Understanding minimalism in fashion
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Before we delve into adding flair to your minimalist wardrobe, it is important to understand what it is you are dealing with. Minimalism in fashion refers to having a minimal amount of clothes in your wardrobe that feels right and brings joy. It involves simplifying your wardrobe to its bare essentials, assembling a capsule wardrobe of these pieces, and combining your go-to pieces in various ways so that you have a variety of quick looks at your disposal.
Minimalism focuses on quality over quantity (prioritizing high-quality pieces over cheap, disposable ones), simplicity (clean lines and uncluttered silhouettes that aim to provide a sense of calm), timelessness (pieces that transcend trends and stay relevant every season), and versatility (reducing the number of clothes in your wardrobe by incorporating pieces that can be mixed to create several looks).
Now that we’ve established the fundamentals of minimalism in fashion, let’s look at ways to give your minimalist wardrobe some flair and individuality.
The basics
Basics are the cornerstone of minimalist fashion, and they lay the groundwork for an adaptable and practical outfit. Everyone always says to “focus on the basics” but what are these basics they speak about? Here are a few examples:
Plain t-shirts
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These could be any color, preferably neutral colors. I would highly recommend starting with a white one and a black one and building your way up from there. Ensure the T-shirt you choose is form-fitting and made from high-quality fabrics. You can mix it up and get both short-sleeved and long-sleeved ones.
Button-down shirts. A crisp button-down shirt is a great choice that can be dressed up or dressed down for different occasions. A good start is a white or light blue color option.
Jeans
I think we can all agree that jeans are an important staple piece in your wardrobe. Consider getting a good pair of black, dark wash, and light wash jeans.
Dresses and skirts. A good option would be to opt for neutral colors and a tailored fit that shows off your figure.
Trench coat. A good trench coat is an excellent way to elevate your look, especially in transitional seasons.
Accessories
Accessories have the ability to transform even the simplest outfit into a fashion statement. They are a fun and creative way to add your personal touch to the outfit. There is a vast selection of accessories to choose from. Here are some of them:
Jewelry
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You can choose to also use a minimalistic approach to your jewelry such as dainty necklaces or have a bold and eye-catching accessory to make a statement. You can also stack up your accessories for an interesting twist. Another important aspect of jewelry is the color. The most common type is gold and silver, however, colored accessories have begun to rise in popularity.
Handbags and purses
You can make this the focal point of your outfit by opting for bright colors or unique, out-of-the-ordinary pieces.
Hats
Not only do these provide a stylish edge to your look, but they also provide protection from the harsh UV rays of the sun.
Belts
When chosen correctly, belts give your outfit a cohesive look. They also have the added advantage of cinching your waist and making you look snatched!
Hair and makeup
Your hair and makeup are another way to add flair to your minimalist look. It sounds trivial, but you’d be surprised how big of a difference your hair and makeup can make to your overall look.
When doing your makeup, concentrate on one feature, such as the lips or the eyes, to create a statement with your minimalist appearance. Your style can be spiced up without being overdone with a strong red lip or a well-defined eye with mascara and eyeliner.
Your hairstyle should complement your minimalist look. Straight hair or simple, elegant hairstyles like a bun or chignon ensure this.
Footwear
You can never go wrong with investing in quality footwear. Minimalism in fashion is about finding options that provide both style and comfort. You also need shoes that are comfortable and offer versatility.
Some good basics to have been; white sneakers, black boots (both ankle boots and longer boots), flats, cute sandals, and loafers. Before choosing the shoes you are going to wear, it is important to look at the occasion in order to decide whether to dress up or dress down. The best thing about minimalism is that most of these options offer a seamless transition from casual to formal settings.
Experiment with textures and fabrics
Adding flair to your minimalist wardrobe isn't just about colors and accessories; it's also about textures and fabrics. Textures can add depth and appeal to your minimalist wardrobe. You can create a look that is visually pleasing by mixing textures. For example, chunky knit sweaters provide an interesting contrast when paired with smoother textures, lightweight linen pieces are perfect for establishing a casual, summer atmosphere and including silk items in your outfit, like a shirt or scarf, give your outfit a luxurious and sophisticated look.
Minimalism doesn’t have to be boring. The most important thing when adding flair to your minimalist wardrobe is to have fun doing it. Try new things and see what works best for you; don't be afraid to fail. With these tips in mind, you can seamlessly combine minimalism and fashion to make a wardrobe that expresses your own style while remaining straightforward and practical.
It is also important to remember that minimalism is also about environmental cautiousness. With the surge in fast fashion, minimalism provides a way to cut down on consumerism. Don’t forget, quality over quantity. What do you think of minimalism in fashion? Would you try it? Let us know in the comments!