#GettheLook: My Essentialism in Style Forecast

My day job work is in the business community and there has been much talk about the book "Essentialism" written by Greg McKeown. Even though the book was written in 2014 (and was an instant bestseller on The New York Times List and Wall Street Journal), it's continuing to have an impact on people's lives.

The book's central message is: "The Way of the Essentialist isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s about getting only the right things done.  It is not  a time management strategy, or a productivity technique. It is a systematic discipline for discerning what is absolutely essential, then eliminating everything that is not, so we can make the highest possible contribution towards the things that really matter.  

By forcing us to apply a more selective criteria for what is Essential, the disciplined pursuit of less empowers us to reclaim control of our own choices about where to spend our precious time and energy – instead of giving others the implicit permission to choose for us.

Essentialism is not one more thing – it’s a whole new way of doing everything."


Ironically, I wrote about something similar a few days ago about Bill Blass believing in Reductivism ("A Reductivist...A What?")... He believed that true style and luxury was not about what you add but what you DON'T add.

My Fashion and Style Trend Forecast
You might not relate Essentialism or Reductivism to fashion but you should. Fashion has always been the creative outlet depicting what was going on in the world. Think of how powerful the grunge era was during its time or how the popularity of discount fashion retailers came in response to the economic downturn.

So what does Essentialism in styling look like?

Right as I asked this question I saw the following picture of Beyonce on the Harper's Bazaar Instagram site.

So besides her gorgeous dress and shades, I was particularly struck by her flat, easy clutch.

It stood out to me because Beyonce's assistant normally carries a huge bag on her behalf or Beyonce carries a larger bag herself (I'm a long time fan so trust me on this).

This picture is what I think of when I think Essentialism in styling...lightening the weight of your life, your career, your possessions to only those things that are (luxuriously) essential.

To get Beyonce's similar essential handbag look, India Hicks carries the clutch pouch in three styles and it's called the Flat Stanley.

Flat Stanley in Flamingo

Flat Stanley (with look inside) in Heritage

Flat Stanley in Bridesmaid Ivory

Lastly, here is a quote from McKeown: "The way of essentialism is a relentless pursuit of less but better. It means living by design, not by default. It's not I have to, but I choose to. It doesn't react to what's most pressing, but pauses to discern what really matters. It means pushing against social expectations. To do it well takes courage and compassion."

Wishing you much courage and compassion...