Minimalist feminine details - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Minimalist feminine details

Traci

Veteran

A few months back I made a pretty drastic shift towards a more minimalist look. I'm quite liking my current wardrobe and it's functionality, but I'm feeling a little bit more dandy and a little less gamine than I'd like.

I'm not really sure how to make my look more feminize my look without adding clutter or frills. Necklaces don't appeal to me at all, but I have thought about adding simple earrings. I've tried to be more mindful of a colorful lippy, and that helps a tiny bit. I've also considered coloring my hair, but I'm not sure I'm up for the upkeep.

I'll add on a few pics of recent WIW for reference.

Thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

This post has 6 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

40 replies

Latest reply was from Helena

cindysmith

Veteran

I'm with you on the upkeep with hair dye. I gave up and let it go natural, which is white. Not long after i did, young ladies started paying their hairdressers to give them grey hair. I can't even understand how I wound up being a trendsetter LOL

In all seriousness, I'm loving your style. If you're looking to tweak it, perhaps some different shoes (point toe flat, kitten heel, etc), or a scarf with a "femme" pattern (floral, or a plaid with softer colors) Earrings would be another way, or other jewelry besides necklaces. I get it, necklaces can get irritating if you're moving around a lot.

I'm seeing glasses in some pics; perhaps you could try some different frames, something with a color or print/pattern . I know glasses get expensive, zenni optical is a great website to get glasses for not much money. Like, I got 2 pairs for under $45 and that was everything included (shipping, tax, etc). Even their no-line bifocals and transitional type lenses aren't expensive. Zenni is a great way to experiment with glasses without spending a fortune. You will need your p.d. number but they send a thing to help you find it with your order, until then your regular glasses shop could give you that #.

Traci

Veteran

New glasses is a great idea. I think the pair in this pic are from Zenni, although I seem to be needing a new Rx. I have a more colorful pair, but the shape became more masculine after I chopped off my hair, so I've stopped wearing them.

I did notice as I was scrolling through my outfit pics that I did have some more feminine looks, with floral tops and lower necklines, I just seem to not be reaching for those pieces, so maybe this needs more thought. I'm also finding myself desperately drawn to scarlet red right now, but that may pass with the holiday.

Part of it is that I'm out of town, packed for 4 days that could be mixed and matched to make a week and now we'll be here two weeks. I'm probably just growing bored of what I have.

Shoes shoes shoes. Why don't comfortable and feminine go together in shoes?

carter

Veteran

You look great in all of these, Traci. There is an obvious lack of bling though;-). It doesn't have to be a necklace. Noticeable earrings are great. Bracelets, rings and/or pins/brooches would also be great.

If jewelry just doesn't feel right, what about a pretty headband like one of these from Etsy?

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I really do like your style direction. And I'm in agreement that adding
earrings would be great! I also think you could consider adding some curl to your hair on some days if you just want a change on occasion. Other ideas...a peek of lace cami under some of your tops, a bracelet or a stack (I always try to find stretch styles because they are more comfortable to me). A leopard bag? Or something floral?

Coffeegirl28

Love your look! I think you could bring in a bit of shine, color or pattern, from the color, texture, pattern, shine way of looking at dressing. I could see a dainty gold necklace at your collarbone or study earring for most of these looks (shine). Or bright colored bag (color). Or maybe a scarf in a neutral houndstooth or fall floral (pattern). I don't think you have to go super frilly to get the look you're going for.

Runcarla

Veteran

Carter has the right of it! I was thinking of a scarf or head wrap.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

What about adding more prints/color? These all are pretty neutral, and while I myself am a neutral girl and love it, one piece in a more feminine print or color would help to feminize these looks without adding frippery. You could also do a more feminine shoe- perhaps in a color?

JAileen

Veteran

Traci, I like your style too! I have very short hair and so I always wear earrings. I usually wear simple hoops but any kind that aren't cutesy will work with your look. Maybe an arty look would work. I love hammered earrings.

Traci

Veteran

Curl doesn't really work for my hair, but I do sometimes pull my bangs up into a twist when I'm feeling painfully masculine. Thanks for the reminder.

I'll add some hoops or ear crawlers to my holiday wish list. Studs start to poke me, so I take them in and out and they become fussy or get lost.

I actually have a cute fabric headband/wrap that is good in theory, but when I put it on it feels very conspicuous and I pull it off before I get out of the house. I may just need to try harder to push that comfort zone.

cindysmith

Veteran

I've found that Naya shoes can be a nice blend of comfort and feminine. Cole Haan has some comfy shoes, too.

