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The Slowed Lines · Jun 17, 2024

The timeless minimalist's uniform

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Alice Hartwell · The Slowed Lines

Here’s probably a good place to start, right? Minimalism is the undercurrent in every facet of my life, well beyond style. There’s something about simplicity that soothes me right down to the core - how people sleep in rooms with patterned wallpaper frankly haunts me. I’ve only just started to embrace surfaces with knickknacks.

To those who might say “how boring”, fair enough, but minimalism is mine, and once you find your mine, things get a lot easier stylistically. I think it’s the timlessness that draws me to the aesthetic, that, and the fact basically impossible to go wrong. Neutrals go with everything - it’s a tale as old as time.

This primary edit honours, myself, all the other timeless minimalists who will never tire of“jeans and a nice top x” and the essence of The Slowed Lines. I’ve pooled together our community uniform, enjoy!

*some products affiliated linked

If I could only have one type of top in my wardrobe, it would most likely be a racer tank of some variety (black, no bra, if you pinned me down further). Not only does their cut look super flattering on all bodies and boob sizes, but their versatility has me reaching for them constantly. Tanks keep an outfit casual with relaxed jeans, or refined for tailored trouser evenings.

If this one from Hush is a little steep, try sourcing Weekday racer tanks on Depop, Vinted etc - they are great dependables, and shopping second-hand is a bit more sustainable.

Personally, I hope the world never returns us to skinny jeans prison - wide legs are both more comfortable and flattering. Y2K revival may shun the high-rise, but I think day-today, it helps you feel a bit more put together. While jean shopping is a living hell for many, myself included, I recommend finding your brand and sticking with them.

A lot of people rate vintage Levi’s, and Lucy & Yak’s are so comfortable they barely even feel like jeans - plus their size range is incredibly inclusive and accurate. Zara, you have 24 hours to respond.

Decent knitwear is expensive to invest in, but it will last longer than most other items in your wardrobe if you give it lots of TLC. I recently discovered debobbling, which has felt pretty momentous. I gravitate towards slouchy, relaxed fits like this pick above, which will go with everything, every winter.

Tip - shop your knits second-hand to save a few pennies. Sometimes you can even buy unworn, new with tags pieces significantly cheaper. Follow me on IG to keep up with my Second-Hand Edits - fortnightly features of the best preloved finds, so you don’t have to spend hours trawling.

The LBD is arguably fashion’s most enduring symbol. Simplistic yet always a winner, try sourcing an investment dress with a little edge to take a twist on a classic. This one from sustainable Aussie brand St. Agni features racy cuts, but you could also switch things up with the neckline or small accents.

I’ve gotten more wear out of the two pairs of COS neutral tailored trousers than I have probably any other item in my wardrobe. Something about the fit of these bottoms, just makes me feel my most comfortable, and in-charge self. Again, they possess total versatility, able to be dressed up or down with ease, situation dependent.

While COS is now prioritising a lot of sustainable materials throughout its collections, they are owned by the H&M group, aka one of the biggest fast fashion giants. Naughty. These Yana bottoms from Sisterhood would be a more eco-conscious choice, and fall in the same price bracket.

Don’t roll your eyes… can a girl not dream of The Row wealth in peace? While this brand will only ever serve as inspo for 99% of the population, they hit the mark for my minimalist soul with every piece, including this massive tote.

As much as I love a mini bag, practically, we all need an XL bag in a natural shade. It makes for easy slinging over your shoulder on rushed mornings, with confidence it will fit all your shit and not look like an eyesore with your outfit. If you don’t have a few months’ rent to spare on this particular one, COS consistently makes a great selection - as mentioned above not the most sustainable by any means, but far more in the realm of accessible luxury, for the rest of us mere mortals.

An oversized, structured blazer is another fundamental piece in my daily confidence uniform. They are pieces that remain fresh in your wardrobe for decades and never fail to elevate an outfit. If you don’t want to shop new, vintage men’s blazers are a great shout if you’re seeking a generously relaxed fit.

For me, comfort with footwear is everything, so an uncomplicated flat, be that a trainer or shoe, is all I wear. I gravitate towards neutral, earthy tones because, again, they are guaranteed to compliment every outfit in a minimalist capsule. Recently I’ve taken “sandwich dressing” for a spin (where you essentially colour-match your top and shoes, with another shade sandwiched in the middle) and it’s made styling much more streamlined.

If there’s one fashion item my friends would identify me with, it’s most likely a longline black coat, specifically the Kia coat from Weekday. Something about the oversized, grazing-the-floor, early 2000s Olsen twins-esque silhouette epitomises my personal style. If I peeked into my wardrobe in 20 years, I’m confident a few longline coats will be tucked away in there.

By no means is it reinventing the fashion wheel, but a crisp, generously sized white shirt never misses. An effortless styling tool, this piece can be dressed up endlessly and is truly seasonless.

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