Discover your color palette and your style type.

Style Identities: the NATURAL

5/3/2015

Of the seven pure style identities, I believe Natural is the most common type - but perhaps the hardest to define.

The other types are exceptional by definition:

Dramatic are exceptionally imposing.
Romantics are exceptionally sexy.
Ethereals are exceptionally otherworldly.
Gamines and Ingenues stand out because of their seemingly eternal youthfulness and their small stature.
And Classics are unusually symmetrical and balanced.

Naturals, by contrast, are mostly defined by what they are not.

They are not visually extreme in any regard. Not extremely imposing, not extremely small, not extremely sexy, not extremely alien.

Naturals are just that - humans in their typical, average, natural state.

If Naturals get a superlative, it has to be "most friendly-looking." Even Natural supermodels look nice!

Christie Brinkley

Heidi Klum

Naturals create an overall visual impression of being friendly, sturdy, and ordinary.

The attributes in a woman that tend to create this impression include:

An "athletic" body: straight, strong, and wide-boned
A toothy, friendly smile
A wide jaw
A nose that's large but blunt-edged, not sharp
A long, blunt (not pointy) chin
Close-set or small eyes
Average to above-average height

Jennifer Aniston

Sandra Oh

Khloe Kardashian

Uzo Aduba

Whoopi Goldberg

Lena Dunham

Wait - go back a minute. Did she just call Naturals ordinary-looking?

Well, I did.

The ordinariness, the average-ness, is what makes them so appealing.

They feel familiar. We relate to them. We expect them to welcome us as fellow ordinary people.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Gemma Whelan

Of course, since appearance =/= personality, a friendly-looking Natural may secretly be a right royal b****.

But that's part of the fun, isn't it?

If you're a Natural whose guileless exterior belies a devilish interior, you're twice as fascinating.

Kathy Griffin

Chloe Sevigny

Regardless of whether or not you're the girl-next-door that you appear to be, your Natural form will be most flattered by Natural clothes: simple lines, comfortable fits, textured fabrics, functional accessories, and an overall informal vibe.

Natural or Dramatic?

Naturals can be confused with Dramatics. Both types can appear somewhat masculine. ("Yang," other writers say, but I'm trying to eschew those euphemisms.)

To distinguish between a Dramatic and a Natural, you might ask, "Does this face look friendly or threatening?"

This face says, "Let's be friends."

This face says,"I'm dangerous." The overall narrowness and angled eyes read as predatory.

Natural or Classic?

A Natural's ordinariness may cause her to be confused with a Classic.

An important difference between a Natural and a Classic is that Classics present an idealized version of the human average: moderate and balanced in every single dimension, without any asymmetry.

Naturals present the actual human average, which comes with asymmetries and lumps and bumps.

A test: Look at a person and imagine a cartoonist's caricature. If that's hard to do, you might be looking at a Classic. It's hard to caricature a Classic because nothing sticks out. But Naturals have plenty that sticks out.

Lili Taylor - easy to caricature. And so appealing.

This is why Naturals feel accessible and Classics feel aloof: Classics are so balanced that it feels almost inhuman. Naturals' "imbalances" are entirely human.

Two types of average: an average that's almost inhumanly balanced...

...and an average that's relatable because it lacks "perfect" balance.

71 Comments

Katie

10/2/2014 02:33:28 pm

Do you think Kim K is a Dramatic Romantic? Also, If you can be a combination of two style identities, is it possible to be a combination of two seasons? For instance, if your skin is absolutely cool (like True Winter) but you have the saturation/clarity of a Bright Winter?

Rachel

10/3/2014 01:56:32 am

I sure do. She has a lot of D in her face, but her body is practically the epitome of R. :-)

The short answer to your question about season is no, I don't think there is a season between True Winter and Bright Winter. The difference between the two seasons is already so subtle that I can't imagine what colors would fill a space between them.

The longer answer is that, to talk about your season, we must talk not about what you look like but what your best colors look like. So your skin may *look* purely cool, and your overall coloring may *look* extremely saturated, but your season is ultimately determined by the appearance of your most flattering colors. Drape with True Winter and Bright Winter colors, and one set will be clearly superior.

:-)

Andrea

3/30/2019 01:05:02 pm

I used to think Kim K was a Dramatic Romantic but upon further inspection although she is short she is a Soft Dramatic. She has a very angular bone structure with a soft body type, and she looks best in monochromatic schemes, she also has dramatic coloring. She has a waist but it is not waspish.

anon

10/4/2014 03:19:56 pm

please do classic next!

Vanessa link

10/5/2014 07:22:02 am

Love the way you've described Natural vs. Classic. Perfect.

April

10/8/2014 06:00:48 am

I love reading your take on this.

Helen

11/17/2014 06:08:05 am

Sigh. Yes. That's the conclusion I'd drawn from all the discussions on line - Naturals are the default setting for 'you don't fit in any other category', a kind of waste paper basket diagnosis. It's not inspiring, it's almost a rejection. And I see flamboyant natural faces which have those amazing bones and think yes THAT is distinctive, you can see someone in that category at a glance, and the soft naturals with the distinctive shaped nose and eyes and the slightly more curvy figure - and think a lot of so called 'naturals' are neither of them. They can't all be non descript 'not otherwise defined' people - I think there are categories that are harder to define and haven't yet been properly looked at.

