Should you get bangs?
I have been obsessed with videos on my feed encouraging you to dress like your celebrity look-a-like. It's an intriguing premise, but does it actually work?
In today’s newsletter…
👗 comparisons of bangs for your essence
💄 outfit challenge of the week winner
❓ your questions answered + outfit look book
You might have noticed a not-so-subtle obsession on my end with bangs. I woke up one day this week and felt this all-consuming gut feeling that it was time to get a fringe. I wrestled with it endlessly: what if it looks old fashioned? what if I look ugly? what if it just doesn’t work? But underneath I had this glowing feeling in my stomach that it was what I was meant to do
However, I know I’m not the first to experience such feelings in the autumn/winter season. I don’t know if its something about the crisp air, the comforting haze of mist on the windows or burned red maple leaves, but there is just something about the cosiness of this time of year which makes us want a wholesome new look. For some of us though, it’s absolutely the wrong decision. Which brings me to the question, can anyone have a fringe?
The short answer is: no. There are a certain subset of essences which look best in a fringe, and others who will inevitably look more “frumpy” with bangs. It is essences which you most need to be aware of as we are talking about your facial details, your bone structure. Of course, everyone has a version of a fringe which looks good - whether its curtain bangs, long bangs or a straight-across fringe, so which would be best for you?
Romantic
Sabrina Carpenter has your closest romantic bangs. As someone with romantic essence you should focus on swoosh and a sense of roundedness to your bangs as opposed to your typical straight, blunt bangs
Generally for romantics I would recommend longer bangs where possible to create that sense of glamour and echo the round lines of your facial details. Usually, Romantics will struggle with bangs as they are slightly too harsh for most romantic features.
Ingenue
Fringes can be lovely on ingenues as they emphasise the youthfulness in their features. Often little girls are given bangs and so there is a sweet, innocent quality to a fringe which works well for ingenue faces. Generally, short fringes tend to work well for ingenues as it echoes their petite facial features, as long as they are soft and gentle
Ethereal
Ethereals are the most likely to struggle with bangs. This is because bangs have quite a modern feel to them - although you might get an odd fringe in a period drama, you wouldn’t get an angel with a fringe largely, as it implies the hair has been cut (not very fantastical). Therefore, bangs often feel a little aging or “off” against an ethereal. Also, the short line of a fringe tends to cut off the long length of the ethereal face which tends to be slightly oval shaped which doesn’t add the most harmonious feel. As an ethereal therefore, its best to opt for longer bangs or even face framing layers over your traditional straight-across fringe.
Classic
Classics can look lovely with a fringe, although I feel it’s one of the types where you have to be the most careful. Classics look best with very subtle details meaning a balanced, even fringe which is not extreme in any way. A little too short or long, too rounded or straight or - most importantly - un-styled will throw off a classic’s entire appearance and be all you can focus on, so its always a risk.
Gamine
Gamines tend to shine in fringes - even micro fringes - as they are so petite. Gamine facial features love the contrast thats provided by a fringe - hence why they often look so good, light and cool in pixie cuts. There is a strong chance that if you look truly harmonious in a fringe, that you have a touch of gamine.
Natural
Naturals will want to avoid the traditional sharp fringe as they have more blunt features. Suki Waterhouse is a great example of a natural fringe; it’s a little bit rock n roll, quite heavy, not overly straight or neat but a little messy. It usually works best when quite wide to echo a strong jawline and is styled best with wavy hair
Dramatic
Dramatics can look incredible with a strong, sharp fringe. A sharp fringe echoes the sharpness and sharp lines in their facial bone structure, bringing attention to sharp cheekbones or almond eyes.
That’s my quick guide to the best bangs for your essence - and of course you should try and find a balance of different fringes that work for your blend of three! Have you ever tried a fringe? Was it a disaster or a roaring success? What tips do you have for me for my new bangs? Let me know in the comments x
What’s new:
💭 YouTube - how to create your main character makeup look
I break down how to create your perfect, “classic” makeup look which makes you shine every single day. This video explains why some makeup looks don’t work when you simply copy-and-paste, and how to tailor a makeup look you love to YOUR features
📸 New round of photo donations | I am working on a new product which shows different body matrix types and I would love to have some of you represented. I know it’s important to see real bodies that you can relate to, and the best way is to get donations from my audience! If you would be willing to donate some images, you can do so here (and get 50% off any of my booklets when you do!)
Thank you for reading the free style scholars newsletter. In this week’s paid segment below:
I answer your questions: why its hard to find your style roots
Outfit look book: pairing a long round body type with ethereal essence
Outfit challenge of the week winner
