"Minimal-PLUS" style... a new way to dress!

I have been completely overwhelmed by the lovely comments left on my previous blogpost.
The one where I was wondering what was happening to my style.

See that post HERE

I've realised, after some thought, that this shift is not only a normal part of growing up (and growing older) but also a natural (and subconscious) awareness of global 'trends'.
Not just fashion trends but also those 'trends' that are political, economic and environmental.

Whether we think we're 'trendy' (or interested following trends) or not is irrelevant.
Even if we think we actively avoid trends they still influence us.
Subtly but powerfully.

Every time we pick up a magazine, turn on the TV or log on, we are being influenced.
Trends matter.

At the moment, "trends' are moving away from frivolities and fripperies.
Excess seems increasingly vulgar.
Trends are gradually moving...

• Utilitarian and functional.
• Practical and comfortable.
• Sustainable and ethical.
• Natural fabrics with minimal environmental impact.
• Modest styles, less flesh on display.
• Better Quality fabrics, cuts and finishes.
• Timeless styles and colours.
• Ageless designs.
• Minimal details.

These are influences that seem to be cropping up more and more.

Here is the first of my Minimal looks... or Minimal-PLUS as I like to call it.

Minimal-PLUS is simply a Basic look with a little something extra.

Today I'm wearing a pair of black jeans and an grey t-shirt.
Effortless and super-casual.

I feel comfortable and confident in this look.

Most surprising of all...I didn't feel boring!

Maybe this was helped by the red lip and my leopard clogs?
Simple "extras" and individual touches made a big difference.

Messy hair (of course!) a floaty scarf, big sunglasses and layered bags finished things off nicely.

I think it's important to say, at this point, that if you are experiencing the urge to modify your style, or explore other avenues in the way you dress, shopping is not always the answer.

Excess consumption of clothes and accessories is not what we should be striving for.

Don't rush to purge and bin the contents of your wardrobe.
Try packing away any items you're tired of, or that don't fit your intended aesthetic.

Storing these pieces means that if you have a change of heart you can dig them back out!

Also remember that you can use items you ALREADY OWN to create the look you want.
Try looking at Pinterest to find inspiration....
e.g. "Black jeans street style" or how to wear a purple dress" will bring up plenty of different looks to try.

If you yearn to try something completely different from your current style you could try borrowing an item from a friend.
Or, have a look on eBay, Vestiaire and similar secondhand sites.

If you do find you have a BIG gap in your wardrobe that can't be filled by secondhand shopping then invest in quality.
You don't need to spend a lot just spend wisely.

With all of that said, it's important to enjoy getting dressed everyday.
Expressing yourself is important and clothes are our way of communicating to the world who we are, how are want to be seen and even what we believe in.

Clothes can be very powerful!
{Even the simple ones}

SHOES: Lotta (a few years old)

JEANS: Secondhand (Borrowed...permanently!)

BELT: DKNY

T-SHIRT: Very old 

SCARF: A gift (old too!)

BAGS: Small one: ASOS. Large one I made.

GLASSES: Vogue (very Old)

NECKLACE: Vintage

What "PLUS" would you have added to make this jeans and t-shirt outfit your own?
Colourful trainers?
A headscarf?
I'd love to know!