Beach Maximalism Vs Minimalism: The Personal-Style Debate

LA-based CeCe Vu is a seasoned tech marketing leader, storytelling expert and fashion aficionado. As a social media expert, she’s well-versed in the art of creating inspirational content, and regularly shares her colorful, eye-catching outfits on her own Instagram account.

“In the early days of attending fashion weeks, I mostly played it safe with an oversized, muted blazer to blend in (with the background). However, the more I attended fashion weeks and events, the more I saw how fun and vibrant colors could be. I decided to experiment, discovering which colors complemented my skin tone and makeup. It’s been an explorative journey, but I’m having so much fun with it now.

“I love playing with colors and finding unexpected pairings. Just like the ‘wrong shoe’ theory in styling, I believe in selecting surprising color combinations to create visual intrigue. Summer, with its vibrant energy, travel and beautiful weather, is the perfect season to embrace a maximalist vibe. I tend to go maximalist with silhouettes or details too, opting for either super-big or super-tight fits – with fun prints, such as polka dots, to draw the eye. I’m also obsessed with quirky purses, which are a maximalist staple. My JW Anderson pigeon purse and Thom Browne ‘Hector’ bag are not only fun, but great conversation starters.”

“My tip is not to listen to styling tips. We have so many opinions, rules and noises, so it’s best to have fun and trust your intuition when you ‘shop your closet’. You might find pieces that unexpectedly work well together, even if you’ve never styled them that way before.

“My three beach essentials include a giant hat that covers you – to avoid those UV rays (the ‘Nari’ honeycomb-knit straw hat from Loro Piana would be perfect); a fun rattan or woven bag in a nice colorway; and a playful one-piece swimsuit, which may be tough for tanning but offers more ‘real estate’ for colors and prints.

“Agua by Agua Bendita and Magda Butrym are my summer go-tos – for their fun prints and appliquéd details. As for accessories, I adore big, chunky earrings. My favorites are by Bottega Veneta, and I’m also into new selections from Martha Calvo and YSSO.

My biggest style inspiration is the one-and-only, legendary Iris Apfel; not just for summer – she is forever an icon.” @tamtamvu

Amalie Gassmann is an LA-based creative director, photographer, writer, filmmaker and model. Whether she’s on-set, attending shows at fashion week or jetting off on vacation, the multi-hyphenate never strays from her minimal yet eclectic sense of style.

“I’ve always loved mixing accent pieces, like accessories with more classic and minimal silhouettes. Over the years, I have worn less color and prints, focusing more on achieving a perfect balance. When I was first experimenting with my style, I was definitely more outgoing. That being said, I still appreciate the unexpected – and seeing how I feel when I’m putting a look together.”

“Personally, I like to base my outfit on an all-black or muted color palette, then build with a staple jacket or blazer that gives it more of a structured and elevated feel. The lines should be clean and timeless, but balanced with the playfulness of accessories – like an embellished bag by Rabanne or a Saint Laurent cuff. Not forgetting an elegant pair of shades, of course – I’m currently obsessed with sunglasses by Toteme.

“What I love about minimal summer style is the freedom it gives me to be comfortable and effortless while looking put-together, and how it can be reinvented as the day goes on without fully changing. By simply switching ballet flats for kitten heels, and adding an oversized blazer and chunky silver earrings, I’m ready for dinner by the beach.

“My style inspirations are Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. I grew up in Paris, so the French aesthetic has highly influenced me. I’m also inspired by Audrey Hepburn and her timeless elegance.

“I’m more of an emotional dresser. Because of my job, my schedule is very last-minute and there isn’t much room to plan. But I always make sure to have key pieces in my closet that I can easily build from. I love the uncertainty – it makes it more fun. I mostly gravitate towards silhouette and texture, and how a garment falls and feels; a perfect fit can really make an outfit. I get really excited about a piece if I can see it worn in many ways and it still feels fresh.

“This summer, I will be wearing swimwear by Christopher Esber and Eres, and summer staples by The Row and Khaite. To elevate a look, accessories and jewelry are so important to me. I’m loving Bottega Veneta and Alaïa for its bags and earrings right now. I also have my eye on Jil Sander’s mini bamboo tote.” _@amaliegassmann__