How Dressing The Woman went from an Instagram page to a fashion consultancy that empowers women through styling guidance

The duo use the 1980s Kibbe Method, conceived by noted New York-based stylist David Kibbe, a system of classification that helps individuals understand their unique “essence”. The pair then choose clothing that enhances these traits.

The Kibbe Method features five distinct “essence types” with sub-types, making up a total of 13 essences that fall on a spectrum from yin to yang. “Identifying a person’s Kibbe essence means considering both their tangible and intangible traits, such as their bone structure, body frame and their overall energy—whether it’s refined, bubbly, intense, relaxed or sensual,” explains Wong. Quiz questions including musical preferences, and non-appearance- related compliments are factored in too.

“Each Kibbe essence type has corresponding style principles that amplify and highlight a person’s unique essence, and from there we’re able to choose clothing from a place of intent and empowerment,” says Wong. “We actually joke that Dressing The Woman is more about who you are when you are completely naked versus clothed,” says Mott, laughing.