<getting off soap box to continue campaign for Not Just Natural women>

Maria

11/7/2015 05:03:54 pm

I completely agree with this! I also find it insulting that every other group is described as having the potential to be very beautiful in its own way, but according to this arcticle, naturals are just appealing because of their averageness. What a bunch of drivel. I guess all of the beautiful women that are categorized as naturals are just ordinary because this Rachel woman has some sort of negative bias against naturals.

Donna

10/17/2022 07:48:43 pm

Yes, I know it's been seven years since your comment was made. However, may I point out the irony of Rachel supposedly having a negative bias towards Naturals given that she's an Ethereal Natural. Natural is a part of her beauty, even if Ethereal is dominant.

As a primary Natural in spite of being 5'2", I don't find her description the least bit insulting. In fact, it's rather a cozy feeling knowing that I'm friendly and welcoming in my appearance. While sometimes I wish I looked less inviting given that I'm an introvert, I am who I am, and I love being a Natural. In fact, I cringe every time I get stuck with Theatrical Romantic because of my height. So. Not. Me.

Shannon

12/1/2014 09:39:09 am

I'm fairly sure I'm a soft natural, but the height limitations on all the Kibbe categories confuse me. I am 5'11, which some have told me would place me into either the dramatic, or the flamboyant natural categories. My body and face just aren't that yang though, and people never guess I'm as tall as I am because I'm rather rounded. ;) My widest part is my hips, smallest is my waist, with my bust in between those two. Also, what season do you think Lena Dunham is? I've seen her types as a soft autumn, but also as a soft summer.

Sara Rogan

2/19/2025 01:02:28 am

Kibbe doesn't take faces into account anymore. He focuses on the lines of the body.

Rachel Arnt-Schemmel

12/5/2014 08:35:52 am

Height's an important factor, but it's not determinative. If everything else about you says Romantic Natural, being a little petite won't go far to counteract that impression.

Not sure about Dunham, but she's definitely not Bright. The pure hues she favors aren't the best.

Lauren Color

1/27/2015 02:21:43 pm

Hi Rachel,

I love your blog and I am enjoying your take on the essences/style identities. I have to say, though, this representation of Natural disappoints me. It does feel unfair to define Natural by everything it is not, rather than by what it is most exceptionally. If Natural is so ordinary, how come there are so many exotic and interesting looking women listed here as examples? Where is the sensuality of Natural portrayed? Sure, Natural may not be va-va-voom wiggle dress sexy, but Natural is extremely sexy in other and equally obvious ways. What about the remarkable power and substance of the Natural bone structure? (Those cheekbones!!!). The ease, grace and athleticism that many Naturals convey. The comfort in their own bodies that is refreshing and enjoyable to behold (like Jennifer Lawrence).

1/28/2015 08:41:30 am

Hi, Lauren..
I attempted to describe Naturals as accurately as possible. You're probably right that I could have put greater emphasis on Naturals' athleticism and powerful builds. I really appreciate your point about Naturals projecting comfort in their own bodies.
Obvious, extreme sexiness is a characteristic trait of Romantics. Cheekbone prominence is a characteristic trait of Dramatics. If I see those traits in a Natural, I'm probably looking at a blend -- a Romantic Natural or a Dramatic Natural.
In describing all of these style identities, I strive primarily for accuracy. I believe it's accurate to say that Naturals are, by definition, average rather than extreme in most regards. (That's why we call a Natural the "girl/boy next door.')
What's accurate may not feel fair to everyone. I'm an Ethereal Natural, and though today I love how I look, there were times in my life when I yearned to look more like a Dramatic or a Romantic or an Ingenue. I once longed for great height, a small nose, a more feminine figure, and narrower hands and feet... But I don't long for those things anymore. I see the Natural in myself and embrace it. It's not imposing; it's not va-va-voom; it's not dainty. It's T-shirt and jeans. It's not fair or unfair; it just is.

11/7/2015 05:14:53 pm

In response to Rachel, again, perhaps it would make sense to elaborate more on the positive traits of a natural. A girl-next-door type could range from blah to radiantly beautiful. Just like a symmetrical, classic type could range from plain to stunning, or a romantic could range from dumpy to dazzling. Since most people are "average looking" (hence the term average - in the middle), that would, by your explanation, put most women in the N category. So it really makes no sense. Instead, perhaps focusing on the vibe of each type, rather than which are more or less beautiful/sexy/stunning, would make this article more believable and accurate.
It's not to suggest that any woman is ugly, by the way, it's just that a woman of any group or mix of groups has the potential to be exceptionally attractive, and that whether a person has been blessed with great looks or not, that they can fit in any category.

1/30/2015 03:42:06 am

Can you elaborate on what a blunt nose is? I know you said it's not "sharp-edged," but where are we looking for the bluntness? At the tip or on the sides where the nostrils flare? Ally Sheedy seems to have a pointier chin and nose, and Gemma Whelan's chin appears pointy to me, too.

Susan R

2/6/2015 07:14:57 am

This actually makes a lot of sense to me because I have been trying to put myself into some sort of category, when really, all I have to do is identify exactly what I am not and when I do, it does put me right in the Natural category. I do feel more Yang Natural I guess, although I feel like I could be a Classic Natural too--if that'a a separate category or a blend--not sure. I have a smaller head and smaller eyes and just a straight nose that isn't large or small, so I guess I fit that Yang Natural category. I haven't liked it so far though because many of the clothing recs seem so far out of what I would wear--some of it is so drapey and boho looking, which is not me at all.

