Minimalism Vs Maximalism: The Personal-Style Debate
Are you a minimalist or a maximalist? Sartorially, do you lean towards clean lines, neutral color palettes and anything by The Row? Or do you have a penchant for prints (the bolder the better), directional silhouettes and bold pops of color? Sitting at opposite ends of the style spectrum, MARISA MARTINS and VENEDA CARTER share their fashion formulas
THE MINIMALIST
Marisa Martins, content creator and founder of Business of Colour
London-based Marisa Martins started her career in fashion as a personal shopper – a role she credits with allowing her to hone her aesthetic, which is rigorously crafted but relaxed in practice, and champions interchangeable, versatile and uncomplicated pieces.
“I’ve always gravitated towards a simpler wardrobe. My work meetings tend to be quite relaxed, either meeting for breakfast or brunch, so I usually wear something like the ‘Cenoa’ stretch-scuba maxi dress from The Row, paired with flats, my everyday jewelry pieces and a small bag. To meet up with friends, comfort is a must, because we spend hours together. I’d wear something like the ‘03’ washed-linen shirt and shorts set from Deiji Studios, which I have in a few colors, and normally pair with flats and a statement bag. For a night out, I’d go for the ‘Ade’ open-back, pleated cotton-twill mini dress from Khaite. It has a gorgeous extended neckline, and I love anything with an exposed back. Day to day, I tend to gravitate towards a flat shoe, but for nights out I would elevate the look with a pair of kitten heels.”
“For me, the silhouette and detailing elevate pieces. A simpler palette puts more emphasis on quality cuts, materials and fit – it’s the craftsmanship that I’m drawn to, and that defines my wardrobe
”Marisa Martins
“[The pandemic] didn’t change my style dramatically, but it did reaffirm my ideas about fashion. It’s made me conscious of the brands I choose to wear, and I look more into their ethos and approach to sustainability – it’s something I still do when adding new pieces to my wardrobe. My style makes me feel confident and empowered, and I’ve reached a point where I feel like my wardrobe matches the vision I have in my head – I’m no longer trying to figure out what I like and who I am, which can be stressful. I’m now at a place where I can just enhance and refine what I already have.
“For me, the silhouette and detailing elevate pieces. A simpler palette puts more emphasis on quality cuts, materials and fit – it’s the craftsmanship that I’m drawn to, and that defines my wardrobe. I want getting dressed to be a fun experience; I want to know that whatever outfit I pick, there will always be cohesion with my style. [As a result, my clothing is] interchangeable and versatile – there are very few items that don’t work together. When I add something new, I know I don’t have to buy a whole new outfit, as there will be a mix of other garments it will work with.
“[My favorite brands include] Khaite, The Row, Tove, Jil Sander and Totême – they all do minimalism well. I love their designs and everything they stand for. For me, these brands have the perfect balance of elegance and playfulness. Their clothes feel as if they have been designed to empower and celebrate the female form, which is exactly what I want from my wardrobe.
“I think it’s important to be yourself. I try not to think about how others perceive me and focus on what I like and want to see myself in. I believe that’s an important attitude to have. Quality and craftsmanship will outlast trends.”
THE MAXIMALIST
Veneda Carter, stylist
Copenhagen-born, LA-based Veneda Carter’s style is defined by her love of directional, oversized silhouettes. Having cut her teeth at Yeezy, she’s since worked as a personal stylist for Kim Kardashian and launched an eponymous jewelry line. Here, she shares her formula for making maximalism look effortless.
“[By the time I was] 13, I’d really gotten into clothes and had also started modeling; it was when my style and vibe became more personal. My brother and cousin were big inspirations for me – [I loved] their oversized fits – and I found a lot of inspiration by watching music videos; I was obsessed with Lauryn Hill and the rest of the Fugees, as well as Kelis, DMX, Outkast, MC Lyte, Pharrell Williams, Missy Elliott and many more.”
“My ultimate styling trick is understanding proportions, color and fabrics. I feel like these are the main things I think of when I put looks together. They all have to match and fit each other. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a little bit like [fashion] Lego
”Veneda Carter
“I feel like I’ve become a little more experimental [with my style] since becoming a mother. I love to dress my daughter, too – it gives me so much joy to create looks for her. I don’t plan my looks in advance, but instead go with what I feel like each morning – I don’t really have time for planning since becoming a mom! When I travel, though, I’ll plan a bit more.
“I don’t leave the house without my jewelry and sunglasses. If you have great accessories, your outfit can be boring and [yet] you somehow still look very put together. I would say [my maximalist eye extends to] interiors, too. I feel like our Togo couches and Ojas speakers represent my style really well.
“[When it comes to my favorite designers], I love Dries Van Noten’s tailoring, everything about Junya Watanabe, and Marni’s colors. My sense of style has flourished through working as a stylist and in creative environments; I spend a lot of time researching, so I constantly find new information that inspires me. I’m also very lucky to work with very tasteful, cool and inspiring people.
“My ultimate styling trick is understanding proportions, color and fabrics. I feel like these are the main things I think of when I put looks together. They all have to match and fit each other. It’s hard to put into words, but it’s a little bit like [fashion] Lego.”