The pursuit of minimalist clothing to curate a capsule wardrobe can be quite a challenge for most people. We live in a world that tries to convince us that more is better, so having the aim to reduce to a minimal wardrobe feels backward, even though itโs for the better.
Here we are going to strip away the excess, so we can better utilize the core staples of our minimalist closet. Below you will find a list of the absolute wardrobe essentials for an all-year-round capsule that you can rely on, from minimalist clothing brands that provide quality garments. You can also use it as a base for starting your minimalist journey with your own personal style. Letโs begin.
15 MINIMALIST CLOTHING PIECES EVERY MINIMALIST NEEDS:
1. Black Belted Coat
First things first. Your coat is your safe place. Making up the majority of your minimalist clothing style and an easy to throw on whenever youโre heading out. You want one that wonโt let you down. It needs the durability for everyday use, and the versatility to suit any occasion. The double-faced wool blend coat from COS (which stands for Collection Of Style) meets these demands. The regular fit makes it compatible with whatever youโre wearing underneath, and the wide cuff makes layering a dream. Be sure to use the wide lapels and detachable belt to highlight your silhouette. Or leave it open to show off what youโre working with.
2. Beige Knitted Sweater
Under the coat, we have the sweater. Long sleeves and knitted to an oversize fit. A cashmere blend to keep you snug and comfy. The ribbed neckline eventuates the neckline, with cuffs and hem to match. No size inclusivity here. As this style runs large, opt for a size down if you find yourself in between. Style with a mini skirt and high boots for a fierce look that will get noticed.
3. Black Straight Leg Trousers
For bottoms, grab yourself some straight-leg trousers made with elasticated wool. Of course, they are black to go with everything. The waist is elastic for a comfortable fit and the legs hang gracefully. Designed for versatility so you can depend on them for casual and evening outfits. So whether itโs a business brunch or a walk to the shops, youโll look the part. Feel free to add a belt (even though you wonโt need it). Keep in mind that these beauties are certified to the Responsible Wool Standard before you accidentally throw them in the washing machine. Dry clean only!
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4. Stripe Sweater
Get some stripes into your closet with this gorgeous half-zip sweater from & Other Stories. Tried and tested by yours truly, this throw-on could not come more highly recommended. Youโll love how it feels and how it looks. The ribbed texture adds the striped pattern, and the matching collar, cuffs, and hem blend seamlessly. Bonus points as it is made from sustainable materials like recycled polyamide. You can pair it perfectly with heels, a large bag, and the coat from the start of this list. Sunglasses would top the outfit (even if the sun isnโt out).
5. Brown Roll Neck Sweater
For when the wind picks up and you need a little more coverage around the neck. This lovely cashmere roll-neck jumper has got you covered – literally. A blend of recycled cashmere and RWS-certified merino wool, youโll love the luxury feel it brings. The regular fit makes it a go-to throw-on (just how we like it). Keeping you warm on those blustery autumn walks, and cozy on the days when you just donโt feel like going out. You can find a variety of neutral colors to choose from, so go for what matches your look. Brown is mine, but you do you, babe.
6. Black Roll Neck Sweater
Last of our sweaters, we have the merino wool roll-neck from Arket. This will allow you to have some variety to choose from when putting outfits together. Whilst the others youโve already seen come in different colors, this jet-black wonder is made to match and layer. Fitted and fabulous, youโll be the woman of mystery in any establishment you enter. The wool is sourced from non-mulesed sheep and is certified RWS. Style it with pretty much anything and everything. The thumb holes at the ends of the sleeves give this piece of clothing an extra unique look. Giving your hands that little extra cover and preventing any gaps when you add gloves.
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7. & Other Stories Wool Blazer
For those events that are more business than pleasure, we have the oversized blazer from a great place called & Other Stories. Itโs also good for when you just feel like giving off major girl boss vibes. The padded shoulders are back and bringing you a look that is fire. Finished with duo welt pockets and a duo button closure, making it twice as good as that outdated blazer youโve been holding onto for far too long. Small details such as the buttoned cuffs really make a difference to the overall statement of this piece. EVERY minimalist needs an & Other Stories wool blazer, at least one!! They are simply the best, the quality, the fit, everything. No matter what color you will opt out for, you wonโt regret it.
8. A Jacket Like Cardigan
Arket (a minimalist clothing brand youโll hear often) provides us with the knitted zip cardigan that we didnโt realize we needed until we saw it. With a full Milano stitch of pure organic cotton, you can really feel the quality of natural materials when you wear it. You could layer this with a coat but it would be a shame to cover such a beautiful piece. The contrasting color of the details really stand out, so why not show them off? A regular fit with a shortcut so you can still show off those new pants. Youโll find it hard to wear anything else out after youโve tried it as itโs just such an easy go-to jacket.
