A Game of Contrasts

showstopper accessories

Accessories make the outfit

In my case, that’s true more often than not. I love my accessories. And I wear mainly boring basics. Or striped t-shirts…

So, the starting point for this outfit was the fabulous new sunglasses. These sunglasses are a real diva piece: there’s nothing minimalist or understated about them. But I fell in love with them, and they’re just my style. For starters, the shape is perfect for my face. And the colour and the style just scream ‘look at me‘…

Yes, I’m still a minimalist. 

So, naturally, I had to tone down the rest of the outfit a bit. But not too much. It’s a bit of a balancing act, this one: keep it understated but luxurious, and create a minimalist backdrop that allows the divaesque accessories to steal the show.

diva sunglasses

gold accents1300 x 1000

gold accents1300 x 1000

Minimalist Maximalism

It’s not an oxymoron. Or it doesn’t have to be. It’s just maximalism ‘tamed’ with a flair of minimalism. Or Minimalism spiced up with elements of maximalism. Whatever. Who cares about labels, anyway? Just wear what makes you happy, no need to define it.

OK, let’s see if we can deconstruct this outfit: a striped t-shirt adds a casual flair to a silk skirt. The deep maroon tone of the skirt adds sophistication and becomes a neutral backdrop to set off the rich orange of the bag.

And then the accessories…

I opted for no jewellery. You know, to preserve the overall minimalist vibe… I also chose a simple bag with just one gold detail, and loafers for the casual vibe. Of course, gold loafers are not exactly very understated…

See, maximalism and minimalism can co-exist.

golden accessories

Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses

Outfit details:
top: Esprit (old) / skirt: Top Shop / bag: Artipel /
shoes: Van Dal (old) / sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana

Do you ever mix elements of minimalism and maximalism? Or is it strictly one or the other for you?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink Friday, Away from the BlueMummabstylish , Mutton Years Style and I

12 Comments

    • Tiina
      Author
      20 June 2019 / 11:11 am

      Thanks! Accessories are so much fun, aren’t they? My weakness is sunglasses, but I’ve been trying to avoid getting new ones because I have no place to store them anymore.
      And big earrings… I love seeing big earrings on others, they always look so cool. I usually just wear pearl drops or something very light. With a hair like mine, earrings are just wasted.

  1. 18 June 2019 / 4:57 pm

    Tina, I think you were right to skip the jewelry. It would have just distracted from the sunglasses, bag and shoes that were all that was needed! The maroon and white are perfect for your coloring, and I would not have thought to add the orange bag! I definitely need to work on my accessories. #SpreadTheKindness

    • Tiina
      Author
      20 June 2019 / 11:16 am

      Thanks, Jean! I believe less is more, especially when it comes to accessories. And I kind of want to show off my accessories, too, so a simple backdrop usually works best. The orange bag is a souvenir from madeira (it’s made of cork), and it’s a real pop of colour with anything blue, brown or purple.

  2. Lise
    18 June 2019 / 8:39 pm

    The sunnies are fabulous! I really like the unexpected pairing of maroon and orange. Lise

    • Tiina
      Author
      20 June 2019 / 11:22 am

      Thanks, Lise.
      You know, you’re the second person to suggest putting maroon and orange together is unexpected. That never occurred to me. I was looking for something in burgundy (the t-shirt is brownish red) or maroon specifically for the bag. I actually bought this skirt to wear with this bag. Somehow in my mind it was just such an obvious match…

  3. 21 June 2019 / 8:41 pm

    In the summer, I may not wear as many accessories. It may just be too hot! I LOVE the shape and style of those sunnies! They are great on your face. I need a squarer shape like that, but need prescription sunnies, which is a bummer some time! Love the bold stripes on you!
    Thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina
      Author
      24 June 2019 / 7:19 pm

      I know exactly what you mean. I seldom wear any jewellery in summer; it’s just way too hot.
      Thanks, Jessica!

  4. 24 June 2019 / 1:37 pm

    They are such fun sunglasses! I definitely like bold accessories, and it’s not always simple outfits I pair them with. Sometimes more is more! 🙂

    Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp 🙂

    Hope that you had a wonderful weekend 🙂

    http://awayfromtheblue.blogspot.com.au

    • Tiina
      Author
      24 June 2019 / 7:22 pm

      Thanks, Mica! ‘More is more’ looks fantastic on some people, I always admire that. I myself am more of a ‘less is more’ girl: simple outfits paired with fab accessories.

  5. mummabstylish
    25 June 2019 / 12:32 am

    Nice look! Those shoes look so comfortable, and are a good neutral colour. thanks for sharing on the #chicandstylish #linkup party. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • Tiina
      Author
      26 June 2019 / 9:23 pm

      Thanks, Jacqui!

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