Mariniere style for a minimalist
Mariniere style
Mariniere style for a minimalist? A lot has been written about the stripes and the marinistic style. In the end we talk about garments derived from the original sailor uniforms that haven’t gone out of fashion since Coco Chanel made it women’s clothes. That’s how stripes that were reserved to sports clothes and swim suits, gone out to the streets and stayed here up to this day.
Of course, the history of the marine style is much older, but it officially became popular because of an event at the royal court. Well, as we read on Wikipedia, “in 1846 the 4-year-old Prince of Wales received a small sailor’s uniform made specially for him. (…) Many portraits of the prince in a sailor’s uniform were distributed throughout Europe, making it in the 1870s the ordinary garment of young boys and girls around the world. ” However, if Coco had not worn a striped blouse, it would not stay with us for good and inspire other designers. Is there any other style of clothing that is so minimalist-friendly?
3 colors: classic with a strong accent
The marine style is based on 3 colors: white, navy blue and red. They do not necessarily have to appear at the same time or only in the form of stripes. They can be a combination of these colors in an outfit. The stripes, however, are perhaps the most emblematic example of a mariniere style. We must not forget about items in solid colors – a minimalist wardrobe should contain them.
Marine style for a minimalist? The perfect choice!
Why is the marine style the perfect choice for a minimalist? For four simple reasons:
It’s an investment for years
You can safely invest in these outfits. Their history is the proof. Since they have not gone out of style in 100 years, the risk of this happening next season is zero. When shopping, however, it is worth taking care of a few things that will make these clothes really worth wearing next year.
First: the fibre
Choose right. We wear mariniere clothes most often in summer. So pay attention to whether the garment will be suitable for higher temperatures, e.g. if it is breathable. Imagine beautiful outfit in which you can’t stand the summer, and which is not very aesthetic because of sweat? This post can help you choose the fabric: The perfect summer t-shirt. (the information about fabrics in this post is universal). Speaking of the fabric many mariniere clothes are white and get dirty easily. Good quality material will withstand frequent washing, keep its shape and good look. Most such clothes are made of cotton or classic jersey.
Second: the cut
Avoid the so-called seasonal trends, clothes designed to stand out very strongly with their cut, color or pattern. While all of this is fashionable in a given year, the chance that it will stay in fashion for longer is very low. (I wrote about a good way to choose a seasonal trend here). Keep this in mind especially when you decide to invest in something more expensive that should serve you for several seasons. Instead look for simple, classic models. Traditionally cut t-shirts or polo shirts, shirt blouses, A-line skirts or chinos etc. Accessories can add a little bit of extravagance. When choosing a cut, pay attention to the quality of the stitching, form, symmetry, etc.
Third: quality
As I mentioned, the mariniere style is a choice for years. It is worth, and even pays off, to invest in good quality items that will last several seasons while maintaining their shape and color.
Fourth: comfort
Comfort comes from the fibre and cut, but the color is also important. Do you feel good in red? If not, leave this color from the mariniere triad for accessories. You can also do without red completely and still keep a mariniere chic. Navy blue and white are safe and elegant, probably everyone looks good in these colors, which increases the comfort of wearing.
It blends easily with other clothes
This is very good news. It means that with the mariniere clothes you will create more outfits for yourself, without worrying that they will only match themselves, creating specific, predetermined sets. Nothing could be more wrong – they will certainly match clothes in other colors, only red can be a bit more problematic. For a minimalist person marine style means less expenses, the possibility of reducing the amount of clothes in the wardrobe and less stress when answering the question: Does it fit together? Not only that, you can wear a lot of these clothes all year round: for example, navy sweaters, breton longsleeves, navy blue jackets, not to mention shirt blouses.
It can be used both for work and casual style
This is another great news for minimalists. Clothes that you can successfully wear for many occasions reduce expenses and keep minimalism in the wardrobe. If you choose classic models you will have no doubts taht a given item can be worn in the office or for a meeting. It is also the perfect choice when you are going on a trip and you need to limit your luggage and at the same time provide yourself with a set of clothes for different occasions.
Some of its clothes complement or create a clothing base
We come to a hot topic: clothing base. The mariniere style fits perfectly with it. Not only that, a lot of things that you buy will complement your clothing base and vice versa: some of the items from the base will be used to create marine sets.
The minimalist’s clothing base and the mariniere style
The mariniere style has many advantages. Undoubtedly, the greatest are its timelessness and classic look. The third huge plus is the fact that this style can be easily achieved with the help of basic clothes, there is no need to make a revolution in the wardrobe right away, only small but thoughtful purchases may be enough. It’s all because of the colors – white, navy blue and red accessories.
What to find in the wardrobe?
If you already have a minimalist clothing base in your wardrobe, pay attention to the following wardrobe items. Let me remind you that the fibres typical for the marine style are cotton or jersey.
Tops:
white or navy blue shirt
white top or t-shirt
Bottoms:
white or navy blue pants
white or navy blue skirt
navy blue dress
Outer garments:
navy blue jacket
navy blue buttoned sweater
navy blue trench coat
Footwear:
any navy blue 🙂
white sneakers
What can you buy?
striped dress
white jacket
breton t-shirt or longsleeve in white and navy blue or white and blue stripes (must have🙂)
if you feel comfortable in red and you like an expressive accent – a jacket or dress or a striped t-shirt in white and red.
accessories: belt, bracelets in three colors, „summer” watch strap
striped bag
summer shoes, for example sandals with white and navy blue stripes.
For a minimalist approach and the ability to make the most of mariniere clothing in your wardrobe, stripes are best for t-shirts, cotton long-sleeved blouses and dresses.
The stripes are important
Did you know that in the beginning, the number and size of stripes on the most characteristic element of a marine garment – a striped blouse – were strictly defined? The item close to the original should have a boat neckline and properly printed stripes: 21 white, 20 millimeters wide, and 20-21 blue, 10 millimeters wide – on the torso; 15 white and 14-15 navy blue on the sleeves.
Oh, and one more thing: apparently it’s not true that the horizontal stripes make body look fat. The psychologist, Peter Thompson of the University of York in the UK, conducted a scientific experiment that showed that women wearing a vertical striped dress looked 6% wider than when they wore a horizontal striped dress.
Below you can find a bit of a seaside mood. Have a nice day!
