https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:01:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678587 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:47:32 +0000 Beth Ann 1678587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your last comment, Jenn: &nbsp;"Maybe those who "just throw something on" and look fabulous are able to do so because they've worn that exact combination thirty times before and know exactly the right way to tuck the top and cuff the hems and scrunch the sleeves for best effect. No experimenting necessary because it's already been done."</p> <p>Very insightful.</p> <p>I'm also chuckling at Gaylene because I am as puzzled over minimalism as she is maximalism. &nbsp;I think I really fall somewhere in between, but I have never managed minimalism at all. &nbsp;Of course, a small, high-quality wardrobe must work perfectly -- no room for mistakes -- and that scares me off and sends me back to Kohls for a striped top and some Levis!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678558 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:24:45 +0000 Zibbets 1678558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quality, fit and grooming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678532 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:32:10 +0000 Ledonna N. 1678532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BC I can fully understand.&nbsp; I think that maximal applies to my life in general.&nbsp; Oh that is a great topic.&nbsp; Where do we fall in that scale.&nbsp; My wardrobe reflects my life and my life is maximal.&nbsp; lol how ironic.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678528 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:14:19 +0000 Anonymous 1678528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ledonna</b>, I can't do either minimalism or maximalism, so I'm somewhere in between the two extremes. It goes along with my "moderation in all things" lifestyle, I suppose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678524 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 15:02:01 +0000 Ledonna N. 1678524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh My, Do I enjoy this thread.&nbsp; I have wondered what made a minimalist lifestyle and how I could achieve such a thing.&nbsp; I realized that that was not how I wanted to live.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also liked Gaylen's response."<br /> Great question, but I'd have had to word it "What makes maximalism<br /> work?" Every day, I see stylish women boldly mixing colors, patterns<br /> and accessories--and looking fabulous. I, on the other hand, try to<br /> imitate them and end up looking like a homeless vagrant."&nbsp; </p> <p>Because I am a true maximal and not ashamed to admit it. I love high drama in fashion only.&nbsp; I wonder why that is.&nbsp; I never flow in the space in-between.&nbsp; I've tried several times and its like fitting a square peg in a round hole.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678501 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:33:55 +0000 Liz 1678501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I definitely agree with your quality matters and styling matters. </p> <p>But I wonder if the styling that <i>really</i> matters is making the decision about which garment to purchase. I suspect people who have that easily minimal look worked to get the right clothing item into their closet in the first place. If the item has the right cut, drape, fit, and quality, then maybe whether it's tucked or semi-tucked or scrunched or cuffed just right doesn't matter as much. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678346 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 01:18:14 +0000 anne 1678346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting Jenn!!</p> <p>I'm certainly on the smaller end of the wardrobe size for YLF, and often tend to wear the same tried and true combos, and am certainly not ALGo, but don't really aspire to or think I acheive the minimalist look. ( I think perhaps I don't have the grooming down, or perhaps enough quality in the items I get)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1678344 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 01:13:43 +0000 Jenn 1678344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I've been thinking about this and reading all your responses, something occurred to me.</p> <p>Quality matters.<br />Styling matters.</p> <p>If both those things are true, then those with a smaller wardrobe are at a distinct advantage for this type of dressing. For those of us who don't have a stylist on our staff, having fewer, higher-quality items not only means owning pieces that fit and lay better, but having more practice styling each item we own. When we're adding an endless stream of new pieces, we're constantly reinventing the wheel, aren't we? Rather than learning the ins and outs of a small number of wardrobe items, we're fiddling with endless combinations and, possibly, never perfecting any of them. </p> <p>Maybe those who "just throw something on" and look fabulous are able to do so because they've worn that exact combination thirty times before and know exactly the right way to tuck the top and cuff the hems and scrunch the sleeves for best effect. No experimenting necessary because it's already been done.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1677520 Sat, 11 Jun 2016 03:20:53 +0000 Gigi 1677520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Isabel that attention to detail is necessary to make minimalism work. The fit, the drape, the fabric, etc., all become extremely important because there is nothing to distract the eye. I also think that extreme neatness in grooming is required. