What is a style personality?

Your style personality is about more than just looking good—it’s an expression of who you are. If you’ve ever felt drawn to certain silhouettes, fabrics, or accessories, you might be tapping into what is known as a style archetype, and what I’m referring to as a style personality.

Archetypes help you identify recurring elements in a fashion that resonate with your personality, lifestyle, and preferences.

In this post, we’ll explore:

1. A brief history of style archetypes and the yin/yang concept.
2. The five main archetypes form the backbone of many simplified style systems.
3. An extended list of other popular archetypes—because personal style is never one-size-fits-all.
4. Why I choose to use a simplified approach and how you can still mix multiple archetypes to create a style that’s uniquely yours.

Over time, we’ve converged on a handful of core archetypes—like the five main ones you’ll see below.

(If you haven’t yet taken the Style Archetype Quiz, check out Part 1 of this series to discover which archetype(s) might fit you best!)

A Brief History of Style Archetypes & Yin/Yang APPROACH

In the mid-to-late 20th century, image consultants, such as David Kibbe (“Metamorphosis,” 1987), began noting how people naturally gravitated to certain shapes, lines, and aesthetics, better known today as the Kibbe Body Type. They introduced the concept of yin (soft, delicate) vs. yang (sharp, bold) in body lines and clothing.

Kibbe’s system specifically uses a spectrum of five ‘essences’—Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, and Romantic—along with a total of 13 style types. Your bone structure plays the most crucial role in determining your Kibbe body type because it governs how clothes will drape on your frame. For instance, if you have more softly rounded lines, opting for lightweight, flowing fabrics (like silk, cashmere, chiffon, or lightweight wool) can enhance your curves; while stiff, heavy, or bulky materials might overwhelm a delicate silhouette.

That said, the original Kibbe system was largely shaped by the body proportions of thin, white actresses, meaning many popular illustrations of the 13 Kibbe types lack diversity in representation. Personally, I see it as a helpful reference rather than an absolute rule. I’m an hourglass, yet my style personalities don’t perfectly align with Kibbe’s Romantic or soft recommendations. Instead, I choose more yang-influenced, sharply tailored lines because they reflect my energy and assertive nature. It’s proof that body shape alone doesn’t dictate someone’s aesthetic preferences—it’s about who you are and what makes you feel confident.

Other systems emerged, each with its own set of categories—some had four, some had twelve or more. The idea was always to guide people toward harmonious, confidence-boosting style choices.

Modern stylists, like myself, realise that too many categories and systems to develop a style for a client can quickly become overwhelming for them.

The Five Main STYLE Archetypes

1. Classic STYLE PERSONALTY

This helps people quickly identify what resonates without a ton of complexity.

Timeless, sophisticated, and elegant.

• Key Pieces:
  • Tailored blazers, white shirts,
  • Neutral colours (black, white, beige, navy)
  • Simple silhouettes (e.g., pencil skirts, straight-leg trousers, pleated skirts, loafers, plain ankle boots)
  • High-quality fabrics (wool, silk, fine cotton)
• Personality Traits:
  • Organised: Appreciates structure in daily routines and wardrobes.
  • Detail-Oriented: Notices fabric quality, perfect tailoring, and neat finishing.
  • Polished: Likes a clean, professional, put-together look. Unlikely to appreciate visible mending techniques on damaged clothes, preferring invisible mending.
  • Respectful of Tradition: Prefers timeless styles over passing fads.
  • Calm & Composed: Projects confidence and poise under pressure.
• Yin/Yang Tilt:
  • Generally more yang (structure, crisp lines), but can incorporate small yin elements (soft accessories or fabrics) for balance.

2. Bohemian STYLE PERSONALTY

Free-spirited, eclectic, and nature-inspired.

• Key Pieces:
  • Flowy maxi dresses or skirts
  • Floral prints, paisley, ethnic motifs
  • Layered accessories (beaded necklaces, bracelets)
  • Earthy tones (rust, olive, warm browns)
• Personality Traits:
  • Creative: Drawn to artistic expression and global influences.
  • Adventurous: Enjoys travel and cultural exploration.
  • Laid-Back: Prefers relaxed silhouettes over strict tailoring.
  • Open-Minded: Welcomes diverse perspectives.
  • Soulful: Often connected to nature, spirituality, or personal meaning.
• Yin/Yang Tilt:
  • Strongly yin (flowy, unstructured lines), but can add yang touches with bolder patterns or statement jewellery.

3. Dramatic STYLE PERSONALTY

Bold, daring, and statement-making.

