9 Minimalist Outfits That Are Guaranteed to Earn You Compliments This Spring

I’m very much a simple dresser at heart—so much so that each time a new season rolls around, I'm searching for the latest outfit formulas to elevate my basics further. I'm currently on the hunt for chic minimalist spring outfits. Looks that rely on tried-and-trusted pieces, and timeless tailoring but feel more appropriate for the sunnier weather this time of year brings.

You see, every time spring comes along, I get so tempted by all the joyful prints, colours and ruffles on offer. In an alternative world, my wardrobe would be full of them, and although I love bright, bold looks on other people, over the decade I’ve worked in fashion I’ve learnt that what makes me feel most confident and myself is a pared-back capsule wardrobe full of classics that all work together effortlessly.

As you’d expect, then, my wardrobe is full of pieces like button-down shirts, blue jeans, simple dresses and knits that I layer up or down depending on the season. By their very nature, everything I own pretty much complements one another. But, this cohesion still doesn’t stop me from feeling a little uninspired at the beginning of each season when I’m trying to think of exciting new outfit combinations. Is it just me, or does anyone else completely blank on what they wore every day last spring?

All this to say, the first thing I always as soon as the last of winter's chill blows away is seek out inspiration from some my favourite influencers who also live that minimalist life. In a few scrolls, I’ve usually saved a good number of outfit posts that I can then refer back to in the mornings when I’m staring blankly at my closet. Handily, most of the time, they involve pieces we probably all already own. And if there are certain new pieces popping up repeatedly that I love, it helps me to pinpoint what is actually worth investing in for the new season.

So to help all my fellow minimalists out there, I’ve compiled a list below of nine simple minimalist spring outfits that are easy to wear but still look seriously polished. They may feel quiet plain, but they’re anything but boring, and they should see you through plenty of spring occasions feeling your best. Keep scrolling to get inspired, and in case you’re looking to upgrade or add to your selection of classics this year, I’ve added links to shop out the looks as well.

9 Minimalist Spring Outfits to Try This Season

1. Satin Shirt + Cashmere Sweater + Linen Trousers + Pointed-Toe Flats

Style Notes: I live in wide-leg trousers all year round simply because of how structured and polished they make any outfit look. The spring update? Pairing a cream option with one of the biggest colour trends of the season (see: pale pink) and a touch of texture with suede accessories.

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2. Knit Dress + Ballet Pumps + Leather Bag

Style Notes: Minimalism doesn't have to just mean plain jeans and the best white t-shirt you own—a simple ribbed knit dress is an elegant iteration. I love how this ribbed style features as half-button finish and soft collar. Plus, the pairing of navy with simple black leather accessories makes it feel even more expensive.

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3. Cropped Trench Coat + Blue Jeans + Animal Print Flats

Style Notes: A cropped trench coat always adds an expensive edge to any outfit, just ask Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to name a few. This chic look also proves that adding a trendy touch like animal print flats can help you look minimal while still being in the know.

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4. Black Dress + Basket Bag + Two-Toned Sandals

Style Notes: Another alternative minimalist spring option is a midi or maxi dress. Although it's not as obvious, I love a black style for a transitional look that doesn't try too hard. Completing the outfit a basket bag and two-toned sandals feels primed for summer, too.

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5. Checked Shirt + Black Jeans + Peep Toe Mules

Style Notes: Simple but effective. While checked shirts harken back to the grunge subculture—it especially have connotations of Marc Jacobs's 1992 collection for Perry Ellis—they've since been modernised and made covetable by the likes of Dior, Bottega Veneta and Burberry. Who would've thought an oversized plaid top once worn by farmers could be so chic?

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6. Cotton Shirt + Mini Skirt + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: A spring outfit edit wouldn't be complete without looks featuring shorter hemlines. I love how unfussy these classic pieces are and, without any discernible logos or specifically trendy shapes, how easily they can be worn for years to come.

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7. Trench + Jeans + Clogs + Woven Bag

Style Notes: This is such a simple outfit, but I haven't been able to get it out of my head. Pairing a trench coat with a woven bag feels like the perfect antidote to winter dressing.

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8. Corduroy Jacket + Black Tank + White Pinstripe Trousers + Flip Flops

Style Notes: While minimalism is often equated with muted colours and unassuming fabrics, Monikh Dale has proven that this dressing sense doesn't always have to follow those codes. Surprising fabrics or prints cut in classic shapes—like these flowy pinstripe pants—can help bring new and fresh elements to your spring wardrobe while remaining quite demure.

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9. Cardigan + Pencil Skirt + Heeled Mules

Style Notes: Looking to the wardrobes of minimalist icons like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and you'll realise how indispensable a pencil skirt is in a decisively simple dresser's closet is. Adding a seasonal light layer like a cardigan—bonus points if it is in a trending spring colour—and an elevated mule and you have a stylish formula you can rely on time and time again.

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