Discover your color palette and your style type.

Swimsuits for Your Style Type

3/11/2020

Many of us in the northern hemisphere are starting to think about swimsuits. If you find swimsuit shopping stressful, you're not alone! In this video, I talk about features of the best swimsuits for different style types.

Remember: Ignore all the advice about shopping for your body shape!
There's a reason you've never felt like it really worked: it DOESN'T work.
Dress for your face, not your body!

59 Comments

Amy

3/11/2020 08:13:38 pm

This would be so much better as a blog post rather than a video.

Eunice

3/14/2020 06:47:14 am

Yeah I agree. It's interesting to see how the blends come together into a swimsuit, since it all has to be there for it to look harmonious. I've personally hit a bit of a rut in terms of style analysis - my first two is definitely DC, but my third blend is lost on me. There's a certain relaxed element I need - whether it's my hair down or an open collar - that I feel I need to add to make the outfit. Seeing how this relates to swimwear has been interesting, but I wish there was more for me to plumb:)

Melina

3/14/2020 11:44:41 am

Relaxed immediately brings Natural to mind, so that might be your third essence; but I guess you had already thought of that, and may have something else in mind with the"relaxed" :) But maybe check the DCN board if you haven't already, to see if it resonates with you.

3/15/2020 02:57:12 am

You might also check Ethereal-Dramatic-Classic--the loose, flowing, elongated lines and overall airy feel might be contributing that "relaxed" element you mentioned. A small amount of Romantic's softness might also explain why long hair and an exposed decollette look good on you. I think RDC is less likely than DNC or EDC, but it never hurts to consider additional options.

Anne

3/11/2020 09:00:47 pm

I really love the video format you've been putting out. Seeing reasoning in real time is always helpful! :)

Mary

3/12/2020 02:28:47 pm

Agree 100%!

3/12/2020 11:09:56 pm

Wondering what Style ID Carla Hall (chef from The Chew) might have? I feel like I see youth but I can’t tell which (if not both), let alone what it is blended with

3/13/2020 06:27:41 pm

Ethereal Dramatic Gamine?? Maybe? She might also be EDN?

3/14/2020 10:10:01 am

That sounds on point! Out of those two, I think EDG looks a little bit better than EDN on her. Thanks!

4/29/2020 02:16:57 am

Carla is mostly Dramatic. I also think she has Gamine and something else, don't know what. Classic? Ethereal?

Melina

3/13/2020 03:53:04 am

Love how you emphasize here the fact that Romantic types look good with bust emphasis, *regardless of bust size*! As usually people say you have to have a big bust even to be considered Romantic... And if you emphasize a smaller bust in any way, they think you're just faking it by trying to make it look bigger... What a stupid way of thinking! Mine is kind of medium-sized, but any kind of bust emphasis just looks good; I'm REIC, I think.

3/13/2020 01:45:29 pm

Wow. Just wow.

Okay, I owned that first suit! The RGC one -- though mine was a deep grey color, making it more RDC or RC.

It. Was. AWFUL. on me.

And now I know why.

When I bought it, I had just had a baby, and with a bigger bust than usual (and bigger, rounder everything) I thought I would look good in a suit built for curves, but I never looked 'right' in it. I ended up abandoning it for my old TYR sport suit halfway through the season.

My current favorite suit is a sage green one-piece with an asymmetrical/one-shoulder neckline and mesh cutouts through the body. I get a million compliments on it. No bust emphasis. Playful, quirky, and pretty modest. I think I'm ENG -- the suit is NG for sure. So was my TYR suit.

So yes. This makes total sense! Love it!

I also love the video format. I love your blog posts as well, but this was very interesting to watch you work through the process of style ID. I found it very helpful. I often mix up gamine/ingenue cuteness, gamine/dramatic unusualness (a word?), and classic/romantic ladylikeness. This is very helpful for clarifying some of those distinctions. (Also gingham = ingenue? So helpful. I really can't do gingham -- or floral print. Or most prints -- that EN print looks great though.)

A final thought/question: I really, REALLY struggle with the 'Dress for your face, not your body' suggestion. I have a VERY dramatic/natural body (Kibbe flamboyant natural for sure). I'm tall, broad shouldered, lanky limbs, sort of thickish through the core. But my face is very gamine -- especially when I smile. Gamine clothes are just too small on me -- my body looks too big for them. Natural clothes, however, are so heavy/long, I look like I'm drowning in them -- a child's head on an adult body. I really struggle to find some kind of midpoint to natural and gamine, some way to honor both face and body (with that ethereal 'lift' that I need as well.)

Would you perhaps consider a video or blog post about how to honor one's body shape while also keeping with the 'dress for your face' guidance? I'm finding myself struggling with this concept.

