Discover your color palette and your style type.

It's a Good Time to Be Gamine

2/11/2019

I spend a LOT of time looking at outfits and answering the question, "What style types are represented here?"

For the last few years, the answer that comes up the most often is "Gamine."

Gamine style elements are having a moment in fashion.

Everywhere I look, I see cropped pants, skinny pants, cropped tops, cropped sleeves, higher waistlines, shorts, mini dresses, stripes, boyish hats, contrast collars and cuffs, pattern mixing, color blocking, and ankle boots. SO. MANY. ANKLE. BOOTS.

If you're a Gamine blend, this is great! You have a lot of options in the stores right now.

Classic and Ingenue blends can benefit too. Classics might find tailored Gamine pieces in more neutral (conservative) hues, and Ingenues won't have to hunt for shorter pant legs and sleeves.

It's Ethereals, Dramatics, and Naturals -- the style types defined by elongation -- who will find the fewest options among today's Gamine-influenced clothes.

Now, Naturals never struggle too much -- one can find loose, unstructured clothing almost anywhere these days, and it's been that way for about 40 years. But Ethereal and Dramatic looks are not easy to find in stores right now.

As an Ethereal Natural, I do most of my clothes shopping online. (Have you tried ThredUp? I've used them twice now, and I really like the results. Future blog post.) I also find awesome pieces in thrift stores.

Because of how we've been socialized, we all feel an urge to wear what's being promoted in stores and fashion magazines. But if you don't have Gamine features, Gamine clothes will not fully bring out your beauty.

Knowing your style type makes it easier to resist falling for fashion fads. If you're not sure of your type, try the Style ID Calculator, or consider a virtual analysis from me. :-)

48 Comments

Victoria

2/11/2019 12:54:14 pm

This was helpful to read. As an RNG, I find I have to be careful with the G elements I choose. I try to show Gamine in my hairstyle, patterns/prints, colors, hats, high waists, shoes, and ankle pants. I can also do cropped blazers or sweaters, as I am short-waisted. Ankle boots are a hard pass, but interestingly so are knee high boots for the most part. I am the odd ball who looks best in midi lengths, such as western style boots (as if the N and G elements split the difference). I look best with either cropped or elongated outerwear, but nothing in the middle. Color blocking is a big no and I can't do high necklines except cowl/turtlenecks, as I have a large chest.
When I was living as a "Soft Natural" I was definitely missing a huge piece of myself. I just didn't look authentic. The Gamine elements are very necessary for me, but not everything works with my blend. Over time, I just figured out which elements suit me the best, and now I save a lot of time shopping. :)
This site has been immeasurably helpful! :)

Agnes

2/15/2019 02:05:54 pm

The new governor of Maine, Janet Mills, has to be the cutest gamine I have ever seen. And she's over 70. Check out her images.

Ella

2/11/2019 03:57:11 pm

Yay vive la gamine! Are graphic tees also a gamine thing? Like band tees or slogan tees?

Melina

2/12/2019 03:37:52 am

Ella, I'd say they definitely are. (No wonder I can't really do them, or any basic tees for that matter...)

Jonna

2/11/2019 05:02:05 pm

I seem to do fine with getting the gamine look right, since that’s what looks most natural on me ( I think I’m a strange combo of Ethereal Gamine Ingenue).
However (!), pregnancy and maternity clothing are always a challenge for me. This is my fourth pregnancy and all the progress I make in building a wardrobe that highlights the waist goes right out the window as soon as a belly is introduced. Essentially you're trying to dress an impish-fairy-looking person with a basketball belly and a waif-like body ( read: no bust, no curvy waist).
Any reccomendations for retaining ones essence while pregnant? What areas do you focus on highlighting?
I’m sure this is a challenge for every type, although some more than others. Romantic seems lovely while pregnant, as it adds extra lushness and womanly curves to the figure. Naturals seem like their already organic and casual vibe could accommodate a burgeoning bump rather well, but I think the types who need more definition struggle more ( dramatic, gamine). For ingenue, seems most maternity styles are a bit more “ womanly” in design. I’d love to hear any others experiences or even a post on the different types as expecting mothers. In a time where so much is changing with your body, it’s nice to still feel like “ yourself”.

2/11/2019 07:28:24 pm

Maybe stick to loose, flowy Ethereal clothes on the body and then add cute, youthful accessories and cropped jackets?

