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Victorious Shopping

Transform shopping from overwhelming to empowering. These tips follow the shopping process laid out in David Kibbe's most recent book, The Power of Style.

The Three Keys to Victorious Shopping

1

Have a Plan

Define your goals before entering the store. Know what you need, what gaps exist in your wardrobe, and what situations you're dressing for.

  • ✓Review your wardrobe before shopping
  • ✓Identify specific pieces you need
  • ✓Know your budget
  • ✓Have your colors and silhouettes in mind
2

Shop by Outfits (HTT)

Always think in complete Head-to-Toe looks. Don't buy a top without knowing what you'll wear it with. Every piece should work within an outfit.

  • ✓Visualize the complete outfit before buying
  • ✓Consider what you already own that works with it
  • ✓Think about multiple situations for each piece
  • ✓Accessories are part of the outfit
3

Shop-Portunity

Approach shopping with an open mind, like a treasure hunt. Be ready to discover unexpected gems. The best finds often surprise you.

  • ✓Stay open to unexpected discoveries
  • ✓Try things outside your comfort zone
  • ✓Don't be limited by what you "always" wear
  • ✓Let yourself be delighted

Creating a Wardrobe of HTTs

Think of your wardrobe as a collection of complete outfits, not separate pieces. Each item should participate in at least one, ideally multiple, Head-to-Toe looks.

Weekly Outfit Planning

Consider creating a weekly outfit calendar. Plan your HTTs for the situations you'll face:

  • • Work days (what meetings do you have?)
  • • Casual days
  • • Social events
  • • Special occasions

Mining for Diamonds

Shopping is like mining, you sift through possibilities to find your treasures.

Process of Elimination

Quickly dismiss what doesn't align with your colors, silhouettes, or needs. Don't waste energy on pieces that won't work.

Gathering Possibilities

Collect pieces that spark interest. Try them on with intention. Let yourself be surprised by unexpected gems.

From Alcatraz to Wonderland

The dressing room doesn't have to be a place of harsh judgment. Transform it into a space of discovery and self-celebration.

Pregame Warm-Up

Do your centering exercises before trying on clothes

Post Your Three Loves

Write your three loved features on the mirror

Bring Transitional Objects

Comfort items that help you feel grounded

Soothing Music

Use earbuds to create a calming atmosphere

"Wishes First, Money After"

Don't limit your dreams by your budget. First, know what you truly want. Then, find ways to achieve it within your means, or expand your means for what matters.

The +10% Exercise

Whatever budget you've set, imagine spending 10% more. How does that feel? Sometimes investing slightly more in quality pieces serves you better long-term.

The Closet Rule

"If it's not in your closet, it CAN'T be in your life."

Your wardrobe is the foundation of your daily style expression. What you own shapes what you can be. Choose wisely, and let your closet reflect your fullest self.

Online Shopping: Proceed with Caution

While convenient, online shopping has limitations for style discovery:

Color Accuracy

Screen colors rarely match reality

Fit Uncertainty

You can't feel the drape or test the silhouette

Missing Texture

Fabric quality is hard to judge from photos

No HTT Testing

Can't try complete outfits together

Prepare for Victorious Shopping

Play the shopping games before your next trip to build confidence.

Explore All Games →

Discover Your Kibbe Identity

Our photo analysis uses the sketching method to identify your type automatically.

Photo Analysis

Full Body Front
Full Body Front
Full Body Side
Full Body Side
Next

Our AI creates a 3D mesh of your body for precise measurements, then sketches your silhouette shape overtop to define your type. You can optionally receive your mesh and sketch with your results.

Take the Quiz

Results

Flamboyant Natural

Flamboyant Natural shape
FN
Flamboyant Natural body icon

Description

Flamboyant Naturals have a tall, broad look with relaxed, strong features. There's a natural strength and openness in this frame.

