Kibbe Flamboyant natural
Body Type:
The Ultimate Guide
to Styling Your strong, athletic frame
At Maeve Mélange, we celebrate the unique beauty of all Image Identities (body types isn’t what Kibbe calls them), with a special focus on those who embody the strong, athletic presence of the Flamboyant Natural silhouette. This type lies on the YANG (pronounced YAH-ng) side of the Kibbe scale, where broad shoulders, a long vertical line, and a robust, muscular build define the body’s commanding and energetic presence.
What Defines the Flamboyant Natural Image Identity?
Flamboyant Natural (FN) body types are characterized by their broad shoulders, wider than any other Kibbe body type. Their Kibbe “accomodation” (aka what makes them special) is width and vertical - their clavicle is wider than their hip bones and therefore causes their shoulders to flare and become the widest part of their body. Here at Maeve Mélange we refer to Naturals as the “Let the Décoletté Breathe” family because they need wide open necklines otherwise they look (and feel) trapped. FNs have both width and a long vertical line (aka they ‘look tall’), so they often exude strength, vitality, and a dynamic presence, whether standing still or in motion.
Flamboyant Naturals typically possess a robust, athletic physique that is strong and commanding. Many Maeve Mélange female clients will say, “Ugh, I have shoulders like a linebacker…” and Blair will reply, “No way, babe, you have shoulders like a supermodel!” because 90% of the supermodels in the world are Naturals, especially FNs. This is because high fashion requires their models to be walking hangers, and with their broad shoulders and small hips, FNs know exactly what a garment will look like on them just by looking at it on a hanger.
key features of a Flamboyant Natural:
Tall & Broad: Appear tall, with a broad, commanding silhouette that stands out
Wide Shoulders: Broad, blunt shoulders defining the upper body
Long Limbs: Arms and legs are long and proportionate, often paired with large, wide feet
Straight Waist and Hips: A straight waist with minimal curve at the hips
Muscular Yet Lean Flesh: Strong musculature that maintains a lean quality, emphasizing an athletic frame
Facial Structure: Faces are wide and angular, with blunt edges contributing to a bold and prominent look.
Facial Features: Wide-set eyes, broad lips, a wide nose, and fleshy or muscular cheekbones
Height: Typically moderate to very tall (5'5" and above), though they can also be shorter than 5'5" (ex. Sarah Jessica Parker)
Large Hands and Feet: Hands and feet are often large with long fingers and toes
Broad & Square Bone Structure: Bones are broad, square, and sturdy
You’re Not a fLAMBOYANT NATURAL If…
Flamboyant Naturals are defined by their bold, athletic features. If any of the below resonate, you’re probably a different type:
Your facial features are delicate or dainty (soft, round features, smaller nose, thinner lips)
You have a defined hourglass figure with a curvy waist and balanced proportions
Your limbs are soft or fleshy rather than lean and taut
Your bone structure is narrow or petite rather than broad and square
You have a smaller frame or lack the vertical dominance that characterizes a Flamboyant Natural (you can still be ‘short’ and be an FN, you just have to look tall - ex. you’re 5’4” but on camera to Blair you look 6’4”)
Flamboyant Natural Female Celebrities
Shirley Maclaine, Princess Diana of Wales, Michelle Obama, Cameron Diaz, Linda Evans, Julia Roberts, Brooke Shields
Sources: Carnival Film & Television Limited, Getty Images, FilmMagic
The Flamboyant Natural
Style Code
Wild elegance. Earth goddess energy. Fearless flirtation. Flamboyant Natural clothing is all about free flowing silhouettes, natural fabrics, and large scale details. With your supermodel width and natural elongation, your wardrobe should be bursting with texture and movement.
Fabrics & Materials
Organic & Flowy: Flowy cottons, organic linens, muslin, bamboo, hemp, tencel, modal
Soft fabrics: Silk, satin, cashmere, soft drape velvet
Avoid: Clingy, stiff, or girly fabrics and materials (cotton poplin, ditsy lace, hard leather, etc)
Necklines
Wide & Open: Boatnecks, deep u-necks, scoop necks,
Asymmetrical Cuts: V-necks (wide/relaxed), one shoulder asymmetrical
Relaxed Styles: Collarless, relaxed collars, cowl neck, softly draped
Silhouette & Fit
Vertical Emphasis: Long dresses, tunics, pants, loose/relaxed lines
Width Emphasis: Drop shoulders, dolman sleeves, batwings, wide leg pants
Straight with Flow: Straight, slightly oversized garments with a slight taper or unstructured shape is perfect for you
Avoid: Clingy or overly tailored fits (you aren’t a Romantic or Dramatic!)