2/11/2019 07:37:08 pm

Forgot to add: since you specifically addressed waist treatment, I believe Ethereals and Ingenues can both wear empire waists, and baby-doll tops and dresses are usually good on Ingenues.

2/15/2019 06:57:22 pm

I’m an NI with some E currently expecting my 3rd. There are a bunch of other style elements besides waist definition that you can still do. I never compromise on my colors, ie as a SA, I still won’t wear black etc. I incorporate my preferred prints and avoid the others. I can generally find my preferred bottom styles in maternity versions or find something nonclashing. And accessories hopefully will fit till the end! It’s amazing how far decent hair+earrings+top in a good color can go in making me feel comfortable in my pregnant body.

Can you channel your E into maxi skirts/dresses? Those with R prints are trendy.

Marissa

2/11/2019 06:55:36 pm

I'm a romantic dramatic that's shy about showing skin. I like my stomach but I live in a conservative area. I have found that some crop tops look cute with plain tank tops underneath. I think I even saw someone wear a long sleeve shirt with a crop top either on Pinterest or in a magazine. I live in my ankle boots but they probably aren't the best things for my thick calves so I tend to wear them with bootcut jeans and yoga pants.

Lindsay

2/11/2019 07:08:39 pm

Interesting that you have that pic of Jenna Colman up there. When I watched Victoria I couldn’t help thinking how miraculously she looked pretty in what I’ve always considered to be hideous fashions! So I think she’s got a lot of ingenue and dramatic, which I’m guessing is what Queen Victoria herself must of had

2/11/2019 07:48:46 pm

KC- thanks for your input! I could see how that would work; the floaty/flowy combination of ingenue/ethereal would work well to accommodate the belly and cropped tops/jackets would still retain the cute/playfulness near the face. I’ve thought maybe some cute babydoll tunics and leggings would work, too.
Any EGI celebrities that anyone could share? Or even EGN/EIN?

2/12/2019 03:35:27 am

Ah yes, as someone who has no Gamine whatsoever, the current fashion is a no-go ;) (REI here.) I do most of my clothes shopping in thrift stores anyway, and recommend that to everyone, also for the planet (and your purse), as well as style options! :)

2/12/2019 03:47:10 am

Although, I didn't realize ankle boots were considered G..? To me they can suit any style ID, depends on the style. (e.g. combat boots are G or N for sure, but not other styles...) Where I live, *some* kind of boots are an absolute necessity for a huge part of the year, due to cold climate, so they better suit us all, too! ;) No alternative there.
(Well, teenagers do seem to go about in sneakers even now, despite the hordes of snow & ice, but those ones are definitely G or N if anything is! ;))

Silver Roxen

2/12/2019 11:21:59 am

It sure is nice to have clothes that fit me for once! :)

2/12/2019 11:38:39 am

Forgot to add this lol. The first time I watched Janelle Monae's Dance Apocalyptic as a teenager I was mesmerized and felt seen. She's one of my style icons to this day.

2/12/2019 04:16:34 pm

I'm a Gamine dominant with a smidge of Natural, and I'd like to know what we're supposed to do for lingerie?? I know I'm a Bright Winter, and I've been having great luck with finding reds and pinks that flatter me. However, as much as the shapes and colors might flatter my body, my face can often look strangely childlike or harsh in comparison. I spend a lot of time in lingerie, and would be amped to see if anyone has ideas as to what can be done for such a problem.

2/14/2019 02:26:09 am

Great question--I've been thinking lately that Rachel should do a post someday on how non-Romantics can do sexy and seductive looks. For your style ID, I'd suggest staying away from anything lacy, frilly, delicate, or highly detailed above all else! As a Gamine, I suspect you'd look really good in boy-short bottoms or briefs with playful, witty prints, like these:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2F236x%2Fc7%2F38%2Fd3%2Fc738d38da589ef35820175833726a975--girl-boxers-disney-girls.jpg%3Fb%3Dt&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fmollydefriest%2Fgirl-boxers%2F&docid=KWqchCi7TufSsM&tbnid=tqO0Wx9k9qnqNM%3A&vet=10ahUKEwiVs5LV07rgAhXdHzQIHbnYCQEQMwiOAigTMBM..i&w=236&h=236&safe=active&bih=890&biw=1500&q=girl%20boxers%20shorts&ved=0ahUKEwiVs5LV07rgAhXdHzQIHbnYCQEQMwiOAigTMBM&iact=mrc&uact=8

Since horizontal lines are so important to Gamines, also try bottoms with a bold, defined waistband; bandeau tops; and cropped camisoles (playful, witty prints apply to the tops too). Sports bras probably work well for Gamines, but I don't know if you'd count them as lingerie. If you end up with more traditional style lingerie, keep the pieces geometrically triangular and boldly colored or printed.

