How to Be a Minimalist With Your Wardrobe For Women
How to Be a Minimalist: 5 Key Items Every Woman Should Have in Her Wardrobe
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Minimalism is one of those things that seems inherently simple, but really, to pull off the look with aplomb requires more effort than you would think. I know, so frustrating. There are, however, five key wardrobe staples that serve as the ultimate foundation to a minimalist wardrobe. They're crisp, they're clean, they're so easy to wear. The versatility simply oozes out of these pieces, and even better? They're timeless! Before I give away the good stuff, there are a few basic things – or rules, if you will — to think about when shopping for classic or "minimal" items of clothing.
First up, colour palette. Most minimalist wardrobes are rooted in neutral colours like beige, brown, white, black, grey, and navy. Why? Because these natural shades always match! They can be worn in any sort of combination and look well thought out and polished: black and grey, ivory and tan, brown and beige, even brown and black or black and navy (forget any "rules" you've heard that go against these colour pairings!). You can even go for a tonal look and wear similar shades head-to-toe: a current favourite among fashion girls is taupe-y colours worn top-to-bottom. If you want to experiment with a little more colour, give earthy green, rust, and ochre shades a try. That's a long-winded way of saying that for those building a minimalist wardrobe, it's best to make neutral colours a priority.
Second suggestion: keep it clean. Meaning, look for silhouettes that are classic and simple. Embellishments? Not so much. Yes, you can always go for a blazer with slightly puffed shoulders or a waist-cinching belt, but the main takeaway here is that the more uncomplicated the item is, the easier it will be to wear with maximum longevity in your wardrobe.
Third tip! Fit. It's utterly crucial when it comes to mastering the minimalist look and usually the secret weapon of expert minimalists. I know it's unsavory to some, but taking the time to try on pieces in person or taking it a step further and having them tailored once you purchase will go a long, long way. The more an item looks and feels perfectly fit to your frame, the more impact you'll see as a result. Plus, you'll be consistently motivated to wear and rewear a well-fitting item because you know it will look and feel great without all the effort spent figuring out something else. Think of all the time saved! The true appeal to minimalist dressing.
Now that I've talked tips, ahead, discover five key pieces that make for an easy (and very chic!) minimalist wardrobe.
The Minimalist Must Have: A Blazer
Blazers are key is any wardrobe, but when striving for a minimalist look, a clean, classic, and possibly oversize style in a tan, beige, or brown shade a total must. Whether styled over a slip dress or worn with a t-shirt and jeans, it's the one item that always makes you look put together and polished.
& Other Stories Tailored Single-Breasted Blazer
Massimo Dutti 100% Wool Double-Breasted Blazer
The Minimalist Must Have: Jeans
Another item that applies to most wardrobes, though the minimalist version equates to a clean silhouette without too much distressing or a too-tight silhouette (a slim straight-leg is a universally flattering fit). You want to think of the minimalist's jean as one that can be worn to the office or an event and still appear perfectly polished. I'd suggest going for a lighter vintage-inspired wash or a medium blue for maximum versatility.
Zara Mom Fit Jeans
Levi's Wedgie Straight High-Waisted Mom Jean
Agolde High-Rise Kick Pinch-Waist Jeans
The Minimalist Must Have: A Sweater
Sweaters are to minimalists what sneakers are to streetwear enthusiasts: essential! And probably, an item you wear multiple times a week, if not daily. Whether you choose a ribbed turtleneck, fitted crewneck, or oversize V-neck, a beige, cream, or oatmeal colour will see lots of wear and feel like a fresh alternative to black or grey.
Mango Ribbed Knit Sweater
Everlane The Cashmere Crew
The Minimalist Must Have: A Slip Dress
Ask any minimalist what they're go-to dress is and they'll undoubtedly say the slip dress. Whether worn its own, beneath a blazer, or under a knit, this liquid-y chic dress always looks elevated and polished. Even with sneakers!
Vince Satin Slip Dress
Realisation Par The Owens Slip Dress
The Minimalist Must Have: A Sweatshirt
You may be wondering why this list doesn't include a t-shirt. That's because A) I know you know that's a given and B) because the sweatshirt is, without a doubt, the modern minimalist's secret weapon. A simple sweatshirt looks achingly cool when half-tucked into high-rise jeans, layered over a slip dress or skirt, or styled with trousers to give them a less-stiff feel. Like with jeans, look for a style that's simple with a bit of structure to it to maintain that coveted polish.
Splendid Marathon Sweatshirt
COS Boxy Cotton Sweatshirt
Wear and Repeat
With these five essentials in your closet, you'll be ready to master minimalist dressing with total ease!
