Adding Visual Interest Without Adding More
What minimalists understand about shape, proportion and creating interest with less.
One style challenge I’ve been hearing from clients as we head into summer is the feeling that an outfit needs more in order for it to feel complete. My clients here on the east coast are used to layering for winter (often well into late spring), both for functionality as well as adding interest. When you are used to layering, it can be hard to adjust to the feeling that an outfit can be complete without it.
Sure, there are plenty of ways to layer in the summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love belts, layered jewelry, linen layers, silk scarves, light jackets…all of the things! I could go on! But sometimes, you just want less.
Especially when it is hot as hell out, the last thing that you want to do is add more. It just isn’t very practical or comfortable sometimes.
Although it is hot, we want less layers, and want to keep it simple…most of us do not want to look boring. So what is the solution?
There are a few ways to add visual interest to an outfit without adding more. Today we are focusing on: shape.
We are going to take a page from our friends, the minimalists. While we don’t necessarily have to dress like a minimalist, there are a few lessons that we can borrow from minimalist fashion and apply it to our summer wardrobes. Their approach can teach us a lot about how we can create that visual interest we are looking for without adding a ton of pieces (or even accessories).
Minimalism at its core is built around the philosophy that less is more. Rather than adding layers, accessories, and unnecessary embellishments, they focus on silhouette, proportion, and the quality of the garments to create interest.
There are a couple of areas that they tend to pay particular attention to, which I want to highlight.
1. Shape & Proportion
One thing that minimalists understand really well is that shape as well as proportion creates interest. When most people want to add more. A belt, necklace, a silk scarf, etc. Minimalists actually pull back to let the garment shine.
Many of us have closets full of basics, such as plain tanks, thin shapeless tees, and shapeless loose pants because we have been told that they feel easy and “versatile.” But when you remove the layers. The accessories and the extra pieces, these outfits fall flat.
Whether you are shopping for a new piece of clothing or putting together a look from within your own closet, search for items with a well defined shape. Shape creates movement, contrast, friction, and visual interest before even needing to accessorize.
Similarly, you can also play with proportion. This is a great way to change how a look feels. It really creates that contrast and visual friction that the eye is drawn to.
2. Start with Quality Foundations
When you aren’t layering and adding accessories, the garments become the star of the show and quality becomes important. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive items on the market, but I do encourage you to be picky.
If you are adding new items to your wardrobe, choose the best quality that your budget allows. When you are shopping, I like to look at small details of a piece such as draping, stitching, and even fiber content. If possible, opt for natural fabrics, as they will typically look better and last longer (with proper care).
3. Don’t Forget Fit
Lastly, when you have a simple look, just like quality, fit of the garment also becomes very important. This can look and feel different depending on your style. It doesn’t mean everything has to be super tailored. But having items fit your body in a way that looks and feels intentional, will stand out.
If you are shopping for something new, pay attention to how a garment fits your body. Don’t settle for good enough. Make sure you are selecting your proper size and length. See if your shorts are hitting you at just the right place on your thigh or if they need to come in at the waist. If an article is very close to being a great fit, don’t be afraid to take it to the tailor. Tailoring makes a world of difference.
Sometimes the difference between making an outfit feel unfinished to feeling polished is simply by a better fit.
If you find yourself tempted to add the extra piece to your outfits this summer, despite the rising temperatures, take a minute to look at the garments themselves.
Ask yourself a few questions: Do my garments have enough shape? Am I playing with proportions? Does the fabric contribute to the overall look? Does the fit of the garment feel intentional?
Outfits don’t always need another accessory or styling hack. Sometimes all you need is the shape of a garment to appease the eye. And on a hot summer day, that might be exactly the answer you are looking for.
Xx
Hannah