Minimalism has long been a coveted style in art, architecture, and home design. The concept of stripping down a piece of work to its simplest physical form can reveal its most natural beauty. It applies to the living room of a home, and it applies to the clothes you are wearing.
What Is Minimalism in the Realm of Fashion?
As it relates to fashion, Minimalism has nothing to do with downsizing the number of items in a person’s wardrobe. It is, instead, all about styling your clothing in a more simplified way. Contrary to how that might sound, this does not result in a dull look. It leads to a more sophisticated presentation when done right.
As you explore the possibilities of the minimalist aesthetic, more opportunities and challenges will appear. The color of an item will take a backseat to how it shapes your body. Contrasting textures and symmetry will lead to exciting new looks that never would have been discovered with traditional styling.
Start with The Essentials
Every closet should have certain staples not only because of their function but also the stylistic opportunities they enable. The plain white button-up is a great place to start. It is very versatile, which makes it an excellent option for countless occasions. It can be worn to work, the beach, or a party. It can be worn as the only shirt, or it can be layered under another. The button-up perfectly encapsulates minimalist fashion.
Your footwear is another area that can be simplified without making it dull. White sneakers may sound straightforward, but everyone notices the person with spotless shoes allowing you to attract attention at even casual events.
If always keeping your shoes clean sounds like too much work for too little payoff, there is another option. Flats of any color can make a striking contrast with the rest of the outfit, leading to a unique and refined look.
For more information on essential closet items like coats, pants, and accessories, check out Vogue’s list here.
Stick to Neutral Colors or Monochromatic Palettes
Most believe the color palette is the key to really pulling off this style. By keeping the colors simple, you will have more options when mixing and matching from your wardrobe. This will produce the appearance of having many more outfits in your collection than you do. Accent colors can be utilized sparingly.
Focus on Unique Silhouettes, Not Bold Patterns
Finding clothes that complement your natural features goes a long way towards making minimalism distinctive. The best part is, you do not need to sacrifice comfort for fit. By accenting your attributes with clean lines, you can pull off the formal or relaxed look with ease.
Embrace Different Textures to Add Dimension to Your Outfits
Monochrome does not equate to monotony. To keep your look catching eyes, experiment with contrasting materials. Leather, silk, wool, and lace can be paired together under the right conditions to create an intriguing look.
Simplify Your Accessories
Just because you are simplifying your look, that does not mean you have to forego your favorite accessories altogether. The right earrings or purse can be the perfect addition to complete your look. When it comes to jewelry, metal items are best and be sure to stick with classic styles.
Eyeglasses, whether prescription or sunglasses, should also be worn to aid in your look. The frames can be quite versatile, but you should focus on muted tones. Black, gold, and camel-colored eyewear can be worn with almost any outfit.
In the winter months, the necessity of added layers provides new opportunities with accessories. A sharp pair of black or brown leather gloves are a timeless way to class up your look. When the weather calls for it, the right scarf will accent the rest of the outfit, just be sure to pick a pattern that isn’t too overpowering.
The same rules apply to purses as with the other accessories. They should not be so colorful that they draw attention away from the rest of the outfit. There is no harm in having several bags to choose from to make the best fit for your outfit.
Wear With Confidence
The reason minimalism has stayed relevant for so long is because of the challenge it imposes on designers. Their minds are challenged to do more with less, which greatly increases the value of the surface they are working with. In the case of fashion, that surface is the body.