Kibbe romantic Body Type:

The Ultimate Guide

to Styling Your Soft, Curvy Silhouette

At Maeve Mélange, we embrace beauty in all body types. This page focuses on the soft, rounded elegance of the Romantic silhouette. Positioned firmly on the Yin side of the Kibbe scale, the Romantic body type (also known as an Image Identity) is characterized by its smooth, rounded contours and gentle curves. There’s no sharpness here—just a timeless, graceful silhouette that exudes natural femininity.

What Defines the Dramatic Image Identity?

The Romantic body type is defined by its soft, rounded contours, with a focus on curves and feminine shape. Their Kibbe “accommodation or allowance” (aka what makes them special) is double curve - they have a visibly hourglass shape with the flesh of their bust protruding from the top, flowing into a slimmer waist, then out again into hips around the same size as the bust area. Blair lovingly calls them our ‘36/24/36’ babes. Their overall silhouette is sensuous, and the hourglass shape remains intact, even when weight is gained, as fullness tends to accumulate around the bust, hips, arms, and face, enhancing the gentle curves of the body.

  • Full Bust, Slim Waist, Curvy Hips aka Hourglass Figure: Bust that extends wider than the rib cage when looking at you from the front, essentially equal width with your hips - that’s what gives you your signature hourglass silhouette (aka ‘36,24,36’ as Blair jokes)

  • Smaller Frame: Romantic body types often appear shorter due to those bodacious curves (you’re also typically 5’6”/167cm and below based on our experience)

  • Sloped & Rounded Shoulders: Shoulders are gently sloped with no sharp angles

  • Shorter Limbs with Delicate Hands and Feet: Proportionally shorter arms and legs, with small, delicate hands and feet

  • Voluptuous & Fleshy Appearance: Romantic body types tend to have a fuller, fleshy look, with body mass distributed in soft, rounded shapes.

  • Romantic Facial Features: Rounded eyes, fleshy lips, full cheekbones


key features of a Romantic:


You’re Not
A romantic If…

Romantics are defined by their softness, curves, and roundness—if you recognize any of the following traits, you probably belong to a different body type:

  • Your facial features are sharp, angular, or defined (such as a pointed nose, high cheekbones, or a strong jawline)

  • You have a straight, narrow body without a defined bust or hips

  • Your arms and legs are long and lean without softness or fullness

  • Your bone structure is elongated, wide, or sharp rather than compact and delicate

  • You have a tall or vertical presence rather than a petite, rounded frame


romantic Female Celebrity Besties

Beyoncé, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Helena Bonham Carter, Emilia Clarke, Christina Ricci


The romantic Style Code

Source: Getty Images

Soft elegance. Timeless femininity. The Romantic body type flourishes in gentle, flowing lines and waist-defining pieces. With a naturally delicate and rounded frame, your wardrobe should reflect that same soft, graceful beauty—fluid, feminine, and effortlessly romantic. Everything below is a base (aka your ‘chicken’), when we add your Essence on top (aka your ‘seasoning’) is when the vibe of who you are comes into focus. Not everything may feel applicable to you if you know your Essence.

Fabrics & Materials

  • Soft & Delicate: Jersey (lightweight), crepe, challis, cashmere, Angora/mohair, suede, velvet, bouclé, knit

  • Lightweight Fabrics: Fabrics like chiffon, satin, and silk drape beautifully

  • Sheer: Subtle transparency like chiffon, organza, georgette, handkerchief linen, or tulle

  • Avoid: Stiff fabrics, chunky knits, heavy knits, crispy fabrics with no flow (ex. cotton poplin) heavy wools, corduroy, heavy velvets

off the shoulder
Vneck

Necklines

  • Rounded or Draped Necklines: Scoop, sweetheart (aka heart-shaped), cowl

  • Corset-Style Tops: Accentuates the waist

  • Strapless & Off-Shoulder: Ideal for showcasing the soft shoulders and collarbones

  • Avoid: high necklines, narrow neckline embellishments (ex. High pussybows), boatnecks, wide necklines, turtlenecks

dress
suit

Silhouette & Fit

  • Mantra: “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.” You are Marilyn Monroe. You are Beyonce. (Yes, both women were verified Kibbe Romantics!) Get out there and show the world they’ve got another Romantic on their hands

  • Bra Fitting: Paramount because you are one with your curves - ensuring you have the correct bra on at all times for every outfit and stage of life cannot be overemphasized

  • Lengths: cropped jackets, just-above-the-hip jacket, just-below-the-hip jackets, knee-length skirt/dress, midi skirt/dress, hem ends 1-2” above the ankle bone 

  • Soft & Flowing Embrace curves while maintaining smooth, flowing lines

  • Waist Definition: A must have for you - you need all the supple belts (with intricate buckles), emphasized waistline clothing with soft gathers, folds, draped sashes, peplum tops, etc

  • Rounded & Curved Lines: Avoid sharp, angular shapes in necklines, clothing shapes, etc.

