The Meaning of Headlines: 'nail it'

The Meaning of Headlines: 'nail it' - fashion

The online edition of Vogue Australia displayed the headline, ‘How to nail the ‘less is more’ approach to style’ on July 21, 2015. What does ‘to nail it’ mean?

A nail, the noun, is a small metal spike used to join wood together. To fasten with a nail, the verb, is ‘to attach, fix, affix, secure, tack, pin, or post’ accordig to Oxford Dictionaries.

'To nail it' or to nail something, is an idiom – an expression. ‘To nail it’ is ‘to do something perfectly or successfully’ according to idiomeanings.com. Does the article tell the reader how to successfully achieve the ‘less is more’ approach to style? Ambitious, isn’t it?

The article discusses the ‘less is more' approach to style – in other words, the minimalist approach to style. It begins with ‘Minimalism has been a thing, and is still a thing, but in reality, we all know there’s actually nothing ‘minimal’ about it.’ Mmmm – its a thing. What is this thing? The article explains that wearing a white T-shirt is not ‘nailing’ minimalism. It uses models as an example – ‘it’s all in the way they roll their sleeves, the jewellery they wear and the shoes they pair it with. But there’s a fine line between ‘nailing it’ and going overboard.’

I’m still not sure how to ‘nail it’ so I will read further. The article says ‘It’s all about finding that one special piece that complements everything you wear and ties it all together. Less is more, remember, so if you’re going to wear accessories, make them count. For example, the structure and simplicity of this cuff [photograph provided] pretty much sums-up my style.’ That’s it, that’s all; everyone should now be able to ‘nail’ the minimalist style.

Scorecard for the article is a kind 30%. I love Vogue Australia and I love their articles, but this one does not say anything, let alone how to ‘nail’ the ‘less is more’ approach to style. There are a few photographs, but the text accompanying them is, well, it’s … minimal.

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