The Romantic Style Essence: A Comprehensive Guide | the concept wardrobe (2024)

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I. Characteristics

Note: The following characteristics are typically associated with this style essence. Don't get hung up on them; you may look different but still have this style essence.

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As the most yin essence on the spectrum, the characteristic shape of the romantic style essence is the circle. Consequently, the physical appearance of individuals with the romantic style essence is generally soft and rounded with soft facial features.

Romantic body types give the impression of sensuality. Shoulders tend to be sloping, and the body has defined curves.

The look of a Romantic tends to be 'sexier’ compared to others. They are seemingly more 'womanly' and glamorous in their appearance.

Their features communicate sensuality and glamour.

Physical Features

I. Vertical line

Length is a not a crucial characteristic of the romantic style essence. Individuals with this essence therefore typically have a balanced vertical line, meaning they look their actual height. They are neither particularly tall nor very short.

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II. Body type

Individuals with the romantic style essence tend to have a curvy and round body as opposed to a straight, long one. They have defining feminine curves and will often have a big or rounded bust. Shoulders are typically sloping.

‍III. Facial features

Individuals with the romantic style essence often have soft and mature features. Although their features are fully developed, they are not sharp or angular. They may have an oval face shape, rounded cheekbones, and big lips.

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Romantic / Ingenue / Angelic

All three of these style essences are yin essences, but they are not the same.

In contrast to the ingenue essence, the romantic essence has a longer vertical line and can only wear an unbroken silhouette. The ingenue essence, on the other hand, only looks good in a staccato (broken) silhouette.

Like the angelic style essence, the romantic essence also has a soft, flowing silhouette. But the romantic silhouette is shorter than the angelic one and moves and flares less.

II. Romantic Style Essence Test

Note: If you want to assess your unique combination of style essences in a comprehensive test, please refer to The Wardrobe Guide.

Do you have the romantic style essence?

The visual image of the romantic style essence is glamorous and sensual. So if you look anything other than that in romantic clothing, you do not have this style essence.

Romantic clothing wraps around the body. If there are no curves to wrap, the look will fall flat.

III. TheRomantic Style Essence

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The dramatic style essence creates a striking, powerful image and an overall visual impression of power, intensity and extravagance.

The dramatic style essence can be associated with the themes of wildness, exoticism and extravagance. Large jungle animals with bold patterns such as leopards, tigers and zebras best represent this style essence.

The romantic style essence is a yin essence, its particular type of yin being sensual deep yin.

Since its characteristic shape is the oval, romantic clothing features soft, flowing garments that create movement, hourglass silhouettes, and floral patterns.

The romantic style essence creates a sensual, mature image and an overall visual impression of glamour and sensuality. Red roses best represent this style essence.

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Elements of a romantic outfit

The Romantic Silhouette

The romantic silhouette is a typical hourglass silhouette with defined waist emphasis.

The silhouette is rounded and moving, softly draping the figure. Tactile, lightweight fabrics are ideal to create some movement.

IV. Styling Principles

The best garments for any style essence are those that mimic and repeat that essence's natural lines, shapes, and themes.

The characteristic shape of the romantic style essence is the oval. As such, romantic clothing features soft, flowing garments. The visual impression this essence creates is one of glamour and sensuality

To achieve this look in clothing, Romantics look best when they incorporate the following style principles into their wardrobe:

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Tight Fits

Sensuality is best communicated through tight-fitted garments. And Romantics look best when they wrap their curves into clothing that highlights their curvy body type.

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Draping, Wrapping & Ruching

Sharp angles and straight lines are the wrong designs for this style essence. To follow the natural curves of the romantic body type, romantic clothing is soft and flowing. Garments that drape or wrap around the body or have some ruching are ideal.

Accessories should be similarly gathered or draped to provide softness.

Tactile, Luxurious Fabrics

Remember, this essence communicates luxury and indulgence. Cheap materials are not appreciated here. Tactile, luxurious textures - such as silk and velvet - have the desired effect.

Premium materials are also required for accessories.

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The Colour Red

No colour better relays sensuality than red. Consequently, it cannot be missing in a romantic wardrobe. Choose a type of red that fits in with your colour season - it doesn't have to be a bright red.

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Large Floral Prints

A signature style of the romantic style essence are large, dreamy floral prints. They are ideal because they are soft, feminine, and irregular (rather than sharp-edged and geometric). Whether a full outfit or just one garment or accessory, incorporate these into your romantic wardrobe.

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Dark Lace

Dark lace is often what lingerie is made of - and not without reason. It's dark, but partly transparent - concealing and revealing. Dark lace can be incorporated partially, as sleeves for instance, or as a whole garment. Either way, it's another great material to portray sensuality.