified Soft Classic Celebrities These celebrities have been confirmed to have a Soft Classic body type by fashion and Kibbe imagery experts:
- Barbara Walters
- Carolina Herrera
- Donna Reed
- Emma Thompson
- George Clooney
- Grace Kelly
- James Franco
- Joan Fontaine
- Kirsten Dunst
- Laura Linny
- Marion Cotillard
- Meryl Streep
- Naomi Watts
- Norma Shearer
- Paul Rudd
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Suspected Soft Classic Celebrities These celebrities have not been confirmed by experts to have a Soft Classic body type; however, it’s suspected that they do:
- Dakota Johnson
- Dianna Agron
- Jessica Chastain
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Sienna Miller

Section 5 of 6:

How do you know if you’re a Soft Classic?

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Discover if you’re a Soft Classic by identifying with the characteristics or taking a Kibbe ID test. If you looked at the above characteristics and thought, “OMG, that’s me!” you’re likely a Soft Classic. If you’d like a more personalized and official identification, try taking a free online self-evaluation test, such as the one from The Concept Wardrobe or Our Fashion Garden.
- Unfortunately, David Kibbe’s original 1987 book Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can isn’t available to purchase anymore; however, you may be able to find it at thrift stores.
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Ask yourself questions about your body to see if you’re a Soft Classic. Beginning your journey with the Kibbe system can be as easy as doing a bit of self-exploration! Try asking yourself some of these general questions to see if you resonate with the Soft Classic body type. If you answer “yes” to most of them, you’re likely a Soft Classic.
- Do people often think you’re shorter than you actually are?
- Are your shoulders sloped and tapered?
- Are your arms and legs shorter than your torso?
- Do you have small and wide hands?
- Do you have a symmetrical figure?
- Is your chest full and round?
- Do you have a soft and defined waist?
- Do you have a rounded chin?
- Are your cheeks round and full?

Section 6 of 6:

The Bottom Line

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While David Kibbe’s body types can be extremely helpful in discovering the most flattering style, understand that it doesn’t have to represent you. If you’re categorized as a Soft Classic and don’t like the suggested style, don’t sweat it! Dress for your body type however you deem fit. The most important thing is to wear what you feel confident and comfortable in.

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Tips

In fashion, “soft” doesn’t necessarily mean “cute.” Soft is rounder, feminine, and elegant, whereas cute is youthful and bright.^{[9]
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