I’ve been through the fashion cycle since high school and I have been very fond of dressing up. I came from anime fashion to Audrey Hepburn in a span of more than a decade. I guess fashion statements change as you age (thankfully!). There is more to fashion than just throwing on a pair of jeans and a shirt. It’s actually how you prefer to be seen by others which varies to the values you want to project. Most of the time how you dress up is your mood on a certain day.
For you ladies who are like me that are most of the time not in the mood to prep up too much but still wants to look like a model on her day-off; welcome to the club of the not-so-minimalist. We want to put the “wow” factor in the “meh”– not too flashy but just right. It’s a bit confusing but don’t worry darling, I will be giving some tips on how to make this happen. Here is a list of some of the must-haves.
- SOMETHING NEUTRAL
It could be a dress, a top, anything! As long as you have a piece that is clean and not confusing on the eyes.
2. V-NECK
V-necks are very stylish and elegant-looking. The accent itself is the cut and goes well with any face and body frames specially when you have a round face such as mine.
3. BUTTONED DOWN
Collared buttoned downs are just the best! It could make you look professional and laid-back at the same time. It’s all in the fabric. Make sure you buy an “expensive-looking” fabric such as linen and faux suede so that even if worn as is you won’t look dressed down.
4. LOVE THAT COAT!
Coats are a not-so-minimalist’s friend. You wouldn’t have to worry about how to style a plain shirt if you have one of these slick structured jackets. It could make the whole get-up pop! Coats look sexy in a way that it covers you and leaves a peek of what’s inside.
5. GEOMETRIC CUTS
Slits that come out on odd spaces and creates lovely patterns are a thing. It makes the look more polished and prim. It gives that unique feel that you would want to look twice to make sure they got the concept of what you are wearing. It gives your outfit more personality.
6. SQUARE PANTS
The dawn of the skinny Jeans is slowly fading out. In comes the more structured type of pants such as culottes, capri and mom jeans. It resembles the fashion trend in the 50’s such as the ones Audrey Hepburn could often be seen wearing. However, a bit of tight jeans may not be that bad.
7. THE BEE’S KNEES
Knee-length skirts are something you don’t want to miss out on. You can pair them with either heels, sneakers, or flats and you would still look elegantly fab. Skirts with slits would work twice as better. Above the knee skirts could also work if paired with the right top and shoe choices.
8. DRESS YOUR FEET
The less commotion on your foot wear the better. Throw in some ankle boots or White sneakers. Heels could be stilettos with a pointed tip or open strapped. Wedges are also chic as long as there’s not much color going on.Flats are our feet’s best friend. Make sure to buy one that is both for style and comfort.
9. ACCESSORIZE
You can never go wrong with a golden bling. Gold looks very elegant and it accentuates your whole look very well. Just make sure that there isn’t a lot going on with your accessories. Remember, we don’t want too much, just enough. Pull out a slick watch or a thin belt.
Before I forget! Mind you that a turban is never overrated!
10. MAKE TIME FOR MAKE UP
Lastly, put on a no-make up make up look. Mix and match all these outfits if you want but don’t forget to look fresh with a bit of make up.
Make sure your make up is on fleek!
You’re all set to work it!
In this not-so-minimalist look, it’s the fine details that count. You don’t have to be extravagant to be a show stopper. Sometimes this collage of a world needs a simplistic touch that could take their eyes off the business of life. Even the complex mind of Leonardo Da Vinci thought that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
You can have all the things to look so beautiful on the outside but true elegance springs from a gentle and genuine heart of a woman. So go out and bring your elegance to the world!
*Photos are from Pinterest
ModernClara 