Kibbe Soft gamine Body Type:

The Ultimate Guide

to Embracing Your Playful, Petite Contrast

At Maeve Mélange, we celebrate the charm of every body type (or Image Identity as Kibbe calls them) and this page is devoted to one of our favorites: the Soft Gamine. These beauties embody a lively blend of sharpness and sweetness and sit on the middle of the YIN (soft features) side of the body chart. We call them ‘The Dollface’ because of features like round cheeks, large eyes, or a doll-like charm. The result? A look that is spirited, chic, and irresistibly whimsical.

What Defines the soft gamine Image Identity?

Soft Gamines (SG) are characterized by a smaller, slightly angular frame with a mix of delicate curves and youthful energy. Their Kibbe “accommodation” (aka what makes them special) is petite and curve. Soft Gamines have a curve at their hip, but let’s talk about ‘petite.’ It’s probably the most misunderstood word in the world of Kibbe. It doesn’t mean ‘short,’ but rather ‘juxtaposed’ compared to all other body types. Petite means your torso and arms are basically the same length combined with narrowness. Yes, even if you’re plus size you look narrow when you’re SG. For example, Blair has had clients upwards of 5’6” that have been SG - that is not short. And male SGs can be even taller - but this page is specifically for our female body born SGs.

Here’s what mainly confuses people: Soft Gamines have shorter waists, but balanced to slightly shorter torsos and longer extremities (for their height). Also, their arm are essentially the same length as their torsos. Because of the waist/torso/arm ratio they give off the impression of a short vertical line, so they ‘look shorter.’ Is your mind blown yet? #proportions and #opticalillusions


key features of a
Soft gamine:

  • Short Vertical Line: A naturally compact silhouette aka they ‘look shorter’

  • Delicate Bone Structure: Smaller, more feminine bone structure

  • Curved Bust Line: Typically a more full
    bust line

  • Natural Hip Definition: A softly defined waist and hips 

  • Angular Shoulders: Shoulders may carry a slight angularity (hence why you love tailoring)

  • Soft and Fleshy Arms and Legs: A gentle, rounded quality in the limbs 

  • Doll-Like Facial Features: Large, expressive eyes, fleshy cheeks, and full lips create a vibrant and animated face


You’re Not
A Soft gamine If…

Soft Gamines thrive on a mix of juxtaposition: tailoring, curve, and compact softness—if any of the traits below resonate, you may belong to a different body type:

  • Your features are completely balanced without the interplay of soft and sharp elements

  • Your limbs are notably lean rather than soft and fleshy

  • Your bone structure is sharp and prominent rather than delicate/narrow

  • Your facial features are very angular sharp cheekbones, pointed chin, or a highly defined nose

  • Your hips are narrow and straight without noticeable definition


Soft gamine Female Celebrities

Halle Berry, Cyndi Lauper, Judy Garland, Octavia Spencer, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Winona Ryder, Emma Roberts, Lucy Hale, Sarah Hyland.

Source: Getty Images


The Soft gamine Style Code

Playful elegance. Structured charm. The Soft Gamine body type thrives in a wardrobe that blends fitted silhouettes, with smaller, lively details. Defined waists, rounded shapes, and charming accents bring out your natural vibrancy. Noticed we said ‘tailored,’ not ‘bodycon.’ They are two very different things.

Fabrics & Materials

  • Mix & Match Weights - Ensure top/bottom fabric are of opposite weights (SGs are obsessed with fabric weight balance)

  • Lightweight with Structure – Fabrics should be soft yet structured enough to hold shape (cotton poplin, cotton lawn, silk organza, linen, lightweight denim, chambray)

  • Textured and Intricate Fabrics – Lean into the medium-weight fabrics like brocade, tweed, corded lace, bouclé

  • Moderate to Small Prints – Stick to delicate patterns that enhance proportion.

  • Avoid: Single outfits of one fabric type (soft, loose, heavy, medium), shiny fabrics, soft/flowy fabrics (chiffon, pure silk, satin), heavy fabrics (leather, denim, wool)

Necklines

  • Rounded or Close-Fitting – Scoop, jewel, rounded, heart shaped, neck tie (pussybow), mock neck

  • Collared Styles – A tailored but playful touch (peter pan, club, notched, scalloped, mandarin)

  • Asymmetric Designs – Off-center details create an eclectic feel (one shoulder drape, asymmetrical cowl, off center twist, shoulder cutout)

  • Avoid - Stiff/plunging v-neck, spaghetti straps, oversized, zero softness in fabric

Silhouette & Fit

  • Mantra - “Fitted, Feminine, & Small” Your clothes should always be tailored, on the feminine side (depending on your secondary essence), and not massively billowy on you

  • Soft but Structured – Fitted shapes with gentle curves enhance proportion.

  • Soft Waist Emphasis – Swoops and gathers on dresses, belts the same color as the dress/skirt, & folds at the waist in dresses are all perfect examples of ‘soft’ waist emphasis

  • Lengths – Cropped blazers, ¾ sleeves, ⅞ pants, skirt/dress at knee or below, cropped wide legs

  • Color Blocking - 2+ colors on you at all times! Ensure the colors are not in stark contrast (ex. Black and white next to each other)

  • Avoid - pure classic styles, monochrome outfits, oversized clothing, androgynous styles

Prints & Patterns

  • Bold Color Contrasts – Vibrant prints add energy and interest; bold colors and high contrast

  • Rounded Prints – Opt for polka dots, swirls, and curved shapes

  • Feminine Florals – Stick to small or moderate florals for balance

  • Size - Around a nickel (2 cm) to a quarter (2.5 cm)

  • Avoid - large scale prints (bigger than a quarter/2.5 cm), extremely muted in color, watercolor, flowy, no print at all, symmetrical prints, overly geometric prints (stripes, diamond, triangles, squares, rectangles)

Accessories

  • Small, Structured Bags – Petite crossbody bags with rounded edges or super fun shapes (yeah, grab the cupcake or puppy purse!)

