Minimalist fashion and simple outfits
Minimalist fashion is all about having fewer clothes that can be easily combined with one another to make different elegant outfits. The minimalist fashion trend relies more on basic and timeless clothes instead of trendy items of clothing. In this article you will find some helpful minimalist fashion styling tips and we will also show you how you can put together different outfits with only a few items of clothing.
Choosing the right colours
It is generally recommended that a minimalist wardrobe contains only about 3 to 5 colours. It is a good idea to limit yourself to a few colours that suit you and make you feel confident. However, if you prefer you can also decide to include neutral colours or other shades.
Choosing your colours for your minimalistic wardrobe
When it comes to basic colours, it's best to go for muted, darker shades. Depending on your personal taste, these could be shades of brown, blue or black because these colours can be combined wonderfully and give your wardrobe an organised look.
These carefully chosen basic colours work well with neutral shades such as beige, white or grey. Bright colours will add a bit of variety to your minimalist wardrobe and give your outfits that certain je ne sais quoi.
You could also choose to have mainly light colours such as white in your minimalist wardrobe and then use dark colours to highlight your outfits.
Here are a couple of possible colour combination ideas for your minimalist wardrobe:
Colour combination 1: cool
Primary colours: black, dark blue
Neutral colours: light grey, white
Accent colours: light blue, pink, violet
Colour combination 2: warm
Primary colours: brown, dark green
Neutral colours: beige, white
Accent colours: rust brown, mustard yellow, light green
Colour combination 3: soft colours
Primary colours: white, beige
Neutral colours: light grey, light blue
Accent colours: orange-yellow, pink
Colour combination 4: vibrant colours
Primary colours: black, charcoal grey
Neutral colours: dark blue, dark brown
Accent colours: dark green, claret
Which colours go well together? – Putting a stylish outfit together
You can try combining different clothes together to make different outfits once you've decided on your primary colours and which accent colours you want to use to make your outfit stand out.
Minimalist fashion - monochrome outfits
Monochrome outfits are all about wearing clothes that have a similar colour. White and black are often used for a monochrome look, but you can also experiment with bright colours. These types of outfits are usually very smart and bold at the same time.
If you would like to create an outfit that is simple but stylish, then you should use colours with a similar tone. Choose a colour and then different shades of that particular colour.
For a little more variety, you can also combine colours that are next to each other on a colour wheel. Examples would be combinations of rust red with orange and a soft yellow, petrol with a lighter turquoise and dark blue or violet with a soft rosé.
Styling tips - combining different clothes to make trendy outfits
Colour blocking is about combining colours together that have a big contrast. The best colours to use are those that are the opposite of each other on a colour wheel. Here are a couple of examples, such as yellow and violet, orange and blue and red and green. The exciting contrast between these colours will make you stand out and your stylish outfit will certainly make a statement.
However, it is important that you do not combine more than two or three colours with each other so that your outfit does not appear too busy. Wild patterns or different materials can also ruin the bold effect of colour blocking. Below we have listed some tips on how to create a subtle colour blocking:
Go for contrasting colours which are similar. This would be shades that are next to each other on a colour wheel, such as pink and cherry red.
Combine pastel shades, such as pale yellow and lilac.
Style a monochrome outfit and make a statement with accessories that have a different colour such as colourful handbags and jewellery.
Are you unsure about which colours would suit you the best? Online you can find various tips and information on how to find out which colours suit you the most. Most of the time you can go with your what you think is right. The right colours will make you feel good, confident and stylish. Colours that usually don't look good on you will make you look washed out. However, if you are still unsure you can make an appointment to go and see a colour consultant for a style consultation.
The rule of thirds
Following the rule of thirds will make your minimalist outfits look fantastic. To do this, divide your body into three parts. The first third is roughly from your shoulders to your waist, the second part is from your waist down to your knees and the last part is from your knees down to your feet. Many fashion experts recommend that about two-thirds should be covered by an item of clothing and the remaining third by another item of clothing. So either the top or the bottom of your outfit needs to stand out. Below you will find some examples on how to do this:
A crop top with high waisted jeans or high waisted trousers
A midi jumper dress with boots
A crop top with a maxi skirt
An oversized blouse or jumper with skinny jeans
A sweatshirt dress with leggings
A short dress with an oversized blazer
The rule of thirds will give you a great look in comparison to a 50/50 split. It will help to break up your outfit into two separate parts, especially if the clothes have a similar colour. You can also use a mix of close-fitting and loose-fitting clothes to create a stylish look.
Styling tips for a balanced silhouette
When it comes to minimalist fashion it is a good idea to opt for clothes that have a good fit. Clothes with a good fit and shape will emphasise your natural body shape and can be combined in many ways. This often makes them look more elegant than clothes with patterns or designs that make a statement such as ruffles. Below we have listed some examples of clothes that have stood the test of time:
A-line dresses and -skirts
T-shirts and jumpers with a round or V-neck
Make sure to combine clothes that go well together so that you have a stylish look and a great shape. Ideally, you should combine close-fitting clothes with loose-fitting clothes to create a balanced silhouette:
Close-fitting trousers and skirts look fantastic with loose-fitting T-shirts and jumpers or loose oversize blouses.
Wide leg trousers and flared skirts work well with close-fitting tops.
These combinations create a visual balance that looks fantastic and stylish at the same time.
By wearing different layers you can create a chic minimalist look that you can adapt to each season. You can also try different lengths and fits to create a variety of looks. However, minimalist fashion is all about having fewer clothes, but being able to make numerous different outfits. Remember to not combine clothes together that have a busy pattern or design. The simpler your outfit is, the more quirky your accessories can be.
Choosing patterns and materials
You should avoid having too many clothes with busy patterns and designs in your minimalist wardrobe. Small, subtle patterns such as vertical or horizontal stripes, polka dots or a checkered pattern are timeless patterns that you can easily combine with other clothes. Even geometric or floral patterns are possible if they have similar colours to the other items of clothing in your wardrobe.
Patterned clothes help to break up your outfit and give it a great look. This is especially the case if your outfit has neutral colours. The same goes for wearing different materials. This works well if you are a fan of neutral colours as this is a good way to spice up your outfit. Delicate lace, thick knitwear, coarse linen, flowing silk, smooth (faux) leather, soft cotton and rugged denim can be combined in a variety of ways for a sophisticated twist.
Smooth and rough, for example, cotton and linen
Fine and coarse, for example, silk and coarse knitwear
Glossy and dull, for example, satin and denim
Tip: If you want to try outfits with different patterns and materials it is advisable to stick to neutral colours such as black, white or beige.
Conclusion: minimalist fashion styling tips
Minimalist outfits create a timeless look and there are some popular helpful tips you can follow. However, it is also a good idea to try different colours, fits and patterns to find out what suits you the best. These minimalist styling tips can also help you to find your own personal style even if you don't want to stick to a capsule wardrobe.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/Studio4
All other images in this text are from C&A
