Minimalist fashion is often traced back to the 1920s, when Coco Chanel introduced the world to her classic little black dress. “Simplicity is the key to all true elegance”, which is said to be her famous saying. A century has passed, and the “less is more” dressing philosophy is still regarded as one of the most elegant styles. Think of the ever-lasting minimalist brands—The Row, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Celine from Phoebe Philo—it’s not hard to understand why we still have a special liking for perfect white T-T, neatly tailored blazers and fitted jeans.
However, while the minimalist style is relatively visually streamlined, it is not always so easy to handle. In some people's hands, turtlenecks and pairs of trousers can become symbols of extreme refinement or become boring and boring outfits. After all, minimalism actually requires a taste and appreciation of “details”. Your understanding of tailoring, texture and proportion is important, but ultimately, the more important thing is whether you can show your judgment with confidence. Minimalist artist Donald Judd once said that minimalism is a “simple expression of complex ideas” and the key lies in the harmony of the whole, not the parts themselves.
In other words, minimalism is not only an aesthetic, but also a philosophy of life and daily practice. Creative Director and stylist Ali Pew explains in her Substack column Uniform: “The essence of minimalist style is a calmness that can be seen and felt. It comes from the clarity and consciousness of choice.”
Here are a few practical suggestions to help you embrace minimalist style and wear your own interpretation.
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To create a minimalist capsule wardrobe, designer Jenni Kayne believes that the focus is on selecting items that “stand the test of time”. “Please designs that can match almost anything and will accompany you for many years without retiring,” she suggested. For example, a neat white shirt, a simple navy cashmere sweater, a classic black trousers, and a pair of retro high-waisted jeans – these are all essential choices in her mind.
