Clean living: minimalist style

10/15/2015

Minimalism doesn’t automatically equate to boring, writes Mary Jane Fashion.
When we think of fashion, many of us immediately think of the avant-garde: grand, theatrical attire and big make-up that all looks brilliant in the meta-theatrical world of the runway, but most likely, completely impractical in real life. We all love big frothy gowns, rich embellishments and dramatic layers and in comparison, you would be forgiven for thinking that minimalism is relatively plain and boring. Yet, surely the logic follows that in a heady world teeming with vibrant colours, statement prints and show-off style, minimalism emerges as a strong and polished antidote to the fuss? Clean, sharp and effortlessly refined, minimalism pares everything back, creating the understatement from which it draws its power. So, who are its main power players, and how can we incorporate minimalist style into our own wardrobes?

Work

If you’re not completely au fait with minimalism, looking at your workwear could be a good place to start. Minimalism makes the very most of clean lines and colour blocking, with crisp shirts and slimming tailoring helping to achieve the look. Starting with a shirt to build around is a good idea; buttoning it up to the top if you want to play up to the androgyny that minimalism lends itself too. Style your shirt with a pair of tapered trousers and a longline blazer, seen on the runways at Paul Smith, keeping your colours immaculate and consistent. Navy, grey, mossy green and, of course, black are all good palettes to adhere to. Finish with a pair of unfussy heels to complete the look.



Off-duty

Outside the office, at the weekend or for lunches out, your minimalist look can reduce its severity, incorporating slouchy tailoring, volume and proportion play whilst retaining an unfussy silhouette. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen’s high fashion line The Row’s A/W 2015, is a great go-to for inspiration and tips. Their models were dressed in shimmering silks that emphasised the long, deconstructed lines they sported, which also paid attention to the precision and slick finish in their construction. Similarly, you could opt for midi or calf-length wide culottes that flash a little leg and ankle that can be covered with a heavy, longline overcoat so that you contrast your proportions exquisitely. Look to blush, cream, light grey and teal hues for your off-duty minimalist look and style with brogues and ankle socks for a chic, bookish finish.



Evening

For a minimalist evening look, you can place yourself in one of two camps. Primarily, you could indulge in a sleek suit, worn bare-chested like the models and It-girls at Stella McCartney and Burberry for a sexy, understated look. You might even become slightly more adventurous with your textures and hues, combining soft velvet with rich jewel tones to offset the masculine sharpness of the suit. Alternatively, you could opt for a clean, unfussy strappy dress, like the ones seen at Jil Sander. Again, these have included midi length cuts, which are perfect if you want to elongate your figure and add a little extra volume to your look. Wear with ankle boots, or for a sportier look, fashion sneakers.    

This is a guest post written by Mary Jane Fashion.

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1 comments

  1. Brilliant write-up - I love clean minimalist looks, they're a breath of fresh air truly and I try steering my wardrobe style, casual or dressy to the fuss-free styling zone :)

    Shanaz | Fashionista NOW

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