9. Wide Leg Tailored Trousers
Speaking of new pants, letโs talk about what weโre wearing on the bottom half of our outfits. For starters, we have this relaxed wide-leg tailored wool pair from COS. Designed to fall loosely over your legs, so you have room to breathe and comfort to move around in. Sustainable clothing brands like COS know how to use an ethical production process and sustainable practices to make new clothes in different ways, creating timeless pieces that have a low environmental impact and last a long time. Made from a traceable wool blend (certified RWS just as we like). One of the best things they have is a secret adjustable button tab which allows you to wear them on the waist or low-slung. Side slip pockets and back welt pockets make this pair functional as well as fabulous. Just add a pair of sneakers for a smart-casual look.
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10. Classy White Shirt
A staple piece in any minimalist guide. Classic white dress shirts are an absolute must, and the patch pocket shirt from & Other Stories is the one for you. One of the best pieces from the perfect place. Clean lines and free shipping are good reasons to grab yours now. The fit is relaxed so layer it when things get cooler, and let it hang loose in higher temps. A single patch pocket adds a little detail, and the buttoned cuffs finish it off. Incredibly easy to mix and match for all occasions. Buttoned up, buttoned down, tucked, untucked, so many options, which means so much versatility. You may need two to wear on rotation.
11. High-Quality Long Sleeve Crew Necks
You can rely on ethical brands like Everlane to bring us outstanding tops for your capsule wardrobe. The Pima micro-rib long-sleeve crew is a great example. Super soft and stretchy, this top will hug your body in the perfect way. Layer it under your sweater or cardigan for some extra warmth during the colder seasons. The Supima cotton is domestically sourced, distinguished by its extra-long natural fibers. This makes sustainable fabrics that are great for absorbing colors, and better durability whilst retaining a soft feel. What else would you expect from such a sustainable brand. This isnโt fast fashion. Everlane is using ethical factories that are fair trade registered, meaning that pay fair wages and give fair treatment to their workers. The kind of fear practices we hope for the entire global marketplace.
12. Organic Cotton White Tees
Just like the classic t-shirt, our other essential is the classic white tee. One of the best sustainable fashion brands, Everlane brings us the organic cotton crew to tick this box. The boyish cut we love so much, with a slim feline fit. Lightweight and ultra-breathable, youโll forget youโre wearing it. Level up your basics with high-quality staples. Soft to the touch and ready for action. 100% organic basics and 100% ready to create some amazing outfits. Worth picking up at least two.
13. Faux Leather Pants or Leggings
Topping the trend charts lately we have the faux stretch-leather leggings, aka Commando from Net-A-Porter. The best way to create your perfect look with an alternative to skinny jeans – and every other pair of jeans for that matter. They match perfectly with blazers and oversized shirts. Throw in a relaxed sweater and youโre ready for fall and winter. Made from smooth faux leather, the high-rise pair has a hidden interior waistband to help tuck and flatter your figure. A size up is recommended for a snug fit. You can match them with every top on this minimalist clothing list.
Another MUST-READ: The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe Checklist 2022
14. Tall Black Boots
Everyone needs a pair of black shoes, so for footwear, we have the tall black boots from the minimalist fashion brand, Vagabond. A (kind of) new brand in minimalist clothes but definitely one to watch for alternative apparel. Knee-high and made for strutting in the fashion industry. A new take on the classic riding boot, the tall pull-on tab creates a robust silhouette. The chunky rubber outsoles as the solid style they bring in solid colors (or lack of colors). You can tell just by looking at them that these new pieces will last. An alternative option is this pair of boots from more affordable brands like the H&M group. Not quite as strong as the ones above, but found at a lower price range. The thermoplastic rubber makes a great alternative to leather, and this pair of shoes will still take you a long way. Literally.
15. Timeless Trench Coat
Letโs not forgot the trending piece with a timeless design that is going to finish off any outfit you make. Also handy when you canโt come up with any good minimalist clothing ideas at present. The belted trench coat from & Other Stories is a look in itself. As long as itโs not raining (just be sure to have an umbrella), the coat will become your new BFF and one of your favorite pieces for whenever youโre heading out. Made from recycled wool, the relaxed mid-weight trench features a tonal belt buckle, a double-breasted silhouette, and buckle straps at the cuffs. Shoulder epaulets and duo welt pockets to end. Get ready to turn some heads as you walk down the street with your new minimalist clothing style. Just like a celebrity meandering down the boulevards of Los Angeles.
There you have it. A comprehensive list of minimalist style clothing. Youโre ready to make a positive impact with fewer clothes in a small closet (but a versatile one at that). Begin your clothing swap to curate your own minimalist wardrobe filled with the ethical fashion brands youโve seen all over minimalist fashion blogs. With these versatile items made in small batches, you will be making a positive change to reduce your carbon footprint too.
Every single item has been carefully picked from a number of items using a minimalist approach to help you adapt to a more minimalist lifestyle. With fewer choices you can save time getting ready, leaving you more time to be in the right place, rather than spending hours deciding what trendy pieces to wear from all your old clothes last year.
This blog post was all about minimalist clothing.
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