Less is more when it comes to the minimalist fashion trend for fall 2008. Streamlined silhouettes and tailoring, solid, monochromatic shades of white, gray, and especially black, and generally pared-down looks and clean lines have taken up residence for the season.
Simply Stunning
After spring and summer seasons chock-full of endless bouquets of floral prints, fancy frills, notions, lace, and ultra romantic, pretty embellishments, for fall 2008 designers responded with a contrasting movement of simplicity of a stark, covered-up, carved-out silhouette and a starkly monochromatic palette. So, is this nod to simplicity, yawn-worthy? Not at all. Pared-down – even austere – neutrals are quietly fabulous and oh-so high on style.
Designers notorious for being masters of minimalism like Calvin Klein, Jil Sandler, Narciso Rodriguez, and Prada are playing on home court for the fall 2008 and winter 2009 seasons, with stunningly simple collections being en vogue. Romantic notions have been swapped for stark, architectural shapes that looks simultaneously classic and futuristic, and after trends of brown, gray, and even "green" thwarting it ins season gone by, black is resuming its rightful place in fashion as the new black.
Why Simple Fashion is So Fabulous
Effortless, unfussy, unadorned, and powerfully understated, stark minimalist style is one of few fashion trends that works for virtually all women of any age, shape, or social occupation. There's something extremely confident and uncomplicated about this unpretentious look, which showcases a woman's shape, face, and personality, without any need to distract the eye with ornamental embellishments or patterns.
How to Wear the Stark Minimalist Fashion Trend
Balance the Look with a Small Pop of Color
Keeping your outfit plain and simple also leaves room to draw attention to a pop of deeply saturated color in a shoe or handbag, such as burgundy or purple.
Wear a small dose of shimmer with one simple silver bangle, diamond studs, or a metallic accessory to add a little twinkle and life to your look.
Pull Yourself Together, Beautiful
In fact, if you're going to go minimalist, you absolutely must take the time to do your hair – even if it's just pulling your long hair back into a chic pony tail or chignon. And makeup is a must in order to keep you looking polished and prevent you from looking like a severely ascetic schoolmarm. Be trend-right on the beauty front by wearing a pretty pewter or gray eye shadow or a beautiful berry-colored or dark lipstick, both of which are also extremely popular this season.
See more of this trend in the Stark Minimalism Lookbook.
