Minimalist by nature, I purposely started adding accessories when I first start on my YLF style journey. It was fun to experiment, but I found myself returning to my old minimalist ways, wondering if I just didn't know how to DO accessories properly.

I still waffle with scarves because those French women make their outfits with scarves look SO dang stylish and still minimal!

I felt validated when Angie said she was moving toward a stronger, simpler style

I'm also extremely *visual* in how I process life. So I wonder if I visually need "less going on" (hmm, is that LGO?) to avoid sensory overload (i.e., I need to bolt thru the laundry detergent aisle in the grocery store!)

Whatever, I'm happy to see it as a trend!!

I think "simpler" is relative - I think my outfits are getting more streamlined and simpler but I still wear blazers alot, which is an additional layer and strangely enough, am starting to like scarves again (although the YLF trend seems to be getting away from them).

Yes I'm deifnitely finding that I'm wearing more neutral colors and then dressing up an outfit with a pop of color from jewelry or a scarf. It's easier to switch up outfits that way too. Simple does not go out of style

I've never like layering much so I feel like I need some accessories to give my outfits personality. I like necklaces and scarves and the occasional belt. I feel sometimes that my love of accessories makes me an outlier on YLF right now since so many people are moving away from them.

@Suz, jackets can be minimal. Look at Angie!

I used to wear a lot of really basic items but now I'm wearing more clothing that is statementy on its own, so I dont need as much embellishment. Plus I think it is seasonal for me, I dont need earrings getting caught in winter hats and pulling.

I think part of it is that there is less diversity in terms of looks on the forum than there was a few years ago.

That's an interesting point, annagybe. I'm new so can't really say, but do you mean that a lot of people on here have the same "style" persona, or that a lot of posters seem to go for a more classic/minimalist look now?

Amy and I were talking about it this weekend. There is a preponderance of modern classic with a twist or edge.

So interesting!

Suz, how are jackets not simple? OF COURSE they can be simple

I beg to differ, Anna (and Amy). Quite a bit! I think there are lots of versions of UWP, Rocker Chic and RATE on this forum at the moment. Quite a bit of Elegant Eclectic, Bombshell, Playful, Trendy, Tomboy, Preppy and Arty. There is also Modern Classic, but it's by far not the reigning principle. Far more Casual than Dressy and Formal Business. Less Romance, Retro, Boho and Grunge. There is more style variety now than there was a few years ago.

Una, I don't have the same impression as you. Maximal Style is still dominant on this forum.

I agree with you, Angie.

Disagree that there is an abundance of modern classic variations on the forum -- at least those that post WIW's with regularity.

People sport different styles, but like any community, strong trends take hold., which is what struck me and Anna recently. There are some decidedly strong trends here on the forum...minimalism, urban prince, UWP, etc.

I do wonder, since this forum is generally frequented by "mature women" rather than teenagers, if the group's style filters tend to be a little more on the conservative side.

I buy into those trends/conservative fashion perspective, so not a criticism, just an observation.

I wouldn't consider blazers or other toppers contributing to an ALGO style. A topper can totally be part of a minimalist look. It can also be part of an ALGO look. It's not the element, it's how it's worn.

Hmm, I've been wearing less jewelry and scarves lately but I've been wearing LOADS of patterns. Sometimes many in one outfit. And I'm still layering a lot. So I'd say on balance, no, my outfits are not simpler although maybe the item list is getting shorter.

Today for example, I am only wearing sweater, pants, boots. But the sweater has an intricate cable pattern, the pants are plaid, and the boots are also patterned and scrunchy.

@Amy, office and work wear are a good amount of WIWs, which tends to be "mature women," it is a dressing priority/style filter as far as hours spent wearing, so agree on that being more conservative.

Amy, it's all relative and I've said this before. By some forum and fashion blog standards, the majority of the outfits posted here are perceived as conservative. By other forum and blog standards, they are perceived as fashion forward and far too trendy. We run into these opposing observations from the outside world all the time.

As far as jackets go, it's not only how it's worn but the actual style of the jacket is a variable too. I hope that makes sense, Suz!

Claudia, you make a good point. We can only judge a forum style by what is frequently posted by its members.

Fascinating discussion.