Astrid

Veteran

First of, I love your style! I like every outfit and I would probably not feel off wearing your clothes. But, I totally get what you mean. It's the story of my life (or better, style). I love minimalist menswear inspired looks, but I ususally end up looking way too sporty for my taste, especially when I'm not wearing a skirt. More so with the pixie cut, but I wouldn't want to change my hair! I really hope I will be able to do something about this next year when I figure out my wardrobe for work.

Below are some pics, all from my Pinterest. Most are by Toast, I just love the look they have as a brand. These might not be your colors or to your taste, but I do think you can see what I wanted to say here.

I think you either need to have wardrobe items that clearly say feminine in one aspect (cut, color, fabric, detail...) or you need one whole piece of clothing that says feminine paired with minimalist menswear inspired stuff. Does that make sense? I don't know if this is helpful...

This post has 10 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I really like the outfits you've posted and I think you look great.

I also wondered about jewelry -- I think ear crawler type earrings make a bit more of a statement without getting too dangly, plus they look modern. And do you ever wear a watch or rings? I think a little shine at the wrist or on hands can make just the right amount of difference. But I'm biased because I feel naked if I don't have rings on. I also wonder if a couple of scarves might provide the little boost you're seeking.

El Cee

Veteran

First of all -- I think you look fabulous and I really like your shift toward minimalism and wearing neutrals. I like the ideas suggested here to add a bright and/or feminine touch or two with accessories (earrings, hair accessories, glasses, handbag). You could also change the overall look and feel of your outfit just by changing the footwear. For example -- I am a lover of chunky, earthy footwear... but I will often substitute a more refined boot or shoe when I want to "femininize" an outfit without going over-the-top "girly". Also -- what about adding some soft, romantic textural pieces (velvet, brocade or jacquard tops or bottoms)? They could still be in a dark neutral, tone-on-tone fabric in keeping with your minimalist trend.

Traci

Veteran

Janet, I do have a ring I wear sometimes. I'll put that back on when I get home.

Astrid, those pins are very helpful, as is your input. I think we're walking a similar tight line and I've always admired your style very much, so I appreciate you chiming in.

Laurel

Thanks for the photos, Traci--- My current style is VERY close to yours, the only difference may be my preference towards "dandy" rather than "gamine". Everyone has chimed in with great ideas, and the thought that I wanted to add is the concept I read about here: "the third piece". I think your outfits would all benefit from an additional "thing"--- and I really love the photos Carla posted (but I'm not sure I could pull off those headscarves myself). I would try a jaunty knotted scarf at the neck, even a simple bandana! Just add something and see if it feels good--- a long vest? Brooch? And, for "comfort"/feminine shoes---I have a pair of Dansko boots that fit the bill---not quite as clunky as the clogs.

Traci

Veteran

The brainstorming is also helping me identify that maybe I'm just being a bit difficult right now. I have thought about the idea of a long, textured vest, but then I remember that every vest I've ever owned languished in my closet unworn. I think maybe I'm being contrary and just need to pony up and wear a few flashier pieces until my comfort level catches up.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

You look to me like someone who can wear brights, so I think you could up the ante with contrasting colours. A plain silk scarf in a jewel tone perhaps? Also liking the suggestion of trying out some different eyewear.

As for maintaining coloured hair, dye jobs can be expensive but only need to happen three times a year. Other than that, I use a tinted rinse once a week. I've just accepted it as part of my routine, so I don't really see it as a huge effort any more.

jill58

Veteran

Traci, I love all of these outfits and I think you've developed a very cohesive look. I will echo what Janet said about a little shine here and there. I think it makes a huge difference. I always wear rings and very often wear a bracelet--or you might have a nice watch that you could wear. Earrings are great--they can be very simple if you like--but again they add a bit of shine around the face. I always wear earrings and feel strange without them. I am older than you but I have found that just having my hair highlighted works well. As the highlights fade they just blend in with your hair--it's less of a commitment than full color. But again, I think you look great--I like your style a lot. I would just play around with some of the ideas here. You might find that just some simple jewelry makes a big difference in how you feel.

Beth Ann

Veteran

First: Love you in a turtleneck -- and your fits are fabulous, which really matters.

