I love a minimal fashion style, because it’s super easy. Especially when you combine it with a capsule wardrobe. But there’s a catch… Your outfits might look a tat boring if you take it too easy. And no, that’s not always the look you want to achieve. That’s why I wrote an article on how to find your style as a minimalist. It helps you figure out how to create outfits that help you tell your story. Let’s kick it up a notch! In this article and the matching video, I’m sharing my favorite fashion tricks to look stylish as a minimalist. Let’s go!
Play with shape
Using the shape your garments is one of the easiest tricks you can use to look stylish as a minimalist. The shape of your outfit can elevate your look and natural body shape in a few seconds. Let me explain: A lot of minimal wardrobes seem to contain straight cut or wide fitted clothes. There’s not much shape to the average minimalist wardrobe. If that’s the case with your closet, you might miss the biggest style element you have: Your own body shape. To use your body to your advantage when it comes to looking stylish, you only need a few things.
The number one accessory is a belt. I think it’s a good idea to invest in a leather belt. Leather belts can last for years and years, especially when you take care of the leather. Use a belt to synch in your waist when you’re wearing an oversized dress, shirt or blouse. Use a belt to accentuate your hips if you like to wear high waisted jeans. Combine jeans or a pair of pants with a French tuck and a belt with a special buckle to add an interesting detail. Another thing I love to do is to wear a tight base, like a bodycon dress. Then I add an oversized blazer, coat or a cardigan to create some contrast. Let your body shape work for you, give it a try!
Mix colors, prints and textures
You’ve probably seen them many times: Neutral colored capsule wardrobes. People tend to think that’s what a minimal fashion style is, it’s not. It’s one of the many styles you can use to express yourself. Neutral shades be a very good addition to your wardrobe, as they provide the perfect base. But if you want to look stylish as a minimalist, it can be a really good idea to explore. Learn how to mix neutral shades with colors, prints and textures. Let’s say you’re wearing a black pair of jeans with a black jacket, then a red sweater underneath can make your outfit pop.
If you like to wear brown shades, you can also add a print to open up the even color palette. This will ‘break’ the outfit and add character, your character! Another trick is to play with textures. Let’s say you’re wearing faux leather pants which will probably be very smooth. You can add a chunky knit to balance the smooth texture of the pants. Why not try an oversized sweater with a print and a fuzzy texture? Every combination is possible, as long as it adds something to your style.
Add awesome accessories
I love me some good accessories! They’re the easiest pieces to add to your outfits to look stylish as a minimalist. My favorite trick is adding bright bags in special shapes. For example, I have a bright yellow boxy bag by Dune and a burgundy Sandro Lou bag. Both bags have an interesting shape, a beautiful color and they look very luxurious. Elevate your style by using a signature bag that you can use every day or maybe mix it up once in a while. I have different bags for different moods, outfits and occasions. They’re all made of very high-quality material and the shapes are quite classic, so I’ve been using some of them for years!
Another tip is to learn how to use jewelry to your advantage. There are many beautiful minimalist jewelry brands out there, but you can wear whatever you like. I do advice to match the color of your jewelry with the hardware of your bags, belts and shoes. Belts, shoe’s and scarfs can also be matched by color. It’s an old fashion trick many people still use to create unity in one’s outfit. And no, you don’t always have to match the color of your hardware and jewelry. A mix of silver and gold can work very well, it can even be your very own style. Just make sure that if you mix and match, you make it very clear that it’s your intention.
Use make-up and hairstyles
Make-up is a very affordable way to help you change your look. Many people have found their unique make-up look, which makes them recognizable wherever they go. Now that’s what we call style: A look that makes you and your message recognizable. Try to find the perfect lip color, a winged eyeliner, certain shade of blush or an eyeshadow that brings out your eyes. Maybe you don’t wear any make-up at all, it’s up to you! However, I do think it’s a good idea to let make-up work in your favor when it comes to expressing yourself.
Another thing you can do is to create a hairstyle to look stylish as a minimalist. I’ve tried many hairstyles through the years, but I keep coming back to having long hair. It’s just my thing and it screams Kaya. I think many people think that minimalists shouldn’t or are not ‘allowed’ to care about these things. I think you should! Because when you finally find a make-up look and a hairstyle that suits you, all you have to do is maintain it. It doesn’t get easier that that when it comes to creating your own style.
A few wise words
Minimalism isn’t a contest, it’s a lifestyle you can adjust to your own needs and goals. Minimalism is all about creating a life you love by keeping/adding things you love or tossing things you don’t need. If having your own style makes you happy, please keep using it. Fashion and style are often frowned upon and looked at as superficial. I like to look at it at a deeper level. The way you look and dress can have a direct effect on you feel and carry yourself.
If looking a certain way helps you get through your days, then it surely adds something to your life. In my opinion, that is also minimalism. If the thing you use adds value to your life, then it’s certainly worth it. You can look stylish as a minimalist by using clothes and accessories. You can keep it minimalistic by using a capsule wardrobe, and by only buying what you really like and actually need. To conclude my how to look stylish as a minimalist article: Enjoy your style, spread your message through your look and feel great!
Life is to be enjoyed,
Kaya-Quintana
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