I always thought that the ultimate "come to bed" look for a Gamine would be very short boy shorts, possibly low-rise, paired with a cute little t-shirt with a sassy, sexy slogan on it--and no bra underneath. Bonus points if the t-shirt is cropped.

Incorporating your smidge of Natural should be easy. Keep your arms and legs bare, wear comfortable fabrics, and keep your lines simple. You can also try incorporating functional details, minimizing the detail, or wearing a looser or more elongated top. If I remember correctly, Naturals look good in off-the-shoulder and one-shoulder styles. Naturals would be very sexy wearing a man's oversized shirt.

Hope at least one of these suggestions was helpful :).

2/14/2019 02:30:30 am

Simple or sporty cotton bralettes might also work.

2/14/2019 11:02:04 am

Your insight is well-appreciated. Thank you so much!

2/21/2019 12:03:16 pm

I've been curious about lingerie as well. I'm a Soft Gamine and found a Pinner that made sections on Pinterest for lingerie for SGs. I don't know if the recommendations are right though.
https://pin.it/lwfjve3mgriijc

I think some of the styles that one of my favorite style blogger poses in could work for both Gamine and Soft Gamine.

http://randinicholejoan.com/post/182815435990/tomboyx-sent-my-non-binary-ass-more-undies

http://randinicholejoan.com/post/170440869850/set-topshop

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq79EvRgJCJ/

2/12/2019 07:33:36 pm

This is such a helpful observation. I say 'helpful,' because when your style ID clashes with what's currently on-trend, it's good to get the reminder that it's not you, it's just the styles. And it's awesome that gamine is having a major moment. I think for most of fashion history, gamine gals got the short end of the stick.

As a not gamine-type-person though, it does make shopping challenging. While I've done the style calculator a few times to try and pin down my style, I knew right off that gamine was the ultimate 'can't do it.' I think now that I'm mostly dramatic (I love the simplicity of classic, but I think my features are just not flattered by it). My ID calculator results are 40/25/25 Dramatic/Natural/Ethereal -- though that ethereal is really wobbly. If I rate just one board differently, I'm looking at 60/40 DN. So basically I'm a pale Amazon, and gamine does not work at all.

And as a pale Amazon, I'm really intrigued by ThreadUp and thrift stores in general BUT I'm super-duper leery about returns. I have to buy things in tall, and often 'tall' is not tall enough. Rachel, if you did a post on that, I would be very interested, especially in how you avoid getting dinged by the return policies of most online retailers. Actually any advice on online shopping would be appreciated, as I find I just don't know where to look and get easily overwhelmed by it!

2/13/2019 03:48:47 am

"I think for most of fashion history, gamine gals got the short end of the stick" - well, if you mean previous centuries, but at least Western fashion has been fairly G since the 1920's, at least. ;) And the fact that our (those of us who have mostly feminine style id's) styles were predominant in the previous centuries won't help much us living now...

2/13/2019 01:08:08 pm

Yeah, I was just thinking how gamine picks up in the 20's, but there's still a lot of ingenue and romantic mixed in there, too. And ethereal, I think? I always understood that pure gamine doesn't really kick in until the mod 60s, and then again in the 90s until now. But yes, I think you're right that romantics had it good for most of history up until recently, when it gets hard to find romantic stuff. I mean, in a way, there were probably all style IDs present in history if someone had a good dressmaker who could study and follow their lines. But most people didn't have that - and still don't. I just know that I've always wished I could just go around in streamlined Grecian styles and/or all-leather fantasy ensembles 24/7. But that's hardly practical in my life. More's the pity. :/

2/14/2019 04:01:21 am

W, yeah, I hear you on that - how I wish I could go around in medieval gowns, I love them so much! (Or any period gown would do in a pinch, like those of late 1800's.) But that's that's hardly practical anywhere nowadays, except so-called fancy dress occasions and theatrical stage ;D Truly a pity, IMO!!

