Minimalist Fashion: How To Get The Look & 10 Wardrobe Essentials To Own

Minimalist fashion as a style of dressing involves selecting timeless quality pieces that never go out of style and finally, owning a small number of clothes. It's about creating a wardrobe that can be worn for any occasion without the added stress of keeping up with new trends. It can be accomplished by choosing items with clean lines, neutral colours, and timeless shapes.

While the terms have been used interchangeably, a minimalist wardrobe is made up of only the most essential, timeless pieces of clothing with few colours or patterns. A capsule wardrobe is more than just the essentials. It includes colour, statement pieces, and more variety in addition to versatile pieces. It can be said that wardrobes influenced by minimalist fashion offer more flexibility. There is no set number of items as long as you wear them all and they make you happy.

Now, let's jump into a few essentials that make a minimalist fashion truly versatile.

A well-fitted trench coat is something that will never go out of fashion and apart from that, it's also a practical choice for keeping yourself snug during the winters so it makes total sense that you invest in one that looks sophisticated and sharp. It layers well over any outfit you wear, be it a dress, or a pair of jeans with a jumper which makes this versatile piece of clothing an essential. Opt for mellowed down colours like white, beige, khaki, light grey or a solid black or midnight blue. Make sure the quality of the fabric is top-notch and the stitchings are in place.

Satin gives a very feminine touch to any outfit. A solid-coloured satin dress not only looks stunning but also has an opulent feel to it because of the lustrous finish. A simple satin camisole would look stunning on its own but even more so when you pair it with a pair of ballet flats and a statement bag. During winters, wear a slightly loose-fitted sweater on top to keep yourself cosy if you like the look of separates to skip buying a new satin maxi skirt altogether.

Since minimalist fashion is heavily focused on evergreen silhouettes that look neat and put together, having a crisp blazer that is well-fitted is a must! The colour palette can be neutral and prints should be avoided so that you can conveniently pair your blazer with all outfits. Fabric should be of great quality so that it looks expensive and sharp. 

A white tee is a classic wardrobe staple that never has and never will go out of style. It looks simple, clean and can be easily dressed up with the right add-ons. Not only does it pair well with almost everything, be it a pair of denims or a midi skirt but requires very less effort to make your outfit look 'planned'. You can shake things up and buy different ones like tank tops, T-shirt with shoulder pads, striped white tees and even ribbed ones if you wish to spruce up your looks.

Trendy jewellery is a no-go zone if you want to become a minimal dresser. The idea is to invest in quality jewellery that's timeless, simple and would go with almost every outfit you pull out of the closet. You could invest in iconic jewellery brand pieces like the Cartier love bracelet or the Van Cleef Alhambra earrings if you don't mind the price tags or, simply invest in good quality fashion jewellery that feature simple designs and good quality polishes.

Pro-tip: Check out our curation of the best jewellery brands in India here.

There's nothing more sophisticated than a well-fitted tailored shirt, but button-downs win us over for having a bit of a casual look that looks formal but easy. For a relaxed day look — pair your button down with a pair of denims and for a slightly formal evening — your tailored trousers would make a nice pairing. Add a few accessories like gold hoop earrings, a handbag, and a pair of loafers to channel your 'model off duty' vibe.

A cosy cardigan is one of those winter staples, no one can do without. While cashmere is a great option if you wish to invest in one that will stay intact for years, it doesn't come cheap so try getting your hands on those made from cashmere blends so that you get the look of it a reasonable price. Stick to the neutral colour family, or go for darker hues like deep maroon or blue. The fit shouldn't be too oversized so that it can be worn for slightly formal outings as well.

When it comes to shoes, prioritise quality over quantity. Choose versatile styles that can be worn on a variety of occasions, such as classic black leather boots, simple trainers and dressy heels. Look for shoes made of high-quality materials that will last longer, and select neutral colours such as black, brown, or white that can be worn with any outfit.