Erah

12/22/2019 09:51:23 pm

Susan,
I’ve had the exact same problems as you’ve stated here with these body type systems - I simply don’t fit any of them! I have a decidedly Classic face, a Natural/Romantic upper body and a Dramatic lower body. If I do as this article suggests and wear Natural clothes I will feel like a hobo! I’ve decided to dress my body in the style I like (soft dramatic) with pieces that balance my inverted triangle shape - systems be damned!

Sandra Stuka link

7/1/2016 04:04:08 pm

After searching, calculating and trying to figure what the heck I am doing, I finally have narrowed myself down to a "Soft Summer". It seems everything has finally fit together. I thought taking care of children was complicated, but truthfully I think this task took more concentration and thought.

fifi

7/24/2016 10:10:19 am

Lili Taylor has a very strong Ethereal element to her too though, she's not pure natural...I see Ethereal Natural, with ethereal standing out a little more...watch her performances and you'll see what I mean. She played a very odd villainous character (I forgot which movie) and she came of as Ethereal Dramatic. Kate Bush is another Ethereal Natural (with Ingenue or Romantic). What do you think?

Kat

7/27/2016 03:09:03 am

The Kibbe and Kitchener types of systems are more complex than just "hey I'm a romantic so I must be exceptionally sexy" or what really gets me is "hi I'm a natural and I'm really unexceptional". Is Christie Brinkley unexceptional in looks? In a way, yes. She doesn't look exotic or unusual per se, but that doesn't make her lacking in the looks department. And to be honest, I'd consider her to be sexier than Marilyn Monroe any day of the week. Romantics have rounded everything, but that only equates to sexy in a very broad and generic sense. Sexy comes in many forms.
And just because a face can be caricatured does not mean it's got lumps and bumps. What it means is that the face has something unique to it. It could be lumps, but it could also be that the face is comical, expressive, exotic, or asymmetrical. Models tend to be naturals or possess strong natural qualities.
Natural in itself is described as yang, but softened by blunt edges. It doesn't mean large, manly features on a woman's face, like you suggest. It can! But often isn't. You could go in a more negative direction with any group (for example, romantic could look undefined, flabby) but you only seem to do so here, in the natural group. Why?
Natural just means angular without being sharp. Think of some dramatic examples, like Sophia Loren or Angelica Huston. Their bone structure is very prominent. Everything sticks out. Then think of people like Liv Tyler or Cameron Diaz, and even though their bone structure is still strong (yang), it's not severe or sharp. It's blunt. That gives them more of the friendly, approachable look that you describe (not flaws or relatable "average-ness").

Deborah

7/11/2024 12:46:16 am

I really appreciate this comment and am in alignment with you. I think Ms. Rachel tries to distill aspects and presents the caricature of each essence i.e. Romantic: sexy lady or ethereal: alien or goddess but it has no consistency. I don't think everything listed here is wrong but it seems to be not fully understood.

Melina

9/7/2016 09:49:25 am

In my opinion, Naturals surely have not that much cause for complaint as some posters here make it seem - after all, they are the model that today's (Western) society tries to impose on *everyone*...! For example, everyone is supposed to be & look their best with a full smile; everyone is supposed to relax and be casual in jeans & T-shirt and trainers... When for many of us (Romantics and Ethereals for example), those are actually the worst things we could wear, style-wise... (And I've never understood how is anyone supposed to "relax" in something as constrictive and uncomfortable a jeans!) And further, the no or little make-up look is definitely favoured in everyday life, at least where I live, something that again doesn't suit every style type at all... Plus one gets lots of flak from other women (though mostly indirectly) if one is perceived to pay too much attention on one's appearance, unfortunately, though again, that's just entirely natural for some types, that's who they (we) are...!

Ginger

4/29/2017 04:20:56 pm

Melina - absolutely spot on! I live in LA and there is an all encompassing obsession with Natural here. It feels like you can't get a job unless you look fabulous in a plain t-shirt and jeans, have an enormous, Julia Roberts smile with big choppers, and have an insanely toned and athletic body. So many actresses these days are Naturals or Natural blends with nosejobs... Natural seems to have taken over the beauty zeitgeist and this Romantic-Ethereal-Gamine for one has had enough of it :/

7/11/2024 01:07:29 am

Most people are blends and Romantics rule the arts. How is Beyonce disadvantaged to you? Elizabeth Taylor? Aishwarya Rai Bachchan? I used to live in LA as well. If you're seeking employment anywhere I promise the litmus test isn't how you look in jeans and a tee shirt- which are not even comfortable clothing.

7/11/2024 01:03:48 am

Hi!
It is really invalidating to be told by other women that they have no reason for voicing their feelings. Romantics are the beauty standard yet there should definitely be room for them to voice their feelings of discomfort around being sexy. Women who fit the beauty standard are in every essence category. Also, some women, such as myself- dark skin, course 4 type hair, broad features have been kept out of so many aspects of beauty and is the context to these comments. I've gone to make up counters and been told to stay away from entire shade families because it "isn't for me" with no constructive redirection. So many women of all backgrounds, even my white/European descendent sisters experience this, not just mine.

