10 Steps to the Essential Minimalist Wardrobe

This is the kind of minimalism that won’t bore you or break the bank.

Are you craving a more minimalist wardrobe? Are you itching to replace tired and worn-out fast fashions, rejected seasonal accessories, the kind of items that weren’t made to last? It’s time to start fresh. Look no further than these “elegantly unfussy” outfits, which were first featured in the February 2020 issue of Vogue. These looks were dreamed up by Camilla Nickerson, modeled by Adut Akech and Kaia Gerber, and photographed by Bibi Borthwick. The images serve as a timeless source of inspiration when it comes to fashion and minimalism.

Here, in 10 easy steps, we break down how to achieve this minimal approach to dressing no matter the year or season. This is the kind of minimalism that won’t bore you or break the bank. In fact, these options will inspire you to prioritize shopping for pieces that will not only last a lifetime but will also get better with age. These looks rebel against what’s shiny and new and focus instead on thoughtful details, fine fabrics, and interesting textures.

Here, 10 steps to building the essential minimalist wardrobe.

Step 1: The Quintessential Coat

The prime example of an investment that will never go out of style is the classic beige Burberry trench.

Step 2: The Chunky Oversized Knit

An oversized pullover is key to any minimalist’s winter wardrobe-just open Instagram if you don’t believe us. They’re utterly simple yet powerfully sophisticated. Bonus points for a thick ribbed texture and chin-grazing necklines.

Step 3: The Dainty Knit

When the occasion calls for something lighter, fine knits will do just the trick. For a fitted take on minimal tops, try a ribbed collared sweater, a pale-colored turtleneck, or a bell-sleeved pullover.

Step 4: The Everyday Shirtdress

Elevate your standard shirtdress with feminine details, like a bow tied belt, tiered hemlines, or one with a wrapped effect top.

Step 5: The Cozy-Chic Knit Dress

These sweater dresses aren’t your typical ill-fitting silhouette. Daniel Lee’s Bottega Veneta gives the knit dress a completely contemporary twist, while Club Monaco’s fit-and-flared style is as flattering as it is chic and comfortable LVIR’s turtleneck version looks like a turtleneck sweater and skirt set while Khaite’s mock neck dress has a desirable yet unexpected cut out.

Step 6: The Wear-Forever Foundations

Finding basics that last (and, more importantly, that you love) is often a never-ending search. The search stops here with minimalist wardrobe heroes, including investment layerables from Wolford, structured ribbed knit tanks from Agolde, and affordable yet luxurious shirting from The Frankie Shop.

Step 7: The Mighty Midi Skirt

You can rely on the midi skirt for any occasion. Appropriate for work, weekends, and even formal occasions, the below-the-knee-length skirt is the minimalist’s solution for everywhere style. Tuck a structured tank into a leather version for transitional style, or add sculptural jewels and a heeled sandal to Tibi’s belt-wrapped style and head off to cocktails in the best minimalist style.

Step 8: The Wearable Art

The finishing touches come in the form of hammered metal rings, pendants, and sculptural liquid-like earrings. Nothing completes a neutral color palette better than strikingly chic gold.

Step 9: The Sleek and Smooth Loafer

Despite the many tempting variations of the loafer that present themselves every season, it’s important to keep a timeless version in your repertoire. A toast to penny loafers in soft suedes and supple neutral-palette leathers.