The Minimalist

A few years ago, you couldn't convince me to purchase anything without some sort of bright color, gaudy decoration, and/or complex pattern. I'm talking about multicolored birds overlaying a pattern of swirls on my Forever 21 blouse. Like all young women, I went through a series of fashion phases, some which you would give me a side eye if I walked out of the house in it today.

This new phase of my life is what I call the cool plain Jane, or the minimalist look ,which features structured pieces, solid colors, and classic styles. As the self-proclaimed lover of classic, I can't say that this minimal phase is new. Ever since I discovered the elegance of Jackie O and the Queen B herself, Blair Waldorf, I couldn't but help love a freshly pressed white oxford.

As I get older, I am understanding the importance of well-crafted clothing that can carry me into the next decade. Stores built on expediting trendy clothing are fun for experimenting, but I want clothing that has a shelf-life of over 4 years.

Here's my take on the Minimalist look.

Black
For me, black will NEVER go out of style. It is timeless and when worn in a certain way, exudes elegance. For the minimal look, wear black from head to toe. I paid a black trouser with a black quilted top, patent leather heels, and a black bag.

Simple
For me, the minimal style is all about keeping it simple. Follow the KISS ( Keep It Simple Stupid) rule that designers use. Remove the risk of looking too busy by sporting one pattern mixed with a solid in the same color family. For example, a navy striped top with navy bottoms. Here I paired a blush shift dress with black accessories. The pink contrasts well with the black shoes and clutch giving it a clean, put together vibe.

Balanced
The minimal style is all about accessories that aren't gaudy and will balance well with the outfit. Here I put together pieces that would work well layered. As for the large gold cuff, I would wear this on one arm while putting the other two cuffs on the other. This will create balance.

Structured 
Look for pieces with even lines and color blocks. Everything is perfectly symmetrical. You can notice the sharp right angles on every piece. Too many pleats or ruffles will not suffice in a minimalist's wardrobe.



Alexander Wang is the epitome of a minimalist. His pieces are tailored to perfection and everything belongs in my closet. If your pockets can't afford Mr. Wang, you can find minimalist pieces in Zara and TopShop.