Perhaps more cruel comments have been deleted but no one is calling Ms. Rachel out on her personhood. She has put herself in the position of a professional and her constituents are giving her feedback.

Most people are blends of essences and very rarely are there true types. Natural attire is favored for working at Costco and general day to day (working) life but there are many places and spaces and the natural essence is not welcomed and certainly is not exalted everywhere. Women are also very cruel to women taking a minimalist approach and as a person who worked in sales, so many associates would avoid a person in slouchy attire (even natural essences mixes) because they wanted clients who looked elevated. Again, most naturals have a blend. Even the women above such as Lena Dunham also possess Romantic and Gamine elements.

6/2/2017 11:37:20 am

As a Natural blend, i struggle with how to feel fabulous in casual, natural clothes. Exactly because of its common ordinary-ness, it feels boring. I'm sure there's a way to feel fabulous with any style, and everyone needs to feel fabulous sometimes. I struggle with that with Natural. And my mom struggles with that with Classic. (She's also retired and feels like classic clothes are office clothes and she's DONE with that. :)

Rachell

6/7/2017 10:13:59 am

I know this is tough! I can relate because I'm an Ethereal Natural. All I can say is, try to trust that Natural clothes are exactly the thing that elevates Natural beauty from the ordinary to the extraordinary. I see it over and over in my analyses: a strongly Natural woman is "meh" in almost everything, then I suddenly drape her in Natural clothes and she instantly becomes gorgeous. It's a striking change.

Kels

7/19/2017 08:06:29 pm

A lot of these comments are really hurtful and reinforce the very negative "Natural" woman stereotypes that commenters themselves are rankling against. There are varying levels of conventional attractiveness in all of the types. Rachel has lived her life as an "Ethereal Natural" type; she likely knows this type more intimately than most of the others. If you think this entry is insensitive or disrespectful, perhaps it is due to some insecurity you hold. We all know there are beautiful "Naturals," and we can also clearly identify the similarities between people of this type. If you disagree with the constructs of the type completely, abandon all of the classifications! Wear what you want. But there is literally zero need to insult Rachel for this post. She espouses the most inclusive, open-minded school of thought on the topic that I've encountered.

1/19/2018 07:56:47 pm

Thanks for your comment, I completely agree with you Kels.
I think Rachel's system is neutral and the most accurate I've come across. Not to mention that Naturals have a HUGE advantage in that natural has taken over the current beauty zeitgeist, as Melina said. It's much easier to get ahead in so many ways with Natural looks (friendly, sturdy, toned, athletic) these days and en-masse fashion is almost exclusively based around very casual clothing. In the societal concept of attractiveness, a big friendly toothy smile has become de rigeur - even with royalty, just look at Kate Middleton and now Meghan Markle, both natural blends!
I often think I should have been around in the 50's instead, when my Ingenue and Classic would have fitted right in to the all-encompassing standard of beauty!

Jennifer

9/21/2019 12:05:03 pm

Thank you!...for typing Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Their styles are flashed all over the media, and its' fun to decide for ourselves whether they are dressing within their lines.

I see Kate as a Flamboyant Natural, and Meghan as a Soft Natural.

Kate really needs her hair "wilder" (but she can't unless she's going sailing or hunting, camping with the Boy Scouts. Queen Consorts don't do wild hair). And she's got that tall, athletic build, blunter features and smaller eyes, but still an outdoorsy feel to her whole look. She always looks better in flowy, moving fabrics (those luscious gowns!), and with tendrils around her face, even if she has to wear the rest of her hair in a careful updo. Also, who else sees Kate as a Cool Summer? Lovely lady, but I think she should do dark navy instead of black for all those funerals and memorials she has to attend.

Meghan: She's got to be a Toasted Winter, and definitely a Soft Natural/Soft Classic (can't quite tell). The reason I say Soft Natural is that, for all her delicacy, she's got a wide back and wide shoulders. I don't enjoy her hair half so much in a sleek updo as when she allows it to flow in soft tousled waves. She does sheer, flowy, drapey fabrics beautifully (as does Kate), but honestly, her SmartCapsule wardrobe isn't as flattering on her as I would wish. A stiff collared shirt? She has made it "Natural" by opening it wide, deepening the V, and rolling up the sleeves. Love her style and "natural" personality. What do you all think?

Jen

Lana

3/6/2025 07:48:23 pm

Agreed! I loved natural until a bunch of folk started complaining about how Rachel describes it. I read this blog post thinking it was fine and suited me greatly (also, lucky me that natural is the easiest to wear nowadays), then I saw all the comments in other communities and it made me not want to be natural anymore.

Kitty

1/7/2018 06:31:37 pm

I thought Lena was supposedly a soft gamine? And whoopi also classed as some kind of gamine (I don't personally think,she is, but anyhow..)
Sarah Jessica Parker is anything but average, and has some very..unusual features. It all seems very subjective when it comes to naturals, I'm confused! 😞
I thought they were the athletic, sporty, all American, "girl next door" types , americas sweethearts and models. Tall, large boned, broad & blunt angles.

