https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:12:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1252418 Thu, 15 May 2014 15:10:46 +0000 em 1252418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor Swift's outfit is "finished." Her clothes fit--the pants are cropped at the right length and the shirt is fitted. Her hair is shiny, she's wearing earrings, and a bold red lip.</p> <p>The last photo (toko), the model's hair isn't styled, she's wearing no makeup, and her clothes are just hanging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1252342 Thu, 15 May 2014 12:51:09 +0000 viva 1252342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so interesting that even one style -- minimal -- has two such different interpretations (thanks for making that so clear, Anna). I am definitely drawn to the classic expression of minimalism. I think this is where both personal taste and body type come in. As a rectangle, I really don't do arty layers, so avant garde fashions don't usually appeal to me for my own use, although they are fun to look at. </p> <p>I love the picture you posted from Trademark, Torontogirl, as well as Anna's classic picture. I am so attracted to the crisp clean lines of the outfits. Those are much more of what I personally would wear, but again -- it's my taste and my body shape coming into play. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1252181 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:33:24 +0000 Gigi 1252181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG, regarding the picture you posted (black skinnies plus tan top), I think what makes it minimal is what Anna was getting at: nice fabric, perfect fit, polished look. Everything has been carefully thought out. I think that if you want to pull off a minimal look, you will also have to be more careful about well-groomed hair, nails, etc.</p> <p>It's kind of funny...you would think that a minimal look would be easier, but it sounds like it may not be, if a person needs to invest more time in grooming and perfect fit. Interesting... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1252179 Thu, 15 May 2014 04:32:17 +0000 Anonymous 1252179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna -- thanks for your posts. &nbsp;I adore Fashion, but didn't have time to comment on your earlier thread. &nbsp;I will watch for your insights into Fashion whenever you post. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1252127 Thu, 15 May 2014 03:24:38 +0000 jackiec 1252127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh food for thought - the question plus all of the responses. I have to admit that I never really analyzed style and fashion until I arrived here and read all the varied and deep insights. I am totally going to check out that blog - it looks fascinating. Rachylou's first architectural comment struck a chord with me right away, like she hit the nail on the spot, but for me it just struck a gut feeling. I do believe fit and fabrication really make a difference, especially in a silhouette like the Taylor Swift outfit. So really I have no answer but appreciate the question and will keep an eye on this as I progress in my own style journey. Thanks for bringing this up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1252073 Thu, 15 May 2014 02:25:41 +0000 Jaime 1252073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna great examples. Agree that the uninspiring outfit was just that. I am most drawn to the La Garconne example. Minimalism is the most interesting category of fashion for me, although I don't think I always get it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251898 Thu, 15 May 2014 00:01:10 +0000 Susie 1251898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also love Into Mind; she shows nice examples and provides detailed instructions. </p> <p>I love Anna's examples; very interesting. </p> <p>In your example of jeans and tee, well fitting jeans in a modern cut, paired with a simply shaped top in a great fabric and fab shoes would look put together. Minimal yet more deliberate than just jeans and a tee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251863 Wed, 14 May 2014 23:11:12 +0000 Helena 1251863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, thank you - I love all those thoughts and will be pondering - I LOVE the word "essentialism" ... I think that that actually describes what I am going for more the "minimalism" does - doing the necessary well, and then skipping the un-necessary altogether&nbsp;... it reminds me of this quote from the queen of simplicity, Audrey Hepburn (passage is from HuffPo):</p> <p><span>"<i><b>Boil it all down to what counts the most: What is the essence of what you are trying to do? What's the most important thing?</b>" she would tell her sons. "T<b>hings only get complicated when you are trying to address too many issues.</b>" It was this simplicity that helped fashion her classic iconic "look," which was based on hers and Hubert de Givenchy's values of "less is more."</p> <p></i><i><br /></i></span></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251857 Wed, 14 May 2014 23:03:36 +0000 rachylou 1251857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I kind of liked the totokaelo! Hehe.</p> <p>Re. following architects - Actually I sorta meant both. It's all about "developing the eye." Looking at outlines, the bones of a thing, texture, etc. In some ways, the word 'minimalism' can be replaced with 'essentialism.'</p> <p>Re. working from the inside out - Well, it occurs to me that walking around telling myself "pointedly tranquil" might not help anyone else visually identify an item of clothing (or a house) with good bone structure. Minimalism well done gives me a certain feeling and that's how I recognise it. I don't actually think much about the <i>sight</i> of things (which explains any number of my outfits, hehe). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251839 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:43:57 +0000 Helena 1251839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Anna and Lyn! Fit and fabric shall be my mantra too then, esp. fit since I prefer a tailored look&nbsp;anyhow.&nbsp;I love the example on Taylor Swift especially (classic being my style preference) and agree that the last example is pretty blah ... although I don't know that I could articulate why ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251819 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:15:06 +0000 Astrid 1251819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, that comparison is so interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251814 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:06:44 +0000 annagybe 1251814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whereas this, even with all the fancy brands. Well I find completely uninspiring:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://totokaelo.com/look/featuring-wonder-tencel-tee-1">http://totokaelo.com/look/feat.....ncel-tee-1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251809 Wed, 14 May 2014 22:00:33 +0000 Lyn D. 1251809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fit and fabric is part of my style Mantra- I figure if the few items are great quality they will speak for themselves. </p> <p>ETA. &nbsp;We cross-posted Anna- love your examples !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251808 Wed, 14 May 2014 21:59:07 +0000 annagybe 1251808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think to do minimalist right you have to perfect fit, good fabric etc.</p> <p>Classic</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://fashionone.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Hot-trend-black-t-shirts-3.jpg">http://fashionone.s3.amazonaws.....irts-3.jpg</a></p> <p>Versus&nbsp;</p> <p>Avant Garde</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lagarconne.com/store/feature/Ensemble-of-the-Week--Modern-Bohemian.html">http://www.lagarconne.com/stor.....emian.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251805 Wed, 14 May 2014 21:47:33 +0000 Helena 1251805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone! Astrid, that blog is terrific, thanks! Mo, you articulated the dilemma perfectly. Rachylou, you both confused and intrigued me - do you mean look at architects' clothing choices, or how to design homes? And what do you mean you work from the inside out? Suz, terrific workable suggestions, which I actually often do, but perhaps need to do with more intention. I sometimes think you know my style better than I do - don't suppose you're for hire?? ;)</p> <p>So - my follow up question then - I found the outfit below on Viva's site - this is a total "me" outfit and would be perfect for my lifestyle. What makes is "minimalist" vs. "boring and unfinished", would you say? Or is it just a matter of owning the style rather than being concerned about looking unfinished? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251797 Wed, 14 May 2014 21:38:55 +0000 Suz 1251797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One word:&nbsp;Uniform.&nbsp;</p> <p>It might involve high contrast, e.g. navy and white or black and white.&nbsp;</p> <p>Or low to no contrast, e.g. denim plus blue grey top. All grey. All white or taupe.&nbsp;</p> <p>Or...for summer, colour blocking. Could use vivid colours or one neutral with colour.&nbsp;</p> <p>The items need to be in simple shapes. Could be shorts or pants, a simple tee-like top (either in tee material or silk, or linen, or some other fabrication).&nbsp;</p> <p>Very simple but dramatic sandals. A cuff (perhaps).&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251782 Wed, 14 May 2014 21:20:56 +0000 rachylou 1251782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My tip is to follow the architects. Read <i>Dwell</i> magazine. Visit Houzz.com Architects find the sharpest yet plainest stuff and come up with formulas for dressing that involve minimal ingredients. Yes, I'd pay a lot of attention to line and colour. *Pointedly tranquil* would be my mantra.</p> <p>But I work from the inside out and I guess that's very vague... hmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251718 Wed, 14 May 2014 19:53:36 +0000 Mo 1251718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, not sure I can reconcile the almost Norweigan minimalistic image Viva's link puts in my mind with jeans and a tee MOTG wear. &nbsp;Will have to think on it. &nbsp;I consider my style more minimal than maximal, and it certainly skews casual.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251710 Wed, 14 May 2014 19:42:33 +0000 Astrid 1251710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you know the blog <a href="http://into-mind.com/" rel="nofollow">INTO MIND</a>? It's all about building a minimal wardrobe. There are a lot of interesting things on there, although I've never tried to implement her suggestions myself. Her own style is casual, so her examples are rather casual too. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tips-for-casual-minimalists-inspired-by-viva#post-1251699 Wed, 14 May 2014 19:35:42 +0000 Helena 1251699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inspired by Viva's thread, what are your tips for casual minimalist outfits - I'm talking jeans and tee, MOTG&nbsp;level of dressiness.&nbsp;</p> <p>I believe I am a minimalist at heart, but so much of the minimalist styles I see rely on a dressier, very structured or dramatic look that doesn't play as well for day-to-day (esp. casual day-to-day) - I will be looking through Viva's brand find with interest as they seemed to have a few great piece, such as the bright maxi dress she linked to.</p> <p>Here's her link:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-brand-for-minimalists">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....inimalists</a></p> <p>Love to hear thoughts and tips! </p>