Contrary to popular belief, the minimalist clothing style does not imply asceticism and is not considered as a way to save money. Its followers get real pleasure from owning a very small wardrobe. Is this possible? Yes, fashion experts say, but only if you choose the best. This direction is ideal for women who do not want to “chase” current trends, waste their time on shopping and long mornings of getting ready.
It is preferred by self-confident people who do not look for fancy ways to decorate their appearance. Minimalism is a concept that proposes limiting the number of items in your wardrobe to 20-30 items, in order to then create a large number of combinations from them, remaining unpredictable and interesting every day. The main thing here is not to focus on modern fashion trends, but to choose things that are timeless. In this case, your outfit will always look stunning. You should also pay attention to the compatibility of things with each other. This is quite difficult, but, as a rule, it stops spontaneous acquisitions and saves you from subsequent disappointments.
What does minimalism look like today?
Today, the trend for minimalism is set by the Scandinavian countries. Clean lines, simple cut and laconic design are the foundations of Scandinavian design. Minimalistic clothes are produced by fashionable well-known brands, such as: Encircled, Kestan, Tribe Alive, Siizu, Thisispaper. At the same time, the main strategy of these brands is to create an environmentally friendly product without causing damage to the environment.
The collections of Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto have become the standard for minimalist fashionistas. His clothing designs are always a fine line between minimalism and avant-garde.
Parts and accessories
This direction does not exclude the use of accessories, because... They are the ones that allow you to make an image creative, memorable, help place accents and create a mood. If you have only a few sets of clothes in your wardrobe, changing shoes, bags, and accessories, you can create significantly more sets.
Elite jewelry will perfectly complement the ensemble. At the same time, it looks no worse than jewelry. However, most likely, a minimalist will prefer platinum, white gold or sterling silver, choosing a product without inserts or encrusted with a single precious stone. Similar jewelry can be found in the collections of Tiffany, Pandora, V. Jewelery Studio. Any of them will organically fit into a minimalist image.
Another essential accessory is a wristwatch. An impressive chronometer is worn on the wrist not only to keep track of time. A watch is an indicator of status, a reflection of the character of its owner. Like any other person with a rational approach to consumption, quartz watches from Omega, Tissot, Rado (Switzerland) or products from the Sokolov brand (Russia) are suitable for a minimalist. The final touch to your look will be a strict handbag of a discreet design. This can be a clutch, a satchel bag or a frame bag model.
Who is the minimalist style suitable for?
In minimalism there are no restrictions on age, body type, appearance or social status. This is not just a matter of choosing the right clothes, although this is also important. The main thing is to understand the philosophy of style and get used to the image of a minimalist. Then there will be no problems with the wardrobe.
There are several categories of fashionistas for whom this style will definitely not suit. Girls who love bright images, intricate hairstyles, catchy makeup and manicure will never appreciate the simplicity and restraint of style. To look impressive in a plain gray dress without decoration or bright details, you need to be a confident and self-sufficient person.
Features and characteristics of the style
The main advantage of this direction is its versatility and functionality. Such clothes are suitable for women of any age and go well with many elements of a basic wardrobe, as a result: the maximum number of looks in different styles. This fashion trend provides ample opportunities for experimentation. If, of course, you firmly follow the principles of style:
- simple cut;
- monochrome or monochromatic bright colors;
- clear geometric lines;
- absence of unnecessary details.
Philosophy of style
Minimalism has its own philosophy. It's simple but smart, just like the style itself. The bottom line is that you don’t need bright, pompous clothes to express your inner world. There is hardly anyone who can challenge the impeccable taste of Jacqueline Kennedy, Mireille Mathieu or Audrey Hepburn. But they managed to look luxurious in an ordinary sheath dress, classic pumps and simple pearl jewelry.
A woman who chooses a minimalist style is not attached to things and is not prone to acquisitiveness. She is free, confident, smart, keeps up with the times. In addition, such a woman is always practical: she values high-quality clothes made from environmentally friendly materials and has a careful attitude towards things.
Style principles
Each style has its own “beacons”. Minimalism was no exception. It can be unmistakably recognized by its key features:
Monochromatic
- . To create an image, 1, or less often 2-3 colors are used.
Simple cut
- . You won’t find intricate yokes, flounces, or complex ruffles in clothes.
Natural materials
- . Cotton, wool, linen, silk, leather are the basic fabrics for creating clothes.
Neutral colors
- . There are no flashy, bright and rich colors here. But there is often a contrast of black and white.
Smooth fabrics
- . The material should have a simple texture without bouclé, voluminous thread weaves, patterns or decor.
Strict silhouette
- . Clothes are straight, flowing or silhouette. Catchy and large details are excluded.
No pockets or fasteners
- . They, of course, are in clothes, but are carefully hidden in a clever cut.
Branding and quality
- . Although the clothes are of a simple cut, the materials used for them are expensive, environmentally friendly, and of high quality. It is also important that things are exclusive and branded.
How to make a fashionable bow
A fitted or straight silhouette is taken as the basis for a fashionable look. All items in the set are designed to highlight an elegant and slender figure. In fashionable style there is no place for spacious and voluminous things. Typical fashionable wardrobe items: a tight dress, a tight skirt, a pullover, tight golf, a fitted blouse, a business suit with a skirt or trousers, dark straight-fit jeans. On top they put on an elongated coat or raincoat and a fitted jacket.
