A Minimalists Approach to Style & Fashion
by Erik Neilson
Men’s fashion has gotten to the point where there are endless variations on how one can approach getting dressed in the morning. Whether you live a casual, professional or other lifestyle, there are so many different options to choose from when putting together an ensemble that it can be quite head-spinning. While many people view this as being positive, those who are relatively new to the world of men’s fashion often find it to be nothing less than overwhelming. One of the best ways to simplify and streamline your style is to take a minimalist approach to men’s fashion. Minimalism doesn’t mean wearing ensemble that are sloppy or not well thought-out; indeed, the opposite applies when taking this approach, as it allows you to strip away unnecessary elements when choosing what to wear. The following are just a few tips for taking a minimalist approach to style, all of which can help you to look more sleek, confident and professional.
Avoid “Busy” Patterns
Without a doubt, the most important thing you can do when striving to take a minimalist approach to fashion is to avoid shirts, coats or any other items of clothing that feature patterns that might be considered “busy.” Busy or “loud” patterns are the worst things you could possibly wear when trying to look minimalist, as they do nothing but draw attention to themselves. For best results, you should avoid patterns altogether. If you must wear a patterned shirt, however, you should stick to those which utilize as few lines as possible, and of neutral colors. Pinstripe shirts, for example, are just barely able to fit into the category of minimalism, with checkered varieties taking things way too far. The less you utilize patterns as part of your wardrobe, the closer you’ll be to minimalism. Great ties for a minimalists fashion look are solids, trendy skinny ties, cotton ties, ties made from worsted wool or cashmere, as well as classic striped ties, and British regimental ties.
Drop the Accessories
Accessories can be very effective when utilized correctly, and are an essential part of men’s fashion. That said, anyone who is working towards minimalism should avoid wearing any accessories whatsoever. After all, watches, bracelets, necklaces and even hats can easily serve to draw attention to themselves, which is the opposite of what you’re going for when dressing with minimalism in mind. If you wear glasses for reading or long-distance vision, you might even want to consider switching them out for contacts (although square-framed black spectacles can actually help to accentuate a minimalist ensemble).
Embrace Earth Tones
A lot of minimalism in fashion comes down to which colors you choose to wear on a daily basis. With minimalism, certain colors work wonderfully, while others do not. Earth tones, for example, are synonymous with this look, and work very well when paired together. For example, any variation on brown trousers can be effective when paired with a dark, earthy green turtleneck or other, similar piece. Earth tones are ideal for the corporate environment, which is perfect for those who work in an office, yet still want to dress with minimalism in mind. Earth tones are especially effective when used in shoes and boots, which can add nice contrast to the rest of your outfit.
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