WIW…experiment in minimalism - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW…experiment in minimalism

Runcarla

Veteran

This blog by Susan at ‘Une Femme’ https://unefemme.net/minimalis.....women.html and this article from ‘The Zoe Report’ https://www.thezoereport.com/f.....hion-trend Informed a challenge of dressing in black and white (and cream and charcoal) for one week.

No architecturally interesting doorways like Instagramers - just my rec room It was too hot for accessories (I’m not a jewellery person and scarves are my accessory of choice) and minimal grooming - I’m taking a 3 week break from polish so just buffed nails. Quiet week just hanging out at home trying to stay cool.

I think a 3rd item, like a topper or other accessory, and a little more effort on grooming might elevate the look. Will re-read the articles for tips. However, looking forward to lots of colour next week!

Thoughts? Comments? Thanks for looking!

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40 replies

Latest reply was from Kim M

Bijou

Veteran

A very interesting challenge and you nailed it! I love black and white but I always like to add a pop of colour, restraint is not my strong point.

Vildy

Veteran

Sure looks good on *you* but also your hair is a built in pop of color.

SarahD8

Veteran

What a fun challenge! I agree that these are great looks. I'm especially smitten with #5, the lines are so elegant -- the popped collar really makes it.

Re: the extra oomph that you're looking for: maybe a black-and-white scarf to tie on your handbag? A gauzy black scarf in your hair?

Or, per your second article, I wonder if leaning more into the idea of contrast would be interesting. That is, having the sharp color contrast be mirrored by some other form of contrast in the outfit, such as contrasting silhouettes. I notice that most of your pieces in these outfits are quite classic in their fit -- maybe amp up the drama with a piece or two? Or pull in a dressy item or two to create contrast that way?

Helena

Veteran

Carla you know I love these! Love Sarah's suggestion of a black and white scarf on your purse ... Would amp up the intentionality factor I think. But total simplicity always works to my eye!

Nadya

Veteran

These are great and make me want to try this! But I’d have a hard time not adding a pop of turquoise or yellow ….

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like #5 best too! You in a sleeveless shirt is a very good thing

How about a scarf in your hair? You wear that vibe so well!

CarolS

Veteran

I am a big fan of this easygoing look, and you wear it extremely well. Not that polished nails and other 'grooming' wouldn't also look fab, but I LIKE the total minimalism very much as a look in its own right.

Star

Veteran

Wow, minimalism works for you. #1 is my favourite.

slim cat

Veteran

Nice exercise - love #1 and #5 the best!

Runcarla

Veteran

@ bijou and Nadya - for the purpose of the exercise I stuck with the neutral palette, but I was sorely tempted to wear my lilac Converse and use my red crossbody!

@ SarahD8 and Angie - good point about the scarf on bag or as a head wrap.

@ slimcat - same!

Anonymous

Fun experiment! #5 is my favorite. I saved this inspiration pic for a neat way of wearing a scarf. Maybe it would work for you too

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Star

Veteran

Nikki I used to wear a scarf around my wrist like that in the 80's. Also sometimes tied above the knee. Have not seen that one revived yet.

Anonymous

That’s wild, Star! I don’t remember that but I think I remember above the knee. Was it worn over jeans? I guess everything comes around again. Pardon the interruption, Runcarla

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Looks good on you!
lm not offering suggestions to you but as a discussion point all the minimalist bloggers that l look at seem to rely very heavily on jewellery all be it classic and discrete ,and of course designer sunglasses ,belts.and handbags.They also go for subtle details on their clothing like pleats,turnups,puffs etc so although the colours and the silhouette are minimalist the other components are not.This seems to elevate their look from what could be quite plain to more interesting.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like it! Also like Sarah’s idea of trying some juxtaposition/contrast. Perhaps texture would be an interesting one. As for a third piece, I hear you on not wanting a scarf or even jewelry when it’s hot, but what about a pin? #5 seems to be the fave, and it is the only one with a collar to provide a little something different. A brooch or stickpin could do similar for the others.

LJP

Veteran

I like all of these . Very classic, and elegant . I know what you mean about the lack of that third piece that usually makes an outfit and in summer how hard that is to resolve . My answer is usually jewellery , which I know you don’t wear . I think that you’re achieving the outfit look because your pieces are wrinkle free , expertly fitted and of good quality . They stand up for themselves in this case .

Mirjana

Veteran

Great outfits, love the best #1 and #5.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ LJP - thanks! and so right about the third piece. In cooler weather I would wear a topper or coat, and possibly a hat. I saw a young woman in a skirt, t-shirt, and sandals, and she was wearing a fisherman’s cap. It was quite a cute look, but my fisherman’s cap is wool! Not cute at 30degC!

@ Cardiff girl - good point about texture/garment details. Elevated basics. I do see a lot of layered jewellery for interest with otherwise ‘plain’ outfits. Good sunnies would be cool, too.

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Runcarla

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@ Nikki - I actually have the photo below pinned to an inspo board!

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Anonymous

Great minds think alike

Irina

Veteran

Love these, Carla!
As a true summer lover, I’m not into 3rd pieces to complete outfits. Minimalism is just that - one has to embrace the simplicity and understatement. Yes to jewelry, my choice would be gold to work with your hair, something like layered short necklaces or pearls if you like them.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Another vote for #5 and nodding with Vildy that your hair adds the extra! But I wonder -- would you get tired of this over time? (I know it was a week long challenge, but curious if you started to get restive even in that time frame.)

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Suz - absolutely! I actually consider myself a colourful minimalist - if there can be such a thing. (Modest closet, simple outfits, but not an absence of colour!) I was chomping at the bit to mix in some colour, especially when a new orange t-shirt arrived mid week

Sal

Veteran

Fun experiment. My favourites are 1 2 4- love the shorts looks.

Sunglasses or hats are my way of creating something extra in summer, but I tend to think these outfits don’t need anything extra- they are lovely simple looks.

nemosmom

Veteran

Oh I love these all! A third piece like fun sunnies would be great, but really these are perfect for summer!

What about adding a couple of monochrome looks, too?? Maybe even contrast with the shoe?

rachylou

Veteran

I really like you, Carla, in informal black and white; it surprises me a little bit. 2 is my favourite. I find it very sophisticated.

Brooklyn

Veteran

You do this look well. 1 and 5 are my faves.

I agree with LJP that I think this look works best when the separates are crisp, clean, good quality, good fit and in good shape.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Nice slate of outfits. You do it well. I default to black and white in the summer when I’m tired and need easy, fallback combos. You know, not a lot of effort but bang for your buck. Works for my coloring plus I do like the simple, classic elegance of these kinds of outfits and don’t really think they need a third piece to make them shine, personally. Maybe just a bracelet or a colorful bag.

kkards

Veteran

Well done. I love them all except the black and black outfit (#2), i think maybe it that one had the tee tucked, I’d like it more, I’d love it if it had a white belt Tying the shoes and the outfit together.

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