Cameron Diaz and Sandra bullock being prime examples.
Oh and I love your descriptions btw, I'm obsessed with your blog entries and amazing insights! Natural just confuses the heck outta me

Anonymous

4/29/2018 11:48:36 am

I agree that there's some confusion with some of the people listed here. Particularly Lena Dunham for me. She's very Gamine - a Natural blend, but she is flattered by playfulness in fashion and her beauty is very much highlighted by Gamine sort of makeup (look at her in a cat eye). I also think the roundness in Lena's features comes from a little bit of R. I think there is some confusion between R blends with masculine essences - who may appear "average" because their styling is either highlighting their masculinity in a way that makes their R come off as dumpy, or are draped in overly feminine fashions that do not honor their masculine features - and true Natural blunt yang bone structure. You see the distinction not only Christie Brinkley/Heidi Klum, but Lili Taylor and Jennifer Aniston - that bluntness is not coming from soft flesh, but from bones. There are degrees of traditional "prettiness" in each Natural woman, but I definitely think it's more helpful to define Natural in more specific terms than just "ordinary."

Natural, to me, in its pure form is defined by an outdoorsy-ness, a ruggedness, a striking masculinity that is earth-bound rather than lofty. Though this probably sounds just as insulting to some people as describing Naturals as "ordinary," I have thought of Natural as best represented by the sort of Brooklyn-meets-Vermont "lumberjack" chic that utterly took over some corners of the fashion world in the late 2000s (and is still alive and kicking today). It's "average" in the sense that it's the visual representation of traditional masculine expectations - molding the earth with one's own two hands, being a provider, taking part in physical activity, embracing practicality over aesthetic concerns. Natural is competent, self-sufficient, not a show-off. It's utilitarian. It gets the job done.

In that way, I think Natural actually corresponds with Romantic more than any other essence - it's the ultimate standard of earthy, "workman"-type masculinity that has been a consistent cultural expectation of men for millennia. It's "average" manliness - masculinity pushed to its own extreme in the way that Romantic is "femininity" as defined by its reproductive role (which I believe is extremely unfortunate - no woman is defined by her reproductive potential or the relative "sexiness" of her body, but, as Rachel has discussed, Romantic women visually exemplify this standard, regardless of their own authentic feelings toward traditional feminine expectations). Natural is "average" masculinity in that Natural features correspond with the (again, constricting and potentially oppressive) expectation that the "average" man works with his hands to provide and shape the earth, just as Romantic visually matches the (outdated and patriarchal) expectation that the "average" woman is devoted to a reproductive, domestic role.

In my experience, I see N and R as the most common types. Many women in particular are blends of the two. I don't think R is necessarily defined by exceptional sexiness anymore than N is defined by exceptional athleticism - but *could* people with those essences, in the right styling, achieve those impressions? Most likely. I think it is a mistake, however, to call N "average" while failing to apply the same word to R. Romantic is "average" femininity in that it's our culture's overriding feminine expectation, and while our standard of beauty is so out-of-whack that virtually no real person without a celebrity glam squad/plastic surgery budget can hope to achieve what is "sexy" in 2018, I maintain that Romantic and Natural lines are the most common among the general population.

In this sense, I think Rachel is completely correct to describe Natural as "ordinary." However, the strong variation in physical features of the "Naturals" listed here gives off the impression that it's just a catch-all category for people who are "average" (ironically, I see the Natural supermodels here as better examples of the prototypical Natural so far as their exemplifying which physical features tend to give off a Natural impression - the facial broadness in particular, the athleticism, the sturdiness).

I also was surprised to see SJP listed as a Natural, considering all the crazy outfits she wore on SATC, but perhaps those outfits only seemed crazy because while she's an outstanding actress and her "character" seems like someone who would wear those clothes, they did not fully match her lines? (In fact, the insane high fashion on Carrie only served to highlight how unhappy and frazzled she was as a person? Wonderful expression of character through clothing, I think.) I swore SJP was an Ethereal or Dramatic blend with Natural, and while her elongation would seem to suggest this, I'm not so sure after looking at how much better she appears in more relaxed clothes. For instance, this outfit (which, interestingly, looks very similar to the casual looks sported by Gisele, another Natural who doesn't really seem

7/11/2024 01:13:28 am

I am in complete alignment with your comment. Wonderfully said.

Deborah Edwards

7/6/2018 01:31:49 pm

My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun (Sonnet 130)
William Shakespeare, 1564 - 1616
My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun;
Coral is far more red than her lips' red;
If snow be white, why then her breasts are dun;
If hairs be wires, black wires grow on her head.
I have seen roses damasked, red and white,
But no such roses see I in her cheeks;
And in some perfumes is there more delight
Than in the breath that from my mistress reeks.
I love to hear her speak, yet well I know
That music hath a far more pleasing sound;
I grant I never saw a goddess go;
My mistress when she walks treads on the ground.
And yet, by heaven, I think my love as rare
As any she belied with false compare

9/21/2019 12:06:06 pm

The Bard!

Balsa

8/2/2018 01:29:28 am

Thanks, didn’t know I should be ashamed of being shaped like a natural and now I am. :/

Bla31ze

2/10/2019 06:00:21 am

I do not always agree with Rachel’s views, but, as a Natural myself, I think that her description here is accurate.
I am not a “pure” Natural, but I have recently accepted I mostly belong there. It has not being easy. I thought I would never be memorable or elegant. Well, I have learnt that it is not necessarily true, and that my own type of beauty shines when I embrace my apparent Natural faults, when I stop trying to be someone I am not. Natural “ordinariness” is nothing to be ashamed of, in my opinion: it may not be an appealing word, but it helps focusing the point. The way Naturals attract people is by looking approachable, someone you can share something with, and that is not a less valuable asset than looking powerful or sexy and so on.

