Minimalism: A pictorial guide

Minimalism in fashion may be identified via visual codes; commonly, clean lines, simple forms and a rationing of colour. However, the aesthetic aspects of minimalism are really byproducts of an approach toward life. It’s impossible to talk about sartorial minimalism as being divorced from the context of life and attitude. However, the minimalism code is by its nature a very personal one that means something different to everyone. While minimalism for me is expressed through a neutral colour palette, that does not mean that someone who wears colour cannot also be a minimalist. Below is a pictorial guide to one perspective of minimalism.
1 Mastering ‘simplicity’
Minimalism means to pare back to the fundamentals, the most essential elements. As such, the resulting product naturally consists of clean lines, simple forms, consistent textures, and a lack of embellishment. The theory of mastering ‘simplicity’ is to combine carefully selected elements in the most fitting pairing, being mindful of balance and proportion. As the components are few, each detail may tip the balance between elegantly simple and plainly boring. As such, simplicity is unexpectedly difficult to master. Finally, it is the attitude with which one carries the look which brings it to life.

2 Celebrating imperfection
Imperfection gives rise to individuality and uniqueness , which are valued fundamentals in the minimalism frame of mind. Therefore, flaws are not only to be embraced, but celebrated. Hair is deliberately un-styled, makeup is a half-hearted effort, and clothing is left awkwardly disheveled – it’s a ‘just as you are’ attitude bordering on an aversion to perfection and glossiness.

3 A penchant for quality
Minimalism encompasses an appreciation for things of true quality. It is not about how much something costs (though quality is often priceless), what the tags say, or who wears it. Intrinsic quality is apparent even to the uninitiated eye . It’s in rich textures, luxe fabrics, and a mastery of design and craftsmanship – often discernible via cleaness of lines and forms, because it is understood that simplicity can be as difficult to convey successfully than complexity.

4 Livability
Minimalism demands functionality in all things. Accordingly, clothing is considered firmly with comfort and purposefulness in mind. In other words, fashion is seen as a tool to facilitate lifestyle, rather than to burden and complicate it . The minimalist uniform often skirts the boundary of being unkempt, and always walks the threshold of ‘appropriately dressed’ for the occasion and environment. Clothing which serves multiple purposes, and withstands the test of time is preferred to those which become irrelevant after a single use. Therefore, such prefixes as ‘wedding’ and ‘maternity’ are not in common use in the minimalist vocabulary.

5 Androgynous dressing
Gender is neither here nor there in the minimalist code, but styling to the code may inevitably result in androgynous undertones. The favouring of menswear is not owing to an aesthetic disposition, but to the fact that menswear more readily conforms to the minimalist ideals of functionality and livability. Clothing is oversized, shoes are comfortable, and tailoring is always preferred. Therefore, the minimalist silhouette is often described in boxy, unisex forms.

6 Being unconventional
Minimalism favours an inward self-assurance, rather than an outward need for approval and reassurance. Therefore, it entails holding to strong personal values, and never being confined by arbitrary rules. Sneakers are worn with cocktail dresses, pants are worn under skirts, and not one, not two, but three jackets may be worn at a time. The testing of boundaries may reveal that a top can be a skirt, or a skirt, a top;  pants in the menswear section may fit you better, and sleepwear may transition into day wear. Being unconventional is a way of expressing oneself through fashion, or, more simply put, wearing what you love.

Sources:

Vogue | Fashion Gone Rogue| Fashioned By Love | Badlands | Hordur Ingason | F… it Going to New York | Harper and Harley | Chronicles of Her | Noholita | The August Diaries | Scent Of Obsession | Style Scrapbook | Lovely Pepa | Mija Flatau | The Journal | Benjamin Kwan | Style Heroine | Collage Vintage | Pinterest

Read more about minimalism:

• 10 Signs You’re a Minimalist
• The Basic Capsule Wardrobe
• Achieving Effortless Style
• How to Wear Basics Better

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