As an example, let's look at several options for creating a successful image. An elegant cream coat, slightly flared at the bottom, will go perfectly with a semi-fitting white dress. Complete the pair with dress shoes or ankle boots with high straight heels. Go for a simple, sleek hairstyle and pick up an elegant coral-colored handbag to highlight your look. The result is a wonderful look in which you can go on a business date, a walk, or shopping.
Color spectrum
The color scheme plays a big role in a minimalist look. The style palette is monochrome and calm. In the classic version, the wardrobe is built on three colors: white, gray, black, which are diluted with pastel shades, most often cream.
Deep colors are also appropriate in minimalism:
Marsala; dark purple; blue; deep wine; thick emerald.
Bright colors have been trending lately. Following fashion trends, minimalism allows for rich shades. But they are used exclusively to create a color accent. They are rarely entrusted with the main role in the image. And, of course, any print options (even the tiniest ones) are not allowed. Metallized fabrics are also available. But in the absence or small number of details. The color and smooth texture of the fabric are important.
Modern minimalism
Today, when fashion has gone through stages of development from excess to uniform utilitarianism, the minimalist style has moved from the stage of pure conceptualism, inspired by the spirit of detachment, into the plane of a new glamor. Modern minimalism is much more lenient towards romantic forms than in the 90s. In the collections of Bottega Veneta, medieval motifs can be discerned in hyper-laconic knitted dresses, while Acne Studios and Givenchy have references to the luxurious eroticism of the 80s. At the same time, The Row are recognized as ambassadors of minimalism in its form, purified from other artistic codes. In recent years, this style has become increasingly futuristic and sleek and is not slowing down in popularity, which indicates the continued relevance of basic proportions, lines and codes. The minimalism style can be compared to the inner core of society or an individual, on which fantasies, dreams, daydreams and endless fashion experiments are layered.
Minimalist clothing
When choosing clothes in the spirit of minimalism, do not forget about the deep philosophy of style. Things should not overshadow the personality. They are just a frame for your individuality. Their main task is to emphasize the beauty of appearance and highlight the rich inner world.
10 basic must-have items to maintain a minimalist style:
White T-shirt; cashmere sweater; Leather Jacket; black pumps; White shirt; pencil skirt; wrap dress; low-top shoes; classic straight trousers; trench coat; jeans.
Don't forget about jeans. With their help you can create a lot of stylish combinations. But in order not to stray from the framework of minimalism, again, choose simple models. Silhouette, slightly cropped denim jeans in classic or black colors, without rips or abrasions, are what you need.
A little history...
The first prerequisites for this style were noticed in the 20s of the 20th century, when, after the First World War, ladies had to abandon fluffy dresses and corsets in favor of straighter models. It is generally accepted that it was Coco Chanel who brought minimalism to the world catwalk, using practical and inexpensive materials in her laconic products.
The heyday of this style came in the 90s, thanks to designer Helmut Lang. His main motto: “Less is more.” The items were simple geometric shapes in black, white, gray and beige. It was Lang who introduced the trouser suit in combination with a simple white T-shirt into fashion.
The economic crises of the 2000s only “strengthened” the minimalist style. Today it has gained momentum and is considered one of the leading styles in fashion. Many designers and fashion houses have chosen minimalism as the main vector and DNA of the brand, such as: Jil Sander, The Row, Acne, Toteme, COS, 12storeez.
Accessories in a minimalist style
There was also room for accessories in the modest, elegant style. But their choice must be approached with special care. Allowed:
Shoulder bag or backpack . It is important that they are monochromatic, made from environmentally friendly materials and strive for geometric shapes. Watch . A watch with a plain bracelet, a simple dial, without stones, patterns or other decor complements the look well. Sunglasses . Choose fashionable round frames with a simple design. Decorations of geometric shapes . The main rule is nothing superfluous. Simple earrings in the shape of a triangle, circle or square will be a worthy addition to a laconic look. Stud earrings, stud earrings, elegant pendants, thin rings and bracelets - all these simple and laconic details can complement the look of a minimalist. It is advisable to choose one piece of jewelry: bracelet, ring, earrings or chain. After all, your main task is not to overload the image.
Minimalist shoes
For minimalism, it is important to choose the right shoes. It must meet several requirements at once:
Comfort . The shoes are comfortable, do not restrict movement, and do not turn the mobile lifestyle of a modern woman into medieval torture. Thin sole . Wedges, heavy platforms, fantasy-shaped heels – 100% anti-trend of minimalism. Lack of decor . No bows, rhinestones, flowers, complex, colored lacing. Only beautiful, expensive, well-made leather. Now, by the way, most designers rely on high-quality eco-leather. Low move . Flat shoes with thin soles are a must-have for a minimalist wardrobe. Comfortable heel . Heeled shoes are not excluded from the wardrobe. But the heel should be stable and not cause discomfort while walking.
Also, a minimalist’s arsenal must also include: plain pumps, classic-style ankle boots, boots with a top that neatly fits the leg.
You can complement the look with sneakers or sneakers, but without sports paraphernalia. Choose models closer to a style such as smart casual.
Basic principles
The main rule of minimalism is the absence of unnecessary details. You can also easily recognize this style by the following features:
- laconic cut of clothes;
- cleanliness of lines;
- clear colors in neutral shades;
- lack of shine;
- natural fabrics;
- minimal decor or its complete absence;
- deep neckline, ruffles and flounces are excluded;
- things that cost (or look) expensive.
Distinctive features of minimalism
Interesting : Women's business style of clothing or office fashion 2021 (with photo)
