The 6-Piece Minimalist Clothing Wardrobe

last updated 12 October 2017

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 minimalist 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, minimalist clothing always looks good because the items are timeless and never go out of style. But just because you have a minimalist 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 pared-back look. This season, look to strong accessories like sock boots, hoop earrings, or structured bags, and mix them in with everyday basics like turtlenecks and blazers. Ahead, we’re breaking down the essentials.

Go on to shop the six-piece minimalist clothing wardrobe.

SHOES

Tibi

Dana Leather Mules

Take a note from fashion influencers, and pair these mules with trousers and an oversized blazer.

Sol Sana

Ezra Boots

Stay on trend with these knit sock heels from Sol Sana.

Manolo Blahnik

Maysale

Kitten heels are everywhere this season. Try these buckled ones from Manolo Blahnik.

BASIC STAPLES

Acne Studios

Nash Face Cotton T-Shirt

A staple in every minimalist's closet.

Reformation

Mallie Top

Your next go-to date-night top.

Violeta by Mango

Turtleneck Sweater

Style with your favourite vintage denim.

JEWELRY

Loewe

Gold-Tone Hoop Earrings

Your new pair of everyday earrings.

Topshop

Smooth Thick Hoop Earrings

Pair these simple earrings with other silver jewellery.

Ellery

Hush Gold-Plated Resin Earrings

Show these statement earrings off with a classic white tee and trousers.

DENIM

Rouje

Sabina Black Jeans

A must-have in any denim collection.

Levi's

Shaping Straight Jeans

Enhance your curves with these cool body-shaping jeans.

Brock Collection

Wright Straight-Leg Jeans

So cool with a pair of slides and a white blouse.

BAGS

Gabriela Hearst

Nina Leather Tote

Add a chic touch to your minimalist outfit.

Mango

Coffer Bag

This bag makes for the perfect sophisticated work tote.

Simon Miller

Bonsai 15 Mini Leather Bucket Bag

Tote around your essentials in this stylish yet simple bag.

BLAZER

Zara

Oversized Blazer

Add a pop of color to your conservative wardrobe.

Pixie Market

Chelsea Gray Plaid Button Blazer

Mix up your everyday work attire with this oversized blazer.

Loéil

Aslen Jacket

Wear over a pleated skirt for a feminine touch.Next, the 11 autumn/winter 2017 looks you need to see.

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant 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.