The Art of Minimalism
November 22, 2011 by Arash Mazinani
Filed under All Content, Ladies, Style Tips
I’ve just come back from a weekend away in Manchester partying with my friends. Me and one of my close friends were discussing what we were going to be wearing for that evening. He started telling me that he’d taken a more minimalist approach to his wardrobe and as result of doing so buys more expensive pieces but buys less clothes and wears the clothes he has more. I tried to touch on such an approach in my post about the Mary Queen of Frocks tv show but didn’t really fully delve into it. So I want to talk about what I mean when I talk about a minimalist approach and how you can utilise it to spruce up your wardrobe.
The minimalist ‘trend’ tends to come around every few seasons, but it can be viewed as an elegant approach to style rather a seasonal trend. Forget about the notion that minimalist has to be boring, it’s about taking on a timeless elegance so put away those prints and OTT designs. While some people might think it means keeping things muted in terms of colour, I disagree. However, you want to think about utilising luxe fabrics and the sharpest of shapes. You don’t have to stand out from the crowd in anything loud to be noticed there is something quite enticing about a minimalist look.
When it comes to your wardrobe the concept minimalism is something I’m a strong believer in. It maybe ‘anti-fashion blogger’ to take that stand. Take a leaf out of my friend’s book and adopt a minimalist approach to your wardrobe, you don’t need 5 pairs of jeans, 5 dress, 5 jackets….and that’s me being liberal I know many women will probably have more. Really think about creating a capsule wardrobe and keep the number of pieces to a minimum. Instead of buying those 5 dresses go out and buy one really good dress, maybe spend a little more than usual but get your wear out of it. The beauty of keeping things minimal in terms of styling as well is that it all works. Back on the Mary Queen of Frocks post I talked about only needing 7 pieces and from those 7 pieces being able to create multiple looks. I think that concept especially when today we’re all about more, more, more, more is such a refreshing one and a concept more people should challenge themselves to adopt or at least give a try.
Photos: northenlight, vogue, Harper’s Bazaar
I’d love to hear what you think ?
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I’ve always believed that if you could master minimalist style then you had a solid foundation fashion-wise. I say this because fit and form play a crucial role in minimalism- you have to do a lot with a little and there really isn’t much you can hide behind (layering, prints, crazy colors etc). And if you don’t have a good grasp of those two things then the most beautiful dress or shirt is just…well, a bunch of fabric.
Yeah excellent point leoleo thanks for mentioning that… another great reason minimalism rocks!
In my humble opinion, minimalist equates to chic and elegance. It does not necessarily have to be boring, as you mentioned above perfectly, adding luxe fabrics and a few trendy accesories will have you well in the latest look for the season yet at a third the price. So what I do, is spend most of my money acquiring great basics and update my wardrobe according to the latest trends via my handbags, accessories and SHOES!!!! One thing though never compromise on the quality of your shoes and handbags. In my opinion a shoe and handbag, can take any outfit to the next level. For instance teaming a simple outfit for eg, pair of jeans with a white tee and tuxedo blazer and adding a Jimmy shoe black stilleto pump, with an animal print clutch, just pops an otherwise perhaps boring outfit…
BTW loooove your blog
Yeah again great points and valid ones to build a great foundation. Thanks I’m glad you love it.. welcome aboard I hope you to see you around more often
I’m more and more steering towards minimalism. Just the other day, my man took me into a Desigual store to show me something he thought I would like. Desigual is famous for their busy prints, it’s anything but minimalist. I saw the top he was referring to, thought it was ok, but realised it wasnt me anymore. I told him I love to go for a more simple, minimal approach to style. Especially in the sense of buying less and of more quality…maybe I’m just growing up?
That said I do love floral prints, and still like leopard, but that’s probably the only busy patterns I go for.
Great post A xxx
Yeah possibly… I think when you’re younger you just want everything. Then when you start to get older you want more classic, elegant pieces and understand the impact adding accents to them have like sba mentioned.
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What does a minimalist wear? Their favourite clothes every day, because that’s all they have in their wardrobe.
Great post again.
I have an enormous wardrobe yet I pretty much wear everything in it. My shoe collection is ever growing and I wear all my shoes too. I tried the 30 for 30 challenge last winter and hated it. I missed the rest of my closet! Yet, I feel guilty for having so much and still wanting more. When I think minimalist, monochrome comes to mind. I have tried paring down my wardrobe lately and just can’t bring myself to get rid of anything. I guess in short: I have a fashion addiction that I just can’t seem to break!
Enjoyed your post. It reminded me of my need to continue to attempt a wardrobe hack.
Yeah you definitely need to sort out your wardrobe regularly, do all your clothes still fit/are in wearable condition?
Yes, everything still fits and is in excellent condition. I love ALL of my clothes and I wear everything at least once a year. Twice a year I change out my closet for the seasons and each time I take inventory of what should go to storage and what come out of storage into the closet. Sadly, introducing F/W to my closet resulted in next to nothing being discarded.
I think I’m just greedy because I’m a maximalist in every way! I can never have too much clothing or accessories, and when I get dressed I really pile it on! I should start being more minimal just to try it out and see if it helps my budget…
Yeah you should do some sort of challenge like the 30 for 30… did you do that when it was on?
Yes! It actually wasn’t as hard as I thought. Maybe I should do it again…
I did the 30 for 30 last winter and I hated it! I missed my other clothes and shoes so much! I would look at the neglected longingly and wish I could wear them. I didn’t cheat and made it to the end but I know it is definitely NOT for me!
So what is the 30 for 30 all about?
You had to put together a new outfit for 30 days using only 30 pieces from your wardrobe… I think…
OMG now that is going to challenge me, going to definitely try it and will keep you posted…btw.. love your posts
You should give it ago and let us know how you get on
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