While we’re unapologetically of the ‘less is more’ philosophy here at The UNDONE, there is absolutely a place for wardrobe essentials in every style – that’s right, even in the wardrobes of some of the brightest and boldest maximalists style set.
Rachelle Rowlings, Chloe Hill and Zanita Whittington are all known for their maximalist approach to fashion. Maximalism, by way of explanation, is different to statement dressing - it’s about loud prints, bright colours, extra embellishments and extra layers.
But one thing that maximalists, minimalists and everyone in between have in common is that classic pieces will never be out of place in their wardrobes and that form the foundation of an outfit. We chat to our fashionable faves to find out how they make classics work in their stylish wardrobes.
Zanita wears Frame Denim khaki jacket
Zanita Whittington | @zanitazanita
How would you describe your personal style?
Quirky and instinctual. I do enjoy certain trends - but probably my greatest references stem from nostalgia, think the 70's, 80's and 90's. I love to be surprising with the way I dress and to juxtapose masculine/feminine, dressing up/down, hardware with softer elements. Overall I'm both a casual type of dresser and an embracer of outlandish pieces.
While it's no secret The UNDONE is curated for the 'effortless minimalist', we're of the opinion that every wardrobe needs a few classics - and this is always a great place to start when planning any outfit. What five classics can't you live without?
I genuinely swear by the classics, a good washed out jean is my number one wardrobe staple - and day to day I'm wearing white sneakers and coloured tees. I own maybe 15 pairs of jeans in blue, black and white - and then also around 7/8 denim jackets in blue and white. I also have a very impressive collection of boilersuits and onesies, which are perfect to make a statement while also not having to think about pairing. The last one would be big earrings, the icing on the cake of any fun look.
Zanita wears Paris Georgia one shoulder slip dress
While minimalism is of the 'less is more' approach, maximalism has been described as ‘more is more... and then a little more’. I read somewhere that the maximalist dresser would ‘opt for the bold, the printed and the layered and she would never question whether to add another necklace as the answer is always yes’. So tell us, how would you style a trusty white tee?
A white tee is a key building block for any fun look. If you're attracted to maximalist pieces, then these staples ensure a recipe for success. As an example, it's challenging to style a detailed jacket, a bold earring or shoe - and then also wear a printed blouse or trouser. If I ever neglect to maintain the staples of my wardrobe (ie, I end up with coffee stains on ALL my white tees, it happens) then suddenly my louder pieces are kinda moot. My analogy is something along the lines of having your fridge full of every type of sauce to make a good stir-fry, but then not having any chicken or white rice.
On the days when you feel you have nothing to wear, what's your go-to outfit?
I never really feel like I have nothing to wear because my wardrobe is obscenely overstocked and I'm unusually and ironically blasé about getting dressed - but it's probably just jeans, a colourful tee with a print, chunky boots and an oversized jacket. I'll often add details like a beret or a biker cap, a funny little pin, a shiny earring, loud sunglasses. I love colourful details that make people smile.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion is a funny word. Coming from a farm in Western Australia with a big family and a community that doesn't exactly place much value in being 'on-trend', I've always resented part of the exclusivity that comes with the fashion industry, simply because judging people negatively for the way they choose to dress is shallow. Walking down the street in New York, I love seeing folks who dress totally crazy and thematic - I've just always admired the kind of confidence that comes from people like that. So to me, getting dressed is about feeling like yourself and having fun with it. Style OVER fashion and personal expression OVER trends. If I'm overthinking what I'm wearing, it's just not as enjoyable. Maybe I sound a bit like a hypocrite because generally, I do dress relatively on-trend and work everyday within the fashion industry - but the way I consume fashion media is about influence by osmosis, taking in the things I like - and not about feeling pressed to stay up to date.
Chloe wears Anna Quan mini skirt
Chloe Hill | @chloechill
In three words, how would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic, colourful, feminine.
While it's no secret The UNDONE is curated for the 'effortless minimalist', we're of the opinion that every wardrobe needs a few classics - and this is always a great place to start when planning any outfit. What five classics can't you live without?
I have a few staples that I have on high rotation at all times. A pair of grey straight leg jeans, a well cut mini skirt, a super soft jumper, ankle boots and a small-ish bag that will work for day and night.
Chloe wears Albus Lumen shirt
While minimalism is of the 'less is more' approach, maximalism has been described as ‘more is more... and then a little more’. I read somewhere that the maximalist dresser would ‘opt for the bold, the printed and the layered and she would never question whether to add another necklace as the answer is always yes’. So tell us, how would you style a trusty white tee?
When I'm styling a trusty basic like a white tee I definitely have the tendency to push the boundaries in all other aspects of my look! I would wear with a bright pair of pants or a printed midi skirt, add a coloured jumper looped over my shoulders, a pair of fun boots and a bold bag.
On the days when you feel you have nothing to wear, what's your go-to outfit?
A knit sweater and jeans, for sure.
What does fashion mean to you?
It means being true to myself, and wearing what makes me happy!
Rachelle wears Nanushka jacket
Rachelle Rowlings | @rachelle.rowlings
How would you describe your personal style?
Sometimes chaotic, sometimes eclectic but always colourful!
While it's no secret The UNDONE is curated for the 'effortless minimalist', we're of the opinion that every wardrobe needs a few classics - and this is always a great place to start when planning any outfit. What five classics can't you live without?
I am a recent convert to J Brand Jeans - I don’t think I can wear any others now. I also must have basic tees in white, black and grey! A neutral jacket is an essential; I wear my Nanushka Mojave jacket a lot - the perfect piece for every day wear! For winter I can’t live without a lightweight trench! And lastly, I always need at least 3 plain easy to wear jumpers to pop over jeans or even sling over my shoulders!
Rachelle wears white J Brand jeans
While minimalism is of the 'less is more' approach, maximalism has been described as ‘more is more... and then a little more’. I read somewhere that the maximalist dresser would ‘opt for the bold, the printed and the layered and she would never question whether to add another necklace as the answer is always yes’. So tell us, how would you style a trusty white tee? I’m currently obsessed with the layered look! With winter coming I’d pair a white tee with 2 different colour blazers! Maybe one pastel and then one that is incredibly busy - a check, velvet or something along those lines! Matched with a classic denim jean and some over the top joggers. I’d pop a nice bucket hat to finish it off!
On the days when you feel you have nothing to wear, what's your go-to outfit?
My grey Kacey Devlin ribbed T-shirt with my J Brand jeans and then an arm full of different bracelets & a few layered necklaces! And a red lip to make me feel like I’ve put in a whole lot of effort!
What does fashion mean to you?
Everything! It makes me, me! I can decide who I want to be in the morning and express it through an outfit. Until my kids destroy it! Then I have to go upstairs and be someone else! Haha!
