Kibbe Double Curve Accommodation Explained
Double curve in Kibbe is when your silhouette has two equal curves. A common way to describe it is that the outline of your figure has two circles sitting on top of one another (one at the bust and one at the hips). Unlike an hourglass figure, which has a narrow gap between the upper and lower curves, a double curve has no distance between the curves. Because of the lack of space between the curves, double curve is associated with petite frames (under 5’5” (167 cm)). Double curve is an accommodation, also known as a dominant feature. If you’re dressing to best flatter your body type according to the Kibbe system, you have to accommodate your dominant features.
Double curve is one of six accommodations in the Kibbe system. In 1987, stylist David Kibbe published a book called David Kibbe’s Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle as Only You Can where he outlined 13 body types. Each body type has accommodations, or dominant features, that have to be accounted for when dressing yourself. The six accommodations are vertical, width, balance, petite, curve, and double curve. Sometimes, Kibbe practitioners lump the two curves together as variations of one accommodation.
Only Romantic and (rarely) Soft Gamine Kibbe types have double curve. The double curve accommodation is associated with the Romantic and Theatrical Romantic Kibbe body types—most Kibbe practitioners believe that all Romantics have the double-curve accommodation. Soft Gamine types can also have the double-curve accommodation if they don’t have the vertical accommodation. In Facebook groups, David Kibbe (creator of the Kibbe system) states that the curve accommodation can accompany vertical, width, or balance accommodations. However, he suggests double curve accompanies only the petite accommodation.
How to Tell if You Have Kibbe Double Curve
Take the Kibbe quiz to determine your body type. In the 1987 book that first outlined the Kibbe system, David Kibbe included a three-part quiz readers could use to determine their body type. While the book is out of print and hard to find, those who own a copy have transcribed its questions and results so you can take the quiz online. The questions have to do with bone structure, flesh, and your facial features. Flesh is specifically about the way your skin drapes or sits on your bones, not your body weight. While taking the quiz, reference your features in a mirror or in pictures where you’re wearing unobstructive clothing, such as a bathing suit or fitted workout attire.
Create a line drawing of your body and check for double curve. First, take a full-body picture of yourself. Face the camera straight-on. Wear a swimsuit or leggings and a fitted tank top. Next, use your phone’s drawing feature to outline your silhouette two ways (with lines and with shapes). Outline your body by drawing two lines total, from your armpits down to your feet, curving if necessary to trace your silhouette. Draw two total circles or ovals (whichever fits better) around the curves of the top and bottom halves of your body—from shoulders to below the rear. If the two lines have to curve outward at the bust and hip areas, this indicates you may have the double curve accommodation. The amount of curve should be equal—otherwise, it could be width or (single) curve is a more accurate accommodation. Check to see if the circle or oval shapes are pretty much equal in size (otherwise, you may have single curve or width accommodations instead) and if they’re close together (otherwise, you may have the vertical accommodation instead).
Compare your figure to famous Kibbe types. In David Kibbe’s book which outlines the Kibbe system, Marilyn Monroe is the prime example of a romantic Kibbe body type. Other popular examples of Romantic body types which have double curve include Selena Gomez, Beyonce, and Dolly Parton. Look at images of these celebrities and compare with your own figure to help decide if you have the double curve accommodation. In the Kibbe system, curviness isn’t about size or weight. It’s about the way your flesh sits on your bones, the vertical length of your torso, and the width of your bust and hips. Any size can be a Romantic Kibbe type with double curve, but it’s more common among petite individuals because the curves have to be close together to be more dominant than the vertical accommodation.
Styling Yourself as a Double Curve Kibbe
Wear rounded silhouettes to highlight the femininity of your shape. Clothing and details that are round in shape (as opposed to angular or sharp) complement the soft femininity (or “yin”) of Romantic Kibbe types. Examples of clothing with rounded silhouettes include A-line skirts, harem pants, and batwing sleeves. These silhouettes complement the double curve by matching your body’s natural line instead of clashing with it. Look for clothing with rounded details, as well—for example, bows, florals, polka-dot patterns, and cap sleeves.
Accommodate your curves with soft, flowing outfits that cinch at the waist. David Kibbe recommends dressing in soft clothing that’s lightweight and flowing to flatter a Romantic or Theatrical Romantic body type. However, defining your waist is important—you want to highlight your curves instead of hiding them. Two example tops that accommodate a double curve are off-shoulder tops that fit at the waist (but flare out below it) and square-neck tops with cap or puff sleeves. Corset-style tops may also work if they’re made of a delicate material like linen or organza. Bottoms that accommodate a double curve include high-waisted pants, straight-leg jeans, and midi-length skirts that are fitted at the waist and hips.
Flatter your height and curves with mid-length dresses and ornate details. Wear dresses that hit above the knee or at midi length to avoid overwhelming your petite frame. Look for details like ruching, delicate ruffles, or belted waists that will cling to your curves and define your waist. Lean into the romance of the Romantic Kibbe type by highlighting your figure in classic feminine styles like floral or polka-dot patterns. Look to Romantic Kibbe type celebrities like Selena Gomez or Marilyn Monroe for inspiration for formalwear.
Wear intricate, delicate accessories and jewelry. While accessories and jewelry don’t directly affect your silhouette like clothing does, you can use them to accentuate the roundness and femininity of your Kibbe type. Look for necklaces or earrings with round gem cuts, as well as delicate chains, purses, and belts. When it comes to footwear, Kibbe practitioners advise Romantic types to stick to lightweight, slender footwear like flats and stilettos. Wide or clunky shoes can clash with your outfit by being too angular or sharp compared to the rest of your features.
Celebrities with Kibbe Double Curve
Many celebrities are speculated to have a double curve accommodation. The most famous example is Marilyn Monroe, who’s highlighted in David Kibbe’s book about the Kibbe system as a Romantic type with double curve. Various other celebrities are either verified by Kibbe himself to have double curve, or speculated by fans to be Romantic or Theatrical Romantic types. Examples: Dolly Parton Selena Gomez Beyonce Madonna Elizabeth Taylor Helena Bonham Carter Mila Kunis Christina Ricci Kate Winslet
Comments
0 comment