I have a niche topic to get into today and one that excites me a lot. I will be doing a silhouette breakdown for theatrical romantics, a body type in the Kibbe body type system.
If you haven’t read my article on How To Use Seasonal Color Palette Analysis and Kibbe Body Types To Elevate Your Style & Confidence– start there, especially if you’re new to the Kibbie body type system or want to learn a bit about color seasons. Both theories have changed how I think about how to style myself, express myself, and shop. Understanding my Kibbie body type and color season saves me from so much frustration around shopping for clothing that flatters me, why specific colors or silhouettes don’t look right with me, and why I can’t put my finger on the problem.
Because I am a theatrical romantic, this is the type I feel I have the best understanding of. I’ve always intuitively known that dressing for your body is super important and, in my opinion, is the key to going from trendy and cute to timeless and sophisticated. And although I’ve always known dressing for my body is essential, I’ve made some mistakes that weren’t cute. I now understand why those mistakes were unflattering and how to correct those mistakes. I also understand how to create any effect I want now that I know (or am pretty positive) about my body type. If you think you’re a theatrical romantic, I hope these tips and tricks I’ve picked up are helpful. Of course, when it comes to actual style, we are all so unique, and that’s what makes fashion fun, but our body types can help us filter through which silhouettes, shapes, lines, and details can automatically make us shine.
Theatrical romantic is the most misunderstood and rare of all types. It’s not the most desired type, as the Kibbe system isn’t about having “good” or “bad” features but about objectively embracing what exists and celebrating each body type’s unique beauty. But, theatrical romantics have a very contradictory body type, where they are mostly yin (soft, delicate, round, flesh-leading stature), with a strong yang undercurrent (sharp, long, dramatic, bone-leading stature). They are best described as soft and round, much like their true romantic counterparts, but with pointed edges. Usually, they have petite and double curve, meaning they’re shaped like two circles on top of one another and have short limbs that need to be accommodated, but with sharpness, maybe in the shoulders, wrists and ankles, jawline, etc.
If you think you’re a theatrical romantic, these tips can be a shortcut when considering your wardrobe. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all system- each of us has our unique style. However, the Kibbe system can help us figure out what shapes and aesthetics flatter our body type and teach us how to create different shock factors or effects creatively.
Theatrical Romantics Silhouettes
I’m so happy to be a theatrical romantic because I resonate the most with the style suggestions and tips recommended. I feel like someone who resonates with their zodiac sign and is insufferably proud. But, hey, we all have our wins, okay? I love the TR style- the femme fatal and dark feminine that are classically associated with this type. It’s feminine and sexy yet balanced with a slight touch of masculine disruption. But first, let’s talk about lines, silhouettes, and general advice for theatrical romantics, so you know exactly what clothes to look for while shopping and how to feel confident in them.
Theatrical Romantics are the second most yin on the yang-to-yin Kibbe scale. So, that means that just like us, our clothes should also be yin to look the most cohesive. What is yin? Yin refers to being soft, round, and petite. In this context, petite means having narrow and short bones, not being small in terms of weight. So, no matter your weight, you can be petite.
So, as you may have guessed, the silhouettes recommended for theatrical romantic style are those with soft, round, and petite lines. Theatrical romantics, and romantics in general, can easily drown in stiff fabric and straight lines because of our short limbs and fleshy frames. We are petite and have to accommodate for the softness of our bones and flesh. Anything too sharp, oversized, thick, or straight can drown us out. Soft, flowing, and curve-accommodating clothing will look amazing on romantics. Elements that fall into this category are ruching, light, and flowing fabrics such as silk, ruffles, lace, velvet, and corsets.
Theatrical Romantic Silhouettes: Tops & Jackets
Regarding jackets, blazers, and even sweatshirts, a practical tip for theatrical romantics is to wear cropped tops. The funny thing is if you’re romantic and have double curve, cropped tops and jackets will elevate your look, unlike some other body types. It won’t look like you’re trying too hard to be sexy or youthful. It will look custom-made and tailored to your frame when it hits your waist at the right spot. They don’t have to show skin at all, but waist-length jackets, tops, and sweaters will balance out the compactness of your double curve instead of cutting the upper half of your body off.
I’ve tailored jackets and blazers to achieve a cropped version because as much as I love the oversized blazer trend, it doesn’t make me feel like my best self. If I wear a sweater or jacket that’s not cropped, such as a longer cardigan or blazer, I’ll always wear a short line underneath, such as a ruched top cropped at the waist or a slightly flowing shirt tied at the waist. A high-waisted straight pant and cropped top won’t look dated on a theatrical romantic, even though the combo is often associated with being a Millennial relic of the 2010s because the silhouette works for our body type. Short lines in clothes work with the short lines found in our bodies.
Soft sleeve shapes like bell, peasant, or puff sleeves look great on a theatrical romantic. Because of the sharp narrowness usually found in TRs’ shoulders and faces, we can get away with some added sharpness near our shoulders and décolletage. Elements such as the point of a plunging neckline, a blunt off-the-shoulder top, or jewel details will look incredible. Soft, rounded, narrow shapes with cinched edges, such as batwing sweaters and tops, work best on theatrical romantics.
Peplum tops are often recommended for TRs, even though these are usually thought of as dated. I think people took the category of peplum and used it to describe one specific top that did have its moment in the Millennial heyday when business casual to the clerb was hot. But there’s so much more to peplum than that particular top that pops into your head if you’re a Millennial. It’s like hating bourbon but claiming you hate all whiskey. I hated peplum when it was popular in ’12 and thought they looked horrible on me. I think the trendy peplum tops in 2012 had sharp and stiff flares after they cinched at the waist with thick fabric and a sharp neckline. The type of peplum tops that I prefer are soft, small peplums made with light, flowing fabrics, such as a few of the top recommendations below.