Love your blog as always!

3/13/2020 02:09:57 pm

I should add: I know you do this in the Style Guides already. I got the ENG guide and it was so useful. I've been using the '3 ways to wear this look' guide a lot. The middle silhouette is a favorite of mine -- about half of my outfits follow that shape exactly. The 1st look and 3rd look were new to me -- I've been trying those on and they are great for capturing that middle ground between different types of IDs. So having 3 'looks' to work with is really awesome!

Still, I know I would find it really helpful to hear more about how to make the 'dress for your face' thing work when/if your body is rather different than your facial type.

3/19/2020 06:54:47 pm

Thank you both! I find natural lines work best for my body, but some EG styling does well for asscessories & color. This was a helpful exercise

3/15/2020 02:42:52 am

I don't know if you'll find this helpful, but I recall reading something on this site to the effect of Gamine clothes often fitting in a way that suggests the wearer is outgrowing them--as often happens with active, growing young boys.

Miranda

3/15/2020 06:11:02 am

I've been taking the set of elements in my ID and then narrowing them down to only what looks good on my body, and then narrowing that further to only what I like. I'm REG, but I'm never going to wear a Gamine waistline or a mermaid skirt, for instance. BUT I look really good in cropped pants or 3/4 sleeves (the Gamine or the Romantic? And can something count for both? I don't know), and a Romantic waistline is really good on me, so it's not that those silhouettes are out completely. Maybe combining elements like that would work?

Jessie

3/13/2020 11:31:09 pm

Would you do something about work/office appropriate clothes? Having RE makes it kinda hard to incorporate that.

3/13/2020 11:52:34 pm

Ooh- does anyone have an idea of what essence(s) these earrings are?? I really can’t tell.. and they’re basically the only style item I own that I actually like 🤣🤣

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_jaRG_AQdhRuPCdGfZTxf_gaqjm2ASUQ/view?usp=drivesdk

3/15/2020 02:21:00 am

I'll take a stab at it, though I'm far from expert at this . . .

I'm seeing simple, basic shapes--smooth and neat, not rough and organic. The gold also adds an elegant, high-quality element. Classic?

Elongated rectangles on top, and am I correct in thinking these earrings are large/oversized? That would indicate Dramatic.

I could see a Dramatic-Classic "Art Critic" wearing this, and possibly some of her three-essence sisters. The elongated rectangle shapes, simplicity, largeness, and slight texturing on the hoops could make the earring suitable for a DNC. The big round shape of the hoops could make them workable for an RDC. The round hoops, the elongation, and the metallic + white color scheme could make them suitable for an EDC.

I don't see any cute or childlike qualities to these earrings at all, so I think you're safe ruling out any style IDs containing Gamine or Ingenue.

Does anyone else see something I missed?

3/15/2020 08:10:49 pm

DC or one of its 3 essence “sister” blends sounds like a great start- hadn’t really considered it before now! I am a gamine, but the fact that I can pull off those earrings so well made me realize I had some other essences at play as well. Jewelry sits so close to the face, and I‘m realizing that the same essences in my best jewelry pieces can be echoed in the way style/pair my clothes (and vice versa). I always saw clothing & accessories as two separate things up until now..

I wonder if you have any thoughts on this necklace?

https://www.thegivingkeys.com/products/crescent-horn-necklace

3/18/2020 12:19:03 pm

Thanks for your response, KC!! It has been really helpful in helping me pin down my ID

3/18/2020 10:59:41 pm

Happy to be helpful :).

But that necklace is tricky . . . I definitely get a Dramatic vibe from it--something about it looks sharp and vaguely sinister, perhaps the barbed effect of the chain and the horn-like points of the crescent.

Between the mysterious moon shape and the fact that I could easily imagine a sorceress or fey creature wearing this necklace, I think it might be Ethereal as well.

The literal rather than abstract shape of the moon and key pendants could indicate Classic, Gamine, or Ingenue. The shorter length of the chain would also indicate C/G/I, but I think the tiny key pushes the necklace toward Gamine or Ingenue. The tiny beading details on the chain could also work for the youthful essences.

The overall vibe of the necklace reads more punk and playful than sweet to me, so my best guess is EDG. EDI might be able to swing it, though.

Since you say that you have Gamine, and both pieces of jewelry you've shared have a distinct Dramatic vibe, perhaps you should look at DG and its sister blends and go from there?

Rebecca

3/20/2020 03:46:30 am

A little off topic sorry but just really struggling. How can you tell if you’re ethereal or romantic? I have almond eyes, narrow face but full lips.

Laerke

3/20/2020 05:29:38 am

Hi, can I take a stab at it?

