4 Basic Pieces for The Romantic Style Archetypes

The Romantic Archetype is a well known, yet still misunderstood, character in stories going back ages. Associated with sex and sensuality, it's easy to write the Romantic off as shallow and dangerous.

Of course if you do any kind of introspection it's easy to see that there's more to the Romantic than just a hot body and sex. Romantics enjoy the sensual pleasures of the world. This means good food, beautiful art, lush landscapes, and fine clothing. They want to get elbow deep into every lovely and fascinating thing the world has to offer, and have no shame about doing so.

The Romantic Style Archetype

What this looks like for the Romantic Style Archetype is not just the typical sexy slip dress (although there is plenty of that). It's also a special attention to fabrics, scents, and colors. They will often let their body be the main attraction of an outfit, but that doesn't mean they think of themselves as objects. Rather they know that some of the beauty and mystery of the world lies in their five senses, and dress to honor that wisdom.

If you are a Romantic Style Type, here are my suggestions for the four key things to have in your closet.

Silk, Linen, and Chunky Knits

Romantic Style Types know that the world is full of wonderful textures, smells, and feelings. They enjoy the little things: the taste of coffee, the feeling of silk, and the weight of a heavy fabric. Noticing these things and indulging them is the real heart behind the Romantic Style Type.

Traditionally, this means Romantic Style Archetypes enjoy the "finer" fabrics, like 100% silk, breezy linen, and wool knits. Silks are popular for this Style Type, because of the luminous sheen associated with sensuality. However, like I said earlier, if a Romantic Style Type doesn't enjoy the feel of a fabric, they won't behave confidently while wearing it. Pay attention to how you respond to certain fabrics, and give extra love to your favorite pieces.

Structured Basics, Treated Carelessly

There is something inherently subversive about taking something with structure and smudging it just so. For fashion, this can be a blazer with the sleeves rolled up, a shirt unbuttoned just a little too far, or mussed-up hair. The idea is to take something familiar and "proper" and make it improper.

Of course, Romantic Style Types do this with a deft hand. If you go too far, you'll get the Nurse = Slutty Nurse pipeline that belongs in a Halloween store. Practice "smudging" your look in one way every day. It doesn't have to be a dramatic change; Romantic Style Types are trying to invite people to take a closer look, not roll their eyes at the obvious.

Low-Effort and Subtle Accessories

Romantic Style Types have a life to live and a world to experience. This means they don't want to spend too much time fussing over accessories and hair. They look for a few subtle jewelry pieces that draw attention without being overwhelming. Low-effort daily hair styles will serve this Style Type the best.

An unsung accessory in the Romantic's arsenal is perfume. Scent creates powerful associations in our brains, so a signature scent is an invisible accessory that no one will ever forget.

With that said, don't discount that even the most "low-effort" look has a foundation of effort under it. The effortless daily hair style looks that way because you have a good haircut or a few good products you use at night. Jewelry is easy to wear, but wash them every once in a while to make sure they sparkle.

Attractive Lingerie

There is an implication with the Romantic archetype that they only buy lingerie if they intend for someone else to see it, but that's not always the case. Like our discussion about the Romantics' love of fine fabrics and nice things, it's no wonder the Romantic Style Type enjoys beautiful lingerie and other structural pieces. It doesn't matter if someone else sees them or not, the Romantic Style Type knows what's there.

With that said, some Romantic Style Types love showing off their nice things. They'll create outfits with peaks of lace or straps displayed just so. Again, the driving goal of a Romantic Style Type is to invite others to stop and take a closer look, drawing them into their world of beauty and romance. Offering a glimpse of their nice lingerie is a good way to do this.

Final Thoughts

Romantic Style Types view the world as a great feast, and they can't wait to enjoy it. Take some time to discover how you want that love of the world to show up in your clothing. Whether it's through nice fabrics, undergarments, or a siganture scent, your view of life is unique to you, and your clothing should reflect that. Remember that getting dressed is not always how you want others to view you, but honoring your instincts and bringing that pleasure into your every day.

If you still feel lost, check out our Toolkit series, including the post "Where are You in Your Fashion Journey?"

Remember, stay hydrated, stay curious, and I'll see you in the next post!