The Classic Coat: part 2/3

Modern Classic

That’s how I would describe this look. It’s simple, classic and minimalist. I kept the accessories to a minimum to allow the coat to become the star piece here.

People often think of minimalism as wearing only black and white, or grey and beige. I’d say that’s a rather limited view, not to mention boring. Minimalism has nothing to do with wearing ugly, boring colours. The same style principles work, whether you wear just neutrals or deep and vibrant hues.

Another misconception is that minimalism means lack of details. In fact, it’s the opposite: simple shapes and a limited colour palette make details stand out. And that’s why minimalism allows a lot of room for playfulness. Think about it: a limited colour scheme is the perfect blank canvas to showcase extravagant jewellery, an unusual accessory, or a simple coat in a contrasting colour. Less is more, so make the details count, that sort of thing.

Repeat after me: blue and brown are a great match

Yes, blue and brown is a good colour combo, and why wouldn’t it be? Think about it: blue is often one of the best colours for anyone with brown hair. And brown definitely gives blue a warmer glow than, say, grey.

OK, the top here is more burgundy (although very brownish burgundy) than brown, but my trousers are definitely dark brown. A cool shade of brown.

I’ve never been a fan of brown, but if I do wear something brown, quite often it’s a cool shade. It’s not that I don’t like warmer shades of brown: quite the contrary. I’m envious of those lucky girls with a golden olive or darker skin tones, they look amazing in camel and mustard and all those rich tones of brown. Whereas I look as if I was in the final stages of some deadly disease.

Well, I tend to favour cooler colours, anyway. But if you look at my face you’ll understand why. I mean, to say I’m pale is an understatement, and my skin clearly has a pinkish undertone. Which means that anything yellowish next to my face is not a good idea. So, cool colours it is, then, right?

Except that I don’t fully buy that cool and warm tones don’t mix theory, either. And I also wear a lot of warm colours. And I often happily mix cooler and warmer shades.

And why not? I mean, colour theory is OK, but it’s just a theory. Real life never fits into a theory, anyway. Besides, who has time for all that?

So, when it comes to colour, or how to mix and match colours, I have only one, very simple rule: if it makes you look good, wear it.

Outfit details:

coat: Jaeger (old) / top: All Saints / trousers: Marks and Spencer (old) /

bag: Kate Spade (old) / sunglasses: Prada / shoes: Ecco
location: Islington, London

What’s your take on minimalism?

Tiina

PS: have you seen the latest Dilettante Artist post?

Linking up with:

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