Illustration by Sue Tait Porcaro

Romantic. Alluring. Sensual. So many women want to be considered this way. But, as with all the style types, it’s a rare person whose features, body type and expression fit them neatly into a single type. That’s a good thing, frankly, because we are all unique. But it is particularly true when it comes to the Romantic style type.

The Romantic style type is pretty potent! What these women convey in their manner and looks is not manufactured. This is something they just live down to their bones. Like our archetype above, they would appear terribly unnatural in a stiff suit.

Let’s look at a few Romantics, starting with Julia Roberts. When you see luminous, liquid eyes and a fleshy mouth you know you’re looking at a Romantic. Either one of those would indicate a fairly high percentage of this style type for an individual. But put them together and it’s unequivocal.

I love this early picture of Diahann Carroll because it shows another characteristic of this type – parted lips. Romantics frequently pose with their lips slightly parted, as if they are about to say something or are slightly awestruck. The very fact that she showing a lot of skin is also something that this type feels completely comfortable with. It doesn’t appear salacious or awkward. Just, well, appropriate!

And then of course there’s Sophia. The dramatic angle of her eyes and her bone structure add a lot of Drama to what is quintessentially a Romantic type, demonstrated in her body, lips, and – as you would see in other photos – slightly flared nostrils. And there’s that “bedroom-y” quality to their eyes – a slightly sleepy or dreamy look.

So what defines the wardrobe of somebody with a high percentage of this archetype? Think about what Romance means. It’s sensuous. It’s flowing rather than rigid. There’s something larger than life about it. And that’s how we can determine the textures, fabrics and patterns that speak of romance.

Here are a couple of good examples of the Romantic type shoe. Almost anything in velvet reads as romantic. And almost anything that binds or ties up the leg does the same. In the current fashion fads, gladiators sandals are a great example.

Here’s an example of what I meant about the patterns being larger than life. Rather than being striking or dramatic they tend to be soft and floral. In fact, florals on a black background are a very romantic look.

Draping and body hugging also read as romantic, as in this photo of Victoria Beckham. Note the off the shoulder style line as well. But the blue-gray cascading sweater and draped top on the right will give you an idea of how to do romantic without being over-the-top.

And then  there’s the lace! Black lace, being somewhat mysterious but also revealing, is almost always Romantic. That’s why there’s so much lingerie made from it. But since this year “white is the new black” here’s an interesting twist that still has allure and a little mystery.

Finally, I love this last image because it puts it all together. Sensuous mouth with parted lips, hourglass body, draped bodice. There’s no question about her style archetype. Alluring, sensuous, romantic.

In Chapter 3 of Shopping for the Real You you’ll find a very detailed quiz to help you determine how much of each of the style facets you have.

Let me know how much of the “Romantic” archetype you discover in yourself! You can write me here or on my Facebook page. Enjoy the Romance!

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