How to put together a minimalist, yet dressed-up outfit?
I’m a minimalist. For me less is more, whether we’re talking about accessorizing or the number of clothes I have in my wardrobe. Having too much stuff makes me anxious.
It is therefore no surprise that I don’t really have anything that would qualify as formal wear. I have no use for it; why would I keep it hanging in the closet ‘just in case‘? Instead, on the few occasions I want to dress up, I simply mix and match the semi-casual clothes I have, add a few accessories, and pass my lack of decorum off as being too cool for school…
Truth be told, I would feel extremely uncomfortable in anything ‘formal’. It’s just not me. So, even my dressed up outfits have to feel comfortable and look somewhat casual.
And that’s why this outfit follows my standard formula for comfy clothing: relaxed trousers and a top that doesn’t restrict movement. In other words, I just replaced my habitual t-shirt with a sleeveless white crossover blouse. And added heels. Well, what passes for heels in my world, anyway…
However, even though I might be completely comfort-driven as far as clothing is concerned, I’m also a self-confessed snob. I insist on quality materials: how clothes feel on my skin is important, and I hate anything ‘cheap and cheerful‘. And I never take shortcuts as far as my accessories are concerned: only the best will do. For me, luxury is in the details. And the less details there are, the more striking they should be. So yes, I do love designer handbags, and you bet my pearls are real…
Outfit details:
trousers: Monki / top: Sand (old) /wool poncho: Marja Kurki /
sunglasses: Marimekko (old) / bag: Chanel / shoes: Hotter (old)
location: Hotel Pestana Casino Park, Madeira
What do you wear when you want to dress up?
Tiina
PS: Have you seen the new Dilettante Artist post?
Dilettante Artist also has its own Instagram account…
Linking up with:
Not Dead Yet Style, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Garay Treasures, High Latitude Style, The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, A Labour of Life, Doused in Pink, Curly Crafty Mom, Fashion Should Be Fun, Rachel the Hat, Sincerely Jenna Marie, More Pieces of Me, Color and Grace, The Wardrobe Stylist, Not Dressed As Lamb, Style Nudge, Coco et La Vie en Rose, Living on Cloud Nine, A Well Styled Life, Elegance and Mommyhood. Posh Classy Mom, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Shelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style Splash, The Fashionista Momma, Tina’s Pink Friday, Fake Fabulous. Lazy daisy Jones, Vanity and Me, Sheela Writes, Jodie’s Touch of Style, Glass of Glam
This is such a fab dressed-up look that's live-able. Great wrap and love the new white top. Thanks for linking up, xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti. The white top is actually old, really old. But I'm not sure if I've ever featured it on the blog before. Maybe once or twice, a very long time ago…
Lovely outfit, elegant, subtle, comfortable!, I like your poncho and cool accessorizing!besos
Thanks, Monica. Comfort is key, even in a dressed-up outfit…
Say it gurl. I love your lingua. I'm also a quality over quantity type of girl so I understand totally your point of view. And you so nailed this look. Like me I tend to fall back on pearls when going the high fashion route. I think it's the perfect luxury fashion accessory. Lovely look
Thank you.I love pearls, I try to wear them a bit more often and in a more modern way, and I love to combine them with edgy outfits.
Love the concept and the pop of color the poncho brought to the look! Minimal and still chic!
Thanks, Sheree.
Love the pop of colors! What cool trousers, they look great! And what a good idea to style them with the poncho and handbag adorable styling!Modalist – Celebrating a World of Style and Fashion
Thank you.
Great formula. Love the wrap with the outfit. http://www.muttonstyle.com
Thanks, Anna. This wrap is a staple in my wardrobe, I have it in 6 colours…
Tiina, I am loving the versatility of these fabulous pants! You definitely know how to these style these beauties in so many fabulous ways! Another great look, my friend. Thanks for linking up with me!Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you.
A very elegant and classy outfit! The poncho is gorgeous and I love your pearls. I'm a big fan of crossover tops and have a few that I like to wear for work. Fab sunglasses too! Thanks for linking up!Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com
Thanks, Emma. I've had this top for a long time, but I hardly ever wear it. I never quite know how to style it.