Alex

2/15/2019 12:43:58 pm

I would love to see a post about style IDs and the history of fashion! When is the period that most exemplified each style? If now is a good time to be Gamine, then what was a good time to be each of the other IDs? What time and place were best for each ID?

2/15/2019 07:57:54 pm

I think there are some options for most people in each period. 1940s had a feminine ingenue floral vibe, a dramatic extreme shoulder pads look, the romantic bombshells, and a classic separates style that’s the basis of “classic” today. Many people think 1920s equals gamine, but there were some very ethereal versions too. The broad themes of each identity can be found in every decade.

2/16/2019 02:28:41 pm

A decade by decade guide would be cool! Though again, I do think there are multiple IDs in so eras.

For myself, I've always done well in 30s styles. My face evening gown is a vintage crepe and velvet dress I picked up in a thrift store years ago. I got rid of so much in closet purges, but never that. I seem to recall there's a lot of Dramatic in 30s styles. That may be why it worked so well.

2/17/2019 06:41:24 am

That'd be fun, though not just decade by decade (which I take to mean just the 20th century), but previous centuries too :) I feel I'd definitely have done best in medieval times myself.

Miranda

2/19/2019 06:44:08 am

W. I find with thredUP, I have to be careful with what types of clothing I buy. I'm not tall, but jeans and pants are a no-go because I have curvy thighs. I found this out the hard way and I am wayyy too disorganized to return things.

2/14/2019 02:36:27 am

Are high and crew necklines and turtlenecks typically gamine? Because I thought there might be a part of gamine in my face but although I’m flat chested those necklines don’t seem to work on me (neither do halter necks, spaghetti straps and plunging neckline, but a scoop neckline does)

2/14/2019 02:19:27 pm

C, I think crew necklines are gamine. Mock turtleneck might be. My friend got a gamine guide (CNG) and i think it had crew and mock turtlenecks, polo collars and short lapels. Very young-man type collars - up close to the neck and detailed, but not at all girly.

As I recall, 'modest' scoop neck shows up on classic? And deeper scoops in romantic or ethereal? I've noticed the guides change a bit depending on the blends. Some IDs cancel other recommendations out. And Higher turtlenecks are dramatic, I'm sure of that.

I'm still not sure about slash necks and boatnecks -- not the wide scoops, but like a really high, wide neckline. I find them very flattering, even though I see them on "don't wear this it's unflattering" guides all the time.

2/15/2019 12:46:48 am

Gamines can definitely do boatnecks, because they're high and horizontal. I can also see them working for Dramatics if they're severe-looking and draw attention to the shoulders; and Classics might be able to pull them off too because boatnecks are modest and can look quite classy and elegant.

2/15/2019 02:34:45 am

Thanks, that’s very helpful!
I didn’t consider ‘modest’ scoop necks to be Classic but it makes a lot of sense.
Do you think it’s possible that turtlenecks and crew necks don’t work for a Classic Gamine? Or should I rule out Gamine?
And what about Ingenue?
Sorry for all those questions!

2/18/2019 03:38:27 pm

Classic-Gamines are usually flattered by turtlenecks (so long as they're not especially high and severe, which would be Dramatic) and crew necks (which I think also generally work for Ingenues?). Could be you don't have Gamine after all, or it could just be some quirk of your body shape that doesn't agree with those high necklines. For example, Jane Krakowski is strongly Ingenue but has an unusually short neck, so she favors lower necklines then you usually see on an Ingenue. If everything else about CG styles work for you, then maybe you just have to make an allowance in the neckline department.

kchoruby

2/18/2019 03:40:31 pm

*That should be "than you usually see on an Ingenue," not "then you usually see on an Ingenue."

2/19/2019 06:50:32 am

I have 30% Gamine and I cannot make crewnecks work for the life of me. Boatnecks are lovely though. Something about my build demands space around my face, which luckily my Romantic percentage covers nicely. I just put my Gamine elements elsewhere.

sonce

2/14/2019 10:44:41 am

Great observation. Women's fashion seems pretty masculine all around to me right now, I think partly because it's generally so casual. Jeans + boots or booties is casual but also pretty masculine. As a newly-realized ethereal-classic I'm struggling a bit to transition my wardrobe! Really struggling with bold-weather footwear. Have realized patience is the name of the game.

