Do you have a minimalist or a maximalist style when it comes to fashion?
When I was in NYC recently I had the opportunity to visit the museum at the Fashion Institute Of Technology. The current exhibit was called Minimalism Maximalism. It showcased minimalist and maximalist aesthetics as expressed through high fashion from the eighteenth century to today.
What is Minimalist Style?
Minimalism strips down design to the most important elements, leaving clean, unobstructed lines, colors and shapes. There is bliss and harmony to be found in the purest forms of simplicity.
Minimalist Style Icon
Audrey Hepburn
What is Maximalist Style?
Maximalism celebrates excess and eclecticism. It focuses on bold prints, color, embellishment and textures. It is often highly ornate and stylized.
Maximalist Style Icon
Iris Apfel
Here are some shots I took from the exhibit.
Do you have to be a minimalist or a maximalist exclusively?
No way.
If you aren’t experimenting with your style then you’re not having enough fun with it.
“She knows her style and seldom strays from it,” sounds like a recipe for boredom.
Aren’t we supposed to be dressing our truth?
Do you feel the same every day? No? Then why should we be dressing the same?
My maximalist style…
My minimalist style
Someone that does a brilliant take on minimalist style is Garance Doré.
Her style is simple
, chic and wearable.I’ve recently thrifted two pairs of vintage leather pants very similar to what she is wearing that will soon be hitting my Etsy store. Shame neither one fit me. The other issue is that I can never make pants looks this good on me.
Before I forget, I bumped into this fine blogger and friend when I was in NYC…
Ally from Shy Biker.
What a joy it is to keep up with friends I’ve discovered via blogging.
Happy Canada Day to all of my fellow Canadians!
So fashion friends, where do you find yourselves sitting on the spectrum of maximalist and minimalist style?
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
First, *you* can’t help but be gorgeous whether dressing min or max! Second, I really liked your definitions and examples, and agree completely that we can change our minds any given day. Third, are you selling that green jumpsuit??? I need it.
And – Garance’s look is 100% perfect on her. Inspiring.
Stay fab,
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
That jumpsuit sold Patti : )
I’m about 70% max. and 20% min. I’m reserving 10% for humor which I believe can have elements of both in the same look. If I’m wearing hilarious shoes or sweater then I want that to be the only focal point and everything else is chosen because it doesn’t compete. :-0!! :-0!!
You do both so well Suzanne.
I’ll bet you and Ally had a fun reunion in the Big Apple!
I’m about the same percentage Jude : )
They use the same ideas you wrote about here for interior design. I bet you’d be brilliant at that.
Ally is always fun to reconnect with.
I tend toward minimalist myself, but I have huge admiration for maximalists. As you say, there’s no reason to stick to one. Your outfits are always inspirational.
I’ve always loved — and been impressed — by your maximalist style work. You know how to use that to great advantage. And, hey, what am I doing on your blog?!! Hugs!
sweet photo of you and ally!
like you – i have maximalist AND minimalist days…. sometimes an outfit is both: a maximalist dress – volume, color, pattern – worn just with simple shoes & a plain bag, without any jewelry and only lipstick.
xxxx
I am definitely both, and it tends to be seasonal. Maximalism is so much easier in Fall and what we call Winter here (ha ha, I know, it’s not even Winter to a Canadian)—layer it on, add that fourth piece, tights—yes yes! Summer though—it’s in the high 90s and more than one necklace, even….heck, a BRA and a blouse seem too much 😉
I cannot remember if I comment here as Artful Blasphemy or myself but today I’m myself—FYI.
How very interesting! I’m definitely a maximalist but I do have minimalist days, too! It’s good to ring the changes…. You suit both styles and look fab in both. What a shame about the leather pants….
A Belated Happy Canada Day to you and how fab to meet up with Ally!
xxx
You pull off maximalist looks very well. It’s not that easy to do and keep everything cohesive. You have a talent for it. I feel I tend more toward a middle ground most of the time. Not too min or max. Need to work on getting out of my style comfort zone!
I’m definitely a minimalist in the summer, but can be a maximalist in the winter. Garance always looks effortlessly chic, but I’m sure there’s an effort being made. I wish I could find a pair of leather pants that fit me like the ones in the photo fit her.
How nice that you were able to spend some time with Ally when you were in New York.
I’m a maximalist almost everyday, but I agree that some experimenting is like adding spices to our style, it makes things more interesting!. So I also have my minimalist days, as other commenters told too!
I love particularly your maximalist style, the mixed prints and textures, the striped pullover and tweed skirt, the gingham dress with a floral shirt!. And you look so elegant, cool and creative in your minimalist outfits!. I also think that Garancé rocks!
besos
As you know, I’ve been trying to leave a comment on your blog for several weeks to no avail, so today I am trying something new.
First, I love your styles, max or min–you know who you are and you know how to express that in what you wear. Always an inspiration as I consider my own expressions!
Now let’s see if this works. 🙂
Hugs,
Sherry
As you know I’m definitely not a minimalist, although I would glady make an exception for that wonderfuln jumpsuit you’re wearing. But I don’t think I’m a true maximalist either, in the sense that I usually do not over-accessorize and am a bit matchy-matchy in my accessorizing. I’ve ventured into pattern mixing more and more since I started blogging, and you are definitely one of my inspirations for this. How absolutely wonderful that you got to meet Ally on your trip to NY. xxx
I think I am neither or both. I like minimalistic but tend to overdo it with jewellery.
How nice that you saw Ally again.
Greetje
Hey…I never got the email for this blog post. So I just tried to sign up again, but it says I’m already subscribed. And I don’t have spam for this email account. SO strange!! Then again, we are lucky that technology works as much as it does, I guess.
As for your question….I vacillate. Most times I lean towards the maximalist ideal, but of course it depends on your perspective!!!
XOOX
Jodie