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1677496 Sat, 11 Jun 2016 01:42:25 +0000 Anonymous 1677496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we can toss the just thrown on nonsense right away because being able to quickly identify and assemble the right pieces usually comes from instruction, environment, or conscious observation. It seems natural because it's been practiced.</p> <p>I'd say what makes minimal work is maximal attention to details. The t shirt with just the right cut and fabric in just the right shade of just the right color, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1677485 Sat, 11 Jun 2016 01:14:23 +0000 Caro in Oz 1677485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are lots of different types of minimalism.</p> <p>There's the Jennifer Anniston natural type who wears&nbsp;jeans &amp; a tee &amp; looks wonderful, Audrey Hepburn with her crisp top, capris &amp; ballet flats. The arty minimalist who references some 1980s Japanese designers to Angie who has (when she decides to dress that way) modern unfussy minimalism down pat.</p> <p>I guess what I'm saying is, for me, it has to do with the personality of the wearer - it's never just about the clothes. One persons minimal may be my frumpy in the same way another persons maximal may be my get me out of these clothes please :)&nbsp;<div></p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1677455 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 23:53:22 +0000 Cococat 1677455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There seem to be two types of minimalism to me, 'arty minimalism' which is all about architectectural shapes and mainly black/white (that's what I get when I search Pinterest) and simplicity minimalism, which is about unadorned simple elements such as jeans and white tee.</p> <p>I feel that both types need a striking element whether it's the shoes, an item of clothing, haircut, bag or perhaps attitude. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1677436 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 23:23:46 +0000 Aida 1677436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Been thinking about this since you posted it Jenn. Found the responses very interesting! A narrower view of "minimal" than I expected. I really resonate with what Rachy wrote<i>:</i></p> <p><i>Things pared down to their most essential, including that which makes something simply pleasing.<br />...<br />I feel it's also different from simplicity. It can take a lot of complex engineering techniques to cut things down to the essential...it's not necessarily economical in the making.<br /></i></p> </p> <p>To me it is primarily about an intelligent distillation of the desired style, whatever that may be; and of course execution and confidence are important components as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work/page/2#post-1676615 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:51:36 +0000 unfrumped 1676615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Jaime, with caveat that&nbsp;I believe it's&nbsp;possible for many body types to do minimalism, but it takes much more careful choices and thought and attention. Very careful attention to dressing your type and choosing pieces that really go the distance. I'm thinking, some body types can wear almost any T, jeans and flats and look "<u>stunningly minimal</u>". Sure, they might actually pick those carefully but hey, just look at clothing ads to see&nbsp; how some people can make anything look good!<br />But then the right T, the right color, the right jeans, the right shoes could work for a lot of people. Add a jacket and handbag, watch, different shoes, it's still pretty minimal and starts to work for more people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676606 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:32:44 +0000 viva 1676606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quality, quality, quality. And not too much of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676603 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:25:58 +0000 kerlyn 1676603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, Jenn. &nbsp;And I'm agreeing with Jaime on this idea...that some of these minimal looks don't quite work with a full face of makeup and layered, sprayed hairstyles. &nbsp;Why is that?&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676600 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 19:08:06 +0000 JAileen 1676600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's also about the quality of the clothes, shoes, etc. I'm thinking of those articles that show someone wearing an outfit and then how you could make that outfit yourself. Invariably the do it yourself doesn't look as good because it's lower quality in fabric and construction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676473 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 15:29:37 +0000 Anonymous 1676473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree about the body type. I have two friends who are French women. They both have that tall and slender body type, and they body dress in the typical French fashion. I'm short and curvy, and can't dress like that. I don't want to dress like that anyway, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676471 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 15:25:37 +0000 Greenjeans 1676471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A fresh haircut and a great pair of shoes. &nbsp;Minimal makes it all about you, your face, your kinesthetic sense, your essence as a person . . .&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676470 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 15:24:29 +0000 Jenn 1676470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There seem to be two schools of thought on minimalism. Is it arty structure or jeans and a white tee? Ironically, the latter might be harder to pull off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676463 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 15:11:55 +0000 MsMary 1676463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just got that from Seoul, South Korea, and the women there blew me away with their fab minimalism. I think the key was strong architectural shapes, fabulous footwear, and perfect grooming. I kept elbowing Lovely Fiance and saying "look at her! Doesn't she look great?!