The effortless elegance of minimalism has been the style aim of many famous designers and fashion-lovers for decades now, and its soaring reputation hasn’t dwindled one bit. On the contrary, this seemingly impersonal concept offers something most other style directions lack in one form or another – the ultimate freedom of self-expression, and here are a few ways to join the minimalist ranks in no time!
Understanding the minimalistic spectrum
Before you jump into a shopping frenzy to “minimalize” your wardrobe, there are a few key things to understand about the concept. First of all, it’s the epitome of “less is more”, meaning that purpose is one of the essential attributes of each and every item you possess. Everything that sits in your closet unworn for months, that’s a size too big or small, that you simply cannot match with anything else, must go.
Secondly, quality is crucial, so in addition to having a meaningful spot in your lookbook, each piece should be durable, comfortable and timeless, giving it the quality to outlast any other fashion fad you might want to try out and fail terribly at it. Sleek and sophisticated, minimalistic garments will seem bland and plain on the shelf, until you put them on and create a masterpiece of authenticity.
A minimalist’s color code of conduct
Much like it aims to be gender-neutral, minimalism prefers a palette of neutral, soft shades that will allow for plenty of accessorizing with more colorful, daring details. Before you ask, it’s far from boring. The black, grey, beige, olive and navy shades are all timeless and they offer an infinite number of combinations for any occasion.
You will often see a modern minimalist wearing a slightly oversized, comfortable coal-black sweater, or a pair of pure black pants – both of which are must-haves for a dedicated minimalistic wardrobe. A camel coat or a few blazers in those basic shades lend perfectly to every season, while a basic white button-down shirt and a pair of black ankle boots are multi-functional, comfortable and give you plenty of room for innovation and adornment with accessories.
Diversify wisely
With purpose and quality in mind, your basic and your additional wardrobe items should spark your imagination to mix and match without having to overburden your closet with too many pieces. In order to ensure versatility in your minimalistic dress-code, use fabrics, patterns and colors that both complement the core values of the style, while still letting you express your playful fashion spirit.
This means that the number of your baubles, makeup and other addons should be minimal – keep your basics, but ditch the excess. When in doubt, look to Mother Nature for advice. Organic materials such as cotton, linen, leather, wool, satin and silk are always in style, while patterns such as delicate stripes, edgy geometric shapes with a futuristic feel and asymmetry are among top choices for any minimalistic fashionista.
The creative spirit of simplicity
Now that you have very few but very purposeful, long-lasting items to combine, you’ll notice how well they can be assembled into an outfit to match any mood and occasion. Their cuts and shapes speak volumes of your identity, as you have the freedom to choose curious, but flattering cuts that follow the natural curves of your figure and add an imaginative touch with asymmetry, layering or varied texture.
You can blend your classic jeans with your loose white shirt, timeless black pumps and a statement geometric necklace and look perfect for a date, a classy business dinner, or a casual coffee date with your bestie. Add a kiss of your bold red lipstick and just a touch of mascara, and your look will dazzle with elegance and grace.