• Key Pieces:
  • Strong silhouettes (sharp shoulders, exaggerated shapes)
  • High-impact colours (red, electric blue, black-and-white contrasts)
  • Avant-garde cuts or edgy details (asymmetric hems, sharp angles)
  • Statement accessories (large earrings, bold belts)
• Personality Traits:
  • Confident: Unafraid of attention or making waves.
  • Risk-Taker: Embraces daring fashion and life choices.
  • Passionate: Approaches goals with energy and flair.
  • Expressive: Communicates emotions strongly through style.
  • Unpredictable: Likes spontaneity, and keeps others on their toes.
• Yin/Yang Tilt:
  • Heavily yang due to strong structure and boldness. Any yin detail would be a contrast (e.g., pairing a ruffled blouse with a sharp blazer).

4. Romantic STYLE PERSONALTY

Description: Feminine, dreamy, and whimsical.

• Key Pieces:
  • Soft, flowing fabrics (chiffon, lace)
  • Pastel colours or gentle floral prints
  • Ruffles, bows, delicate trims
  • Sweet silhouettes (fit-and-flare dresses, gently draped tops)
• Personality Traits:
  • Sentimental: Cherishes meaningful moments and nostalgia.
  • Empathetic: Deeply sensitive to others’ emotions.
  • Idealistic: Sees the beauty and possibility in every situation.
  • Gentle: Approaches life with warmth and kindness.
  • Artistic: Drawn to poetry, music, and soft aesthetics.
• Yin/Yang Tilt:
  • Primarily yin, emphasising delicacy, softness, and curved lines. Adding a sleek, structured jacket is a way to incorporate yang contrast.

5. Natural STYLE PERSONALTY

Description: Relaxed, comfortable, and fuss-free.

• Key Pieces:
  • Jeans, loose-fitting pants, or joggers
  • Simple tees or casual button-downs
  • Neutral or earthy shades (khaki, olive, beige, denim washes)
  • Practical footwear (sneakers, flats, sandals)
• Personality Traits:
  • Easygoing: Prefers simplicity, and minimal planning.
  • Practical: Values comfort as much as (or more than) style.
  • Approachable: Gives off a friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
  • Authentic: Unconcerned with flashy displays; prioritises genuineness.
  • Adaptable: Moves from one setting to another without fuss.
• Yin/Yang Tilt:
  • Typically balanced or moderate. Natural style doesn’t overdo structure (yang) or flourish (yin); it’s just easy and comfortable.

Extended STYLE PERSONALITIES / STYLE Archetypes

In addition to the five main categories, many stylists and fashion enthusiasts recognize several other archetypes. Here’s a quick overview:

Minimalist STYLE PERSONALTY

• Description: Clean lines, neutral palettes, fewer but higher-quality pieces.
• Sub-Category Of: Classic or Natural: Shares the Classic love for simplicity and quality, plus the Natural emphasis on fuss-free ease.
• Key Pieces: Streamlined silhouettes, monochrome outfits, structured coats.
• Personality Traits:
  • Introspective, values simplicity, less is more.
  • Often tidy, calm, and methodical in approach.
• Yin/Yang: Leans toward yang for structure, but can be balanced with soft fabrics.
  
  

Preppy STYLE PERSONALTY

• Description: Tailored, collegiate influence (think Ivy League).
• Sub-Category Of: Classic: Both value neatness, tradition, and polished details—but Preppy adds a youthful or collegiate twist.
• Key Pieces: Polo shirts, blazers, loafers, cable-knit sweaters, plaid skirts.
• Personality Traits:
  • Upbeat, sociable, and often detail-conscious.
  • Enjoys tradition, group activities, or a “team spirit.”
• Yin/Yang: Usually balanced or slightly yang for structure, but with youthful, playful details.
  
  

Street / Urban STYLE PERSONALTY

• Description: Casual, relaxed, and rooted in youth or hip-hop/skate culture.
• Sub-Category Of: Natural (with a possible Dramatic edge): Like Natural, it prioritises comfort and ease, but the bold logos or graphics can bring in a Dramatic flair.
• Key Pieces: Oversized tees, hoodies, sneakers, track pants, baseball caps.
• Personality Traits:
  • Creative, trend-aware, and expressive of subculture influences.
  • Comfortable breaking rules or mixing styles.
• Yin/Yang: Can vary; often a looser (yin) silhouette with bold (yang) graphics or details.
  
  

Grunge STYLE PERSONALTY

• Description: 90s-inspired, ripped, layered, unpolished.
• Sub-Category Of: Dramatic (though it can overlap with Natural): Grunge embraces the edgy, alternative side of Dramatic, but the loose fits align partly with Natural’s laid-back ethos.
• Key Pieces: Flannel shirts, distressed jeans, band tees, combat boots.
• Personality Traits:
  • Rebellious, individualistic, anti-establishment.
  • Values comfort and authenticity over polish.
• Yin/Yang: Tends to be slightly yang due to the edgy, distressed vibe, yet the silhouettes are often relaxed (yin).

