It's difficult to walk the line between "simple" and "interesting". Sometimes I see girls wearing cherry red coats and berets while waiting in line for their morning coffee, or intricately patterned vintage dresses with embroidered coats while heading downstairs to the train, and I and think "ooo, interesting, I wish I was wearing that." But then I see a woman with a newspaper tucked underneath her arm, crossing the street with a tailored trench and black cigarette pants, and I think "nevermind, that's what I want." And the cycle continues.
It's a hard life when you don't really have one defining style. I like everything from normcore to Doris Day vintage, and it can be a battle to strike an outfit that has a little bit of everything that I'm feeling that day. But, I think I've found a way to get those simple lines I love without blending into the white walls behind me. And a way to wear uptown inspired, wonderfully loud pieces without sacrificing simplicity. The answer was so easy.
It's all about focusing on the details. If you want to dress minimalist on a Tuesday, keep the look interesting with maybe some clunky shoes and a statement belt. If you want to go full-on evening gown plus loose knit on a Wednesday, keep the look simple with sleek shoes and a structured but unassuming bag. By focusing on the details, you can strike both moods in one look.
For example, I took a long denim dress and popped a cotton jacket on top, definitely hitting my quota of simplicity for the day. But to inch it away from being too "everyday", I focused on the details. I cinched my waist with a leather tassel belt and took a structured bag and used it as a clutch, letting the boxy detail add some weight to the look. The interesting accessories brought a little life to the outfit, letting me dress minimal but not feel boring.
Let's discuss: What's a favorite accessory that you use to either play up or play down a look? I recently saw a thick gold plated belt at H&M that I've been thinking of nabbing, just for this reason ;)
PS: If you'd like more minimalist outfit inspo, why don't you read:
- One Outfit That'll Make You Want to Go Minimalist This Winter
- The One Styling Piece That'll Fix Any Outfit, Ever
- One Reason Why Everyday Basics Are Stealing the Show
Dress: thrifted (vintage similar: here)Coat: thrifted (vintage similar: here)Booties: TJ MaxxBelt: take from mama's closet (store similar: here)Bag: thrifted (vintage similar: here, here)
