Unlocking Your Soft Natural Style: A Comprehensive Kibbe Guide

Are you drawn to relaxed, effortless styles with a touch of bohemian flair? Do you feel most confident in clothing that celebrates your natural figure? If so, you might be a Soft Natural (SN) in the Kibbe Body Type system. This guide will delve deep into the Soft Natural essence, providing you with the knowledge and practical steps to embrace your inherent beauty and dress in a way that truly resonates with your authentic self.

What is the Kibbe Body Type System?

Developed by David Kibbe in his book “Metamorphosis,” the Kibbe system aims to identify your unique blend of Yin (soft, rounded) and Yang (sharp, angular) features. It’s not about fitting into a specific size or ideal body shape but rather understanding your inherent lines and textures to create harmonious and flattering outfits. Think of it as a personalized style compass, guiding you towards choices that amplify your natural allure.

The system consists of five main categories: Dramatic, Classic, Natural, Gamine, and Romantic, with variations within each. Soft Natural is a subtype of the Natural family, blending the relaxed, unconstructed essence of Natural with a significant dose of Yin softness and curves.

The Soft Natural Essence: Relaxed Glamour

The Soft Natural woman embodies a relaxed, approachable glamour. Think of her as the girl next door with an undeniable spark. She’s effortlessly chic, radiating warmth and vitality. She thrives in comfortable clothing that allows her to move freely, but she also possesses a natural sensuality that shines through when she embraces her curves.

Here are some keywords that capture the Soft Natural essence:

• Relaxed
• Effortless
• Warm
• Approachable
• Sensual
• Curvaceous
• Natural
• Unconstructed
• Glowing
• Organic

Key Characteristics of a Soft Natural

It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines, and not every Soft Natural will possess all these characteristics. Consider the overall impression you give off rather than focusing on individual traits.

• Bone Structure: Soft Naturals have a moderate to slightly broad bone structure. Their shoulders are often slightly wider than their hips. They may have bluntness in their facial features.
• Body Flesh: Soft Naturals possess soft, fleshy curves. They often have a defined waist and rounded hips. They gain weight evenly throughout their body.
• Facial Features: Soft Naturals have a blend of blunt and soft features. Their eyes are typically large and expressive. Their lips are often full and sensual. Their cheeks are rounded.
• Hair: Soft Natural hair tends to be soft and wavy, often with a natural texture.
• Overall Impression: Soft Naturals exude a warm, approachable, and slightly sensual vibe. They appear relaxed and effortless.

Distinguishing Soft Natural from Other Types

It’s common to mistake Soft Natural for other Kibbe types, particularly Romantic and Soft Gamine. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Soft Natural vs. Romantic: Romantics are characterized by extreme Yin. They have very soft bone structure, delicate features, and an overall impression of femininity. Soft Naturals, on the other hand, have a more moderate bone structure with bluntness and a more relaxed, less overtly feminine essence. Romantics need soft, clinging fabrics and ornate details, while Soft Naturals need more relaxed shapes and textures.
• Soft Natural vs. Soft Gamine: Soft Gamines are a blend of Yin and Yang, with a youthful, playful energy. They have delicate bone structure with some sharpness and a mix of soft and sharp facial features. Soft Naturals have a more relaxed, sensual energy, and their bone structure is more moderate with bluntness. Soft Gamines thrive in tailored, fitted clothing with playful details, while Soft Naturals need relaxed, unconstructed shapes.
• Soft Natural vs. Natural: Pure Naturals have a more yang essence. They have a broader, straighter bone structure, less defined curves, and an athletic build. Soft Naturals have more curves and require more softness in fabrics and silhouettes to accommodate their yin undercurrent.

Dressing Your Soft Natural: A Detailed Guide

Now that you understand the Soft Natural essence, let’s dive into the specifics of dressing your body type. The key is to embrace relaxed silhouettes, soft fabrics, and natural details that enhance your curves and radiate your inner warmth.

1. Silhouettes: Embrace Relaxed and Unconstructed Shapes

Avoid overly structured or tailored clothing, which can feel restrictive and clash with your natural ease. Instead, opt for relaxed, flowing shapes that drape beautifully over your curves.

• Tops: Choose tops with soft, flowing lines. Wrap tops, peasant blouses, and oversized sweaters are excellent choices. Avoid anything too tight or constricting. Look for details like ruching, gathering, or draping to enhance your curves.
• Bottoms: Opt for relaxed skirts, wide-leg pants, or soft denim. A-line skirts, bias-cut skirts, and flowy maxi skirts are all flattering. Avoid stiff, structured fabrics in your bottoms.
• Dresses: Wrap dresses, empire waist dresses, and maxi dresses are all fantastic options. Look for dresses with soft, flowing lines and natural details. Avoid dresses that are too tight or overly structured.
• Outerwear: Choose relaxed outerwear like oversized cardigans, soft leather jackets, or trench coats with a relaxed fit. Avoid structured blazers or coats that feel too formal.

2. Fabrics: Softness is Key

The feel of the fabric is just as important as the silhouette. Choose soft, tactile fabrics that drape beautifully and feel comfortable against your skin. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are excellent choices.

• Avoid: Stiff, structured fabrics like heavy brocade or stiff denim.
• Embrace: Soft, flowing fabrics like jersey, chiffon, crepe, and lightweight knitwear.

3. Details: Natural and Organic Touches

Incorporate natural and organic details into your outfits to enhance your Soft Natural essence. Think of details like ruffles, ruching, embroidery, and natural textures.

