We are taking minimalism into 2024. But without sacrificing fabulousness.
That's the key fashion takeaway from the glamorous yet understated red carpet appearances at the year's first star-studded awards event Golden Globes held in California on January 7.
From Margot Robbie to Emma Stone and Lily Gladstone, the glitzy night saw a stream of stars taking over the red carpet in striking outfits. While sequin and bright, jovial colours did dominate the fashion scene, another trend that made its presence felt was championing a blend of minimalism and a hint of extravagance. Vanessa Friedman, fashion director and critic at the New York Times, referred to it as 'minimal fabulousness'. No no, it is not an oxymoron!
What is minimal fabulousness?
Minimal fabulousness is a trend that intertwines the simplistic elegance of minimalist sartorial style with glam-coded extravagance.
The words 'minimal' and 'fabulous' may appear to be heading in opposite directions, but what celebrities presented on the Golden Globes red carpet was certainly an unmissable bridging moment between the two.
Barbiecore with understated glam
Margot Robbie, for instance, continued her streak of bringing the signature Barbie looks to real life in a vivid pink gown.
Swathed in sequin, the Armani number was a recreation of Superstar Barbie's outfit from 1977. Additionally, it featured a ruffled tulle boa. Dramatic much? Not really!
If you feel your personal style inches more towards minimalism, do take note of Ali Wong's take on minimal fabulousness at the Golden Globes.
Glitzy but minimal at the same time
Taylor Swift, quite like Margot Robbie, glittered her way to the red carpet but in an understated manner.
The clean silhouette of her sequinned green dress was devoid of any billowing accents or extravagant additions. It was a strappy, straight-fit gown doused in sequin. That's all.
Her jewellery assemblage, comprising cascading diamond earrings and some rings, was visibly there but with no intention of stealing the thunder.
A worthy successor to quiet luxury
The trend of instilling a dash of glamour into a minimalist sense of style comes right after the year of quiet luxury ended.
The fashion buzzword of 2023; quiet luxury was all about embracing minimalist, classy and timeless aesthetics.
Cut to 2024, the 'quiet' part walks ahead but with a noticeable dose of sophisticated glamour.
Another boring black suit moment? Nah.
The Golden Globes also witnessed men embracing 'minimal fabulousness'.
Timothee Chalamet, for instance, dressed up in an all-black suit. He, however, added a dazzling black jacket – a decision that kept the classic monotone appeal intact while also ensuring it did not end up being any other black suit moment.
'Rustin' star Colman Domingo rocked a sharp and slim-fit Louis Vuitton suit. In an impressive styling move that elevated his ensemble, he added two statement brooches and a pearl earring.
Minimalist, not blah
Minimalist styling often leaves the fashion world divided. While a section doesn't refrain from labelling it as 'boring' or adding that it 'lacks character', others swear by its timeless appeal.
The emergence of minimal fabulousness may prove to be the middle ground for how it combines the elegance of minimalist aesthetics with touches of luxury and refinement.
So, how to get minimal fabulousness right?
If you wish to embrace this fashion trend, here is a quick guide on what it may involve:
Neat silhouettes: Structured and well-tailored clothing that doesn't look flashy or ostentatious.
Luxurious fabrics: High-quality fabrics like silk, fine cotton or something that's enlivened with embroidery or sequin to elevate the overall look and feel.
Statement accessories: If the colour palette and silhouette of your outfit are more on the minimalist side of style, consider adding statement accessories.
Colour palette: If you are going loud with the colour choice, keep the styling and silhouette muted. If a neutral palette is what you are embracing, play it up in the other aspects.