https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 05:08:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924549 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 16:24:30 +0000 Anonymous 1924549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>BINKLE and JESSI- your backgrounds really help in this area -as I imagine the color arena too.&nbsp; I fail at the "hangman" game as I can't even draw a stick person (flower and clouds I seem ok with-lol) .&nbsp; It always amazes me how often I think an art and architecture background can be useful in so many areas.&nbsp; I guess that is why they are always part and parcel of making a renaissance (wo)man.</div><div><br /></div><div>RACHYLOU- I was having confusion with 2 definitions...6!!!!!! Thanks for clearing that up for me- it actually makes sense.</div><div><br /></div><div>MAINELADY- I agree with you and the others that think it can be hard work to look effortless- go figure!</div><div><br /></div><div>SISI- I read about 333 but I don't think I could do it- so more power to you.....and there is nothing wrong with frugal (I am a cautious shopper and rarely pay full price for anything!)</div><div><br /></div><div>BIJOU- embarrassed to say I had to look up ADR<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>BECKY and JENNI- I would both dread and welcome a move as a means of forced purge or closet detox.</div><div><br /></div><div>It always amazes me what I learn from all of your posts- thanks<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924494 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:09:17 +0000 Becky 1924494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a helpful discussion, <b>efbgen</b>. I couldn't help but chuckle at the "signature move" described for each type of minimalist in the article <b>rachy</b> linked to. We are doing a huge house declutter right now (including closets). From the four people living at our home, we collected a total of 13 garbage bags full of clothing and shoes to donate. I might add that we still have many more clothes than we actually need, so I guess we aren't that type of minimalist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924448 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 10:41:41 +0000 Bijou 1924448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clean lines with minimal embellishment.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like to think that minimalism is the opposite of Anna Della Russo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924438 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:38:28 +0000 Sisi 1924438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I often refer to myself as minimalist, but I use this term to cut it short, meaning that I am happier with a moderate number of things - from clothes and shoes to&nbsp;kitchenware and&nbsp;linen sets .... Wardrobe-wise&nbsp;I&nbsp;use P333 as inspiration. So I think I am type 1 minimalist. Provided that minimalist is the right word. Maybe I could call myself just frugal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924437 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:29:05 +0000 Mainelady 1924437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is so informative! I have to work hard at minimalism. I feel unsettled if things are too crazy, hectic, crowded or cluttered, but I thrive upon quality details, a bit of embellishment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924432 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:17:58 +0000 Jenni NZ 1924432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's awesome Rachy! I love the signature moves with the hangers!<br /> I think when we move into the new house I may do move 1. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924419 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 07:29:35 +0000 rachylou 1924419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did a search. Apparently there are 6 types of minimalists, lol: <a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.apartmenttherapy.com/these-are-the-6-types-of-minimalists-which-one-are-you-250532" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/amp/s/a.....you-250532</a></p> <p>I agree with what Jessikams said, maybe due to a plethora of architects in the family. For something to be striking and functional while simple, takes a high degree level of craftsmanship (or effort in my words). You can build a table with 5 pieces of wood and 4 nails, but that’s not quite minimalist... that’s an eyesore of a table that’s gonna collapse under your Diet Coke very soon. Lol.</p> <p>The minimalist principle, anyways, as the 6 types suggest, can produce different results and looks. You can have a minimalism of formS - a closet of nothing but tees and jeans, but then have a huge number. You can have a minimalism of number IN THE closet, but you will probably be buying a lot and often (as I tried once in my own way, things wear out fast that way). You can have a minimalism of form, meaning no extraneous flourishes - but then you really need good craftsmanship, cut and material and finish. Two dish towels and two seams do not a skirt make.</p> <p>Classic clothing, I think btw, does have extraneous detail. What do pintucks and fold-down collars do? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924364 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 02:23:27 +0000 Jessikams 1924364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I come at it as a former architect— minimalism gives an effect of simplicity that demands a really high level of craftsmanship. A Tadao Ando building has no ornament- its finishes ARE the ornament- so the surfacing and edging of the concrete has to be absolutely perfect. (And Japanese workers can achieve this in a way that US construction workers sadly don’t). </p> <p>In clothing, perhaps a black skirt might look simple but the finish on the silk will be wonderful, or the seams will be detailed in some special way. It won’t be a black sack of a thing from Target. Minimalism is often very expensive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924359 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 01:11:55 +0000 binkle 1924359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol! Just took some art history in college haha!<br /> I had to go back and double check "minimalism" on wikipedia before I pontificated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924354 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:32:45 +0000 Anonymous 1924354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SAL- wow your BIL sounds like he has it all together. Better person than me.<br /> BINKLE- thank you for the education- are you an art expert? Because it sounds like you know your stuff. I have a hard enough time wrapping my head around definition let alone the concept of 20 Tees, 10 trousers and 15 Tns being minimalist- lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924349 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:15:26 +0000 binkle 1924349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the definition has evolved with time. Minimalism was a post-war art movement that was - minimal! Blocks of pure hues or black/white, etc. Thus simple clothing shapes in a restricted palette was "minimalism.". You could be a minimalist with 20 identical white tees and 10 black trousers and 15 black turtlenecks. </p> <p>Not "classic" which is timeless styles like trench coats and chanel jackets and riding boots, hermes scarves, etc. You could have a small wardrobe of these classic pieces, but you weren't a minimalist.