• Avoid: Overly ornate or fussy details that can overwhelm your relaxed vibe.
• Embrace: Natural details like wood, leather, and stone. Consider adding details like fringe, tassels, or embroidery to your outfits.

4. Prints: Natural and Organic Motifs

Choose prints that are natural and organic in design. Think of floral prints, paisley prints, and animal prints. Avoid prints that are too geometric or abstract.

• Scale: The scale of the print should be moderate to large. Small, busy prints can overwhelm your features.
• Color: Choose prints in warm, earthy tones.

5. Color Palette: Warm and Earthy Tones

Your color palette should consist of warm, earthy tones that complement your natural coloring. Think of colors like olive green, rust, beige, brown, and cream.

• Neutrals: Choose warm neutrals like beige, brown, and cream as the foundation of your wardrobe.
• Accents: Add pops of color with warm, earthy tones like olive green, rust, and terracotta.
• Avoid: Cool, harsh colors like black, white, and navy, which can wash you out. If you want to wear black, try pairing it with warmer colors and soft fabrics.

6. Accessories: Relaxed and Natural

Your accessories should be relaxed and natural in style. Think of accessories like scarves, hats, and jewelry made from natural materials.

• Jewelry: Choose jewelry made from natural materials like wood, leather, and stone. Avoid overly ornate or delicate jewelry.
• Scarves: Add a scarf to your outfit for a touch of warmth and texture. Choose scarves in soft fabrics like silk or linen.
• Hats: A wide-brimmed hat is a great way to add a touch of glamour to your Soft Natural look.
• Bags: Choose bags in soft, relaxed shapes. Hobo bags, crossbody bags, and tote bags are all excellent choices. Avoid structured or formal bags.
• Shoes: Sandals, boots, and flats are all great choices for Soft Naturals. Choose shoes in soft, natural materials like leather or suede. Avoid overly structured or formal shoes.

7. Hair and Makeup: Natural and Glowing

Your hair and makeup should be natural and glowing, reflecting your effortless style.

• Hair: Embrace your natural hair texture. Soft, wavy hair is ideal. Avoid overly styled or structured hairstyles. Consider adding highlights to brighten your complexion.
• Makeup: Focus on creating a natural, glowing complexion. Use a light foundation or tinted moisturizer. Add a touch of blush to your cheeks. Use a nude or berry-toned lipstick. Avoid heavy eye makeup.

Putting It All Together: Soft Natural Outfit Examples

Here are a few outfit examples to inspire your Soft Natural style:

• Outfit 1: A flowy maxi dress in a floral print, paired with sandals and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Outfit 2: A peasant blouse with wide-leg pants, paired with a leather belt and ankle boots.
• Outfit 3: An oversized sweater with soft denim jeans, paired with sneakers and a scarf.
• Outfit 4: A wrap dress in a solid color, paired with heels and delicate jewelry.
• Outfit 5: A linen jumpsuit with a cardigan, paired with sandals and a straw hat.

Mistakes to Avoid as a Soft Natural

Knowing what *not* to wear is just as important as knowing what works. Here are common style mistakes to avoid as a Soft Natural:

• Overly Structured Clothing: Stiff, tailored pieces will look and feel restrictive.
• Harsh Colors: Black, white, and other stark shades can wash you out.
• Geometric Prints: These clash with your natural, organic essence.
• Fussy Details: Too many ruffles, bows, or embellishments will overwhelm your relaxed style.
• Tight, Restrictive Fits: Embrace flowy, comfortable shapes that allow you to move freely.
• Ignoring Your Curves: Don’t hide your figure! Choose pieces that drape beautifully and celebrate your natural shape.

Embrace Your Authentic Style

The Kibbe system is a tool for self-discovery and style empowerment. It’s about understanding your unique beauty and embracing clothing that makes you feel confident and radiant. As a Soft Natural, you have a natural warmth and sensuality that shines through when you dress in a way that aligns with your essence. Experiment with different silhouettes, fabrics, and colors to find what works best for you. Most importantly, have fun and embrace your authentic style!

Finding Inspiration

Look to celebrities and influencers who embody the Soft Natural essence for style inspiration. Examples include:

• Jennifer Aniston
• Scarlett Johansson
• Goldie Hawn
• Drew Barrymore
• Mila Kunis

Pay attention to how they use relaxed silhouettes, soft fabrics, and natural details to create effortless and flattering looks. Remember that inspiration is just a starting point – adapt these ideas to your own personal style and preferences.

Beyond Clothing: Lifestyle Considerations for the Soft Natural

Your Soft Natural essence extends beyond your wardrobe. Consider these lifestyle choices to further enhance your natural beauty and well-being:

• Home Decor: Create a warm and inviting living space with natural materials, soft textures, and earthy tones. Think comfortable furniture, cozy blankets, and natural light.
• Hobbies: Engage in activities that connect you with nature, such as gardening, hiking, or swimming.
• Self-Care: Prioritize relaxation and self-care activities that nurture your mind and body. Think of massages, aromatherapy, or spending time in nature.
• Exercise: Choose exercises that focus on flexibility and fluidity, such as yoga, Pilates, or dance.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your Kibbe Body Type is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about learning to appreciate your unique beauty and dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable. As a Soft Natural, you have a natural radiance and warmth that shines through when you embrace your relaxed, effortless style. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and create a wardrobe that reflects your authentic self. The key is to focus on relaxed silhouettes, soft fabrics, and natural details that enhance your curves and radiate your inner glow. So, go forth and embrace your Soft Natural essence!

By following these guidelines, you can unlock your Soft Natural style and create a wardrobe that celebrates your unique beauty and radiates your inner warmth. Happy styling!