Arletta

10/13/2020 11:50:40 pm

And, as a Flamboyant Natural, I find everything you said unrecognizably strange as compared to anything that has happened in my life. I have had to work long and hard to be LESS noticeable.

There's a guy I talked to online when I was 24 - 27, who still tells me he adores me. He's right there in FB messenger next to the first man I was ever with, which was approx.37 years ago, who told me I was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen back then and he still dreams of me, the me then and the me now and the me that was between those extremes of age.

And, here I am, almost old enough to get discounts in stores, still not wearing makeup mostly ever, still not taking care of my skin, still dressing like a Natural disaster, and, still getting followed around in stores and lightly flirted with, even when I'm doing my best not to be, often by men who are far too young to be of interest.

But, I am most definitely a Natural. As are many women who have legitimate, organized fan clubs and careers made out of their ability to be attractive.

So, what you thought may have little bearing on what other people really think. A lot of very attractive women get belittled by other women, ignored by men, and treated by others as if they are not attractive because of such things as jealousy and sour grapes.

You shouldn't be worrying about if other people find you memorable or elegant. Go try on clothes and find the ones that make YOU remember yourself and find yourself elegant. Try on all sorts of clothes. Weird clothes. Fancy clothes. Men's clothes. I don't care! And, then,when you find the ones that make you look so good you get scared, don't be a chicken, like so many are, and say "These are just not me!" Accept that they most definitely are you or you wouldn't look that good in them!

And, never ever accept the word of another woman that all you are is a series of lumps and bumps with a kind smile! Or that you are in, any way, unexceptional and ordinary.

LiederFunk

10/26/2020 05:17:59 pm

Just came here to say this is the best comment ever. Bravo!

Emma

7/9/2021 08:32:43 am

*Standing ovations*

8/25/2021 09:41:12 am

Thank you for what you have written, it was beautiful and inspiring!

When I wrote “I was afraid I’d never be memorable/elegant” I had a very specific vibe in mind, one that as a Natural I’ll never be able to carry to its full potential, and chose the wrong words to describe it. I get that I may have conveyed a negativity that I didn’t intend to. I am not even a native English speaker and I have a tendency of wording my thoughts inappropriately XD.

However, I still think that Rachel was spot on, somehow. In effect, I have always been surrounded by people who really seemed to appreciate Naturals, along with or because of the familiar impression they make, not in spite of that.

What I was trying to describe, in my previous comment, was my realization that I probably possess this quality and that it is a strength, not an annoyance.

I never wanted to sound like I was settling for a lesser category, really :)

7/11/2024 01:15:20 am

Thank you. This was truly exceptional. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Mill

2/18/2019 05:55:39 pm

There seems to be a lot of what I would describe as vitriolic comments on here. I think if you look at this website overall, the ethos is truth, not false flattery. I also don't think naturals were anywhere described as inherently less sexually attractive or beautiful than any other style type. But people are reading it that way. The truth is not everyone is beautiful, and there will be a range of attractiveness (from not very attractive to highly attractive) within any style type. The purpose of the website is to help you look the best you can, and feel the best you can by accepting your 'look' without spending a fortune or resorting to plastic surgery. A person who identifies as wholly or partly natural in style will look their best when styled with natural design elements. That's all. Spare a thought for the insecurities all style types can feel; for example, being dramatic can mean a lot of masculinity in facial features for a woman, which society does not currently particularly favour etc. Its not the author's fault what style happens to be the cultural flavour of the decade.

7/11/2024 01:21:45 am

Just because the comments do not impart flattery on Ms. Rachel does not mean they are vitriolic. Which comments are attacking her? Also, this is about fashion and beauty which is directly connected to ego. To say this isn't about flattery is ridiculous. All the other types warrant flattery but the naturals must be kept in line? Why aren't all the other types who have average attractive women also given this same ethos. We understand not everyone is beautiful but when the focus is on finding unique beauty only to be told you're devoid it, what's the point of having this category at all? Also, as most have said, if natural essence is the most favored in day to day life and everyone is wearing it- why doesn't EVERYONE look good? If this was the case, most people would look good because most people wear casual clothing. I definitely hold space for all the types and agree with you however this is the natural entry where were specifically discussing natural essence/blend.

5/4/2019 11:30:23 am

I have finally landed myself in the Soft Natural category, not so much for my physical features - though they are factors - as my comfort level. If I am not physically comfortable, if I am wearing anything that doesn’t flow, that restricts or restrains me in any way, then I am miserable. I gravitate to Natural, though I am a very Yin one, quite rounded and soft. I cannot wear D’s straight or angular lines nor R’s overtly sexy ones (shudder). I am not petite or gamine. I FEEL “not me” in those styles. I can get away with Soft Classic but Natural is where I FEEL best. I think I probably have a bit of Ethereal vibe, too. Anyway, just wanted to point out that the type of clothes in which you feel most yourself can be a good indication. Can I ride in the bed of a pickup truck in Levi’s and sneakers? Totally. Can I wear elegant, draped or slightly unconstructed clothes and still feel like myself, unselfconscious? Yes, definitely. I can’t say that about the other types. Our instincts tell us where Home is. :-)

7/9/2021 08:35:39 am

Beautifully said :)

Marylin

8/20/2019 02:51:47 pm

As a FN, this was depressing to read :)!

