Please note that I originally wrote this blog post in 2015 on my previous website, GET the LOOK. Some of the information below may be outdated. Currently, I work mainly with Ethereal Typology, created by me.
Outfits pinned on my Pinterest and my Instagram are the most current sources of information.
Soft Classic is one of the three types of classic beauty. In the Classic type, the Yin and Yang elements are in perfect balance. In the Dramatic Classic type, due to the male Yang element, dramatic features are evident. In the last classic type, identified with the adjective “soft,” the features are dominated by the female Yin. Classic, symmetrical beauty is equipped with flowing shapes and a soft body structure. Soft Classic is the softest and most delicate classic type of beauty.
The image and styling of this type should be based on smooth, harmonious, and symmetrical basic forms, details, and color combinations. The grace and charm of a delicate, classic beauty should be adorned with discreet and feminine elegance. The foundation of the Soft Classic style should primarily be gently flowing shapes, which should manifest throughout each of the image elements.
There are three actresses among the contemporary movie stars whose beauty is an ideal example of the Soft Classic type. Naomi Watts, Jessica Chastain, and Marion Cotillard present one physiognomic type, and at the same time, three completely different color types: Bright Summer, True Spring, and True Winter, respectively.
Although the color palette of these three ladies is entirely different, they are all one physiognomic type. Therefore, they should follow the same rules when choosing the hairstyle, makeup, as well as cut and form of clothing or accessories.
Knowing your color type is definitely not enough to create the best possible image and find a perfectly suited style. Choosing the right color palette is just the first step in building the right image. Even the most ideally matched colors will not properly highlight the beauty if the forms and lines do not create a harmonious unity with the body. In practice, it turns out that shape is sometimes more important than color. This especially applies to the clothing. A poorly selected cut will spoil much more than a poorly chosen color. It is evidenced by the photo below, in which Jessica Chastain, Naomi Watts, and Marion Cotillard are wearing the right colors but mismatched cuts and patterns.
Another example of how color analysis can be an insufficient element of the image was the casting of Naomi Watts as Princess Diana Spencer. Both ladies share the Light Summer color palette. At the same time, they represent entirely different physiognomic types. Delicate, fourteen centimeters shorter Naomi, played a woman who had a strong, dignified Flamboyant Natural beauty. The makeup and costumes did not help. Soft Classic is virtually the opposite of Flamboyant Natural. An actress with similar height, body type, and facial features would be much more suitable to play Diana Spencer, even if she represented a different color type. Naturally, Naomi Watts’s acting skills are not subject to this discussion.
A Soft Classic woman looks best in soft, flowing hairstyles. Long (at least shoulder length), wavy hair will be the most attractive. If nature has endowed you with straight or curly hair, you should not interfere with changing its structure but only maintain them at the proper length. Feminine, romantic hairdos are also great.
It is best to avoid hairstyles with sharp edges, strong layering, distinct bangs. Smoothly combed back hair or very classic hairstyles, such as a classic bob or a French bun, are also not the most attractive idea.
Makeup should be very soft and muted. Neutral colors can gently mix with a bit of pastel. Moderately saturated to light colors are most suitable. Shades of pink within your color type will work best on the cheeks and lips. The whole look should have the effect of subdued watercolor. Makeup should be predominantly matte.
Avoid sharp contouring, dark eye and lip makeup, overly colorful eye shadows, or pencils. Intense smokey eyes, defined eyeliner line, false eyelashes, very expressive lips will also not work.
Below are some examples of proper and inappropriate makeup for the Soft Classic type of beauty.
A wardrobe appropriate for the Soft Classic type should have mostly flowing shapes, just like hairstyle and makeup. The foundation is a classic style that has been provided with fluidity and softness. The Soft Classic style is the Classic style with a touch of the Romantic style. Romantic elements should be dosed very carefully, as their excess will hurt more than their deficiency.