  • Ornate Details: Ruffles, lace, sparkle (pearls, sequins, beading), and intricate textures add dimension and romance to any outfit

  • Avoid: straight cuts, boxy styles, hiding your waist, shapeless clothes, details that scream, high necklines, chunky/rough/oversized detail, geometric necklines, pleats, square shoulder pads, perky bows, tiny ruffles, minimal/no detail looks

prints

Prints & Patterns

  • Watercolor Effect/Abstract: A dreamy, blended color effect (think Monet)

  • Ombre/Cloud Like: Swirls of color flowing together with soft/rounded edges

  • Moderately Sized Floral Patterns: Flowers with rounded edges around the size of a quarter/ .65cm

  • Rounded Prints Like Polka Dots: Soft-edged dots offer a playful yet gentle touch (again, quarter sized/.65 cm+)

  • Avoid: Stripes, plaids, chevrons, pointed, triangles, diamonds, animated/busy, prints smaller than a quarter/.65 cm, contemporary styles, geometric, angular

Accessories

  • Jewelry: Delicate and lavish with intricate and ornate touches

  • Bags: Small, rounded shapes with supple/soft fabrics and materials (leather, satin, silk, lace, etc) with delicate details (ex. thin shoulder straps)

  • Belts: soft materials (nubuck leather, suede, satin, silk, fabric, etc) with incredibly intricate buckles (beaded, bejeweled, sparkly) because the buckle is the focal point (because they’re jewelry) and we want that belt to cinch you to high heaven

  • Hats: Large, soft, curvy (think derby hats)

  • Glasses/Sunglasses: A small to medium sized cat eye type frame is perfect for you - you need curves in the corners of the frame for body harmony

  • Ornamented Details: Accessories should feature decorative, feminine touches like pearls, lace, crystals, gems, glass, polished metal, intricate details (ex. if you’re into rococo, antique styles, baroque, etc. you’re in luck!)

  • Avoid: Heavy/chunky jewelry, geometric/sharp jewelry, hobo bags, purses with no detail, large/rectangular briefcases, stiff leather belts with no detail, baseball caps, rectangular glasses frames

Shoes

  • Rounded or Tapered Point Shoes: Softly pointed (aka almond) or round-toe shoes

  • Shoe Types: Strappy sandals/heels, peep-toe, open toe, slingback, pump, flat

  • Shoe Height: low to mid aka up to 4 in/10 cm

  • Intricate Details or Ornaments: Bows, lace, pearls, soft straps, floral/lace overlays, soft textures (satin/suede/lace)

  • Avoid: Chunky platforms, block heels, flat loafers, manly styles, aggressively pointed toes, square toe, large buckles, large studs, jagged textures, overly utilitarian/rugged, sneakers (unless heavily stylized), taller than 4 in/10cm

Tops

  • Fitted with Waist Definition: Tops should highlight the waist, either through natural fits or a belt (ex. Corset from neckline example)

  • Rounded or Draped Necklines: Scoop, sweetheart (aka heart-shaped), cowl

  • Strapless & Off-Shoulder: Ideal for showcasing the soft shoulders and collarbones

  • Fabrics: Jersey (lightweight), crepe, challis, cashmere, Angora/mohair, suede, velvet, bouclé, knit, chiffon, satin, silk, chiffon, organza, georgette, handkerchief linen, and tulle

  • Best Sleeve Types: Sleeveless, set-in, ¾, fitted, bishop

  • Avoid: high necklines, narrow neckline embellishments (ex. High pussybows), boatnecks, wide necklines, turtlenecks, Stiff fabrics, chunky knits, heavy knits, crispy fabrics with no flow (ex. cotton poplin) heavy wools, corduroy, heavy velvets

Dresses

  • Everything in Tops Applies

  • Best Lengths: Midi, knee length, maxi (evening only)