Such an interesting and informative discussion! Judging by standards of where I live, YLF style will look very modern and stylish but my sister who lives in London thinks it is conservative.

Well my perception is that based on WIW's, the outfits that generate the most comments are modern classic with a twist. But that is entirely my perception, rightly or wrongly.

I find I tend to use accessories like Band-aids when there is something wrong with my clothing. Got an ill-fitting, stretched out T-shirt? How about a scarf or necklace? Try belting it? Add some arm candy and hope to distract? Carry a great bag to try to upgrade it? Maybe with a patterned skirt? The one picture of me I got in New York I looked like a tornado had hit me because I was trying to make an unflattering denim skirt and suburban-looking top look cool. Yeah, no.

I *think* I might become a little more minimalistic as my clothing items improve. My goal is to use accessories more judiciously and only when they really add something to the outfit.

Yes there has been a fashion movement towards simplicity pioneered by Phoebe Philo's return to Celine and Raf Simon's time in charge of Jil Sander, however, ALGO is still heavily represented and probably always will be.

Personally I have evolved my style to be simpler, I am older, I have less time than ever and, hopefully not too OT, but DD's autism is now more recognisable as she grows and I sometimes need to be both a mother and her body guard whilst in public and feel the need more than ever to dress with practicality in mind.

As to the style of YLF, it is real people dressing for their real lives, it is not a fantasy it is your High Street in real time and I love it.

I have always been very simple in the way I dress. I like to have one main statement piece per outfit, then the rest plays second fiddle. If the statement is an accessory, I keep the rest fairly minimal. If the statement is a clothing item, then I accesorize less. Sometimes I even chose to have "me" as the focal point, in maybe my makeup or my hair. Then I go really, really low contrast and low key on everything else.

Not me! Ever the rebel here, or perhaps just behind the times, I like ALGO. You will have to strangle me first before you get my polka dot scarves off me! I also run very cold and have turned my thermostat down and somehow don't particularly care to wear sweaters, so that contributes to layers and ALGO. I do admit to wearing earrings less often, however. With my hair growing out and black & gray hair versus very short, black hair, that mop creates ALGO, and earrings don't show and/or compete.

I've spent decades and decades with a pretty minimalist look, so maybe that's why I am so over it.

Wow, this took off! Love the discussion... I guess by simpler I meant more streamlined - I'm seeing less bling like layered necklaces and less piling on of extras - like Angie's outfit today. And of course simpler can be relative, depending on your starting point! Anyway I am in a break in court but will be back to reread in detail!

What an interesting discussion! Although I'm not really in a position to judge the trends on this forum since I've only been here for a short time (though I have read the blog daily since about 3ish years ago), here are my two cents on the matter.

1. I agree completely with Claire about sometimes using more accessories or layers to cover an outfit flaw. I think it can also be done to disguise the fact that each piece isn't the best quality. As a college student, I have done this more times than I can count. If, for example, I know that my blouse is slightly faded or a little worn out, I am much more likely to cover it up with a cardigan or necklace. In a minimal outfit, there are fewer pieces, thus making the necessity for each piece to be of a better quality in order to project a polished outfit. I think this works with fit too. I have a few layering pieces that I would never wear on their own because the fit just isn't good enough. I also have a few pieces that fit me so well that I can't bear to cover them up with any accessories.

2. I also think that there could be a learning curve with fashion. I have experienced this myself. When I first started trying to dress myself better, I dressed extremely minimally because I had so few pieces that actually deserved to be in my closet. As I slowly grow to learn more about my style and what works best for me, I'm starting to get more maximal because it's just so fun! However, I think that once I figure out exactly what works for me (and have the money to buy better quality pieces), I will probably become more minimal again.

Of course, I'm not saying that a maximal outfit is a bad thing by any means--I love a good maximal outfit, but I think the two reasons above could possibly be reasons why some people could start to lean towards a more minimal style.

Also, Amy, in response to your comment regarding age groups, I think you do have a point. I guess I'm a minority here (I'm 19), and I think that teenagers/young adults do tend to dress more maximally.

Does this make sense to anyone or am I batting out of left field here?

I know I am, but I'd thought it was just a product of my laziness. I'm heartened to find out that it is a trend, instead.