Nickname

"The Nonchalant Showstopper"

Yin-Yang

75% Yang
Flamboyant Natural Yin-Yang Balance

Personal Line

Vertical+Width

Characteristics

  • Usually 5'6" and over
  • Broad and strong frame
  • Relaxed, defined structure
  • Wide shoulders
  • Subtle curves

Similar to

Natural shape
N

Mistaken for

Dramatic shape
D

Physical Features of a Flamboyant Natural

Broad, blunt bone structure with wide shoulders and muscular build. Long limbs with athletic frame and natural width through upper body. Strong facial features with broad jawline, large nose, and wide-set eyes.

Note: Modern Kibbe emphasizes overall line, silhouette, and how fabric drapes on the body rather than checking off individual features. These physical descriptions serve as general guides to understand each type's accommodation needs (vertical, width, curve, petite), not as strict checklists. Your Kibbe type is about what your body needs in clothing, not matching every listed trait.

Strong Broad Shoulders

Strong Broad Shoulders

Long Broad Limbs

Long Broad Limbs

Tapered Wide Hips

Tapered Wide Hips

Broad Muscular Shape

Broad Muscular Shape

The traditional approach to Kibbe typing. Answer questions about your bone structure, body flesh, and facial features. Still accurate, just not the modern visual method.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kibbe body type system is a style approach by David Kibbe that classifies 13 types based on both physical traits and 'vibe.' It helps people find clothing that harmonizes with their natural lines, making it easier to dress in styles that feel just right.
Finding your Kibbe type involves analyzing your bone structure, body shape, and essence, focusing on your yin (soft/rounded) and yang (sharp/angular) traits. You can find your Kibbe body type by using our Kibbe Body app, which leverages AI to analyze your unique Kibbe type, and gives you accurate insights and guidance. Additionally, there are Reddit groups like r/kibbe_typeme where you can post photos of yourself for feedback.
Many people find the Kibbe system helpful, as it offers tailored advice based on individual characteristics. However, like any system, it's not one-size-fits-all, so use what works for you and leave the rest!
Kibbe's five main categories are Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, and Romantic. Each of these has specific subtypes that add either more yin or yang, making up the full range of 13 types.
Kibbe includes 8 additional subtypes: Soft Dramatic, Flamboyant Natural, Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic, Soft Classic, Flamboyant Gamine, Soft Gamine, and Theatrical Romantic. Each subtype adds unique traits to its main family type, either leaning more toward yin or yang.
David Kibbe originally defined 13 types, but has since discontinued Pure Natural, Pure Classic, and Pure Gamine. He found that most people who identified with these 'pure' types actually fit better into one of the related subtypes. Those who previously identified with these types are encouraged to explore Flamboyant Natural or Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic or Soft Classic, and Flamboyant Gamine or Soft Gamine respectively.
Yin and yang define the soft (yin) and sharp (yang) qualities in Kibbe types. Understanding where you fall on this spectrum helps you choose styles that complement your natural shape, creating harmony in your outfits.
Your Kibbe type is based on your bone structure and proportions, which don't change over time. So, once you've found your type, it generally stays the same, even if your weight or style preferences fluctuate.
Yes! The Classic family in Kibbe body types is known for being balanced, which means it's a blend of yin and yang traits, creating a more symmetrical and harmonious look.
Yes, height is a key factor in determining Kibbe types. For example, Dramatic and Flamboyant Natural types are typically taller, while Gamines are often shorter and petite.
Absolutely! Kibbe types aren't based on size; they're about proportions and natural lines. Whether plus-size or petite, anyone can find their Kibbe type and use it to create harmonious looks.
Though Kibbe originally designed the system with women in mind, the principles of yin and yang balance, along with the emphasis on body lines, can be useful for men interested in finding harmonious styles.
Once you know your Kibbe type, you can explore style guides and outfit ideas tailored to your type's unique traits, helping you choose lines, shapes, and colors that bring out your best.
Knowing your Kibbe type helps you streamline your wardrobe by choosing styles, silhouettes, and fabrics that naturally complement your body, making it easier to build a cohesive, flattering wardrobe.
The Kibbe system is detailed and helps people understand what really suits them, making it an appealing tool for style enthusiasts looking for personalized advice beyond traditional body typing.
