Minimalist Experiments with Maximalism

pattern mixing over 40

I’m a minimalist at heart

But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like colours or patterns. It just means that I like my colours and patterns in a neat, streamlined package. And without any bells and whistles, please.

Which is why I’ve kept the accessories to a minimum here. Well, also because it was just unbearably hot when these pictures were taken. Hot weather makes me even more of a minimalist as I can’t stand anything touching my skin. I would go around naked if I wasn’t afraid of burning in the sun. Or getting arrested, whatever…

graphic tee over 40

easy pattern mixing

If you follow this blog, this isn’t the first (or the second, or the seventh…) time you’ve seen this old Custo Barcelona t-shirt. And it probably won’t be the last. I believe in only buying what I love and then wearing it over and over again.

And the trousers? Well, you’ve seen this pair of trousers a couple of times this summer, too. But as to whether you’ll see it again, it’s too soon to tell. Sure, the trousers are comfortable and fit me like a dream. But the polka dots may just make them a bit of a one-summer hit. We’ll see.

Putting these two items together was sort of inevitable. Not just because it was terribly hot and I was running out of clean clothes to wear (we were staying in Germany for a few days when these photos were taken), but because I thought it would be fun. You know, sort of pushing the envelope a bit, experimenting with maximalism by putting together an over-the-top outfit.

No? Not over-the-top enough? Well, guess what, I’m a minimalist, and for me, this is as over-the-top as it gets. I want my maximalism in a neat, streamlined package, too. In other words, no layering, no oversize jewellery, no elaborate accessories. That’s all lovely and inspiring, but it’s not me. So, I’ll keep it simple and uncomplicated and let the colour and pattern do the talking.

pattern mixing over 40

Outfit details:

t-shirt: Custo Barcelona (old) / trousers: Zara / bag: Coach /

shoes: Jenny / sunglasses: Prada
location: Kreutzviertel, Dortmund (Germany)

Are you a minimalist or a maximalist? Or a little bit of both?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of GlamMummabstylish

14 Comments

  1. Nancy's Fashion Style
    12 August 2018 / 7:02 am

    I think the last photo, in front of that beautiful wall, is very nice! And I do love the combination you are wearing! It s much colder now over here, I dont like it, I like the hot weather!

    • Tiina L
      14 August 2018 / 11:05 am

      Thanks, Nancy.We're enjoying cooler weather, too, and not a second too soon…

  2. señora Allnut
    13 August 2018 / 10:25 am

    I like your mixed prints outfit and the subtle color combo, elegant and absolutely You!And you rock your accessories, sunníes and bag look perfect!. Sometimes even I refuse to wear any accessories (I go to the swimming pool in a lounge dress, a straw hat and sandals, no fuss when it's 39ºC)besos

    • Tiina L
      14 August 2018 / 11:09 am

      Thanks! I can't even imagine what 39ºC is like. We had 28-30, and that was bad enough (especially as that was the temperature both outdoors and indoors…).

  3. passion fruit, paws and peonies
    13 August 2018 / 7:36 pm

    I really like this outfit on you! I think it's fab. Keep wearing the tee – it's a great one! xx

    • Tiina L
      14 August 2018 / 11:09 am

      Thanks! This is one of my favourite tops, and it's surprisingly versatile.

  4. Jill James
    14 August 2018 / 5:56 am

    I have always loved that top and it always looks so good , keep wearing it on the blog as long as you like . We share the same philosophy on our clothing, it is to be worn after all. I do like this pairing with the spotty pants. Hope you have had a reprieve from your hot days.

    • Tiina L
      14 August 2018 / 11:11 am

      Thanks, Jill.Yes, clothes should be worn, a lot. I'd rather have a few really good pieces than loads of fast fashion.It's significantly cooler now, around 20ºC, very pleasant.

  5. Ruth Maldonado
    15 August 2018 / 3:37 am

    I do like the polka dot pants on you! I imagine they would be good for fall (as long as they aren't too light). Your pattern and color mixing is fabulous!http://www.mylittlenest.org

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2018 / 11:33 am

      Thanks, Ruth! Well, depends on what you mean by fall, I suppose… Fall in my neck of the woods tends to be quite a bit colder, so I think these pants are strictly for summer.

  6. mummabstylish
    16 August 2018 / 7:39 pm

    I think your tee shirt says it all! You certainly don't need any accessories and that's the beauty of it. Thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish today. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • Tiina L
      17 August 2018 / 11:34 am

      Thanks, Jacqui. Yes, I think accessories might be a bit too much with the shirt and the trousers, at least for me.

  7. Emma Peach
    21 August 2018 / 10:48 am

    The top and look trousers look great together, and the dusky pink bag picks up on the same colour in the top to tie it all together perfectly. It has turned cloudy and a bit rainy here but it's still so humid. I'm looking to forward to some fresher weather now. Thanks for linking up!Emma xxxwww.style-splash.com

    • Tiina L
      22 August 2018 / 12:20 pm

      Thanks, Emma.Yes, a bit cooler weather is good, isn't it? Summer is nice, but hot weather can be challenging.

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