Recently I wrote about managing colder climes by adopting abundant layers and indulging in a silhouette of unrepentant volume. The juxtaposition of bulky knitwear and bare skin, allowing one to traverse the dichotomy between practicality and aesthetic appeal.
However, whilst I remain committed to the idea of negative space as a means of countering gluttonous layering, there is something undeniably chic about longline layers perpendicular to the body as opposed to overwhelming outward bulk. In retaliation to my previous proclivities, a new means of dressing has flourished, that of faux minimalism.
In both renditions of layering, the body is still very much covered up. However, the aesthetic of longline layers speaks of a chic cosiness, conveying a put-togetherness not quite encompassed in the slouchy snugness of bulky layers. Here layering is subtle as opposed to blatant (minimalistic if you will). Think the innumerable delicate layers of choux pastry vice the dense layers of a victoria sponge. To continue the analogies in a more 'fashion' vein, consider Mary-Kate and Ashley - their aesthetic progression from, 'everything but the kitchen sink' type layering; to The Row minimalism. They are essentially the Marie Kundo wet dream of transformations.
However, to be warm and have Olsen-like insouciance does seem quite impossible, as layers do so often extinguish the chic from an outfit. In attempts to stay warm, style is often forfeited, outfits become visual signifiers of survival, rather than a curriculum vitae of fashion prowess. Getting dressed is not only a social requirement, but a means to bridge the gap between being in bed and being out in the world. Unlike Summer, the Winter time does actually afford one the ability to transpose bedtime cosiness from ones bed, out into the world, through the incorporation of duvet-like layers when getting dressed - be warm, but make it fashion.
The erratic weather and work necessitating one leave the house, hopefully lose no limbs to the early morning cold or melt under the midday sun and look somewhat professional, has inspired a resurge of interest in smart layering. The options are as follows : freeze, though be workwear appropriate, or be as snug as a pig in a blanket in sprawling layers (cue upper lip glisten) forgoing boardroom etiquette. After much time ignoring spreadsheets in favour of pondering this conundrum, I realised that a third option did exist : dress smart enough to be mistaken for a CEO and practical enough to undertake a Bear Grylls-like expedition (sort of). Melding business savvy with survival, in a feat made possible through the practise of faux-minimalism.
To onlookers the overall appearance is pared back (hence the minimalism part). However, much like a Matryoshka doll, the outer shell does not reveal the inner core and therefore the amount of layers that it encases (hence the faux). It is merely a pretence, layers are not renounced, rather they are downsized to give the illusion of chic. Undergarments are the literal foundation; tights of high denier, thick socks, polo necks, heattech thermals, light down vests; covert layering that remains undisclosed to all but the wearer (& can be easily removed). Like a game of Tetras, layering is about fitting the pieces together, manipulating disparate objects into a cohesive whole. In this instance, big doesn't mean better.
Finer layers of quantity provide insulation without disrupting a svelte silhouette, allowing one to be warm and fit through tight spaces (very important when commuting by public transport and whilst perusing the Zara sale). It's a secret between you and your wardrobe. As others waddle, you stride. Puzzlement greets you as people wonder the secret to shiver-free/sweat proof transeasonal dressing. And it is only through adopting the seemingly contrary act of faux minimalism that practicality and aesthetic comfort can be truly realised.
Despite the adage, 'quality over quantity', it would seem that in-between season dressing necessitates this be re-thought. Adding more does not lessen ones finesse. Rather with the addition of layers, the resultant outfit is one of quality in both aspects of practicality and aesthetic appeal. Transeasonal dressing requires contrary thinking, ergo faux minimalism, thus proving that when the weather is PMS-ing, quantity does make for quality.
Finer layers of quantity provide insulation without disrupting a svelte silhouette, allowing one to be warm and fit through tight spaces (very important when commuting by public transport and whilst perusing the Zara sale). It's a secret between you and your wardrobe. As others waddle, you stride. Puzzlement greets you as people wonder the secret to shiver-free/sweat proof transeasonal dressing. And it is only through adopting the seemingly contrary act of faux minimalism that practicality and aesthetic comfort can be truly realised.
(theglitterguide.com, enews.com, stylefavourite.com, popsugar.com.au & trendspotter.net)
