On my radar : Minimal chic
As an effort to become classier and elegant this year, I have been doing a lot of research (mainly checking Instagram of people I consider classy, and getting obsessed with Pinterest). And what I learn was that to portray a classy and elegant lady, one has to go the Minimal chic route.
"What is Minimal chic?" you ask? From what I understand it is a way of dressing that is simple and chic. Think of clean cut pieces without prints and less statement accessories. The color palette is also very muted like white, black, navy, tan and a few pastel colors. Basically Minimal chic is just another way of saying "less is more" and getting back to the basics.
I am so far from this style (I do not want to call it a trend because many people have been dressing like that for years and they will probably not stop anytime soon). I have a "more is more" kind of style. I love bold colors, bolder prints and lots of accessories (That is the African in me). Yet, I do see the appeal of the Minimal chic. It is like you have a white canvas, a fresh start and you can build up from there. I am not sure I can restrain myself to imitate this style. But I am willing to give it a try for a while. And here is what I need to start:
- A clean cut tee:
It could be white, black, grey or striped; round or v neck, but made with the finest of cotton. I love me some tees. They are essential to a Minimal chic wardrobe (or any wardrobe for that matter), and perfect for layering in Summer or Winter (long sleeves tees). And we all know that tees go with everything. Although those with some kind of a message are the rave lately, I think that a tee without will do just fine and stay stylish even when the trend has faded. I do not like fitted tee and prefer those who are slightly over sized or a size above. But if you have the body, go for fitted tees.
- A White shirt or blouse:
A white button down or blouse is a must have if you want to try the Minimal chic look. It will elevate your outfit without too much of a fuss. Even when you have different ascetics, a white shirt is a must have for any woman.
- No fuss bottoms:
The perfect things to pair with you tee or blouse would be a nice pair of jeans, black structured trousers, and a feminine midi (or maxi) skirt. You do not need ruffles, embellishments or any other kind of trims. Remember simplicity is the key. Comfort and fit should also go hand in hand. I suggest to choose bottoms that are not too tight or too lose.
- Simple Dress:
- Classic outerwear:
Fitted Blazer, Denim jacket, Duster coat in Summer and Camel or Pastel coat, Leather Jacket in Winter are all you will ever need. Once again stay away from prints and embellishments (Studs, Fringe) to make sure to keep these items for a long time.
- Statement shoes
Pumps in nude, black or metallic (for a party), a classy flat (think loafers or ballerinas) or ankle straps sandals are enough to go on. If you are sporty, canvas or converse shoes are also great.
- Less accessories:
Since it is all about "Less is more", I suggest wearing one accessory at a time: one cuff, one necklace, or statement ring. It should add to your outfit and not stand out.
Minimal Chic is really easy to pull off. Think Monochrome look ; a white shirt and a black skirt. Go for pastels if you like color: a pink duster coat over a light pink dress. If you really like bold colors, let there be only one popping: a red blazer with an all black ensemble. Furthermore, do not forget to invest in great pieces that will last a lifetime (and not only one Runway season). With a clean canvas like that, dressing up in the morning may just be the easiest thing to pull off in your day.
Minimal Chic bloggers:
I am not sure these bloggers would call their style Minimal Chic but somehow I find that it fits some of the criteria.
A pair and a spare:
Kendi Everyday
"What is Minimal chic?" you ask? From what I understand it is a way of dressing that is simple and chic. Think of clean cut pieces without prints and less statement accessories. The color palette is also very muted like white, black, navy, tan and a few pastel colors. Basically Minimal chic is just another way of saying "less is more" and getting back to the basics.
I am so far from this style (I do not want to call it a trend because many people have been dressing like that for years and they will probably not stop anytime soon). I have a "more is more" kind of style. I love bold colors, bolder prints and lots of accessories (That is the African in me). Yet, I do see the appeal of the Minimal chic. It is like you have a white canvas, a fresh start and you can build up from there. I am not sure I can restrain myself to imitate this style. But I am willing to give it a try for a while. And here is what I need to start:
- A clean cut tee:
Ashley Madekwe in a striped tee
- A White shirt or blouse:
Emma Watson in a crisp white shirt
A white button down or blouse is a must have if you want to try the Minimal chic look. It will elevate your outfit without too much of a fuss. Even when you have different ascetics, a white shirt is a must have for any woman.
- No fuss bottoms:
Jessica Alba in loosely fitted trousers
The perfect things to pair with you tee or blouse would be a nice pair of jeans, black structured trousers, and a feminine midi (or maxi) skirt. You do not need ruffles, embellishments or any other kind of trims. Remember simplicity is the key. Comfort and fit should also go hand in hand. I suggest to choose bottoms that are not too tight or too lose.
- Simple Dress:
Lupita N'yongo in a simple metallic dress
A simple dress with no embellishments, fitted or flared in a muted color quietly screams elegance. I love Tee shirt dresses but skater ones are always fun. Moreover, those dresses pair well with outerwear of any sorts.
- Classic outerwear:
Victoria Beckham in sleeveless camel coat
- Statement shoes
Pumps in nude, black or metallic (for a party), a classy flat (think loafers or ballerinas) or ankle straps sandals are enough to go on. If you are sporty, canvas or converse shoes are also great.
- Less accessories:
Since it is all about "Less is more", I suggest wearing one accessory at a time: one cuff, one necklace, or statement ring. It should add to your outfit and not stand out.
Minimal Chic is really easy to pull off. Think Monochrome look ; a white shirt and a black skirt. Go for pastels if you like color: a pink duster coat over a light pink dress. If you really like bold colors, let there be only one popping: a red blazer with an all black ensemble. Furthermore, do not forget to invest in great pieces that will last a lifetime (and not only one Runway season). With a clean canvas like that, dressing up in the morning may just be the easiest thing to pull off in your day.
Minimal Chic bloggers:
I am not sure these bloggers would call their style Minimal Chic but somehow I find that it fits some of the criteria.
A pair and a spare:
Kendi Everyday
and my favorite Sagaleeya:
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