kitchener style essences
what are kitchener essences?
Style essences, a system created by John Kitchener, help to determine what kind of beauty an individual portrays through their appearance. Each of the seven essences demonstrate a different aesthetic of beauty and possess their own unique styles of clothing, makeup, accessories, and more. Outfits that follow and flow with the natural lines seen in your face and shape ultimately appear more harmonious on you than clothing that does not.
The seven essences lie on a spectrum. Those further to the left display more Yang, meaning their type of beauty is best encaptured through angular, sharp, and striking qualities that provide a sense of structure. Meanwhile, the essences lying further to the right hold more Yin qualities, meaning they are more round and soft in features. They look best when styled in flowing, gentle, and delicate qualities.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the seven style essences:
dramatic
Characterized through elongated, sculpted, and sleek elements, the dramatic essence is bold and intense. Those with this essence tend to have more structure to their bones; they are visibly noticeable to create edgier, more defined shadows on the face and body. Common features include tilted, feline-like eyes, a long and narrow face + nose, prominent cheekbones, thin lips, and a sharp jawline. Dramatics should be adorned with elements that enhance these defining features: putting on precise & sharp makeup, clothing that helps to elongate the silhouette and provide structure, and big accessories of which help to create a powerful, fierce portrayal of beauty.
Celebrity examples include Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, Morena Baccarin, and Angelina Jolie.
gamine
Similar to the Dramatic, the Gamine essence shines in dramatic silhouettes, but with playful twists. Gamines look high-spirited and eclectic; they tend to communicate a sense of rebellion with their youthful qualities: mischievous eyes, straight, upturned eyebrows, pronounced noses, and color-contrasting features. This essence looks best in clothing that features sharp angles and edges that emphasize a square shape, as well as bold, fun colors. Patterns should be detailed and elaborate, and outfits can vary between stiff and loose fabrics, creating a compact aesthetic.
Celebrity examples include Kristen Stewart, Lucy Liu, Rihanna, and Olivia Rodrigo.
natural
The Natural essence conveys outdoorsy, sportive qualities. People are naturally drawn to their easygoing, warm appearance, with their broader lips and longer faces, square and soft square jawlines, straight eyebrows, and slightly larger forehead. Natural wardrobes are the most casual of all the essences. They appear earthy and effortless; this essence looks best when styled with long, relaxed silhouettes, free-flowing clothes, and layered, textured fabrics. In particular, things like jeans/denim, knitted and utility wear, and wide-legged flowy pants look great on them.
Celebrity examples include Gigi Hadid, Maude Apatow, Diane Morgan, and Lisa Bonet.
classic
In the middle of the spectrum lies the Classic essence. Classics look effortlessly elegant, poised, and refined; they tend to have oval face shapes, captivating, confident eyes, straight noses, and overall possess balanced and even features, with no feature outweighing another. From head to toe, Classic outfits offer a sense of harmony; they don’t need anything ‘extra’ or exaggerated to look their best (such as loud logos or shiny fabrics). They tend to do well with argyle and pinstriped patterns, finely tailored pieces, and slightly structured clothing. Although their taste isn’t striking, they still appear highly sophisticated and flawless with their fitted silhouettes.
Celebrity examples include Viola Davis, Audrey Hepburn, HeeJin, and Emma Watson.
romantic
Romantics have a deep and rich Yin to them. They exude sensuality and charm, with their heart-shaped faces, rounded cheekbones, sultry eyes, and big, fuller lips. Ruching, draping fabrics, lightweight and gathered materials are key qualities of this essence. Romantic Clothing is soft, curvy, and flowing in nature. Of course, they match perfectly with iconic romantic elements, such as color red and large floral prints. In addition, accessories should feature ovular shapes and glamorous, elaborate jewelry, decked out with rhinestones.
Celebrity examples include Lily-Rose Depp, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Cardi B, and Sophia Loren.
ingenue
Like Gamines, Ingenues display a more playful vibe, but have cuter, more soft qualities to them. They appear youthful and childlike, characterized through a round/heart shaped face, soft eyebrows, large and innocent wide-set eyes, and bowed lips. Fabrics adorned by Ingenues are flowing, lightweight, and enhance a soft silhouette. Intricate and delicate trimmings, along with small floral prints and ditsy patterns (like tiny cherries or polka dots) help add a sense of daintiness to the overall aesthetic. They look best in shorter skirts/dresses and light, pastel colors.
Celebrity examples include Halle Bailey, IU, Marilyn Monroe, and Ariana Grande.
angelic/ethereal
The Angelic essence (sometimes referred to as Ethereal) induce a sense of mysticism with their unique, spiritual qualities. They look otherworldly, tending to possess defined, prominent features in combination with soft ones; for example, high cheekbones + an angular jaw accompanying a small nose + big eyes. Like the Ingenue, Angelics favor unstructured, moving shapes, with flowing fabrics like satin or silk, but with a longer silhouette. Abstract, translucent, iridescent, and shiny materials look stunning on them by adding a sense of allure and mystery.
Celebrity examples include Anya Taylor-Joy, Tilda Swinton, Björk, and Hunter Schafer.
