Minimal style means maximum possibilities - but how to keep it looking interesting? That's minimal style with an edge and we show you how it works.
Minimalism is a way of simplifying and cutting back the excesses. In today’s throwaway, cut-price culture it’s easy to take accessorizing and bling to the level of an Olympic sport. However, showing restraint with a minimal style means you’ve thought much harder about how you look and how to stand out.
As Leonardo da Vinci said “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”.
Minimalism isn’t just about how you dress. It can define everything from the way you decorate your home, to the food you cook. Why surround yourself with bright paisley throws reminiscent of a 70’s music festival, or souvenir comedy fridge magnets from countries you’ve visited, when you can keep an instantly more calming surrounding?
If you want to push it to the extreme you can even take on a zero waste lifestyle and reduce your landfill contribution to something smaller than a peanut. Either way, it makes more sense than ever to embrace minimalism in this ever increasing world of excess.
Towards the end of the 1980’s, designers like Comme des Garçons, Calvin Klein and Jil Sander pioneered a pared-back style which captured minimalism.
It was a style focusing on texture, material and most importantly tailoring. After all, if you’re not working with colour and print, the cut of your clothes and how they fit becomes even more important.
Today minimalism still exists and although fashion movements like Normcore, Boho and Athleisure are the focus of attention, there are still people designing a skimmed back style - The Row, Vince, and even a chain like COS, are on board.
These minimal designs may be calming and easy on the eye, but where is the sass?
Minimal fashion has been around for nearly 30 years, but it’s time to bring the attitude with some edginess, confidence, and self-expression. This is a style we like to call 'minimal with an edge'.
Rick Owens, Alexander Wang and 3.1 Phillip Lim are designers who have all picked up on this.
Minimal fashion is timeless so can be worn anytime, day or night, but add an edge and you take it to another level. By starting with a tailored silhouette then adding elements and subtle twists, it’s a strong way to confidently stand out.
Slim silhouettes in neutral colours are key to keeping the style minimal, whilst providing the perfect canvas to let the small details shout. Venting on the side of a vest in a contrast colour, or contrast texture leather panelling over denim at the knee, are both examples of added edge.
Even an outfit in a single colour can let the attitude rock. Rips on the knees, tailored silhouettes, contrasting textures of leather sleeves on a cotton jacket, gold buttons and a sheer top with a hint of bra. All these details bring an edge to this look.
There are many ways this ‘edge’ can be worn. Playing with various themes, fabrics, tailoring, customization, and accessories are all part of adding attitude to what you’re wearing. Essentially it's all down the finer details and how creative you want to be.
How are you bringing an edge to your style today?
