As an avid gamer for over a decade engrossed in RPG and MMO worlds, I know firsthand the empowering rush of taking on alternate personas and aesthetics through beloved virtual characters. Yet often as I logged out after hours of intense raids and quests, I struggled to translate such vibrant self-expression into my daily attire. Though I adored creating elaborately customized avatars, dressing myself by contrast felt dull, awkward and lackluster.
That all changed a few years ago when I first discovered celebrity stylist David Kibbe’s Metamorphosis system for categorizing body types. Suddenly style inspiration struck me from a new angle – what if I could borrow the essence of my favorite game classes and archetypes, while honoring my own physicality? By embracing my Kibbe Identity (ID), I began to feel as comfortable, confident and “at home” in my own body as I did controlling virtual characters.
My Journey Into the World of Kibbe
See, here’s the key – Kibbe does far more than merely divide bodies into seemingly rigid “fruit” shapes. Instead, this method observes how flesh, bone structure, facial features and movement merge together into harmonious aesthetics for each person. Consider it an “appearance spec” highlighting your greatest strengths. Sound familiar, gamers?
Just as no two characters are alike even within the same class, no two Kibbe IDs manifest identically. But they share resonant notes. Once I understood these connections, I gained a streamlined template for self-expression aligned with my truth. Rather than basing choices on arbitrary trends or hoping a generic style formula might randomly suit me, I embraced fashion tailored to my lines.
While Kibbe himself moved away from using strict gamified terms, I still find it clarifying as an avid player. Let’s explore…
Kibbe Types as Character Classes
Romantics as The Enchantress
Pure yin Romantics embody round, delicate lushness like ScarJo’s Black Widow or Alexstrasza the Dragon Queen. Signature style weapons involve floaty fabrics, intricate details and face-framing locks.
| Colors | Soft brights like rose quartz pink, buttery yellows |
| Makeup | Dewy skin, pink flushed cheeks, berry lips |
| Hair | Lush waves and curls, flower crown braids |
| Silhouette | Flowing A-line shapes, empire waist, fluttery sleeves |
| Characters | Sorceress, Forest Nymph, Princess, Cleric |
Also see: Delta Burke, Marilyn Monroe, Christina Hendricks, Drew Barrymore
Soft Dramatics as the Anti-Hero Diva
Voluptuous SDs like Lara Croft or Jaina Proudmoore rock curves with sharp edges. Tactics involve flaunting figure-hugging cuts, heavy accessories and bold glam.
| Colors | Rich saturated hues like emerald, sapphire and magenta |
| Makeup | Smoky eyes, contoured cheeks, dark mattes lips |
| Hair | Sleek straight shine, faux hawks, severe parts |
| Silhouette | Bodycon and curve-skimming gowns, asymmetric cuts, thigh-high slits |
| Characters | Sorceress, Vampire, Mob Boss, Bounty Hunter |
Also see: Sophia Loren, Mae West, Monica Bellucci, Adele
Dramatics as the Warrior Princess
Showcasing sharp yang intensity, Dramatics like Xena, Vella or femShep carry themselves with bold power. They shine in tailored monochromes, strong shoulders, slick hair.
| Colors | True red, cobalt blue, crisp black and white |
| Makeup | Graphic liner, nude monochrome, pop of red lip |
| Hair | Severe updo, slicked back, undercut/side shave |
| Silhouette | Bias cut gowns, crisp menswear, trench coats, capes |
| Characters | Knight, Assassin, Vigilante, General |
Also see: Tilda Swinton, Angelica Houston, Grace Jones, Charlize Theron
Soft Naturals as the Brawler
Blending luscious curves with broad appeal, Soft Naturals like Sonya Blade pack a softly rugged punch. They shine in relaxed unconstructed pieces with tactile fabrics.
| Colors | Earth tones like ochre, olive green, clay red |
| Makeup | Bronzed skin, nude lips, subtle smoky eye |
| Hair | Middle parts, loose textured waves |
| Silhouette | Wrap dress, dolman sleeve, henley neckline |
| Characters | Brawler, Soldier, Bard, Ranger |
Also see: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Julianna Margulies, Queen Latifah, Debbie Allen
Naturals as The Tomboy
Projecting broad-framed ease with lush curves, Naturals like Yennefer embrace casual freedom with their tousled style. Best bets include boxy tops, statement sleeves and chunky layers.
| Colors | Faded denim blue, hunter green, burnt sienna |
| Makeup | Barely-there no makeup look |
| Hair | Choppy pixie cut, low bun, bandana |
| Silhouette | Oversized jacket, wide leg pants, novelty prints |
| Characters | Rogue, Ranger, Survivalist, Rebel |
Also see: Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Pat Benatar
And so on for Classics, Soft Classics, Soft Gamines and Gamines. Clearly there’s ample room to channel our inner daedric princesses, tempest rogues and battle clerics once we know our truth!
Now as a reformed “fashion cynic,” discovering my Kibbe ID filled my days with new delight playing dress-up to embody these resonant essences. Yet even believers can fall into the trap of placing image before self…
Loving Your Player, Not Just Their “Build”
While sharing inspiration sparks joy at first, fixating too strongly on any style system risks reducing people (including ourselves) into rigid ideas. As in games, the role matters far less than how we pour life into it through our choices.
We express individuality through everything from our moral codes to how we wield powers. Celebrating this diversity fosters community beyond surface assumptions over “credits” like appearance. See the person first, not just their “spec.”
So embrace Kibbe playfully as a starting point to unlock self-knowledge, not an end point prescribing tracking some “perfect” projection. Focus on feeling gorgeous as YOU above all. Games cease being fun when basic activities require grinding just to maintain Baseline Attractiveness stats for arbitrary gates – same goes for fashion!
In Conclusion: Style Your Truth, Play Your Way
While Kibbe ID serves as an enlightening template highlighting strengths for self-expression, rejecting clothing that brings you confidence and comfort contradicts its purpose.
This system simply offers guidance to harmonize outer presentation with inner self-perception. But no "ID tool" dictates identity; only personal growth through embodied experience over time can reveal who we are and wish to become.
So game on with stylistic inspiration fueling your journey. But never lose sight of what makes your play style unique on this ever-evolving path of awakening. Craft your own story.