10/13/2020 11:32:38 pm

As a FN, you should darn well no better than to believe it. I mean, when you go shopping for clothes or hit on a day when you are well put together where you KNOW you look good, do you look ordinary and not at all like someone anyone would think twice about, if it wasn't for your kind smile?

I've spent far too much of my life being accused of being a sex goddess to bother listening to someone who mistook me for ordinary.

Ordinary is what I used to want to be. Studying the Kibbe method has helped me realize I should be happy being who I am and just barrel through life with my big shoulders knocking down clothing racks as I sift through the garments, looking for the extraordinary ones that my - haha - boring and unremarkable frame requires.

No other site has ever insulted Naturals this way. Most of them say Naturals are the most attractive of the types as is evidenced by the fact that most highly popular models and sexy actresses are Naturals of some type.

I really think the person who wrote that, above, is someone who is jealous because they are not a Natural, had their heart broken in connection with a Natural, or is a Natural that is down on herself due to having had her heart broken. There can be no other explanation for the cruelty inflicted on an entire body type.

Carla

10/19/2020 07:22:13 pm

Except the person who wrote the article is themselves a natural. She has learned to love her own body. People who complain about her descriptions haven't.

11/3/2019 07:24:58 pm

So... essentially... all the ordinary women are "natural" and your system has no grounding in actual body shape or silhouette? All you need is to be plain -which is most of us.

Newsflash: some plain women read classic prep, others read flamboyant, still others artsy/bohemian... but under your system they are all "naturals". LOLZ. So useful.

7/11/2024 01:23:13 am

You hit the nail on the head. Also, if it is so common, why is it that most women in daily life look a mess?

Jess

4/1/2020 12:16:12 pm

The reason why some Naturals are feeling hurt reading this is because the words "beauty" and "beautiful" are all over every other pure type's Style Identities post, and nowhere in this post. It's not the uncomfortable accuracy; it's how every other type has been described as beautiful, and the closest to beautiful the you have gotten in this post is "appealing."

Everyone is entitled to their own taste, but it is taste and not truth or reality that everyone is beautiful in their own way except Naturals. I say this as a person (a woman, if it matters that I'm not a lurking man) who is overwhelmingly attracted to pure Natural women, and finds certain types who others find stunning to not be very eye-catching at all.

All in all, I find this description to be very accurate and helpful, and I appreciate your work. I just find it odd that every other pure type is described as both their accurate traits and beautiful (Romantics being sexy and beautiful, for example), while Naturals are only described as their accurate traits.

Thornabelle

5/11/2020 10:01:23 am

I just discovered this Kibbe system of body typing, and after filing out the (most confusing) test, I come out as some kind of Natural, although I'm also quite skinny and petite.

As to the comments being made that Naturals are "common" I must beg to differ. It is IMPOSSIBLE to find an off-the-rack dress that fits in the bust and waist ... because APPARENTLY most women are pear-shaped. I know this because I'm also typed as an inverted triangle, and many times if i do buy a fitted dress I have to take in the hips by at least a couple inches.

I just don't think the so-called Natural body type is common at all ...I mean just look around. And this thing about all Naturals being athletic and smiley, is really a lot of bullshit.

But anyway, I think if we choose clothes we like and look in the mirror with a critical eye, we'll eventually discover what looks best on our very unique bodies. I'm not letting some ridiculous system dictate what I should wear or how I should feel about myself.

10/13/2020 11:23:54 pm

Too true! It's really hard to find pants to wear that are not baggy on the hips and butt, except for leggings and similar pull on styles. And, for me, I spent all of the 80's and 90's having to find clothes that I could remove the shoulder pads from and still have them look nice because even when I bought them two or three sizes too big for my torso, my shoulders were not fitting in there. Unless they were men's jackets!

It is always a struggle to find anything that fits over my shoulders and doesn't bag all over my torso and make my lower body look like it's lost in a swirling sea of cloth. Or, it was, until stress made my belly bigger. Now ,it is less of a struggle, but, it could still go better!

fourseasonslasercenter link

6/18/2020 11:40:27 pm

I really agree that the ordinariness, the average-ness, of someone is what makes them so appealing. In fact, I prefer those people wearing light-to-none makeups than those who wear heavy makeups.

10/13/2020 11:18:23 pm

Being ordinary may be very appealing; but, it does not make them a Natural. This is the ONLY site I have seen Naturals described as not having any superlative qualities except for looking "nice".

Some of the women considered to be "the most beautiful woman in the world' and such as that were Naturals. It's ridiculous to say Naturals are not extremely sexy. And, quite as ridiculous to act as if they don't stand out in a crowd.

Yeah, my mom used to have to threaten men who followed me about because I was only somewhat appealing because I looked nice. Same as her mom had to do, same as I had to do with my eldest daughter who is also a Natural.

This whole section is just stupid and insulting. Everyone else is lovely and beautiful and exceptional and sexy, but, Naturals are big snore festivals with winning smiles that no one ever notices.

Tell it to Cindy Crawford!

