As of late there has been an outbreak of minimalism trending in the fashion world. With “trendy” outfits consisting of neutral tones with sometimes light jewelry to complete the look, it promotes simplicity and monotony.
I believe the problem attached to minimalist fashion is that it can give off the wrong idea and diminish the whole point of fashion. It doesn’t inspire people to embrace personal style and rather produces the idea that it is more socially acceptable to wash out style with the basics.
Minimalism became a well-known trend when people in the wealthy community tried to declutter and minimalize their lifestyles. It was ultimately intended to encourage enjoying the simple things in life without trying to seek it in materialistic objects.
To be rid of excessive stuff meant they had to remove sentimentality from clothing and replace their packed closet with a few high quality items. Though the basic concept has the foundation of positive intentions people are simply making themselves appear minimalistic while not following the basis of the aesthetic.
Don’t get me wrong, the basics can also be a great thing in embracing style. A neutral toned piece of clothing can elevate a look and emphasize the main piece of an outfit being showcased.
Lets say someone owns these really awesome funky pants that show their colorful personality. To style an outfit wearing a solid-colored top can be complementary and visually pleasing with the fun pants.
Media has an influence on the change regarding minimalism. Media and clothing brands are giving off the idea that minimalism is classier and if you wear it you will be looked more highly upon in society. People wear minimalist outfits to try and give off the idea that they come from money and don’t need style and maximalism.
I noticed it is drastically apparent as well when attending school or going to work with people around the same age. A lot of kids mirror their peers’ outfits and popular brands being worn by people they look up to. This excessive copying isn’t admiration but creating the idea that they will be treated the same as that person if they wear the same simple outfit.
No one these days can escape the never-ending change of trends either. Almost everyone online will inevitably be fed targeted marketing that’s trying to convince you to buy something because lots of people are buying it.
The online peer pressuring obviously makes the existence of trends more prevalent and rapidly changing. I have had my share of online pressure due to the accessibility of online shopping. Though I find myself purposefully trying to veer from the misguided concept that minimalism is better because it is simpler.
People want to give off the idea that they are something that they aren’t and found they can use fashion in order to do this. It caters to people who wish to appear or are wealthy and gives the idea that class can be shown in the way you dress even though this is clearly not true.
Since fashion became a thing people have been using it to express themselves or their culture.
Nowadays people indulge in an overconsumption of clothing labeled as “minimalistic” rather than sticking to the origin of the aesthetic.
I think that the way minimalism has strayed from its original idea has affected the fashion world negatively. The entirety of the aesthetic has become shallow and used to try and flaunt privilege rather than experience the freedom style has to offer. Fashion’s ambiguous background is what makes it so beloved and I think that its so important to remember when getting into style experimentation.
