Effy’s style for Soft Classics
Hi everyone! Sorry this post has been so long overdue. If you missed the beginning of this series, you can find out what your type is here. Today we’re focused on soft classics for the anons who have requested it! This one is interesting because as an adult, I think Kaya Scodelario is actually a soft classic, which is why she no longer suits the same outfits she wore on the show (when she was still a teenager and so had a more elongated, dramatic body type).
When you compare images of her when she was on Skins to images of her now, you can see the difference.
When she was on Skins, she had a very long, narrow, angular look:
But when she wears the same type of outfits now, you can see they don’t suit her as well because she’s become more of an hourglass shape, with very balanced features but a little bit of softness:
So the first thing I want to say is that if you’re still a teenager, your body type might change as you grow, and that’s totally okay and normal.
Soft classics are a balance of softness and angularity, with slightly more softness. They are very symmetrical, with soft or rounded edges all around. They tend to have a proportionate bust, waist, and hips, with slightly short and soft arms and legs. Their facial features tend to be soft and full, with large eyes, soft cheeks, and full lips.
Examples of this type include Carolina Herrera, Catherine Deneuve, Catherine Oxenberg, Deborah Kerr, Donna Reed, Emma Thompson, Grace Kelly, Jessica Chastain, Joan Bennett, Joan Fontaine, Laura Linney, Lee Remick ,Marion Cotilliard, Meredith Baxter Birney, Merle Oberon, Meryl Streep, Naomi Watts, Norma Shearer, Olivia de Haviland, and Veronica Lake. I think that list probably also includes Megan Markle, Amber Rose, Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Catherine Zeta Jones, Kirsten Dunst, and Leighton Meester.
In general, Soft Classics should look for clean and symmetrical silhouettes with waist emphasis, tapering or cropping around the ankles and wrists, and simple, soft, slightly rounded details. Clean, unbroken lines, smooth draping, and small gathers look great on this type. But Classic types also have a little bit more leeway in terms of borrowing elements from other looks, since they are so balanced.
Starting with dresses, Soft Classics should look for options that are graceful, flowing, and elegant. Flared shapes look great on this type, and waist definition is a must. Ruffles, slightly ornate details, and sparkly fabrics are good things to look for. Soft Classics want to avoid severely tailored dresses, ones that are wide and unconstructed, and ones that are fussy or flouncy.
A simple black dress like the one Marion Cotillard is wearing here can provide a great base for an edgy outfit. You can see that she has some slight ruching around the neckline, with a defined waist:
I also really love a bodycon dress like this one as a base for a Soft Classic outfit:
For an edgier look, this fit and flare leather dress is flattering on Soft Classic types because it has the flared skirt and defined waist:
To channel some of Effy’s more glam, series 4 looks, you could try dresses like the ones below. The sequins on the dress on the left provide some ornate detailing and sparkle, which is super flattering on Soft Classics, while the right has a mesh, which provides some edginess. For all of these, adding a big leather belt could help to provide more waist definition:
Small details like on this dress are great for a Soft Classic look:
I also really love this dress for an edgy Soft Classic look, since the defined, ruffled shoulders can read as edgy but without overwhelming a Soft Classic body.
A lightweight, flowing silk dress like this one (but in black) with a thick leather belt is a super flattering choice for Soft Classics, and can easily be made edgy with the right accessories:
For sweaters and shirts, look for options that are soft and smooth, short to moderate in lengths. Lightweight knits, cashmere, angora, and silk are all great fabrics. Avoid oversized or bulky tops, perky patterns, and thin ribbing.
Like with the dresses, I love a sheer or mesh top for an edgy Soft Classic look. They’re sexy and flattering and totally channel Effy’s series 4 looks:
I also love a velvet top option for this type, since it’s soft, smooth, and touchable, but can still be edgy:
Tops in lightweight fabrics like these are great for Soft Classics- for an “Effier” look, just look for the fabrics in black:
A ruffle neckline is also super flattering, and channels some of Effy’s more feminine looks:
For pants, look for softly tailored styles in lightweight fabrics. Soft pleats, tapered legs, and cropped hemlines are great for Soft Classics. Straight leg pants are your best friend. Man-tailored pants, deep pleats, or oversized/baggy pants aren’t as flattering on this type.
A small plaid can look really edgy on Soft Classics:
Of course, straight leg jeans are also great on this type:
For skirts, look for a-lines. This is great because when Effy wears skirts, typically that’s the cut they have. Leather is of course a great option, and if you can find one with some pleating, that will look super flattering.
For something super edgy, this kind of skirt would look great on a Soft Classic:
For hair, Soft Classics should go for looks that are controlled, smooth, and soft, with clean, symmetrical outlines. Curls and waves are great. Moderate to long will be the most flattering, with layers framing the face. The curly look Effy sometimes wears would be great for this type.
For makeup, opt for minimalistic looks. Anything too heavy will be overpowering on a Soft Classic’s delicate features. A soft, smokey eye is great for this type. Makeup looks should be rounded, accurate, and very blended. A glossy lip looks great on this type.
For shoes, look for delicate, tapered shapes and avoid chunky styles. You might think that these shoes look too delicate or simple for Effy’s look, but on a Soft Classic they’ll look edgier than they would on a more angular type, and heavier shoes might look out of place on you.