Unlike apple or pear body types, which focus on specific measurements, the Kibbe system considers your overall vibe, proportions, and bone structure, giving a more holistic approach to personal style.
Love-Based Beauty is David Kibbe's philosophy that emphasizes self-acceptance and enhancing your natural beauty rather than trying to change or hide who you are. Instead of following rigid rules about what you 'should' wear, it invites you to discover what truly resonates with your unique essence. The vitals are Self-Love, Acceptance, and Celebration.
Style is Personal Art: a visual language to express your entire being that's timeless and uniquely yours. Fashion is the current offerings from the industry that change seasonally. It's a tool, not a dictator. Trends are fleeting moments in fashion that are fun to play with but shouldn't be the foundation of your style.
It's a core philosophy reminding you that YOU ARE THE STAR OF YOUR LIFE. Not a celebrity, not a model, not an influencer. Your unique combination of features, coloring, and essence is as rare and beautiful as a star in the sky. Style is about celebrating your own star quality, not copying someone else's.
Intelligent Subjectivity is using your personal experiences to inform your style development. Instead of relying on external 'typing' or rigid formulas, you learn to trust your own feelings and responses. This leads to Enlightened Subjectivity, the 'AHA!' moment of true style empowerment when everything clicks.
There is no universal standard of beauty that applies to everyone. What matters is your subjective experience, specifically how YOU feel when you look in the mirror. The Kibbe approach encourages you to develop your own eye for what works for you, rather than following external rules that may not apply to your unique beauty.
The DIY Method is David Kibbe's guided journey of personal discovery through exercises and games. Rather than being 'typed' by others, you work through 15 interactive games and an 8-step journey to discover your own Image Identity, Personal Line, and Color Season. It's about self-discovery, not external labeling.
Image Identity (what many call 'Kibbe type') is your 'sculpture': complementary outlines that combine your Yin/Yang Balance and Personal Line. It's the overall harmony between your natural physical presence and the silhouettes that complement you. The modern system refers to Kibbe Types as Image Identities.
Personal Line is the relationship between your body and complementary silhouettes. It includes your Dominant element (either Vertical or Curve) and your Additional element (Narrow, Width, Double Curve, Petite, or Moderate/Balance). Understanding your Personal Line helps you choose clothing shapes that create harmony.
HTT stands for Head-to-Toe, meaning you view your complete outfit as a whole rather than separate pieces. This is a key concept in Kibbe styling. You're not just picking a top or bottom, but creating a complete visual story. The three keys to HTT are Color, Silhouette, and Situation.
Your Season is your 'painting': the harmonious colors that complement your natural coloring. There are four seasons (Winter, Autumn, Summer, Spring), each defined by Base (warm/cool), Depth (clarity/dimension), and Contrast level. David Kibbe's contemporary approach is called Color Magique.
Shop-Portunity is David Kibbe's approach to shopping with an open mind, like a treasure hunt. Instead of rigidly sticking to a list, you stay ready to discover unexpected gems that speak to you. The best finds often surprise you! Learn more on our Victorious Shopping page.
The Closet Rule is a key Kibbe principle: "If it's not in your closet, it CAN'T be in your life." Your wardrobe is the foundation of your daily style expression. What you own shapes what you can be, so choose wisely and let your closet reflect your fullest self. Explore this concept on our Victorious Shopping page.
Pregame Warm-Up consists of centering exercises you do before style activities like shopping or trying on clothes. The three main techniques are: Go to Zero (clearing the mind to reach mindfulness), Pull Up Your Awe (evoking wonder and inspiration), and Susan's Breath (a specific breathing technique for centering). Practice these in our Style Games.
The Three Loves is a foundational self-acceptance exercise in the Kibbe system. You stand in front of a mirror, identify three physical features you love about yourself, and write them down to keep visible. This builds the self-love foundation essential for your style journey. Try it and other exercises in our Style Games.
Victorious Shopping is David Kibbe's approach to transforming shopping from overwhelming to empowering. It's based on three keys: Have a Plan (know your goals before entering the store), Shop by Outfits (HTT) (think in complete Head-to-Toe looks), and Shop-Portunity (stay open to unexpected discoveries). Learn more on our Victorious Shopping page.