Jenny

10/19/2020 07:26:56 pm

You are a special and unique okay? Geez. What's up with people being obsessed with standing out. Average is not a bad thing. There are people who are uniquely unattractive and people who are very pretty and appealing because of how friendly and plain they look.

10/13/2020 11:08:21 pm

Gee! I was all settled into the idea of being Flamboyant Natural and then you talked me right back out of it. Except, you didn't. What you described is the middle of the road Naturals, which by the way most of the Super Models qualified as and so did a lot of other celebrities that people found terribly, terribly sexy.

Regardless, Flamboyant Naturals have the earthiness of Naturals but often get confused for Soft Dramatics or even just plain old Dramatics of the less extreme type. And, they also often get confused for Flamboyant Gamines. Because, often they appear taller and more goddess like than their height and width should allow for, but, often they also look more like a bundled up arm full of adorable kittenish energy than ... their height or their alarmingly large and sexy shoulder size should allow for.

You seem very down on Naturals. I don't know why. But, considering Bridgette Bardot, Cindy Crawford and Bo Derek - despite her tiny height - have that Natural sort of shape and they had careers all about being more attractive than most women generally are, I think you have gotten the wrong stick.

Pulchra

10/18/2020 08:26:47 am

Thanks, now I feel ugly...

10/19/2020 07:28:56 pm

Why? Nowhere in the description did she describe Natural as ugly. The woman herself is Natural

Marie

10/31/2020 05:24:34 pm

Perhaps it might be beneficial to compare Naturals to Ethereals: If ethereal are celestial, alien, impersonal, other worldly, then naturals would be grounded, earthy, bohemian, approachable. A lot of Music Festival fashion is created for people who are Naturals.

3/6/2025 07:50:59 pm

Agreed! I think of ethereal as celestial goddesses and natural as earth goddesses.

Melissa

12/6/2020 07:00:53 pm

Very illuminating discussion; I appreciate we all have a different perspective, and just because Rachel has written a blog post on this does not mean she owns the complete rights to accuracy or the truth on this topic. Even if she is a natural herself. Everyone can be clouded by their own experience. Everyone has a different vantage point. It's just that when a blog gets published we might freak out that it's now the gospel when it's just another pixel in the infinite universe of our screens. We can relax and know and be ourselves anyway.

Elise

2/22/2021 03:52:07 pm

I am not a Natural (far from it--I look sloppy in most clothes that are casual and comfortable), and I have noticed that Naturals have a LOT of choice in clothing. Entire stores' racks will flatter Naturals. Oversized sweaters, loose and bootcut jeans, everything is long, everything is drapey. If you are a Natural woman, you're a lucky shopper! Maurices is the latest woman's clothing store I have noticed that has almost exclusively Natural styles.

Juniors' sections have a lot more gamine, ingenue, and dramatic clothing than women's sections. Once I left my early 20s and my hips and waist filled out, I had a lot more trouble finding gamine and ingenue styles in my sizes.

Classic is hard to find outside of more expensive brands. Structured clothing with thicker or nicer material is the opposite of the fast fashion that is everywhere.

So Naturals... love it and milk it! You can wear so many things and effortlessly look amazing!

masculine

7/2/2021 01:50:06 pm

glad to know that naturals are lumpy, uninposing men c: why use euphemisms for those unladylike freaks. we should cut the other euphemisms and jump straight to "ugly"!

Jan

4/7/2022 04:26:11 pm

I'll take being compared to the goddess that is Christie Brinkley any day!

I think the essence of naturals is big, bold and approachable. Some are stunning amazons.

I think we just need to sever the cliched link between daintiness and beauty. Big and strong can be beautiful too.

Autumn

6/21/2022 09:43:53 am

As a Romantic Gamine who doesn't have a single iota of Natural but whose favorite style is menswear (give me a sherpa-collared denim jacket and Doc Martens, please), I will never understand Natural loathing. Athleticism is beautiful, interesting/"irregular" features are beautiful, and Ns are the paragon of Hollywood beauty.

I feel like a chubby, dumpy child most of the time and would happily trade being "cute" for being able to wear the clothes I love, and to look like a real adult like the Ns. Maybe we just all want to be something we aren't?

Lourdes

7/8/2023 02:20:22 am

Thank you for this Rachel. I am a dark winter natural. Your description of Naturals makes sense and resonates w/ me. I've also found the style guide, visual guide, make up guide, and shopping guide for the Natural style identity very helpful. For the first time ever, I feel good abt my appearance. Before, I hated shopping, never felt like I looked good, and didn't think I could find clothes or a style, make up, or hairstyle/hair color that would work for me. Well, that was bc I had no idea of my style identity or what season I am. I've looked at a lot of sites, and yours is my favorite. Thank you for all you do.

Sara link

4/3/2025 05:58:18 pm

I love this article! Such a fan of these pieces, this beauty system, and this way of thinking about style. Here’s my question for Rachel…
Love the list of general attributes that create the “friendly, sturdy, and ordinary” impression that Natural essence exudes. I want to better understand the inclusion of height and body type (average to above average height, athletic build) on the list. I generally exclude body from the picture when thinking about essences in the TiB system, sticking to “dress for your face.” Should body frame and height be part of the equation for determining essences, or perhaps you were just saying that those factors generally create the N impression?
Would love your feedback on this! Thank you:)

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