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Original poster

Is anyone else a Gamine style type? I think I am and I'm so pleased!

27 replies

CambridgeBlue · 22/02/2015 14:50

I can't justify spending £150 on a HoC Style Day so I've done numerous online quizzes and a lot of reading and decided that I am a Gamine of some kind (probably Natural I think).

So much makes sense now - the fact that I feel like a kid dressing up in their Mum's clothes when I have to dress formally, my love of clean lines and hatred of frills and fuss, my penchant for Peter Pan collars, unusual prints and slightly quirky (hate that word but can't think of a better one) accessories, the fact that I've always had short hair.

Love to hear from anyone else who fits this style type :).

OP posts:
Lovewearingjeans · 22/02/2015 15:51

This intrigued me. I could be gamine, but have a feeling I am not delicate enough! But I do have the pixie, live in flats, but like a quirky print too. Ummm food for thought.

Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 22/02/2015 16:08

I'm not that tall and am reasonably small framed but I don't think anyone would describe me as delicate! However I remember one of the HoC ladies on here saying Gamines don't have to be tiny, it can apply to the curvier among us as well.

There is just so much in the different descriptions I found that applies to me. I know now why I am so rubbish at formal dressing and always feel uncomfortable - it's because I go too traditional and don't add any aspect of 'me'. I've struggled with this for so long - I never feel right in 'proper' office wear but I've realised I can still look smart and appropriate in my own way - luckily I work in a creative profession so that sort of look is acceptable.

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Lovewearingjeans · 22/02/2015 16:15

As my name suggests, I do live in trousers and jeans. I think I have a touch of natural about me, especially today as it is so cold and I am in a crappy jumper! Could explain my Breton tees though.

Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 22/02/2015 16:37

I love the style of someone like Jennifer Aniston who I would say (expert that I am now :) ) is a Natural, but most of the descriptions suggest that a true Natural sees clothes as merely functional and doesn't really enjoy shopping which is definitely not me!

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Lovewearingjeans · 22/02/2015 16:49

Thinking I might be flamboyant Gamine (loving Pinterest for this) now! But the other day I was wearing close fitting black v neck and grey skinny jeans with biker boots. So perhaps I am between FG and G?

stevienickstophat · 22/02/2015 16:51

Could someone do a linky please? I love this sort of thing!

Highlandbird · 22/02/2015 16:53

Ooh yes I'd like a linky too no idea what type I am but guessing a natural or gamine!

Lovewearingjeans · 22/02/2015 17:20

Can never do links, but will try!

Penquin · 22/02/2015 19:00

I'm not a gamine, it sounds like a great look though. What am I? What other types are there and how do I find out about them?

Penquin · 22/02/2015 19:01

Where do I find these quizzes, please?

AsBrightAsAJewel · 22/02/2015 19:14

I'm a Gamine and small but not slim! If you check on Pinterest there are lots of ideas - I have followed these:
Gamine Fashion
Another Pinterest
Another!

AsBrightAsAJewel · 22/02/2015 19:20

Kibbe Body Types

Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 22/02/2015 19:35

There are loads of online quizzes, I just Googled 'style personality quiz' or something and did them all, then when I had a rough idea I Googled 'Gamine style' which confirmed my suspicions.

I would love to do the Style Day and discuss this in more detail (fingers crossed I'm right) but it's such a lot of money and feels a bit self indulgent.

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Lovewearingjeans · 22/02/2015 19:46

My DH, who is lovely, would never see the point of a style day, and I think I would rather spend the money on new clothes!

AmberNectarine · 22/02/2015 22:07

I am a dramatic gamine (kibbe is flamboyant gamine, I think) - excellent style type to be Wink

Superworm · 22/02/2015 23:15

I did the style day and came out as an Ingenue Gamine. I was a bit sceptical before I went but it's me to a tee.

RipMacWinkle · 22/02/2015 23:24

I'm a natural gamine and I would say it's definitely me. Never knowingly overdressed Wink

plummyjam · 23/02/2015 06:52

I'm a natural gamine Smile

Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 23/02/2015 06:54

That's me too Rip, I could never figure out why I feel so uncomfortable in formal clothes and have a tendency to dress like a 10 year old boy!

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Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 23/02/2015 06:55

Anyone feel like sharing some outfit suggestions? I'd love some new ideas although Pinterest is keeping me pretty busy!

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plummyjam · 23/02/2015 07:18

I didn't know I was a gamine until I did the HOC style day. What I did know is that there were certain outfits that I just didn't feel right wearing and I couldn't figure out why - for example high heels, strappy heels, your typical going out on a Saturday night dresses. Have also always had relatively short hair and have never liked to wear it long.

The style day was really useful because it confirmed that I shouldn't have been trying to wear those things in the first place! Ever since then I have felt so much more confident in whatever I wear, just knowing that if it feels right for me, then I will look good. I do still wear dresses (probably more than ever), sometimes low heels but I go for styles that suit me. It's really changed my workwear too - I don't have a classic bone in my body so I look dreadful in suits, particularly jackets. Now my work wardrobe is very young and stylish but not too formal or fussy. I've realised it's my demeanour and feeling confident in my clothes that makes me come across as professional, not the suit!

I think some people think that the gamine style is boyish, but not necessarily so, I think it is a very feminine youthful look. I'm usually trying to channel Jean Seberg or Audrey Hepburn! Congrats - I think it's the best style to be tbh.

Lovewearingjeans · 23/02/2015 08:39

Wearing my Breton top today Smile

Original poster
CambridgeBlue · 24/02/2015 13:32

Workwear is what I struggle most with plummyjam but now I've realised I don't have to wear a bog standard suit/trousers or whatever and can still look professional while retaining a bit of 'me' I'm hoping it will be much easier.

I can't walk in high heels so I definitely need to be a style type that doesn't wear them much!

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Upatree · 24/02/2015 14:54

OP, the way you described your style and appearance in your initial post made me think: she sounds just like my friend. Then I looked at the gamine pinterest fashion that that's exactly the kind of thing she wears - her style icon is Audrey Hepburn and she always looks amazing. Whenever I've tried to dress like that it does nothing for me. Having looked at all those kibbe style types (which I had never heard of before today) I'm still at a complete and utter loss as to what I am - I seem to have aspects of all the types with no dominant one!
seasonalcolor.yuku.com/topic/1340/Illustrated-Kibbe-quiz-spreadsheet-Kibbe-Style-Guideline#.VOyOJlOsUmV

Loogie · 24/02/2015 15:10

You sound exactly like me Cambridgeblue, I have recently been thinking i should try to be more feminine but I don't like pretty pretty clothes and feel silly in anything frilly or girlish, should stick to what suits me. Never knew there was a Style type to describe me!