Clean Cut Garments - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Clean Cut Garments

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Garments that are "clean, crisp and simple" are not necessarily classic. They can be very trendy too. Does that make sense? Or does it sound like an oxymoron?

I was with a client on Friday who has a strong trendy element to her style and we were discussing this very subject as we were picking out the pieces.

These are sweeping generalizations but here are a few brand examples anyway:

Prada, Club Monaco, Milly, Karen Millen, Rag&Bone and Theory = for the most part, "clean, simple and trendy"

Brooks Brothers and Ann Taylor = "clean, simple and classic"

Nanette Lepore, Leifsdottir, and Marc Jacobs = trendy but not clean, and often not simple.

Thoughts?

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Beth

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

When I think clean and simple, it usually means unadorned or simple embellishment so I can see how a piece can be in a trendy cut or color and still have clean lines. It is more about minimalism it seems.

Jonesy

Veteran

Yes, that makes perfect sense! Somehow the trendier pieces are cut in a more avant garde way, or combined in unusual ways (e.g., with color, silhouette) so they look simple and clean but still very new.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Clean lines can be done with very interesting construction, fabrics and fastenings. I like those unexpected touches. I am really drawn toward clean lines done in interesting ways.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Are clean, crisp and simple three words which mean the same? I really <3 Prada's use of pattern and colour whilst retaining a simple line. I can see how both the trendy and classic ends of the continuum can be represented.

What about labels such as Calvin Klein or Jil Sander? These are the labels which spring to my mind when I think of clean, crisp and simple.

I would much rather look clean, crisp and simple then dirty, rumpled and complicated

Aunty

Veteran

I have always thought of clean lines being classic, but after a couple of months with you all I am seeing alot of different ways that it works.LOL I have put a very large L plate on my back now to show that I am a learner dresser!!

Kate

Veteran

haha, "I would much rather look clean, crisp and simple then dirty, rumpled and complicated ;-)" - ME TOO!

Angie, it definitely makes sense to me! Can you recommend any stores at slightly lower price points? I think the gap tends to have rather clean-cut garments...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

So where do Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang fall on this continuum?
When I think simple but trendy Tilda Swinton immediately springs to mind.

rosee

Veteran

totally makes sense. But I still think that those lines mentioned above tend have classic-like pieces even if not truly classic.

Seconding the question: what lower-price point lines are clean, simple and trendy?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You put it so well, Jonesy, Khris and Janet.

Anna, I don't think of Tilda Swinton as trendy at all. She is beyond that and a million percent avant-guard. Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang, Armani, Celine, Burberry and Hugo Boss are more good examples.

Rosee, quite right. The lines I mentioned absolutely have classic and clean tendencies too.

It's hard to do trendy, simple, clean and crisp well - that's why it's expensive! Its much easier to over design a garment in cheaper fabric and sell it for an inexpensive price. That's why there are ruffles on everything

Steph

Veteran

I totally think this makes sense. As someone obsessed with Nanette Lepore, I was a little surprised you put it and Milly in different categories, because I often think of them as very similar. But now that I think about the entire Nanette Lepore line, I can see what you're saying. I guess I gravitate toward her clean styles (she does have some!), so that's how I think of her.

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

While I have no clue about the designers you mentioned I can understand the description behind it. I am very drawn to simple clean cut type of garments, preferring simpler things with minor detailing and I prefer to use color and texture to make an outfit interesting.

Maya

Veteran

I think there are a lot of architectural pieces with clean lines and strong silhouettes that are very trendy, arty, and modern. I do not think of clean as being classic, although I do think of classic as being clean.

I'm personally into fussy things lately but both are equally fab and I'm sure I'll switch teams soon enough. And switch again. And again...

Anonymous

I'm not really familiar with designer lines and can't comment on them but I'm tired of overly embellished pieces. As an old lady with no natural curves and who can't wer heels, however, clean cut lines need something to keep the look feminine and that can be a challenge. Color and fabric choice help, as do accessories. I really depend on scarves but do they fall into fussy territory?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well put, Maya.

Joy, you are a sweetheart. No!! Scarves worn in a particular way (with clean and crisp garments) - also look simple, clean and crisp to my eye.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

This is very interesting. I have always considered myself "clean cut" in style preference, but lately I think I'm moving more towards...modern and even a little edgy? I think my body type and color choices keep things romantic though.
My favorite looks are simple, neutral, and crisp.

Queen Mum

Veteran

"It's hard to do trendy, simple, clean and crisp well - that's why it's expensive! Its much easier to over design a garment in cheaper fabric and sell it for an inexpensive price. That's why there are ruffles on everything"

Angie... this makes so much sense. I've always thought that the younger and leaner you are the easier it is to shop inexpensively... but could never quite articulate or figure out why. You hit the nail on the head for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There you go, Kim!

Sarah, modern can be clean-cut

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Angie, that's why this was so insightful for me. I like to dabble in other styles from time to time, but the "glue" that holds me together are my clean-cut looks.

Lisa

Veteran

Very interesting, I've never thought os this before, but it makes perfect sense. Now I know why the Theory shirts, although still woven button downs always looked more "edgy" to my eye versus the Brooks Brothers one's.

Beth

Veteran

This makes perfect sense to me. When I think of clean lines, I tend to associate the concept with well-made clothes or minimalism rather than classic styles exclusively.