Minimalism

History of Minimalism

The history of the emergence of minimalism as a style in clothing is a topic of heated debate. Historians in the field of fashion still can not decide who was the first to promote the idea of simplicity and conciseness of clothing. Often there are, for example, three Japanese designers Rei Kawakubo, Issei Miyake and Yoji Yamamato. They began to actively promote clothes devoid of glitter and glamour, which then went against the typical understanding of fashion.

Among the adherents of minimalism is Coco Chanel, who created a minimalist black dress and was generally famous for laconic and practical styles. The first rudiments of minimalism in clothing date back to the 60's of the last century, but only 20 years later this trend began to be popularized. The impetus for the adaptation of minimalism was the struggle for equality between men and women, which affected, among other things, the concepts of the beauty of women's clothing, previously accompanied by ruffles and flowers.

In the 90's, the self-taught designer Helmut Lang presented a collection consisting of simple geometric silhouettes. A pantsuit was also included in the collection, where the shirt was replaced by a T-shirt. Later, minimalist collections were released by Dior, Calvin Klein. In the 00's, when the world was shaken by the economic crisis, people began to abandon shocking, chic, gloss and designers hurried to adapt to the needs of buyers. Brands, fashion houses and famous designers began to produce practical, but exquisite clothes that would be combined with each other and remained relevant for many years.

Now, 20 years later, minimalism continues to gain momentum - it is chosen by women of different ages and professions, and brands offer different clothing options - from laconic to brighter, but in both cases - minimalistic.

Principles of Minimalism

It is generally accepted that minimalism is boring, dull and unattractive. To dispel this myth, suffice it to say that minimalism in clothing is a kind of avant-garde, which is famous for non-standard silhouettes, a combination of textures and styles, interesting color combinations.

• exaggerated simplicity. If the basic wardrobe is characterized by really simple things, then minimalism literally screams - "look, everything is very simple for me." Things are exaggerated, hyperbolized simple, which makes them unique and original;

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• geometry and architecture. All images in the style of minimalism are literally works of art. Clear lines, clear, but not always correct form, obvious outlines - all this is about modern minimalism;

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• reasonable consumption. Minimalism doesn't mean little. Girls who adhere to minimalism acquire exactly as many things as necessary, but do not succumb to asceticism and total reduction;
• multi-layered. A frequent reception of a minimalist style is multi-layered outfits, but with the preservation of the purity of style and the rejection of the "cabbage" effect. Most often, the layers are monochrome or even monochromatic;

• lack of prints and décor in clothes. The only exception will be lines and geometric shapes. Do not find a place in the minimalist wardrobe of chains, ruffles, fringes;
• calm palette in restrained shades. Most often these are the basic colors - white, black, gray, brown. Sometimes muted burgundy, blue, green are added. But it is noticed that modern minimalism is much more democratic, so it allows even neon. If you are just embarking on the path of a minimalist, we advise you to start with less bright options;
• high quality. The materials used in clothing for classical, traditional minimalism are used only high-quality, expensive. Among the materials, wool, cotton, silk, leather, knitwear, satin are in the lead.

Clothing brands in the style of minimalism

Recently, calm, restrained models please the Italian brand Max Mara. Of course, the company has more daring, bright things, but it is minimalism with its calm tones and understandable cut that occupies leading places in the collections of the last few years.

@maxmara

@maxmara

@maxmara

Of course, for the selection of a minimalist wardrobe, you should go to COS. There are many outfits of laconic silhouette without bright prints. The colors of clothing are either pastel or muted. Both men and women will be able to collect a stylish bow here.

@cosstores

@cosstores

@cosstores

Attractive from the point of view of minimalism and Jil Sander. The clothes here are more filled with details, but remaining within the minimalist framework. A simple, clear cut and a generally restrained color palette allow you to create a stylish, prominent bow and stay true to the principles of minimalism.

@jilsander

@jilsander

@jilsander

Basic wardrobe in the style of minimalism

First of all, it must be said that minimalism is not about templates. It is almost impossible to make a basic wardrobe for a girl without knowing her, her habits, lifestyle, age and other factors. We will show the principles by which a minimalist wardrobe is compiled, and you will already adjust them for yourself.

