Introduction

Having a romantic style means you have a warm, passionate, and imaginative approach to life. Your preferences are guided by emotions, and you likely have an appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. If this sounds like you, read on to learn more about the key traits of the romantic style.

What is the Romantic Style?

The romantic style is one of the four main aesthetic styles defined by style consultant David Kibbe. It emphasizes fluid lines, intricate details, soft fabrics, and an overall sense of delicacy.

Some key traits of the romantic style include:

Emotional and Passionate

Romantics tend to experience life deeply and process things emotionally. You likely feel things intensely and have a strong inner life. This passion comes through in your style and self-expression.

Imaginative and Whimsical

With a romantic perspective, you have a whimsical, poetic outlook on life. Your imagination is vivid, and you appreciate fantasy, myth, and make-believe. This fancifulness is reflected in your fashion and decor choices.

Appreciation of Beauty and Aesthetics

Beauty, in all its forms, captivates you. You have an eye for aesthetics and gravitate towards things that are visually pleasing. From art to nature to clothing silhouettes, you appreciate and surround yourself with beauty.

Soft and Delicate

The romantic style has a soft, delicate quality. Rather than stark lines and harsh edges, you prefer rounded shapes, fluid fabrics like chiffon or silk, and intricate details like ruffles, bows, or lace.

Characteristics of the Romantic Style

Beyond the core traits described above, what does the romantic style look like in everyday life? Here are some typical characteristics:

Fashion Choices

In fashion, romantics look best in soft, flowing fabrics like chiffon and silk that skim the body. Intricate details like embroidery, tapestry prints, or lace add interest. Necklines are rounded or v-shaped rather than sharp. Dresses and skirts are often preferable to pants. Light, iridescent colors and pastels suit the romantic palette.

Home Decor Preferences

Romantics decorate their homes with a delicate, ornate flair. Floral patterns, ruffles and lace, soft upholstered furniture, and items with sentimental meaning give a space a romantic feel. Colors tend toward light, welcoming hues like ivory and rose. Mirrors, candlelight, and crystal details add shimmer. Overall, the decor has a soft, welcoming vibe.

Leisure Interests

Romantics are drawn to leisure pursuits that engage the imagination or connect them to beauty. Dreamy activities like writing poetry, painting watercolors, collecting vintage treasures, gardening roses, or listening to melodic music appeal to the romantic sensibility. Romantics also enjoy sensory pleasures like cooking gourmet meals, drinking fine wine, and filling their homes with flowers, candles, and perfumes.

Communication Style

In communication, romantics are expressive and metaphorical. You prefer deep, emotional conversations to small talk. Writing letters, keeping journals, and articulating your feelings comes naturally. Your way with words leans poetic rather than strictly logical. Intuition and sentiment guide your perspectives.

Style Icons with a Romantic Essence

To get inspired about channeling the romantic vibe, look to these public figures who epitomize the style:

• Marilyn Monroe: The iconic actress personified femininity, sensuality, and glamour. Her signature soft curls, red lips, and dresses that hugged her curves exuded romantic style.
• Frida Kahlo: Kahlo’s lavish Mexican dresses, intricate hairstyles, and sentimental self-portraits made her a paragon of the romantic aesthetic. Her style was bold yet delicate, just like her art.
• Billie Eilish: The dark romance trend gained popularity thanks to singer Billie Eilish’s distinctive style. Dramatic silhouettes, lace accents, and a moody color palette give her wardrobe a gothic romantic vibe.
• Florence Welch: As the frontwoman of Florence + the Machine, Welch takes the stage in ethereal, bohemian gowns that float around her. Her style pays homage to mythical heroines and vintage romanticism.
• Virginia Woolf: Influential author Virginia Woolf had a soft, feminine personal style featuring maxis, florals, pearls, lace, and hats that complemented her thoughtful, emotional sensibility.

Decorating Your Home with a Romantic Flair

Want to make over your living space with romantic style? Here are some tips:

• Choose a soft color palette like blush pink, pale blue, ivory, mauve, or sage green. Accent with metallics like rose gold or champagne for sheen.
• Incorporate floral patterns and motifs through wallpaper, upholstery, curtains, and accent pillows. Botanical prints work well.
• Use plenty of natural textures like linen, velvet, silk, and wood. Lightweight curtains, padded headboards, and sheepskin rugs create coziness.
• Add candles everywhere—on tables, mantels, and windowsills. Crystal lamps, vases, and mirrored accents also contribute sparkle.
• Display sentimental finds like love letters, perfume bottles, antique books, or floral oil paintings. Frame family photos in ornate silver or gold frames.
• Arrange fresh flowers in vases throughout the space. Style wreaths, flower crowns, or garlands over beds, doors, and mirrors.
• Choose curved furniture with cabriole or Queen Anne legs over stark, modern pieces. Upholster pieces in embroidered or tapestry-style fabrics.
• Layer in lace doilies, throw pillows with ruffles or ribbon trim, and embroidered blankets for romantic texture.

Creating Harmonious Outfits

Build a harmonious wardrobe that complements your romantic essence with these outfit ideas:

For daytime, try a midi dress in a delicate floral print, paired with a denim jacket. Accessorize with ballet flats and a woven shoulder bag. Add a satin hairscarf or ornate hair clip for polish.