Prints & Patterns
Abstract: Swirls, brush strokes, irregular shapes, tie dye (organic looking, high-contrast)
Organic/Freeform: Mimic natural elements (waves, leaves, bark, marble), animal print (giraffe, zebra, snake - must be bold, not overdone)
Bold Patterns: Large scale (1.2 in or 3 cm), florals (tropical, wild, hand-painted, not delicate roses), freeform, bold geometric, stripes (wide, uneven, diagonal - avoid narrow)
Avoid: Tiny/ditsy florals, classic polka dots, cute patterns, baroque styles, traditional plaids, pinstripes
Accessories
Large Scale & Chunky: In order to match your stunning width and vertical (oversized hoops, cuffs, statement necklaces)
Natural Materials: Wood, leather, stone, raw materials (pearls, gold, silver, etc)
Purses: Slouchy bags, big totes, fringe details (FN rule of thumb in all things: if it looks like you got in a fight with a cat or has tentacles like an octopus it’s for you!)
Belts: (can be tricky with a vertical accommodation, so proceed with caution) can be wide and worn low, even slouchy
Shoes
Pointed-Toe Styles: Adds elongation and sharpness (particularly tapered - aka, round and pointed had a baby)
Height Increasing Styles: Wedges, platforms, chunky heels, cowboy boots
Flower Child Styles: Loafers, moccasins, Birkenstocks, strappy sandals
Avoid: Dainty, delicate, girly shoes - (aka rounded toe)
Tops & Dresses
Tops
Short or Long: Boxy crop tops, longline tops, tunics (emphasizes vertical)
Organic Texture: Knitwear, linen, cashmere, cotton, etc
Slightly Oversized: Enhances your width - drop shoulder, oversized button-downs, slouchy sweaters
Cropped Sleeves Above the Wrist: Enhances sharp, compact lines.
Avoid: Overly fitted button-down styles
DRESSES
Short or Long Lengths: Needed to emphasize vertical/height (mini or maxi)
Asymmetrical or Draped Designs: Adds movement and interest
Look For: Straight or slightly A-line cuts, relaxed wrap dresses, shirt dresses, sweater dresses, maxi dresses
Skirts & Pants
SKIRTS
Choose Movement: Flow, wrap, tulip, slits, draping, etc create movement
Short or Longer lengths: Mini, midi or maxi (for vertical emphasis)
Avoid: pencil skirts or too much structure
Pants
Relaxed: Too much structure looks off on you; pick boyfriend jeans, cargo pants, or harem pants
Wide: Wide leg, flared, palazzo pants
High-Waisted: Fine if waistband is a bit soft/slouchy
OUTERWEAR, JACKETS
& Sweaters
outerwear & jackets
Long & Oversized: Dusters, trench coats with drape, relaxed/oversized denim
Supple Materials: Soft leather or suede jackets, long knit cardigans
Avoid: Tight fitting blazers
Hair & Makeup
Hair
Effortless & Wild: Tousled, beachy waves or shaggy layers
Texture, Texture: Emphasize yours! Wavy, curly, or voluminously straight
Long: Longer hair works very well for FNs
Avoid: Overly sharp, geometric, or structured cuts (especially straight bangs…YIKES)
Makeup
Undone Look: More is less for you, typically (this is definitely essence dependent).
Smoky: Depending on your color season, smoking out your eyes with a smudged, undone color is typically stunning on you
Brows: We like a full brow on you - no overplucking here, babe
Avoid: liquid eyeliner or an overly precise/sculpted look
Brands for
Soft Dramatics
Brands that love you back embrace wide necklines, drape & flow, long (or short!) lines, and bold patterns. Ones like the below are no brainers:
Carolina Herrera
Mara Hoffman
Ramona LaRue
Jaki London
Johnny Was
Free People
Madewell
Anthropologie
The soft Dramatic MindseT
Style is about embracing your natural structure with confidence. The Soft Dramatic aesthetic is graceful yet powerful, striking yet refined. Embrace your natural curves and elongated silhouette, and let your wardrobe reflect your powerful elegance.
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!