Clean living: minimalist style
10/15/2015
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.
1 comments
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 :)
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Shanaz | Fashionista NOW
