Your Guide To Mastering Minimalist Dressing
When it comes to the latest fashion trends, styles like Y2K and coastal grandmother immediately come to mind. However, minimalism is a classic aesthetic that remains on-trend.
Marked by its simplicity and modernism, minimalist style has long been an easy way to elevate your wardrobe. As Fran Miller, founder of F. Miller, tells The Zoe Report, a minimalist look is all about contrast and "a mix of feminine and masculine, fitted and loose, sporty and dressy." Minimalism is known for its mixture of these factors that highlight oversized pieces and more structured items.
Although the concept of minimalist dressing is appreciated for its simplicity and ease, it can actually be challenging to find the perfect balance between classic and boring. It's a trend that requires skilled styling to create a simple but statement look. Knowing how to pair your pieces and which to avoid is the key to maintaining this style. Whether inspired by Jill Sander or the Olsen twins' The Row, the minimalist look is within your reach.
Stick to your neutrals
One of the key aspects you want to pay attention to when trying to master minimalist dressing is the color palette. According to Stitch Fix, neutral colors can act as a base for your looks, whether you want to add a pop of color or not. Although they're traditionally defined as black, white, beige, and grey, neutrals in fashion can also include more earth tones such as browns and blues. As shoe designer Chloe Gosselin tells Coveteur, "In fashion, we can rewrite the rules. To me, a neutral is simply a color that goes with everything."
Because many believe that minimalist style can be unexciting, pairing neutrals with a single pop of color can help add a surprising point of interest to your look.
Still, having a neutral palette is essential because it allows you to focus on fewer items of higher quality that go with everything in your wardrobe.
Build up your basics
While statement pieces always get attention, your basics will make or break your look. That is why minimalist wardrobes are usually composed of tried and true staples. These items can easily be paired with any piece and are must-haves in any closet.
Basics are vital because they are typically your highest-quality products that will last longer than any trend piece. A basic is a simple piece you layer or wear on its own for an ultra-sleek minimalist look. Examples of basics include denim jeans, blazers, white tees, cardigans, button-downs, and even the famous little black dress. These are items that are typically in classic colors and simple silhouettes. Ultimately, basics will and should account for the majority of your wardrobe. And because they're pieces you will be wearing for a long time, it's imperative to ensure that they're items you truly love.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
While having the right clothes is essential, accessories are an equal part of the equation in a minimalist wardrobe. Since this style comprises only a few vital pieces, you want to choose your accessories wisely.
As Senreve states, accessories help elevate a minimalist look. If you're aiming to add a pop of color or statement to an outfit, this is where you would put it. When choosing the right accessories, Senreve recommends considering the balance of proportions between your accessories and your clothing. This recommendation means making sure you edit your accessories and make sure they are not overpowering your outfit.
Ceoworld Magazine reiterates the importance of scaling back the amount and size of your accessories. Adding only a few pieces gives a simple touch of luxury and helps you break up a possible monochromatic outfit. Since the idea of minimalist dressing calls for keeping your look simple, you don't want to draw too much attention with accessories that should be an aid rather than a distraction.
Tailored pieces are a must
As we've seen, minimalist fashion is a mix of feminine and masculine pieces. One important traditionally masculine aspect you can bring into your minimalist wardrobe is tailored pieces. From trousers to structured blazers, they add a streamlined touch that really nails the style.
As Women and Home states, tailored pants are a great wardrobe essential as they can turn any look from a dressed-up casual look to a smart, formal outfit. Adding a touch of tailoring to a garment helps when you pair it with oversized pieces. To achieve this tailored look you'll want to ensure that the fit is perfect. This means making sure that the item is not too tight or oversized.
You also want to ensure that the item is the correct length for your body. For those who find themselves on the petite side, this means getting a good tailor to ensure you get the look you want.
Do not overcomplicate it
In the end, the best tip for minimalist dressing is not to overcomplicate it. Like any other style, minimalist dressing is the expression of yourself in the form of fashion. The purpose of minimalism is not to completely rid yourself of everything but rather to focus on the quality of items, whatever that means to you. Tradlands also reminds us that this style focuses more on how these items and pieces fit in your everyday life and their practicality in your life.
No matter what your interests are, minimalist dressing is attainable for anyone. The best way to avoid overthinking your minimalist wardrobe is to get rid of anything that simply does not serve you anymore. It is going through and really considering which pieces you love and will last you for years to come. This style also calls for you to think outside of the box and flex your styling preferences by creating your own statement look with minimal pieces.