  • Thin Belts – Define the waist with slim, curved-buckle belts; just opt for the softer fabric or suede/softer leather belts

  • Rounded Sunglasses – Overly square/rectangular frames can clash with your round features; round complements and enhances your beauty

  • Playful Jewelry – Asymmetrical or whimsical designs add charm (flowers, raccoons, sea life, hearts, whatever your little artistic heart loves - it’s for you)

  • Avoid - wire jewelry, geometric designs, arrows, chandelier earrings, tons of vertical/elongation, boho jewelry, tiny jewelry

Shoes

  • Elegant Kitten Heels – Rounded or softly tapered (aka almond aka pointed & round had a baby)

  • Chic Flats – Structured, dainty flats

  • Stylish Ankle Boots – Soft or rounded boot styles

  • Avoid - Pointed toes and stiletto heels (you aren’t a Dramatic, there isn’t enough Yang in you for these)

Tops

  • Rounded or Close Necklines – Scoop, jewel, or high necklines (heart shaped, neck tie (pussybow), mock neck)

  • Collared Blouses – Feminine, structured styles enhance charm (peter pan, club collar, notched, johnny, camp, detachable)

  • Draped Fits – Soft volume adds character without bulk (mock neck, one-shoulder drape, cowl neck, off-center twist, wrap neck)

  • Lace & Ruffle Details – Delicate touches amplify the Soft Gamine aesthetic

  • Tucked or Peplum - how to wear your shirt

  • Sleeves - On the shorter side (butterfly, soft triangle, cup), ¾, or longer and tapered

  • Avoid - Heavy draping knits, plunging V’s, oversized, dolman sleeves, batwing sleeves, stiff

Dresses

  • Length – Knee length, just below the knee, and midi

  • Minimal Volume – Keep the silhouette tailored, not billowy and big

  • Defined Shoulders – A touch of structure enhances balance

  • Waist Emphasis - Soft waist emphasis is paramount! Swoops and gathers, belts the same color as the dress/skirt, & folds at the waist, etc are all perfect examples

  • Fun - You’re Gamine; you make people believe in fashion! There’s no reason to pick boring, run of the mill dresses - pick one you’d never think you could pull off that follows these rules…because, guess what, you can pull it off!

  • Avoid - boring dresses, long dresses, poofy dresses, no shape, bodycon, lots of flow

skirts & Pants

Skirts

  • Length – Knee length, just below the knee, or midi

  • Styles – Tulip, tapered, gentle flare, narrow, animated

  • Defined Waistbands – Adds a tailored touch

  • Ruffles & Playful Details – Ruffles, colorful trim, playful pockets, contrasting buttons, etc.

  • Avoid - oversized, billowy, wide, minimal detail, maxi or mini length, geometric, thick/starched fabric, bodycon

pants

  • Lengths - ⅞, cropped, high-waisted

  • Hug the Hips – Contoured fits enhance your shape (when in doubt, buy larger and tailor!)

  • Tailored Styles – Medium weight, structured pants work best

  • Pleats & Cropped Lengths – Soft pleats (with the opening of the pleat facing down or inward) and ‘just above the ankle bone’ length cuts are ideal

  • Slim-Fit Jeans – Slim-cut denim complements your proportions; just ensure the weight of the denim is medium so that you can tailor to the crisp curve that you need (a challenge today when a lot of jean is either too stretchy or too stiff). And yes, you can rock a cuff!

  • Avoid - Thick denim, oversized, overly flowy/unstructured, extra long, medium-waist, low-waist

OUTERWEAR & JACKETS

  • Length - Cropped, knee length, just below the knee, or midi

  • Waist Emphasis - A tie of some sort is preferred for waist emphasis

  • Styles - Cropped pea coat, fit and flare, princess, swing coat, midi trench

  • Tailored Fit – Structured, fitted jackets maintain balance

  • Fun Details - Enhanced collars, multiple colors, different fabrics, cut outs, embellishments, playful stitching or embroidery, etc

  • Avoid - Heavy fabrics, boring/run of the mill, extra long or medium length, overly boxy/not fitted

Hair & Makeup

Hair

  • Soft & Playful Styles – Straight or wavy textures

  • Bangs for Youthful Softness – Wispy or full bangs work beautifully

  • Asymmetric Cuts – A modern, eclectic touch

  • Length - Short to shoulder-length

  • Avoid - long hair, boho waves, mermaid curls, shapeless bobs, pin-straight/sleek styles, heavy/long/blunt bangs, voluminous/teased styles

Makeup

  • Light & Fresh-Faced – A natural, youthful glow

  • Defined Eyes – Soft eyeliner and mascara enhance expressiveness (even easier is using powder or cream eyeshadow as eyeliner for that smoked out effect)

  • Soft Blush – A fresh flush of color complements Soft Gamine features

  • Avoid - Liquid eyeliner or an overly precise/sculpted look

Brands for
Soft Gamines

Brands that love you back blend tailoring, playfulness, and detail with shorter silhouettes, crisp lines, and fun, feminine energy. Ones like the below are no brainers:

  • Milly

  • Alice & Olivia

  • Ramy Brook

  • Sandro

  • Maje

  • & Other Stories

  • Sézane

  • Mango

  • ASOS

  • ASTR

The Soft Gamine MindseT

Style is more than just clothing—it’s about embracing you. The Soft Gamine aesthetic is all about playfulness and polish and thrives on structured charm and expressive details. When you dress in harmony with your lines, your confidence shines effortlessly.


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!