How To Be A Minimalist And Still “You”: Visible Monday

How to dress in a minimalist style, and retain your “you.” I’ve been drawn to minimalism in my home, life, and wardrobe. I don’t pretend to have invented the idea 😊 but it has a lot of appeal. I find that having fewer things makes me feel calm.

Welcome to Visible Monday. If you want to participate, it’s so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the how-to. Link back to Not Dead Yet Style if you like – we’re on Easy Does It “rules” now!

As far as wardrobe goes, I’m not a classic minimalist dresser. I do have a base of black, ivory and denim clothing, but I enjoy adding a colorful blouse, or scarf, or shoes. I even mix patterns at times, and I adore a big floral skirt. But I do feel good having fewer clothes. I love the ones that remain more than I used to love my big closet.

Today’s cotton/linen trousers are super-minimal, in a neutral tan and with clean lines. I found them at ThredUp, the online consignment store. They were about $12, and they’re by Ralph Lauren. The poly-satin tank top was retail from J. Crew, I believe, and it gets a lot of outings. Also clean and simple.

minimalist style
My fab friend Mel taught me that long trousers look best on me. I can see how they make my legs look crazy-long (and they’re not).

The colorful necklace is the perfect accent piece. It was created for me by the talented and delightful Suzanne of Suzanne Carillo. Check out her well-curated vintage clothing shop here.

I tucked my top into the side of my trousers to create an asymmetrical look.
Add a fabulous pendant like this one to any minimalist-inspired outfit. I alternately wear a kerchief-style scarf with this basic top, or layer it over a tee (too hot for that now).

Are you a minimalist, a maxi-woman or, like most of us, somewhere in-between? Show us in the link-up.

Now, let’s see what’s in your closet, Visible Women.The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple:

  1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
  2. Go to the bottom of this post and click on the InLinkz button “Add Your Link”. It should open a new page.
  3. In the “Next Step”, you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you’re done!
  4. Visit a few other bloggers, to make new friends and increase your own following.

Stay fabulous, and wear what you love, xo

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patti

56 Comments

    • Thanks Emma. You look summer-chic in your new-to-you Finery dress. You’ve inspired me to check them out more! xox

  1. I love your outfit Patti. It’s simple and elegant. I think I fall somewhere between the two. I do like simple, statement styling, however sometimes I can be a little adventurous and wear something really daring.
    Alison

    • You look wonderful in “simple, statement” styles, and I am going to borrow that term! Thanks for coming by, xox.

    • Thank you Lanae, and thanks for coming by! I enjoyed your post about staying cool – it’s 90 degrees here today : > xox.

    • Including moderation! : > Thanks for linking up, Cheryl – your leopard cocoon coat is so beautiful! xox

    • Thanks Rosemary! I love your “third piece” post – it’s got me searching my closet! xox

  2. I disagree! I think you do have long legs. Stand by an Oompa Loompa like me and you’ll see some short legs.

    Another trick is showing a high waist. These look like they do have a high waist. I use that trick all the time for myself.

    I found some wide leg culottes thrifting that I’ve fallen head over heels for. I just hope when I take photos of myself wearing them they don’t shatter the vision of how I look in my head. Short trousers normally make everyone look shorter than they are.

    I can feel your serenity coming through in this outfit. Classic and clean with a tiny bit of funkiness with the shoes and necklace. (Thanks for the shout-out!) This would be a great NYC ensemble!

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    • You are SO NOT an Oompa-Loompa! You’re right about the high waist, and I’m starting to love that look. I can’t wait to see your culottes; I know you’ll style them to perfection. xox

    • Thanks so much, Jess! I love, love the wide leg crop jeans on you – I’ve been wanting to try them but feared looking stumpy. You look elegant as always in them, and have inspired me to try. Have a lovely week ahead, xox.

    • you got that right, Kim! Thanks for linking up and have a great week ahead, xox.

  3. Patti, love your minimalist look. It’s perfect for Florida! Am a a big fan of the wide leg trouser. And Suzanne’s necklace is gorgeous, giving your outfit a nice pop of color.

