There's an old diktat attributed to Coco Chanel that continues to be amongst the most repeated offerings of style advice that pops up on the old FYP. Often appearing in variation, the crux of it is that 'Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.' It's a way to ensure that a look remains considered and without too much distraction.
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Someone who is paying attention to this lesson right now? Hailey Bieber. At the close of last week, the beauty entrepreneur collected an award in a Schiaparelli dress (ironically, a label founded by a rival of Chanel's) with little fuss. Save for a smattering of diamond rings — including her Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring — the 28-year-old kept things decidedly simple.
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Red-carpet appearances worn with little accessorising are nothing new, of course. Yet, here in Bieber's hands it takes on further meaning as the dress itself was simple in structure and detail, instead leaving the visual intrigue to its rippled blue fabrication. Often, the avoidance of jewellery comes because the dress has an over-the-top design detail, or because there's a focus on strong beauty notes. Bieber instead chose to keep things streamlined with her light brown hair worn in a natural-finish blow dry and with her spring-sunshine freckles across her nose and cheeks.
Bieber's approach proves prime in its timing as we all start to consider how we'll consider dressing up for very own summer events — like weddings. While a maximalist approach to accessorising can be an indulgent exercise in styling, as with anything that calls for more, it also causes more stress. Here, Bieber proves that this summer, a calm, quiet and more natural approach to what we're wearing for our fancy events might just be what the season ordered. Let's all agree: less is more.
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