A Modest Minimalist Shares Her Style Rules
Find what shapes your style. I would describe my personal style as ‘Scandi chic’ – simple, elegant and timeless. I find inspiration in classic looks and aim to create outfits that are both chic and enduring. My style journey has been a dynamic evolution, experimenting with urban street and vintage phases before finding myself in minimalist fashion. Dissatisfied with the transient nature of trends, I have embraced the concept of a capsule wardrobe, investing in timeless pieces that form the foundation of my style.
Curate some reliable winter staples. For me these are a floor-length coat, a thick wool scarf, high leather boots and – when it’s *really* cold – my trusty moon boots. For winter evenings, I often choose an all-black look with statement earrings. Lately, I've also been into silver trousers to bring a party vibe. ARKET is my go-to for creating stylish winter party looks with its cool range of modern classics.
Keep adding new brands to your repertoire. House of Dagmar is often overlooked outside Scandinavia or if you’re not a fashion girl, but its stunning designs deserve some serious global recognition. Elsewhere, I recently discovered Linnea Lund and its conscious cashmere knits. Its knitted poncho has become a winter staple for me since the temperatures dropped.
Confidence is a journey. Today, getting dressed for me is a confident and empowering experience. This all started with my transition towards minimalism. It not only simplified my daily dressing but also instilled a newfound confidence. Building this wardrobe has not only refined my fashion sense but also made my style a more curated reflection of my personality, emphasising quality, versatility and a timeless aesthetic.
Decide your style non-negotiables. Modesty, comfort and simplicity guide my daily outfit choices. When I transitioned to modest dressing, I explored new ways to express myself along the way – for example, bold colours and prints – but am now happily settled into my ‘modest minimalist’ vibe, finding comfort in simplicity. My advice for others on a modest dressing journey would be to follow what makes you feel most comfortable and yourself.
Choose pieces you can wear in at least three different ways. This will extend the lifetime of your pieces, and ensure you don’t get bored of them. The best way to do this would be to develop a capsule and knuckle down on a few good basics that feel most like you. You can then add statement pieces later. I especially recommend investing in a reliable pair of bottoms, versatile knits and tops that provide a foundation to work from.
For modest dressers, consider your head scarves within your look. I love jersey headscarves for their comfort and ease of styling. They blend seamlessly into my minimalist style and are my go-to for a polished look. My favourite brands have to be Haute Hijab, Lia The Brand and Silq Rose.
Only follow trends that align with your style. For example, I’ll add a fresh element to my style here and there, but won’t follow any trends religiously. I’m enjoying the burgundy/wine red trend and have been incorporating it subtly into my monochrome outfits for a bit of difference.
Stay inspired. Dazed magazine’s recent cover really resonated with me. It featured three women elegantly dressed in jilbabs and hijabs mirroring the colours of the French flag. This striking visual statement holds significant meaning, especially in a country where the hijab is subject to bans in various institutions. The powerful imagery challenges prevailing stereotypes and confronts the media's tendency to depict a singular narrative that often misrepresents diverse communities. I appreciate campaigns that showcase diversity and authenticity, and brands that celebrate individuality and real-life stories will always resonate with me.
Give a statement piece time to decide if it’s worth buying. This is the best way to ensure it’s timeless – and not just a trend or impulse purchase. Investment pieces should stand the test of time.
Add accessories – they’re essential for elevating looks. I've recently been gravitating towards my silver triple ring from LIE Studio and a rose brooch from Pendant for a subtle yet statement addition to my outfits. When it comes to footwear, I opt for kitten-heel slingbacks for parties, loafers with thicker socks for everyday during autumn, and knee-high boots for winter. Comfort and style are my priorities.
Invest in comfort. Around this time of year – since I don't celebrate Christmas or go to elaborate New Year's Eve parties – I prefer cosy knitted loungewear for intimate dinner gatherings followed by watching fireworks from the balcony.
Make a style resolution for 2024. For example, in the new year – and especially during summer – I aim to be more daring with prints. I want to break away from my usual monochrome style, explore some newer patterns and textures, and have a little more fun with my combos.
Find your style muses. From Brittany Bathgate and Alexis Foreman to Nia Amroun and Shaheen Chand, I follow these women because they all channel modesty, comfort and simplicity in their style.
Follow @FashionWithFaith for more inspiration.
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