After a long, harsh winter of bundling up, warmer weather is finally in sight. Though chunky blanket scarves, beanies and tall boots were popular this past season, springtime means shedding heavy layers in favor of a cleaner, airier and uncluttered lifestyle.

One trend that dominated the Spring/Summer 2015 runway was minimalism. With minimalism, dressing has gone back to basics, simplifying the notoriously complicated morning routine. This new trend emphasizes easy, modern elegance and personal taste. To help freshen up your spring wardrobe, The Daily Orange has created a tip sheet for mastering the minimalist look.

 

Textures: Minimalism is all about pairing different, sometimes unexpected, textures together. It makes an otherwise simple outfit look playful and interesting.

Suggestions:
Leather and wool
Waxed jeans and wool
Waxed jeans and leather
Viscose and leather

 

Proportions: Mixing up proportions is another way to add excitement to a minimalist’s wardrobe. This aspect of the spring trend is about balance. Create the perfect outfit by mixing up length and fit. Wear loose-fitted T-shirts with tight pants or short skirts with long, baggy sweaters.

Suggestions:
Midi pencil skirt and loose-fitted tee
High-waisted mini skirt and cropped baggy sweater
High-waisted mini skirt and loose-fitted long sleeve
Knee-length jacket and slim pants
Cropped jacket and skinny jeans and loose-fitted tee

Neutrals: Stick to a neutral palette. The pop of color can come from a lipstick or an accessory, but as a rule, it is best to wear natural, organic colors. Colors like maroon or red, black, navy, hunter green, white, cream, tan and brown can all mix-and-match and will speed up your morning process. These colors make an outfit look effortless.

Suggestions:
Navy and cream and black
Black and white
White and tan
Grey and black
Maroon and black

 

Here are additional beauty tips for an effortlessly chic look:

Master the minimal hairstyles:
1. Messy topknot
2. Down in loose beachy, messy waves
3. Low bun
4. Low ponytail

Master the minimal makeup:
1. Use lengthening mascara instead of volumizing mascara to give your lashes a more natural appearance.
2. Use tinted moisturizer instead of a thick, full-coverage foundation, which weighs down skin and clogs pores.
3. Use liner between your lash line and water line. This discretely opens up your eyes.
4. Add the perfect bold lip. Tip: Cool, deep reds usually make teeth look whiter or go neutral with lip balm and a creamy nude lipstick.

Published on April 1, 2015 at 1:34 am

Contact Eliza: etweinre@syr.edu