For work, style a blouse with ruffled details tucked into a flowing midi skirt. Top with a fitted blazer and add pearl earrings and kitten heels. A romantic work look still has elegance and professionalism.

For evening, opt for an A-line cocktail dress with off-the-shoulder or cap sleeves. Emphasize the waist with a belt or sash. Wear metallic or rhinestone-accented pumps and style hair in soft curls or an updo to show off dangling earrings.

For weekends, try high-waisted, wide-leg pants with a lace-trimmed tank tucked in. Finish the outfit with strappy sandals and a floral kimono-style cardigan. Wear your hair down in waves and keep makeup light and natural.

For events, dazzle in a ball gown-style evening dress with a sweetheart neckline. Accessorize minimally with delicate jewelry— pearl earrings, a thin bracelet. Wear hair swept to one side in a loose updo with tendrils framing the face.

Romantic Style Dos and Don’ts

Keep these dos and don’ts in mind as you cultivate your romantic style:

DO:

• Embrace details like ruffles, bows, lace, embroidery, and floral motifs.
• Choose flowing, delicate fabrics like chiffon, lace, and satin.
• Soften tailored pieces with feminine accents like scarves or jewelry.
• Experiment with ornate hairstyles like braids, waves, and updos.
• Play with lighter, softer makeup looks featuring pinks and corals.

DON’T:

• Wear stiff, structured fabrics like denim, leather, or thick cotton.
• Pair together multiple delicate fabrics in an outfit—choose one as a focal point.
• Overload on details and prints—aim for an overall delicate balance.
• Style hair overly sleek or severe. Soft, touchable texture flatters romantics.
• Go too minimalist. Embrace romantic accents to prevent a style from feeling flat.

FAQ About the Romantic Style

Still have some questions about channeling your romantic essence? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What if I’m drawn to darker colors – can I still dress romantically?

Absolutely! Romantic style isn’t limited to light colors—think darkly romantic. Rich wines, emeralds, deep purples, and navy blues can be styled romantically with the right shapes and accents. Add in lace, ruffles, or floral prints to deepen colors while keeping things feminine.

What if my lines aren’t very soft and rounded?

You don’t have to be incredibly curvy to dress romantically. The romantic essence is more about embracing delicate details, fabrics, and accessories. Anyone can add a touch of lace, a ruffled neckline, or a scarf tie to soften an outfit. Shoulder ruffles also lend a romantic vibe.

Can I wear pants as a romantic?

Yes! Flowy, wide-legged pants in fabrics like satin or chiffon can definitely work for romantics, especially paired with a delicate feminine top. High-waisted silhouettes help create shape while still feeling fluid. Tailored pants also work well when styled intentionally—add heels and an embellished blouse.

What if my lifestyle demands more tailored clothing?

Don’t worry—you can still incorporate little touches of romance into polished looks. Try a flowing skirt with a structured jacket, or add lace-trimmed camisoles under suits. Elongated pearl earrings, kitten heels, and hairstyles like chignons bring in romantic flavor.

How can I express my romantic side through makeup?

Play up your eyes and lips to highlight your romantic essence through makeup. Try lighter, shimmery eyeshadows in soft metallics or champagne tones. Bold yet soft lip colors also complement the romantic aesthetic. Focus on lush lashes and defined brows to accentuate your eyes. Highlight the cheeks with a warm pink or rose gold shimmering blush.

Conclusion

The romantic style awakens the imagination and stirs the senses through delicate, emotional expression. If you identify with the dreamy, passionate romantic essence, embrace your love for beauty and sensuality by cultivating an aesthetic that feels authentically you. Seek out soft, flowing fabrics, intricate details, and whimsical accessories that speak to your spirit. Most importantly, have fun playing up your femininity and finding new ways to infuse romance into your wardrobe and home decor.

So Your Style Is: Dramatic

Introduction

The dramatic style stands out with its bold, intense energy and striking visual contrast. If you identify as having a strong dramatic essence, you likely have a powerful presence and gravitate toward looks that are daring and attention-grabbing. Your style choices reflect your bold personality. Read on to learn more about the dramatic style and how to express it fully.

What is the Dramatic Style?

The dramatic style is characterized by high contrast, defined shapes, and a bold attitude. As one of style system creator David Kibbe’s four style essences, it conveys intensity and makes a strong statement. Key traits include:

Strong Visual Contrast

Black and white, light and dark—high contrast is intrinsic to the dramatic aesthetic. Stark colorblocking and graphic patterns underscore the bold vibe.

Sleek, Angular Lines

Linear shapes and geometric details define the silhouette. Clean lines and angles convey modernity and edge. Fussiness and softness are avoided.

Striking, Daring Details

Fashion choices favor things like spikes, metal accents, futuristic shapes, and exposed hardware. Dramatics aren’t afraid to be edgy and eye-catching.

Commanding Presence

With their commanding energy, dramatics easily take up space. Their style and demeanor conveys self-assurance. Think power dressing.