Vintage STYLE PERSONALTY

• Description: Retro and nostalgic, referencing past decades (e.g., 1920s–80s).
• Sub-Category Of: Romantic or Classic (depending on era and styling): Vintage often features softer, feminine cuts (Romantic) or timeless silhouettes (Classic), depending on the specific decade you gravitate toward.
• Key Pieces: High-waisted skirts, cat-eye glasses, tweed jackets, unique thrift finds.
• Personality Traits:
  • Sentimental, appreciate history and unique pieces.
  • Often enjoys the hunt for one-of-a-kind items.
• Yin/Yang: Depends on the chosen era (40s suits = more yang, 50s circle skirts = more yin).

Modern Glam STYLE PERSONALTY

• Description: Luxurious, high-end, polished, and a bit showy.
• Sub-Category Of: Dramatic with a Classic influence: Emphasises bold statements and glamour (Dramatic) but often uses sophisticated tailoring (Classic).
• Key Pieces: Satin slip dresses, fur jackets (or faux fur), bold jewellery, statement heels.
• Personality Traits:
  • Confident, enjoys attention, and invests in quality or designer items.
  • Values presentation, loves red-carpet moments.
• Yin/Yang: Tends toward yang with bold statements; however, drapey fabrics and sparkles can be quite yin.

Edgy / Rebellious STYLE PERSONALTY

(Sometimes a sub-branch of “Dramatic” or “Grunge,” but often stands alone.)

• Description: Tough, daring, often with punk or rock influences.
• Sub-Category Of: Dramatic: Like Dramatic, it’s bold and attention-grabbing; however, it skews more towards rebellious details like rips, studs, or leather.
• Key Pieces: Leather jackets, studded belts, ripped jeans, band tees, chunky boots
• Personality Traits:
  • Independent, outspoken, resists conformity.
  • Often passionate about counterculture or alternative scenes.
• Yin/Yang: Heavily yang due to sharper lines, darker palette, and tough textures.
  
  

Using a Simplified Approach > YIN & YANG FOR BALANCE

With so many archetypes, why stick to only five or eight? Simplicity helps newcomers quickly recognise their primary or dominant style. These five main categories (Classic, Bohemian, Dramatic, Romantic, Natural) cover a broad spectrum of yin (soft, flowing, delicate) and yang (structured, bold, edgy). The extended archetypes fill in the nuances for those who want more specificity.

Mix & Match

• It’s normal to be, for example, 60% Natural and 40% Grunge or 70% Classic with 30% Dramatic.
• Use yin/yang ideas to see how you can blend archetypes. Maybe a romantic dress (yin) plus an edgy leather jacket (yang).

Applying Yin & Yang to the Five Archetypes

• Classic: Predominantly yang (structured) with a hint of yin in its simplicity. Can feel more “yang” with crisp tailoring or more “yin” by adding softer fabrics.
• Bohemian: Naturally yin with flowy, earthy elements. Add yang through bold jewellery or a structured accessory for contrast.
• Dramatic: Strongly yang—bold silhouettes, sharp lines, intense contrasts. Soften it (if desired) with a few yin accessories or softer textures.
• Romantic: Deeply yin—delicate lines, soft fabrics, pastel tones. Introduce yang by wearing a fitted blazer or edgy belt.
• Natural: Balanced or moderate yin/yang—casual, comfortable. Lean more yang with structured denim or incorporate yin via a soft, knitted cardigan.
  
  

Finding the Right Balance

• Lifestyle: If you work in a corporate office, you might lean Classic or Minimalist for day-to-day but enjoy Dramatic details on weekends.
• Budget & Comfort: A Natural dresser may sprinkle in a few Bohemian touches for a unique spin without sacrificing comfort.
• Personality: If you’re truly rebellious and outspoken, you might live in Edgy fashion, but occasionally add Vintage or Modern Glam for special events.
  
  

FINDING YOUR STYLE ARCHETYPE TO MATCH YOUR PERSONALITY…

By understanding these five main archetypes and exploring the extended list, you’ll gain insight into how your personality, preferences, and even yin/yang influences shape your style. Remember: these categories aren’t rigid boxes. They’re tools to guide you toward discovering (or refining) the looks that make you feel most like you.

Ready to Explore Further?

• If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, check out our “Style Archetype Quiz” post to see which archetype resonates most.
• Already know your type? Dive deeper into combining archetypes—experiment with mixing bold (Dramatic) accessories into a Romantic wardrobe, or add a Preppy twist to your Natural outfits.

Ultimately, fashion is about self-expression. Embrace the archetype(s) that speak to you, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You might discover a style synergy that perfectly captures your unique personality and lifestyle!

Which archetype(s) do you relate to most? Let me know in the comments!

And remember—your style is an ongoing journey, so have fun and stay open to new inspirations. Styling isn’t about shopping so be creative with what you already own, borrow, swap, rent and reinvent what you have before purchasing anything.