Minimalism is a ‘thing’ right now.

Blogs and websites are full with information on doing more with less, buying less, sticking to a simple color palette and going back to basics.

In essence I’m very much in favor of this movement (especially around Christmas time).

I too think we should do more with less.

Although I’m not a strict minimalist, my home interior is quite simple and there is not a lot of ‘stuff’ around.

The space is quite empty and the walls are mainly white which leaves space to admire the few artworks in the room.

Of course, I always question that strategy when I see or visit homes like Sue Kreitzman’s as I’m very much inspired by them, but I know that is where my essence is.

I like simple, but good design (and that little wooden table there definitely needs to be replaced!)

Wearing a short dress over pants with golden accessories | 40plusstyle.com

The clothes I like most are clean and simple, yet have really interesting design details that are often architectural.

I also don’t want to buy too much. I have enough clothes as it is and don’t want to keep adding and adding. So I have been trying to stick to neutrals that all mix together with only a few prints thrown in. There is a lot of white and blue at the moment, with a hint of red.

The ‘danger’ is when simple gets boring. Quite a few of the minimalist dressers resort to a very limited color palette or a very similar style all the time.

Some of them still have a cupboard full of clothes and they switch them around but to an outsider like me, it looks like every outfit is the same.

Yet as the same time, some kind of consistency is good, as it will identify your unique style specifically. The key is that you need to create enough variety within your limited wardrobe to keep things interesting.

Here are a few of my tips on how to keep your wardrobe both minimal and interesting:

  • Stick to a color palette that allows you to easily mix and match your clothes.
  • Don’t buy multiple items of the same thing. One standard blue jumper is enough. Better to buy a cardigan, or sleeveless vest instead if you want more items in blue.
  • Cover your basics but don’t ONLY have basics in your wardrobe.
  • Look for unusual shapes or forms in your non-basic pieces. These add extra interest to your wardrobe. They can still be bought within your preferred color palette so you still have the minimalist aesthetic.
  • Wear your pieces in different ways. This sheer dress for example also serves as a great top and even a short top when you knot it. It can also be worn as a jacket.
  • Play with texture by adding layers and adding some sheer items.
  • Finally, and perhaps most importantly, use the power of accessories.

That last point especially is very important in my own style.

As my clothes have gotten more minimalist and basic, my accessories have gone more colorful, bold and artistic.

With accessories I am able to keep my outfits simple and clean while I add a lot of the interest with accessories.

Wearing a short dress over black pants with golden accessories | 40plusstyle.com

My personal favorite is the necklace. I love it because it’s close to your face which allows you to use it to balance a color that may not necessarily be the best for you. Above I’m wearing a gold colored contemporary necklace from Orly Segal which makes this outfit more chic and refined.

Tying my short dress as a top and combining with colorful accessories | 40plusstyle.com

If I switch to a colorful necklace and change the shoes, the outfit becomes more arty.

Accessories really help create the mood of your outfit and can dramatically change it. That will allow you to wear the same item in many different ways.

To me, more and more, my accessories create the mood of the outfit while my clothes remain basic and simple. This is my form of minimalism and how I keep things simple yet interesting and different. Even though I’m by no means minimalist when it comes to the amount of accessories I own.

Wearing a short dress as a top | 40plusstyle.com

I’m happy to announce that accessories are the main topic of my courses on accessorizing.

It will teach you everything you need to know about accessories and how to use them effectively.

In addition I will tackle important topics like figure flattery, balance and silhouette in more detail. If you struggle with accessorizing or want to know how to do more with less and use accessories to make every outfit special, you will love my accessories course!

Outfit details:
Silk Blue dress, Gemma (thrifted)
Black leggings: c/o Stella Carakasi
Gold Urban necklace: c/o Orly Segal
Cream pants: Drykorn for Beautiful People
Colored necklace (old): Alldressedup
Colorful shoes (old): Chie Mihara
Blue shoes (old): Unisa

How do you keep your wardrobe interesting?

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