Look at this article from Rachel:
https://www.truth-is-beauty.com/blog/whats-the-first-thing-you-think
Now imagine that, but with your face. Details can lead you astray if you overly focus on them. Sometimes, it is easier to let somebody else give you their impression of you, or take a picture of yourself, and look at that picture after a period of time (maybe a week) as if you are looking at a stranger. What stands out, what is the OVERALL impression, then later go into WHY (details) that might be. In that order. Not from the details and out, but form impression and inward.
Did that help? Anyone else have a better idea?

Take care :)

4/30/2020 02:03:14 am

Rebecca, could I see a picture of you? Maybe I can tell if you are Ethereal or Romantic.

3/20/2020 07:16:12 pm

Do y’all think Brie Larson might be a Natural Classic Gamine?

Jessie

3/22/2020 04:05:27 pm

Does anyone know what style this blue dress is?

I’m thinking ethereal dramatic or maybe romantic ethereal dramatic?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CHajOgEsa/?igshid=gw9a5u8umzx

4/29/2020 02:07:57 am

Jessie, the blue dress is EDR.

Jessie

4/29/2020 02:39:43 am

Thank you D! I’m in love with that dress! I wonder what celebrities would fit EDR? I feel like it’s one of the rarer styles, so it’s also hard to find practical clothes. Good to know my eye is not too far off. Appreciate the response! So helpful!

Melina

4/30/2020 06:50:39 am

Ah, what a lovely dress! (Though the one in the link is not blue, but kind of nude-coloured..?) I adore & could pull off the top half of the dress, but the lower half is too piece-y, probably too D for me, I think ;) (I'm REIC.)

Melina

4/30/2020 06:52:48 am

Ah, just realized there was more than that one dress, if you click forwards ;) But anyway, what I said about the very 1st one above still applies, the nude-coloured princess-like dress.

4/29/2020 03:24:19 am

Monica Bellucci might be EDR.

Jessie

4/29/2020 03:26:13 am

Oooh interesting! What gives her the Ethereal aspect you think? I do love her in softer colors. She’s obviously romantic in body and full feature and has that dangerous aura about her to round out romantic dramatic

4/29/2020 03:33:16 am

Hard to explain, She just has the Ethereal look.

Jessie

4/29/2020 06:37:30 pm

D-I’m wondering if it Part of ethereal is that person looking like they could be part of another time period? Like Monica could rock an Ancient Greek goddess look as well as 1920s femme fatale and also like a queen or maiden in medieval times. Maybe that’s the inexplainable part of ethereal in people who aren’t directly like cate or tilda.

Melina

5/1/2020 12:00:21 pm

Interesting - I've always adored medieval / LOTR type gowns and feel at home in them, or would I could ever wear such anywhere ;)

Jessie

4/29/2020 06:40:37 pm

D-I also mean like an elf albeit a sexy one. Like the fantasy tropes she could do well

4/30/2020 02:01:16 am

Jessie, all period looks, like medieval looks look good on Ethereal types.
Do you suspect you are an EDR?

Jessie

4/30/2020 02:33:10 am

I really do for some reason. And it’s the look that made me just like wow! I feel like I could pull off nearly everything on that board. The ethereal aspect is what’s hard to figure out.

5/3/2020 01:59:14 am

Jessie, if you want to you can link a picture of yourself and I can have a look at it.

4/30/2020 03:09:39 am

Take a picture of yourself (a close-up), put it against the Ethereal board and see if the lines harmonize with your own lines. Do long, flowing, s-curved lines look good on you?
You can do the same with the Dramatic and the Romantic boards. Try to be as objective as possible.

5/1/2020 11:45:16 am

I'm RDI, and skirted swimsuits work really well on me, I think. I own two of this one (the model probably is a different type): https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/YFoAAOSwR29ZG05R/s-l400.jpg. Maybe not super Dramatic -- there's a variation of this with a halter that might lean more than way, but I haven't found it in my size.

Allie

5/3/2020 04:31:45 am

Jessie, you might want to include the link as D suggests because you could be surprised by your results.

I just got my official style analysis done today. The detail was amazing. I got Classic-ethereal-gamine but as a person who hates bright colors prints and short clothes, I’m just going to have to chop the gamine portion out.

But my point is that you might be surprised and not have ethereal at all so it’s definitely something you want a second opinion on.

5/3/2020 08:21:10 am

Allie, you are right. One could be very surprised. More than one person told me I had Romantic, so for a long time I thaught I was RNG. But something didn't feel right. I didn't feel right in Romantic attire. At last I found out I have Ethereal instead. I was ENG instead of RNG.The style analysis confirmed that.

