Simple. Uncomplicated. Pared-back. Minimalism can easily become boring if you're approaching it as an excuse to hold back rather than an opportunity to push things forward. For actress Isabelle Fuhrman (from The Hunger Games, Masters of Sex, and The Orphan), figuring out that difference is key to keeping her minimalist wardrobe exciting.
For Fuhrman, minimalism means sticking to a black-and-white palette, but flooring it when it comes to cuts, shapes, and proportions. "I love contrast, clearly!" Fuhrman says. "I like to mix men's and women’s clothes, as well. I used to like more loose shapes when I was younger, but now, as I have gotten older and become more confident in my body, I have started to like more fitted styles."
We caught up with the 19-year-old L.A. teen to talk through her tricks she has to make sure her minimal outfits her as much personality as she does.
Special Thanks to The Ace Hotel.
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When wearing one color, go for statement-making silhouettes.
"I LOVE this shape! I don’t wear a lot of long dresses, but when I do, I like when they have a little something special to them. I love the ruffle on the bust piece, because it gives you a little something extra while still being covered up and the skirt just makes the look more modern and classic at the same time. AND these are separates, so you can mix and match them with other things in your closet, which is a huge plus in my opinion."
Reformation top and bottom.
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.
You don't have to be getting married to wear a fancy white outfit.
"My only rule for white is not to eat anything colorful [laughs]. I always spill on myself, so white is a hard color for me to wear all the time, but when I wear all white — I like to be very dressed up!"
Reformation top and bottom.
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.
Minimalists are the perfect candidates to rock athleisure.
"The top is a bodysuit! I dance ballet, so this is a look inspired by my style when I leave dance class. I've always thought that leotards have always been super-cute — and now they've become fashionable. SCORE!"
Reformation bodysuit.
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.
Minimal also means versatile.
"Sneakers are a staple and a must in my closet! I run every day, so I’m constantly in sneakers. Having a pair like this means I don’t have to leave the house with two pairs of shoes, they transfer from workout to fashion VERY easily!"
Reformation bodysuit.
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.
Opposites attract.
"I like to pair bodysuits that are tight like this with loose pants, because it takes the look from being a little too risqué to classy and edgy. I like to have at least one item that's fitted and the other a little looser — I like that contrast. A little sexy mixed with a little sporty."
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.
Go for pin-up vibes to amp up the glam factor.
"I was kind of going for an Elizabeth Taylor moment with the shirt and shorts. VERY 1950s. I like to steal the styles of my favorite style icons from time to time, sometimes I feel like Elizabeth Taylor, then Natalie Wood, then Brigitte Bardot. It all depends on the day!"
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.
Follow the 1+3 rule.
"I start with a layer of all black. In this case, it's black shorts, a black bra, and some black high boots. Then, I mix in one white piece. I like that the shirt is made of linen, so it's less structured."
Photographed by Derek Wood at Seen Artists.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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