Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about “minimalism” fashion. At its core, it can be described as a Classic, unadorned, neutral colored wardrobe made up of high quality interchangeable pieces, very little pattern or print, and little to no “logo” accessories. I often advocate for having some of these pieces in your closet.
Photo courtesy of LaDame, the Label
Young fashion influencers jumped on the bandwagon. They called the style “Old money” chic, a description that was sure to trigger someone somewhere. And as day followed night, a torrent of faceless online critics began viciously and vigorously disparaging the whole concept. They not only felt that ultra expensive clothes were being touted but that we were collectively hurtling toward a society and an aesthetic where people were losing their individuality.
Whether you love or hate the idea what can “minimalism” hold for you?
There is Minimalism…and then there is a Minimalist Mindset
Lydia Tomlinson on YouTube
Minimalist style refers specifically to that Classic type of wardrobe I described above: simple, neutral, or solid-colored, high quality interchangeable pieces. It’s actually a very elegant and striking look for anyone, but particularly for a lot of women over 45 (although my very favorite Classic minimalism fashion influencer, Lydia Tomlinson, is probably in her early 30’s.) It demonstrates good taste and refinement. Those aren’t bad qualities for anyone. And they can help you to stand out on their own.
But Minimalism as a concept can also refer to the sheer number of items in your wardrobe. Embracing minimalism means that your closet isn’t stuffed to the gills with things you rarely wear, or that held some sentimental meaning for you ten years ago but are terribly dated now. It can show that your clothes still speak to who you are, intrinsically, and that you wear them on repeat because they are beautiful and well made. It can also demonstrate that you are not trend driven.
Maintaining this mindset when it comes to fashion is healthy way of simplifying life and freeing your mind from clutter. Too much of anything can complicate life. And our closets are very revealing about how complicated our lives might be.
How Minimalism Can Work For You
Photo: Adrienne Leonard/Unsplash
The main draw of a minimalist wardrobe is that it is practical and workable. It’s practical because it saves you a lot of time figuring out what to wear. The fewer the items, the fewer the decisions. It is workable because many of your clothes work well with several other ones in your closet. Another benefit is that it can help remind you that you don’t need to keep buying the same things on impulse. (We tend to do this when we have so many clothes that we’ve forgotten we already own the very same or similar new item that we are attracted to.)
When you simplify your choices, hone your color palette, and do some editing, you will find that getting dressed is a lot less stressful. That doesn’t mean that you have to replace your own style with a strictly Classic, neutral wardrobe. In a post I wrote for Sixty and Me, I examined the two extremes of fashion style displayed by the main characters in the TV series, Frankie (portrayed by Lily Tomlin) and Grace (portrayed by Jane Fonda.) Grace’s wardrobe looked similar to a true Classic minimalist wardrobe.
Photo: Courtesy of Variety
Frankie’s was all about patterns, textures, and ethnic-inspired clothing and accessories. But at this latter stage of her life, she opted for more refined textiles and fewer, but very bold accessories, often matching the silver in her hair. The whole look was extremely chic and elegant. It had a striking simplicity to it. And, her unique personality still came through very clearly.
Also, as my colleague Janet Woodcliff points out, a minimalist Classic wardrobe doesn’t have to mean all neutral colors. You can create an understated, elegant classic wardrobe using shades of your own best colors.
Can Minimalism Style Actually Make Us MORE Visible?
Quince 100% poplin cotton blouse $39.90
Saffiano faux leather classic dome satchel $28.99 on Amazon
There are several ways a more classic minimalist style can make you stand out, in a good way. Any combination that looks luxe will get you noticed, and really, it doesn’t have to break the bank. I buy a lot of simple, neutral, classic pieces from discount fashion sites like Quince, GAP, Mango and Everlane and they are well made and are of good quality.
TJ Maxx Italian Leather Bag $69.99
Expensive looking handbags can be had for next to nothing from places like TJ Maxx and Amazon in both real and faux leather. These types of structured bags are pretty timeless.
Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between timeless and boring. Classic style is said to be timeless. Does that mean that, say, 200 years from now we’ll be wearing similar style clothing? Not likely. What it does mean is that in our lifetime you would not be able to identify the style with a particular era or trend.
LilySilk 100% silk blouse $129
Now, if you just abhor the idea of all neutrals, you can brighten up your look by wearing something in a fabulous color near your face, such as a great blouse in one of your most flattering colors. That can make your skin and eyes come alive and will make you extremely visible…rather enviable, actually.
If you want to express a more creative, playful, or bohemian part of your personality, you can start with one of the basic pieces – a great pair of slacks, or a leather midi skirt, and add a perfectly tailored white blouse worn with your favorite stack of chunky or colorfully beaded bracelets. But the “simple white blouse” itself has just gone in a new direction, as you’re going to see in my upcoming fall preview with Suzanne Blons. We’re starting to see some fabulous variations with wonderful details and feminine elements.
LilySilk white asymmetrical blouse with puff sleeves $149
If you want to express your inner vamp, try a bias-cut midi length satin skirt worn with a colorful cashmere sweater or even a crisp solid colored cotton blouse. That’s an elegant, sexy, and very current way to do minimalism. And it’s also a pretty perennial combination. Or your Dramatic minimalist look could be something like a solid-colored neutral basic layer of tops, slacks or skirts, leather or wool, worn with a satin blouse and a fabulous, printed, or colorful coat and boots.
These are all simple, “minimalist” outfits. There is nothing boring about them. And they can be varied and accessorized to make you visible but classy.
My Own Minimalist Journey
Sometimes it just feels like the right time to shed an old image of who you were and embrace version 2.1. At another time in my own life, I more strongly embraced the “High Spirited” part of my fashion style and personality (25%.) That persona was more extroverted, energetic, bubbly, had short curly, highlighted hair, and wore red framed glasses.
But I have stopped coloring my hair, and now wear it straight. The Classic element of my style and personality (25%) is simply what appeals to me more now. I conserve my energy more and I also conserve my finances by not going for an expensive hair color and cut every six weeks. And I have fully embraced my graying temples. My charcoal rimmed glasses match my hair now, and add an element of gravitas.
Personally, I feel more visible and authentic now than I did in my younger years. And it’s a heck of a lot less complicated than how I used to dress.
Dipping a Toe in Minimalism Mindset
Now, if you like the concept of minimalism, but you don’t identify with Classic style type, and the prospect of revamping your whole wardrobe doesn’t appeal, start by applying the two most important criteria for a minimalist closet: “Do I love it, and/or do I need it?” If you neither love nor need something, it’s just taking up space in the back of your closet…and in the back of your mind.
And then, with the items that pass that first test, create a few combinations that you wear often. Think about how confident and visible you feel in them. And importantly, apply an honest eye when considering whether or not they still reflect who you are, now.
You can pare down, eliminate a lot of fluff, opt for simple, well-made, and refined pieces, and still be something of a Bohemian, a Femme fatale, an “old money” Classic, a laid-back fashionista, or whatever “title” you want to give yourself.
And you will definitely still remain visible.
NOTE: As a reminder, and for all my new subscribers (and a big thanks to all of you for joining our community!!) my mini course, “31 Days of Self-Care” is still available on Teachable for $5 for my subscribers only. It’s got a wealth of information and will give you lots to think about. It was a daily compendium that I wrote it just after the lockdowns ended and it seemed to resonate with a lot of my readers. Here’s the link again.
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