5/3/2020 04:22:52 pm

I could use some help ladies. I just got officially typed by Rachel as an C-E-G. Classic, ethereal and gamine. I understand and actually love the classic ethereal but hate (it’s a strong word but it’s true) gamine on me. While beautiful, I didn’t like any of the outfits that came in my packet. I’ve previously tried some famine elements and strongly disliked them on me. I’m also a soft summer. So I don’t like anything flashy and clashing in my look. Additionally, I’m 5’10 and a 36C-26-36 measurements. I just find the gamine look is not a good look for me. I’m trying desperately to follow the guidelines but I just don’t see a way to include the gamine. I received 45% classic, 30% gamine and 25% ethereal. Does anyone have any Suggestions for how I can try to incorporate this into a style I can learn to love?

5/4/2020 12:07:56 pm

Allie, as a soft summer and an ECG you should avoid bright colors. I don't think you should ignore the Gamine element, but you can incorporate it in smaller parts if you don't like it. For instance you can wear Gamine bags, shoes and jewelry.
I don't know how you look like but if a bob suits you that is great. That is a perfect hairstyle for a CG.
Both Ethereal and Gamine need a high amount of detail so think about that when you put together your outfits. Also think about that your clothes should be somewhat fitted because of the Ethereal and Gamine elements. A fitted pant suit is a good outfit for a CG. If you want to you can wear a shorter jacket (Gamine).
You don't have to wear a lot of prints because of the Gamine element, but what do you think about stripes and dots? That read as Gamine.

Allie

5/4/2020 01:01:17 pm

Hi D,

I don’t like the patterns of gamine at all for me. I’m trying to see if I were to do like a flowly polka dot dress that’s loosely fitted at the waist if that could count. But in general it’s all just too busy for me. I don’t like short anything. In terms of gamine accessories how would that match the EC? Like would a gamine bag have a ton of patterns?

Melina

5/5/2020 04:01:36 am

Hmm, a bob might be perfect hairstyle for a CG, but I don't think it is for a ECG... Ethereal needs long & flowy, which admittedly might be a bit difficult to combine with G (and possibly C); maybe slightly longer, like shoulder-legth...?

5/4/2020 01:18:48 pm

A Gamine bag doesn't have to have a ton of patterns. And you could choose a CG bag instead of a pure Gamine bag. Or an EG bag.

Allie

5/4/2020 01:57:47 pm

What would a gamine bag or jewelry look like that’s on the subtle side? I probably going to focus on ethereal textures and length as a priority and classic a bit in the cut or fitting

Allie

5/4/2020 02:00:26 pm

I like the name of classic gamine and ethereal gamine but I really don’t understand how that translates in jewelry or bags.
I think I’m just having a hard time really understanding gamine when it’s not clothes

5/5/2020 02:16:09 am

Maybe you can get a better picture of the style types and find some inspiration here: https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/gamine-style
https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/classic-gamine-style
https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/ethereal-gamine-style
https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/ethereal-classic-gamine

5/5/2020 02:24:33 am

Some more:
https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/ethereal-style
https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/ethereal-classic-style
https://fi.pinterest.com/aboutstyling/classic-style
I haven't seen you but I think your base should be Classic since you have most of that.

Miranda

5/5/2020 03:42:59 am

Allie, I try to keep my accessories Ethereal Gamine (typed by Rachel as REG and I go for a Romantic silhouette). I try to keep to Ethereal colors and finishes (such as especially soft and muted colors, brushed metals, moonstones) that are very literal. My favorites are literal flowers or moons and stars, but I've also been looking at sea-themed jewelry.

I'm a Soft Summer also and you can absolutely wear your brights. I did for awhile until I figured out that my coloring is more Ethereal, but I have a Soft Autumn friend who looks amazing in Gamine brights.

Ajo

5/23/2020 06:39:16 am

D & Jessie, There are 2 blue dresses,
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-CHajOgEsa/?igshid=gw9a5u8umzx
Which one of them you were talking about?
Number 3- turtle neck and cinched waist or number 6-V neck?

fourseasonslasercenter link

5/28/2020 04:08:09 am

Thank you for sharing this. Me and my wife we just build a swimming pool at home, and its still on progress. It should be finish this month and we are really excited to give it a try. My wife is having a trouble on what swimsuits she will buy, but this blog will help her a lot. I'm going to share this with her. Thank you so much!

Jessie

5/30/2020 03:10:08 am

What type is Scarlett Johansson? Romantic ethereal? What about Liv Tyler. And Cate Blanchett when she’s playing in lord of the rings?

Jessie

5/30/2020 03:18:56 am

What are some romantic ethereal celebrities? I saw kat dennings on that page. What makes her romantic ethereal? Any other examples? Especially of minority women

Rachel

10/21/2022 07:38:22 pm

I was thinking the same thing. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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Swimsuits for Your Style Type

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