White button-down shirts are an essential piece in a minimalist wardrobe. They can be worn solo with jeans or combined with tank tops for casual summer looks.
Invest in a classic suit that fits comfortably for work or special events to save yourself both time and stress in the future. It will save both of them!
Spend one weekend reviewing your wardrobe. Donate, sell or recycle any garments that no longer meet your personal style goals.
Color Palette
As part of your wardrobe planning, it’s essential to establish a colour palette. This will help ensure everything coordinates and make getting dressed easier. Palettes can be as basic or sophisticated as desired—warm vs. cool tones or all neutral colours like black, white, grey, or navy blue are among many choices. The goal should always be finding one or multiple palettes that reflect your personal style while making mixing and matching items simple and enjoyable.
Start by reviewing your closet to identify what colours you wear most often, such as jeans, white T-shirts, tailored blazers, or little black dresses. Use this palette as the basis of your minimalist wardrobe.
Once you have established several primary colours, select complementary hues. For instance, if navy blue is your go-to shade, look for related options such as royal and sky blue to help you create outfits that coordinate nicely.
Alternatively, you could opt for patterns and textures as an expressive way of showing your style. Be mindful that patterns and textures won’t be as easily mixed and matched as solids; when selecting three new patterns/textures, try not to use those you already own as part of this look.
If there are colours in your wardrobe that do not quite match your colour palette (such as red if you want to avoid looking like a Christmas tree), feel free to remove them. However, any new pieces added should fit seamlessly with what already exists and can be worn together without looking out of place in your capsule wardrobe. Additionally, be sure that any new purchases complement your skin tone and complexion for the best results.
Essentials
A minimalist wardrobe relies on selecting essential items that can be combined and matched to create multiple outfits for various events and occasions, such as jeans, white tees, sweaters/cardigans and tailored blazers. The goal is to reduce shopping time by curating an arsenal of versatile clothes.
This approach can save both money and time over time by eliminating frequent shopping trips. It can also simultaneously reconnect you with your unique style by emphasizing pieces that suit you best.
As part of creating a minimalist wardrobe, choosing clothing made to last is also crucial. This means eschewing fast-fashion pieces that may become obsolete within two years in favour of timeless, high-quality items that reduce waste by using fewer resources. Plus, investing in high-quality pieces helps the environment by conserving resources.
Minimalist wardrobes for women and men require fewer pieces, but both can benefit from timeless neutral heroes that never go out of style. Brands like Loulou Studio and Toteme specialize in timeless designs that stand the test of time without following trends.
A tailor can add functionality and polish to your minimalist wardrobe, providing tailored fits that look polished. They can shorten sleeves, chop hems and take in waists, ensuring clothes fit like they were meant to.
Finally, you should add shoes that can be worn casually and formally—think sneakers or flats—and that complement all of the pieces in your closet.
An adequate minimalist wardrobe needs the proper undergarments – bras, briefs, and socks – to guarantee that outfits fit beautifully while providing the comfort you require. Selecting appropriate underwear will help your clothes look their best while meeting your comfort needs.
Statement Pieces
Your minimalist wardrobe needs a few classic, statement pieces to bring it alive with personality and add dimension. These may come in the form of shoes, coats, or jewellery. It is important to prioritize quality over quantity when selecting these statement items—look for quality materials that withstand repeated wear and washing. This will extend their longevity in your closet and save money over time by decreasing replacement needs and keeping your style up-to-date.
Minimalists favour neutral colours like black, white, and grey to achieve an effortless minimalist style. They pair neutral items such as shoes with various styles for an easily transitional aesthetic. A well-made leather dress shoe in a simple design makes a statement piece that can easily complement almost any outfit—it should, therefore, be invested in for years of wearability!
An essential statement piece is a coat or jacket, which can be layered over casual attire like a T-shirt and jeans to form an everyday casual ensemble or worn as formal wear for formal events. Neutral-coloured sneakers are another must for minimalists looking to stay comfortable while remaining fashionable.
When selecting a coat or jacket, choose one in a shade that flatters you most—whether this means deep navy or charcoal grey hues for women or dark wash denim jackets for men. Once chosen, test out how well your new piece fits with different outfits to see how well it suits your style.
Midi-length wrap or shift dresses are among the most versatile garments, as they can easily be dressed up or down with different accessories. A classic leather belt adds contrast or interest when worn with nearly any dress, while trench coats never go out of fashion, pairing perfectly with shift or wrap dresses.
Accessories
Additions to a minimalist wardrobe allow you to express yourself and add a unique personality. Be true to yourself; choose pieces that make you feel confident and happy in what you wear rather than unthinkingly following trends. Sticking with what suits you keeps your closet free of unused pieces. Buying what suits both your body type and your aesthetic ensures maximum versatility for capsule wardrobes.
Consider including some versatile neutral accessories in your closet to expand its possibilities and add interest and versatility. A white T-shirt or black sweater can be easily worn with various pieces; classic black shoes/boots can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion; classic belts help define the waist and figure, while simple dainty necklaces finish any outfit and provide added visual interest.
After selecting clothing items for your minimalist capsule wardrobe, the next step should be picking shoes and accessories. Choose shoes in similar shades, such as navy or black, as your base colour, before adding casual options like sneakers or sandals for comfort. If including heels as part of your capsule, ensure they are made from quality material with good support to guarantee good fits.
As part of your minimalist wardrobe, you must consider your local climate when selecting shoes. For example, in hot and humid areas, strappy sandals or flats may be better suited than pumps or boots; additionally, a hat is an effective way of protecting yourself from sun rays.
Denim jackets are essential for a minimalist closet and an excellent layering piece in the cooler months. Wear it over basic T-shirts or button-down shirts to create endless combinations and looks!
Sunglasses are essential to any wardrobe and are especially important for outdoor enthusiasts who spend lots of time outside. A great pair can protect your eyes and instantly add style to an ensemble.