As for adding more gamine: I also think ear crawlers would be good for your style, along with rings and watches. I think a bit more color and varying texture -- judiciously applied -- might also be helpful. A pair of wide crops or culottes would be fab with some of your items, and add a little "swish." Also, could you use a temporary hair product to add a bit of fun? It would wash out, and not put you on a professional upkeep schedule.

As for being contrary --- my experience is that those feelings are a sign that change is a comin'! I never try to force it, but I do let go and allow myself to explore options.

Greyscale

Veteran

I love these minimal looks. If you want to keep the same overall aesthetic, I vote for a few pieces of simple, chunky silver jewelry - a few bangles and rings, say. A little can go a long way.

rachylou

Veteran

Interesting. I find 2 and 5 very feminine and maybe 3 the least. 5, of course, features a skirt - but also there is also the scarf, a coloured accessory. 2 shows a lot of structure, body shape, ankle (!)

3 is interesting. I love the colour combo. I think this jumper with a skirt would be more feminine. Or trousers that showed ankle. Or possibly a shirt with a more stand up collar, which is more mannish ... but then the contrast between you/girl and clothing is sharper...

Bennett

Veteran

Every outfit you've shown looks perfect to me, and FOR me!! What makes me feel more feminine is those exact pieces made of a fabric or color that men don't typically wear - say, a buttondown made of a lace or silk or otherwise textured fabric, a big old crewneck in a blush-colored yarn, a distressed metallic finish or patent finish shoe...

I personally don't wear colored nails, but I could see that adding femininity. Especially cute on the short-nailed (my tribe!) but too much maintenance for me.

I live and die by my collection of (here it comes again!) cute ladylike flats. I could be wearing a mechanics jumpsuit and feel like a gamine with my feet in some dressy flats!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How about amping up the mascara, adding some tint lining, and wearing gloss? I like #5 best of all. You wear burgundy with the best of them.

Are you growing out your hair, Traci?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Traci, you look amazing! I love you with the shorter hair -- it's gorgeous on you.

Like Astrid, I identify a bit with your dilemma. This is often where I find myself with my work at home looks -- which are basically replicas of yours here. Often my going out looks feel more feminine to me, either because I add a third piece (for some reason, a jacket helps, and a scarf can, also) or because I put on a silk shirt.

Another trick of mine is colour -- I have a few pink and purple sweaters that feel feminine simply by virtue of that. The shapes are the same as my usual.

Also, I *do* wear small earrings daily. In summer when necklines are often lower I might switch things up with dangling earrings, but my usual earrings are small yet substantial silver studs. They look like little commas or quotation marks. I don't know how well you can see them in the photos (1,2) , but IRL they don't completely disappear -- I feel like they "anchor" my face somehow. But I have a long face that needs a bit of grounding, LOL.

Going out, I will occasionally wear a necklace also, although I am with you on generally finding them uncomfortable, so I tend only to wear them out of the house not inside. They do feminize things a bit, just as the scarf can. (Pic 2)

Since August I have also been wearing a silver watch daily -- it is taking the place of the cuff bracelet I always used to wear. I do feel more "dressed" with it on. And finally, for the first time in my life I'm wearing a big ring. I never thought I could in the past since my hands are small and fingers short. But I'm enjoying it.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

DKNY 'Soho' Round Watch, 34mm

View Info

Top Pick

20

Sal

Veteran

I really like your look, and I love your hair. I also have short hair and especially in the winter I can feel I need an extra touch to make myself feel happier.

You have had terrific ideas already - I think one of glasses, earrings, lipstick, a funky handbag can be enough (or all of them). For me I use lipstick the most, earrings occasionally, and my bags are pretty utilitarian.

Anonymous

I haven't read all the replies so could be duplicating but what about subtly patterened tights sometimes or bracelets? Earrings like you mentioned too.

Gigi

Veteran

I just glanced over the comments; most of what I am suggesting has already been said, I think. I was going to suggest a headband and rings (since you don't like necklaces). I think your hair would also look really cute with some decorative bobby pins. And maybe try some low heels, if you feel like experimenting with footwear.

I think that the lippie is very helpful too.

Astrid

Veteran

Traci, it's a tight line for sure! Lately I've been successful more often than not, so there's that. I'm sure you can figure out something that works for you! I would love to hear about it when you do.

@Suz, I love your ring. I have small wide hands too, with short fingers. I would wear that one in a heartbeat!

Traci

Veteran

I grabbed a nice cranberry nail polish and black eyeliner at the drug store today. The shiny color on my trimmed nails is a nice pick me up. Round one with the eye liner was a fail! Smudge city.

12