  • Best Styles: Wrap, biased, peplum, tulip

  • Flowing Dresses with Waist Emphasis: Dresses should flow and define the waist

  • Avoid: maxi (during the day/casual styles), boxy skirts, heavy materials, no waist emphasis, “hippie” style where everything is flowy, no ornateness/detail

Sweaters, OUTERWEAR
& JACKETS

  • Best Lengths: Bolero, cropped, end in the middle of the hip curve

  • Best Types: Peplum, draped, cardigans, wrap, off the shoulder, belted

  • Capes & Wrap Coats: Soft, flowing lines that drape and curve

  • Princess Seamed Coats: Nipped at the waist and flare over the hips

  • Sweaters: Should have soft/plush texture (cashmere or angora) and be embellished (pearls, lace overlays, delicate embroidery)

  • Wrap Sweaters: Highlight curves with cross-over draping

  • Blazers: Need to have rounded lapels, decorative buttons, waist emphasis (ex. tie waist)

  • Avoid: Boxy trench coats, sharp military jackets, stiff blazers, oversized boyfriend cardigans, chunky knits, long/unshaped dusters, boxy bomber jackets, heavy/angular leather jackets

skirts & Pants

Skirts

  • Fitted at the Waist and Hips: We wanna see the curves! Just make sure it’s a lighter fabric (Ex. a medium-weight satin v. heavyweight wool pencil skirt - the satin will be much lighter feeling and looking)

  • Gently Draped: Skirts should flow with the body, not feel stiff or structured

  • Best Styles: Full, tulip, wrap, flounce, pencil, A-line, gored

  • Best Lengths: Midi, knee length, maxi (evening only)

  • Avoid: Heavy fabrics (denim, wool, cotton twill), straight/severe cut (boxy A-line), straight pencil, wrap with angular lines, maxi skirts in the daytime, geometric details (skirts with pleats), casual styles (denim mini skirts, cargo skirts)

pants

  • Rise: High-Waisted

  • Length: ⅞ (aka just above the ankle), cropped

  • Best Styles: Skinny Jeans, straight leg, “mom jeans,” slightly pleated (pleats facing down or out), boot cut, wide leg (cropped)

  • Avoid: Full-length pants, too wide (beyond hip width), material too stiff, too utilitarian looking (cargo pants/work pants/dungarees)

Hair & Makeup

Hair

  • Soft Waves & Curls: Romantic hairstyles should be soft and flowing, with a timeless, elegant look

  • Sophisticated & Timeless: Reflect the graceful style with hair that mirrors the overall romantic aesthetic

  • Medium Length (Not Necessary): Medium-length hair works well, but shorter or longer styles can also reflect a romantic vibe

  • Avoid: Severe/angular cuts (blunt bobs, sharp-edged lobs, razor-straight lines), overly geometric styles (spiky pixies, choppy layers, boxy shapes), too slick (slick back ponytails), excessive crown volume (bye bye Bump It), ultra texture heavy (crimping, dreads, stiff curls)

Makeup

  • Soft, Blurry Eyeshadow: Subtle, blended colors keep the look delicate and feminine

  • Smokey Eyes: A softer take on the classic smokey eye maintains a refined feel

  • Accentuate Lips with Shiny Lipstick or Gloss: Glossy lips add a youthful, romantic touch

  • Personal Adjustments: Adapt makeup shades and techniques to align with seasonal color palettes and enhance your natural features

  • Avoid: Harsh lines/angles (strong contouring, overly sculpted cheekbones, sharp brows), heavy/matte finishes, dramatic eye (harsh smoky eye, thick graphic liner), ultra bold/neon colors, dark/severe liner

Brands for romantics

Brands that love you back celebrate curves, flow, and sensuality simultaneously. Brands like the below are no brainers:

  • House of CB

  • Breath of Youth

  • Amour 781

  • L’agence

  • Petal & Pup

  • Zimmermann

  • For Love and Lemons

  • ASTR the Label

  • Chloé

  • Self-Portrait

The romantic MindseT

Style is a reflection of your natural beauty and grace. The Romantic aesthetic is all about embracing your curves and soft lines, bringing timeless elegance and feminine power to your wardrobe.

Discover Your
Personal Style

At Maeve Mélange, we celebrate the beauty of every body type, offering Style Analysis, Personal Styling, Personal Shopping, and inspiration tailored to your unique body type. Learn more about our services below!