Theatrical Romantic Silhouettes: Pants & shorts
For pants, I feel like a mid-to-high waist looks best on TRS because of the waist emphasis that breaks our shape up nicely. Although this is a style preference and not a silhouette tip, theatrical romantics tend to shine with glamour. If you wear jeans, try wearing either dark or white denim for a dressier look; otherwise, flowing trousers also look amazing. TRs look incredible in gently sharp, tailored pants with a cinched waist made with soft fabrics. They especially look good in ones that cinch at the waist and ankles, mimicking our body’s shape as two narrow circles.
I often see harem pants suggested to theatrical romantics because of the soft, loose fabric but tapering on the ankles and waist. Suitable tapered pants can be hard to shop for, in my opinion. But finding ones with soft, flowing fabric and tailored details can be more glamorous than jeans and extremely comfortable and great for travel days or working from home. For a professional look, straight cigarette pants look flattering. Knit trousers with a defined waist can also be a good casual choice and look great on a TR.
The same suggestions for pants can be applied to shorts. Soft, flowing fabrics with a defined waist include cargo pants made from silk, crepe, georgette, chiffon, or other lightweight fabrics. High-waisted denim with short lines can make casual looks feel laid-back and effortless.
Theatrical Romantic Silhouettes: Skirts & Dresses
Skirts and dresses are any Romantic’s best friend. I live in skirts and dresses in the summer, mainly because they’re the most comfortable, but I know I’ll feel my best. While A-line mini skirts are commonly recommended for gamines, they can also work well for theatrical romantics because they have a short line and work well with our yang undercurrent. Pair mini skirts with flowing silk button-ups or a corset; now you’ve nailed the theatrical romantic style. Dresses with waist accommodation and added feminine details, such as ruffles, lace, or a slit, can look beautiful on TRs. For length, above-the-knee skirts and dresses look best, with midi to floor-length dresses and skirts being situational depending on the garment. Stray away from anything too tailored or stiff, especially in long skirts or dresses, as this goes directly against our lines and can make us look stiff. Midi-length garments should have added softness and curve accommodation, such as narrow or form-fitted silhouettes, ruching, or light, flowing fabrics. Regardless of style, you can add glamorous details such as lace to any outfit, even if it’s on the garment’s seams. Lace is a defying detail for theatrical romantics and perfectly encompasses a theatrical romantic because it’s soft and lush, with sharp lines and shapes.
Satin A-line mini skirt with slit
![theatrical romantic vs soft classic](https://i0.wp.com/somewhatadrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/theatrical-romantic-vs-soft-classic.png?resize=1024%2C665&ssl=1)
![theatrical romantic style rules](https://i0.wp.com/somewhatadrift.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/theatrical-romantic-style-rules.jpeg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
Theatrical Romantic Silhouettes: Shoes
Shoes are often neglected when analyzing fashion for body types, but shoes can make or break the look. Shoes significantly impact how an outfit is tied together and can tremendously impact your lines (angularity, softness, how tall you appear). Once you have a few outfit combinations in your arsenal that you trust, it’s just a matter of figuring out what shoes will flatter the outfit and your body. For Theatrical Romantics, the same “rules” that apply to our clothing can apply to our shoes. Shoes with a slender profile, soft, delicate features, and potentially sharp details. Seude boots, strappy heels with jewels, glamourous details, and sharp yang are all found in theatrical romantic-esque shoes.
Two designers that come to mind when thinking about Theatrical Romantic are René Caovilla and Badgley Mischka. René Caovilla’s signature jeweled shoes and snake details perfectly embody TR’s feminine and delicate aesthetic with an added touch of drama. Think overly feminine with a touch of masculine: animal influence and patterns mixed with gemstones, glitz, and glamour contrasted with an unexpected element. For boots, knee-high boots work well with Theatrical Romantic as long as the profile is slender and the fabric isn’t too thick or rough. Short, strappy boots and heels look fabulous as well.
Shoes are a fantastic element to add a touch to your look and can add an element of a little je ne sais quoi. If you’re going for a bit of an edge, wearing shoes in opposition, your lines can look fabulous. I love wearing sleek knee-high black boots because everything about it is somewhat jarring on me- from the color to the long line of the boot, it’s somewhat of a sexy statement on me but makes me feel like a New York City fashion girly (I am not :/ ).
Sneakers are also a favorite and can look chill, but I prefer wearing tapered pants and sweats instead of straight, flared, or floor-length pants. Wearing my sneakers with harem joggers or a mini skirt are some of my favorite outfit templates for wearing sneakers and wanting to feel more like an LA hip-hop girly (I am not :/ ). Depending on your vibe, your shoe can pull together whatever effect you’re going for, so look for ones with a slender to moderate profile that achieves whatever style you want to pull off.
These are some theatrical romantic style silhouette suggestions I keep in mind while looking for new wardrobe items! These shapes and lines can be applied to any style, even if you don’t dress feminine. Look how most of them have tapering at the edges, whether on the ankles, waist, or shoulders. There are patterns you can use to apply to whatever aesthetic you love. Using silhouettes as a foundation for building outfits has helped me visualize what I’m looking for while shopping and narrow down options to help with decision fatigue and hating our purchase choices. This has created immense value for my theatrical romantic style, saved money, and simplified my shopping experience.
You have an exaggerated understanding of the yang in tr. The yang is just a sprinkle of salt. And no, Aline are not supportive of their rounded lines.