There are 2 options for a minimalist wardrobe:

• Total – all things belong to the style of minimalism;
• Partial - minimalistic things are combined with clothes of another direction, most often casual.

Total minimalism

Total minimalism is a demonstration of all the principles of the stylistic direction. Things for a minimalist wardrobe will have a laconic cut, and in addition to it, something of the specific features:

• Asymmetry. It can be an asymmetrical hem, shoulders and even a width on the trousers;

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• Cuts - the more unusual, the better;
• "Slid shoulders" - this is found on jumpers, tops, T-shirts, as well as dresses;
• Atypical layers - wrap on's, extra sleeves on the belt, double or triple belt on the trousers.

Examples of things for a basic wardrobe:

• Tops. It is better to take a few - they will perfectly fit into many images. Choose all models in accordance with the criteria described above - a concise cut, but with a zest in the form of asymmetry or a non-standard cut;

@cosstores

@cosstores

• Jumper with V-neck. Pay attention to the lowered shoulders. You can choose any color, as well as a colorblock, as in the photo;

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• Dress. Choose 2-3 models of different lengths, but keep in mind that they should all be simple, but not banal. A piquant cut to the hips, cuts on the sleeves, asymmetrical straps, a pronounced neckline - all this is appropriate. But make sure that the dress remains restrained and not flashy. More minimalistic dresses - from DRESS Magazine editors;

@natasha.lobyreva

@m_alekse

@cosstores

• Pants. There are many options here - shortened wide jeans with raw cuts, trousers with a double belt or asymmetrical width, with cuts at the bottom, very wide or long. You need to start from preferences;

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@misssixty

@mikaelahallen

• Turtleneck or longsleeve;

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• Jacket. Jackets with lapels of different lengths look cool, and if they are also painted in the colorblock technique, this is an exact hit in total minimalism;

Partial minimalism

Partial minimalism is suitable for girls who are not ready to immediately dress with pronounced avant-garde in their images. For partial minimalism, stylish combinations will be:

• Simple trousers or jeans and a top with an unusual neckline or asymmetry;

• Minimalist dress with a classic jacket;

• A simple white shirt and an unusual skirt of a laconic cut in the style of minimalism.

In the same spirit, you can collect dozens of interesting combinations that will balance between casual and minimalism.

Shoes & Accessories

Special attention should be paid to shoes and accessories, because in minimalism it is unusual. For the summer, the now popular "inflated" slaps and sandals will do.

@asos

@asos

So-called "bare" sandals, with thin straps, are also appropriate. Please note that the cape should be square.

@asos

Take a closer look at other unusual models of summer shoes with original geometric heels.

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@cosstores

Flat-soled ballet flats with a square nose or babush-like shoes.

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For cool autumn, ankle boots are suitable, but unusual streamlined, and more unusual shape or with a strange heel at first glance.

@cosstores

@cosstores

Pay attention to the appearance of the bag. Any geometric shapes will do - from clear square or rectangular to more atypical.

@cosstores

@misssixty

@misssixty

As for accessories – their minimum:

• a string of pearls around the neck or wrist will complement the suit, dress, jeans with a shirt;
• jewelry of simple shapes - round, square, stripes;
• stylish watch on a leather or metal strap of the base color - black, brown, gray.

Hair and makeup in a minimalist style

A hairstyle in the style of minimalism should comply with all the rules - restraint, the absence of flashy elements, a minimum of accessories. A classic neat ponytail, loose hair with front strands fixed behind, a neat bun will do. As accessories in the hairstyle, simple hairpins, pearl beads are allowed. Makeup with an emphasis on the eyes, but without bright shadows. Lips are distinguished by nude lipstick or gloss, but muted shades of lipstick are also used - burgundy, brown. You can do any other makeup, but it should not contrast with the overall calmness of the image and attract attention - this minimalism does not tolerate.

Men's minimalism

Men's clothing in the style of minimalism implies conciseness of styles, lack of decor and monotony of things. The basic men's wardrobe is characterized by:

• a classic trouser suit;
• basic T-shirts;
• sweatshirt without prints;
• knitted jumpers;

• chinos pants, slacks, straight jeans;
• a classic shirt of white or other basic color;
• corduroy or linen monochromatic shirt.

Shoes – moccasins, boots, classic shoes with an oval nose.

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