Nicole

2/14/2019 06:43:34 pm

Can anyone figure out what type of Gamine Sasha Bianca Lane is...? She’s undoubtedly Ethereal, and a youth essence- I’m pretty sure Gamine. But I definitely feel there’s a 3rd essence that I can’t put my finger on! I could see ENG for her- I’m RNG and she really strikes a cord with my own look. But it still feels like she’d be lacking something with an ENG style (I think someone like Yara Shahidi better suits ENG style). Maybe Sasha has 4+ essences or she’s an ENG with dash of RD like Lisa Bonet. I notice the 4+ essence thing happens relatively often for people of mixed heritage.

Also, I think Zendaya is a Gamine Romantic blend but she too has additional essence that I’ve been trying to pin down...

2/18/2019 06:42:06 pm

I think that extra essence type for Zendaya is dramatic. She rocked that Joan of Arc Met Gala look. I'm thinking you have to have at least some dramatic to make plate mail into viable evening wear.

2/23/2019 01:19:56 am

I forgot about that! Great observation, W.! Def one of my fave looks of hers and very telling of her ID, whatever it is. I can for sure see Dramatic working for her though.

2/23/2019 03:41:52 pm

I have seen another website where someone typed Zendaya.

https://dressingforyou.blogspot.com/2017/09/whats-zendayas-style-essence-part-one.html?m=1

http://dressingforyou.blogspot.com/2017/09/whats-zendayas-style-essence-part-two.html?m=1

2/26/2019 12:02:26 pm

I had no idea who Sasha Lane was until I saw this on Skai Jackson's Instagram another Gamine type I follow. She knows what works for her, so for her to look to Sasha for inspiration makes sense.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtytoT9nbXp/?hl=en

3/15/2019 01:18:35 pm

I was thinking the same thing! I saw that Instagram post too. I’m currently helping a friend a REG friend so I’ve been running Gamines through my calculator today! I ran Sasha through the ID calculator and she came up definitively as 50% E and 50% G, which does look shockingly great on her. Adding other essences does seem to blur and distract from her EG. Also, I assumed Yara Shahidi was ENG but the calculator came up EIG- which looking at her face next to board (and looking back at some of her best outfits), EIG does look like a better fit for her. Though Dramatic occasionally popped up in results, I think it’s that E enlongation and billowy-ness plus GI energy and colors combos that had me mistaking her for D or N. Lastly, I think actress Georgina Campbell is EGC. Just goes to show that we really can’t do much Style ID analysis through comparison, you really have to compare each face to the boards!

3/21/2019 11:07:34 am

Also, Izzy Bizu as NGE perhaps with a dash of R. Compared to Sasha Lane, Izzy Bizu definitely helps me see how Sasha is purely EG w/out N. I’ve feel like I’ve found every EG except REG which was the reason opening up the Style Calculator! Let me know if you see one.. or you can reply to a new commenter named Lizzie (she’s the REG friend that I turned onto this blog)!

Natmari's Corner link

9/4/2020 05:32:04 pm

It's hard to find soft gamine clothing in stores.

Elise

2/22/2021 04:19:15 pm

As a Gamine Classic Ingenue blend, I totally agree with this post about the styles 2 to 4 years ago -- and now it is 2021 and the fashion has started to totally shift back to the 70s drapey looks, extra long pants, wide leg pants, flare, bell bottoms, big sleeves, unfinished hems, busy paisley, etc. All the wrong things for me! I guess I should buy a bunch of Gamine clothes while I still can...

Marianna

12/28/2023 05:57:10 am

Really? I haven't noticed, that may be becase I live in Europe, or maybe because I too do most of my clothes shopping in thrift stores... Also, what Racehl said here, "Because of how we've been socialized, we all feel an urge to wear what's being promoted in stores and fashion magazines", seems surprising to me, as I do not feel that urge; again, might be because I'm European and haven't been socialized that way, or then I just have such a strong sense of my own style that very few things shake it anymore :)

12/28/2023 05:58:26 am

* Should be "Rachel" above, obviously ;D

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It's a Good Time to Be Gamine

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