    • Thanks for all the kind words, Theresa, and for coming over. You’re right, less is often more in the sub-tropics : > xox.

    • Thanks Amy! Yes, those E. Fisher sandals are great for getting around town. Alethea is so big now, and cuter all the time. xox

  4. I’m definitely a maximalist, but it’s fun to try out the different styles occasionally. I just love how that necklace pops against that top Patti.
    OXOX
    Jodie

    • Yes, you’re a gorgeous maximalist! And it is fun to switch it up when the mood strikes, xox.

    • Thank you Julie. Your summer dress is just the ticket – so fresh and pretty. xox

    • Thank you Shelbee and thanks for linking. Your cowgirl look is fab, and those boots are wow! xox

  5. I do like your minimal look and those longer pants are great. Must remember Melanie’s tip. Clever Suzanne , the necklace is pretty special. Many thanks for hosting.

    • Thank you dear Jill. I love your all-black super-cool look today, and esp that hat! xox

  6. Love that look on you Patti. I sometimes try this look but prefer to be a bit more wacky. And totally go for the big jewellery accessories. The necklace you feature looks great 🙂

    • Thank you Penny – and I love your “wacky” styles (they’re not wacky, just fun). Happy birthday to you, xox.

    • Hi KellyAnn! Thanks for coming over. You’re a lovely vision in pink today! xox

  7. I would not say that I am a minimalist. But there are times when I need a “break” from my usual eclectic style and I will grab a simple knit tanks dress – but like you, I add a fun accessory to make it feel more like me! Love your necklace.
    xx
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

    • Thanks for coming by, Suzanne! You have great personal style – and yes, a knit tank dress is a perfect minimal choice (with accessory!) xox

  8. Hi Patti. I like to think I’m a bit of a minimalist, but I do love a pop of color. Blogging about fashion does tend to fill the closet in a rather alarming way, however. Your outfit is the perfect simple look.
    xx Darlene

    • So true about blogging and closets, Darlene! Love your white skirt and new word, “caj.” xox

  9. No question, Pattern Maxer. I dressed in all solids at Mattel in the early ’90s, when we had to adhere to (sort of) a dress code. I bent the “rules” by wearing brights and piling on accessories.

    • I’m glad you were a rule-breaker, Anne! And I know you are a queen of pattern-maxing, and fabulous. xox

  10. Hm, I think I’m a maximalist! I appreciate the minimalist aesthetic, but I love to clutter it up with accessories or more colour. I have been known to rock a black and white print, though! I’ll be along with something funky shortly. ;-P

    Thanks so much for hosting, Patti!

    • Yes, I had a feeling you’re a maxi-woman – you have an AMAZING closet and lots of mixing skillz. Your closet is a wonderland : > xox

  11. Patti, all your trousers look best on you! But the high-waists have always been a friend for a super long-leg look, like you show here, and swish for ventilation. I’m glad you enjoy them too. This combo is smashing. Looking cool!

    • Yes, the swish for ventilation! That’s the key in the summer. Thanks for all the styling advice, you are a goddess! xox

    • Thanks Laurie. I love a classic navy blazer like the one you’re wearing today – always cool and crisp. xox

  12. I am definitely a minimalist. But getting more comfortable with a few maxi touches as I age. Love those tan pants.

    • Thanks, Sue. I love your wardrobe and the way you create it – so thoughtful and personal. And you always look fab. xox

  13. I find myself going through minimalistic periods … followed by … not. Haha … it’s a fun trend to play with and I like the idea of it, but then I get bored pretty easily too. So … IDK!

    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy

    • I love the way you expressed this, Dawn! It’s fun to switch styles when we get bored. xox

    • Thank you, Heather, and thanks for coming by! Your espadrille flats are so cool. xox

  14. I become a LOT more minimal in the summeretime. It is too hot to worry about layering accessories! This looks very expensive on you, the sheen on those trousers is gorge. xx

    • Thank you Lisa. Your red “occasion dress” is the total bomb, and you look gorgeous. xox

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