The 6-Piece Minimalist Clothing Wardrobe
Sometimes the most stylish women around aren’t always the trendiest. In fact, there are a number of fashion insiders, like Vanessa Traina and Barbara Martelo, who are known for their minimalistic fashion choices. A simple pair of straight-leg jeans, a T-shirt, a tailored jacket, and easy heels tend to be the pieces they wear on repeat. But how do they manage to look fashionable and cool by sticking to these staples season after season?
Really, minimalistic clothing always looks good because the items are timeless and never go out of style. But just because you have a minimalistic approach to fashion doesn’t mean you have to shy away from the trends. There’s a way to interpret them while still maintaining a modern look. This season, look for strong accessories like sock boots, hoop earrings, and structured bags to mix with everyday basics like turtlenecks and blazers. Ahead, we’re breaking down the essentials. Go on to shop the six-piece wardrobe that is minimalist-approved.
Shoes
Basic Staples
Jewelry
Denim
Bags
Blazer
To be honest, these are the staples that work for building so many outfits. You can’t go wrong by having these ones in your closet.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
I'm a NYC Derm With Access to Spendy Treatments, But I Constantly Recommend These $40-or-Less Products
Your expert-vetted shopping list. (No appointment necessary.)
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
I Find Closet Staples at Zara, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Vince, and Madewell—These 30 New Items Are Chic
Sweaters, jackets, suiting, and more!
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Suddenly, All The Row-Style Girls Are Breaking This Fashion Rule
And you should, too.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFW
Let's dive in.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
I Don't Do Maximalism—6 Quiet Luxury Trends That Are Still Cool in 2025
On-trend, not trendy.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Scandi Girls Are All About These 6 Minimalist Coat Trends This Winter
Even in subzero temps.
By Ana Escalante
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes
"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
By Anna LaPlaca
-
I'm Telling My American Friends About the Minimalist Brand All the Coolest Brits Already Know About
Influencers love this brand.
By Emma Spedding