Style Characteristics

Beyond those core traits, here’s how dramatic style translates into everyday choices:

Clothing Silhouettes

Long coats, sculptural dresses, and sleek jumpsuits exemplify the dramatic wardrobe. garments skim the body for clean lines. Monochrome outfits also sharpen the look.

Go-To Pieces

Edgy moto jackets, structured handbags, tailored denim, and stiletto heels are dramatic staples. Crisp white button-downs and statement jewelry also shine.

Accessory Game

Architectural metals, horns, leather, and futuristic shapes all complement the dramatic aesthetic. Chunky cuffs and geometric earrings make bold accessorizing easy.

Makeup Style

A strong brow, liquid eyeliner, red lip, and contoured cheekbones comprise classic dramatic makeup. Keep skin matte to avoid softness.

Style Icons with a Dramatic Essence

These public figures demonstrate how to rock dramatic style:

• Cate Blanchett: The actress favors sleek, minimalist gowns in solids or graphic prints. Her modern, futuristic fashion sense becomes her.
• Angelina Jolie: Jolie’s all-black ensembles, harsh eyebrow, and blood red lip epitomize Hollywood dramatic glamour. Her style oozes intensity.
• Grace Jones: The singer/actress turned heads in the 80s with her flat-top haircut, exaggerated makeup, and angular clothing silhouettes. Her look screamed bold drama.
• Tilda Swinton: Swinton’s androgynous suits and avant-garde style showcase her dramatic essence. She often wears high-contrast black and white.
• Diane Keaton: Keaton channels 1970s dramatic flair with her menswear-inspired wardrobe of oversized suits, tailored coats, and accessories like fedoras.

Decorating with Dramatic Edge

Want to incorporate dramatic flair into your home decor? Try these tips:

• Stick to a minimal color palette like black, white, gray, navy, or crimson for high contrast.
• Choose sculptural furniture with clean lines, like MCM or Barcelona-style pieces. Avoid anything ornate.
• Accent with metal finishes like stainless steel, chrome, or bronze for an edgy, futuristic vibe.
• Add graphic art and photography with bold lines and shapes. Frame in high contrast mats and metallics.
• Use a mix of textures like leather, velvet, linen, and wool for visual interest. Favor matte over shiny.
• Arrange collections of modern trinkets like geometric vases, sleek bookends, or decorative skulls.
• Install track lighting or spotlights to dramatize focal points and create striking shadows.
• Opt for clean-lined, low-pile rugs in graphic patterns. Solid black also works well.
• Sprinkle in punchy accent decor like black-and-white photography, fresh flower arrangements, or vibrant art books.

Creating Statement Outfits

When getting dressed, keep these dramatic styling tips in mind:

For day, pair wide-leg trousers with a silky camisole or crop top. Ground the look with a long blazer or coat. Accessorize with a structural tote and block heel mules.

For night, make a dramatic entrance in a body-skimming midi dress with cutouts or a thigh-high slit. Add strappy sandals and bold chandelier earrings.

For work, wear an oversized blazer over a fitted mock neck top and cropped bootcut pants. Finish with statement brooches or cufflinks and oxfords.

For weekends, try high-waisted jeans with a slinky off-the-shoulder bodysuit or sleeveless turtleneck. Top with an overcoat and lace-up booties.

For events, turn heads in a strapless jumpsuit or gown with strong shoulders. Metallic sandals and a geometric minaudière pull the look together.

Style Dos and Don’ts

Keep these dos and don’ts in mind when channeling your inner drama queen:

DO:

• Play with extremes like dramatic sleeves, low-cut necklines, or thigh-high slits.
• Choose tailored, crisp fabrics like suiting, leather, denim, or satin.
• Accessorize with edgy finishes like metallics, horn, tortoiseshell, and crystal.
• Experiment with a bold red lip, cat eye liner, or a harsh, strong brow.
• Spotlight your best features and downplay others for high contrast.

DON’T:

• Wear frilly, ornate fabrics like chiffon or eyelet lace.
• Mix lots of loud prints or busy textures in one look.
• Wear clothing that skews too feminine or innocent—go bold.
• Be afraid to make a statement—dramatic style demands attention.
• Drown in oversized pieces—tailoring is crucial for you.

FAQ About Dramatic Style

Still figuring out how to express your inner dramatic diva? Here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I wear prints if I’m dramatic?
Absolutely! Graphic prints, especially in high contrast colors, complement a dramatic essence. Scale up your patterns for maximum impact. Just avoid anything too frilly or dainty.

How can I soften my look sometimes without losing drama?
Mixing your intense pieces with lighter ones can soften the vibe while maintaining drama. Pair sleek trousers with a ruched blouse, or style stiletto boots with a flowy maxi dress. Monochrome outfits also naturally look more blended.

What colors suit a dramatic essence?
Black, red, royal blue, hot pink—any color that packs a punch. Neutrals specifically in black, white, gray, navy, or charcoal also have enough contrast. Don’t be afraid to make bold color choices.

Can I wear ruffles, florals, and lace as a dramatic?
Absolutely, with discretion. Choose floral prints in dark, moody palettes. Opt for trims of lace rather than allover lace. Add ruffles sparingly