</p> <p>The minimal-size-of-wardrobe thing seems very recent and internet/blog driven, with "challenges" etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924317 Thu, 31 May 2018 21:27:33 +0000 Sal 1924317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not a minimalist in my aesthetic nor in my lifestyle - my BIL<br /> Is as close as I know - he does not own a car, he only buys clothes to replace worn out ones, he makes do with household items, he borrows and lends gear, he grows a lot of vege and is an almost vegetarian, and does not add things to his home. Yet he is a home owner, professional employee and lives a rich life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924312 Thu, 31 May 2018 21:06:57 +0000 Anonymous 1924312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>RACHYLOU- There are days it all seems like hard work to me. It also doesn't help when terminology is varied. Thanks for making me smile!</div><div><br /></div><div>SAL- I agree with you regarding the minimalist lifestyle that suggests you get rid of everything.&nbsp; There is only so many places for it to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>RUNCARLA- interesting- never thought of minimalism in terms of picking and choosing where to be one- as in you can be minimal in fashion but not in kitchen gadgets.&nbsp; hmmmm.....<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924308 Thu, 31 May 2018 20:54:17 +0000 Carla 1924308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I think I have a minimalist aesthetic - except when it comes to gardening, and maybe cooking! However I do not live alone, so there is compromise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924285 Thu, 31 May 2018 18:45:56 +0000 Sal 1924285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is the Minimalist aesthetic - simple clothing, clean lines in a chair or piece of furniture.</p> <p>Then there is the minimalist lifestyle when you simplify your possessions to have less clothing, household items, etc..&nbsp; I do not always equate this with an environmentally friendly lifestyle - getting rid of stuff to buy more stuff?&nbsp; However it definitely can be.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924283 Thu, 31 May 2018 18:35:40 +0000 Toban 1924283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of Everlane and Universal Standard of having a minimalist esthetic for a majority of their pieces. Even Eileen Fisher, except for the most layered looks. COS has many pieces that fit a minimalist esthetic and as many, or more, that don’t. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924281 Thu, 31 May 2018 18:26:10 +0000 rachylou 1924281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing about minimalism is that it takes great effort! Lol. I define it as being pared down to the essentials of form and function AND beauty, nothing extraneous flapping about. Streamline. The items when in use are easy to work with. But the thing is, the construction and acquisition of such items can be terribly complex - that’s where the work is. And it’s quite a lot of work. Just all up front. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924272 Thu, 31 May 2018 17:54:50 +0000 Anonymous 1924272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TOBAN and SUZ- lol - clear as mud sums it up. I guess you are right that you have to determine what is meant by context. I guess when you just see the word- minimalist- you aren’t really going to be sure if the are talking the Lifestyle of numbers or the style esthetic.<br /> ELIZABETH- SUZ - ANGIE- thanks for weighing in on stores/ designers for clarification.<br /> THISTLE- it always helps to have others check the same boxes. If firms up the concept.<br /> Thanks guys </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924269 Thu, 31 May 2018 17:44:47 +0000 Angie 1924269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% what <b>Toban</b>&nbsp;and <b>Suz </b>said.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't think COS is all that Minimalist. It's more Avant-Garde because the designs can be quite complex. I don't think something can be complex and minimal - that's a hyperbole.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924268 Thu, 31 May 2018 17:36:47 +0000 Thistle 1924268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Toban said!</p> <p>It really depends on context, which is not at all helpful, I know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924267 Thu, 31 May 2018 17:31:27 +0000 Suz 1924267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right. Or early Jil Sander.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924265 Thu, 31 May 2018 17:26:46 +0000 Elizabeth P 1924265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Think COS.&nbsp; Many of their pieces are what I consider minimalist, but certainly not classic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924264 Thu, 31 May 2018 17:20:48 +0000 Suz 1924264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Toban said. &nbsp;You have to go with the context to understand the precise meaning.&nbsp;</p> <p>"Classic" or "iconic" items are not always (or even typically) minimalist in aesthetic.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924256 Thu, 31 May 2018 16:57:38 +0000 Toban 1924256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are multiple definitions in use and the definitions have varying degrees of overlap. I’ve seen minimalist used to represent both size of wardrobe and also a style esthetic that features simple lines, minimal accessories and ornamentation. Some classic pieces but not all meet the minimalist esthetic. Minimalist size wardrobes may or may not feature classic or minimalist esthetic pieces. Clear as mud ;). On its own it is not clear which definition is being used. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/define-minimalist-please#post-1924252 Thu, 31 May 2018 16:46:46 +0000 Anonymous 1924252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bewildered again- Can someone please clarify minimalism for me.<br /> I always thought of it as a fashion LIFESTYLE- A palette of 3 colors that mix and match. And a streamlined closet like project 333 or basic capsule wardrobe. (I’m calling this #1)<br /> But more and more I am seeing “minimalism “ as a style DESCRIPTOR- clothes with little to no detail, plain clean lines. I always saw that as “classic”. (I’m calling this #2)<br /> Is this a semantics thing? Because I see some of you post that identify self as minimalist..... are you miminalist #1 or #2..... is there a #3i wonder?<br /> I am totally not minimalist in lifestyle- I like clothes, shoes and scarves too much.) lol but can a classic be minimalist and a minimalist a classic?<br /> Thanks </p>