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676404 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:03:35 +0000 krishnidoux 1676404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cut. Quality of the fabric.&nbsp;<br />The French have brands such as Saint James (pronounce <i>sahn xhaamz</i>): you can never look frumpy in one of their striped tops but then again the price! Ouch!&nbsp;<br />Sure, one could go to Walmart and find a striped cotton tee for less than 10$... but then hello frumpiness.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676352 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 12:50:15 +0000 Jaime 1676352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I personally feel the minimal look works best on a certain look and body type and thats why it works so well for French women-they are often naturally like this. By this I mean very thin/angular and naturally 'interesting' looking which to me is a certain type of beauty that is very natural- not the "pretty" that you find over here. A perfect example of this to me is Everlane. So many of their clothes look amazing on the type of models that they use but on an average US woman over a certain age they just look frumpy.&nbsp; To me, these minimal styles really don't look as good with a full face of makeup and layered/sprayed haircuts.</p> <p>All of this being said though I definitely am more minimal than most I know. In suburban Pittsburgh you just don't find many women breaking out of the 'pretty' mold. By this I mean tory burch/kate spade/ silpada. I am sure that many think I dress a bit boring and most would not recognize the brands I wear-even though on the coasts they would immediately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676313 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 11:33:47 +0000 Anonymous 1676313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Aziraphale. &nbsp;</p> <p><i>I really think the answer to 'what makes minimal work' is abundant, obvious confidence coupled with a good eye for fit and proportion.</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676250 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 06:50:05 +0000 Jane 1676250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's to do with familiar colours, shapes and fabrics, in clothes that fit well. </p> <p>And, then I'm with Brooklyn on great hair and good make up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676247 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 06:44:28 +0000 rachylou 1676247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I think minimalism, I think architecture first. Things pared down to their most essential, including that which makes something simply pleasing. Everything built in. The fabrication is incredibly important. You can't stick an ornament on and cover up anything.</p> <p>This doesn't mean to me, tho, that you have few things. </p> <p>I feel it's also different from simplicity. It can take a lot of complex engineering techniques to cut things down to the essential...it's not necessarily economical in the making. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676234 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 05:18:11 +0000 Brooklyn 1676234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tough question, but I agree with UmmLila. Monochrome or not too many colours. Good shoes. I also think good grooming: hair, nails, make up etc add a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676206 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 03:23:29 +0000 Colette 1676206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think minimal is in the details for sure. Since there is less to look at, each piece needs to be exceptional and hold its own. I think it can be learned from a technical perspective but those who have 'it' always stand out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676183 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 02:27:47 +0000 Gaylene 1676183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, but I'd have had to word it "What makes maximalism work?" Every day, I see stylish women boldly mixing colours, patterns and accessories--and looking fabulous. I, on the other hand, try to imitate them and end up looking like a homeless vagrant. </p> <p>In contrast, minimalism is ridiculously easy. Throw on a pair of slim pants, add an architectural top and interesting footwear, and I'm out the door. Dramatic looks in black and white are my bread and butter. Accessories can be as simple as a 2" silver cuff and/or huge scarf. </p> <p>So how does the other half figure out how to put together colors, patterns, layers, and accessories without looking like an unmade bed? Inquiring minds want to know... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-minimal-work#post-1676169 Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:56:54 +0000 Style Fan 1676169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion.&nbsp; I prefer minimal dressing for myself even though I love the look of artsy layers.&nbsp; It is like making salad dressing.&nbsp; I only use a few ingredients but they are the very best quality.&nbsp; Extremely good olive oil, excellent red wine vinegar and a few drops of lemon juice.&nbsp; Sometimes that is all.&nbsp; People are always asking me what is in it.&nbsp; It is the ingredients and the proportions.&nbsp; I might add a statement piece of jewellery like a necklace to my outfit and to my salad dressing I might add some herbs or other flavours.&nbsp; But I don't have to. </p>