A capsule wardrobe for the minimal style personality

Do you love a minimalist style that is simple yet effortlessly chic? Then you will love this capsule wardrobe for the minimal style personality!!

Not sure what style personality you have? Find out in our style personality quiz!

Do you have a minimal style personality?

A minimal style wardrobe can be one of the chicest choices for women over 40. As the saying goes; “less is more”.

A minimal style wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring, on the contrary.

A minimalist style is classic and timeless and truly lets a woman’s own beauty shine through.

Celebrities with a minimal style personality

Angelina Jolie, Annette Bening, and Charlize Theron are just a few of the many beautiful women who opt for a subtle and minimalist style.

I’m sure you would agree that, while their minimal style is pared back, it is far from dull.

How to tell if you have a minimal style personality

You gravitate towards simple style

If you naturally have a minimal style personality, the you will prefer outfits which are simple and uncomplicated.

Dahlia (above) opts for a monochrome outfit, adding interest with her snake print shoes.

Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, crop jeans, mules, hoop earrings and a Gucci crossbody bag.

You like a neutral palette

If I opened your closet right now, I would be unlikely to see lots of color and pattern. You prefer a palette of neutrals and, if you do go for patterns, they are likely to be simple stripes or smaller prints.

You are a minimalist in your home too

If you like a minimal style wardrobe, you probably don’t like to much clutter in your home either. Marie Condo is a woman after your own heart.

You may find yourself drawn to other similar styles

If you have a minimal style personality, you may find that you also like elements of classic style, Eurochic style or architectural style.

Why a minimalist wardrobe could work for you

Victoria Beckham – Helmut Lang – Jil Sander

Plenty of the big-name designers opt for a minimalist style on the catwalks and in their own way of dressing.

However, you don’t have to be shaped like a model for a minimal wardrobe to work for you. A minimalist capsule works well with many body shapes and since this style doesn’t include lots of trendy details, this wardrobe style can look stylish and fresh longer than a trendier of-the-moment wardrobe can.

A minimal style can also refer not just to a pared back way of dressing but also having fewer items in your wardrobe and doing more with less.

‘Rules’ of minimal style

If you’d like to create your own minimalist capsule wardrobe, keep these “rules” in mind:

• Highlight one stand-out accessory or one unique detail.
• Choose understated, neutral colors like black, navy, white and gray to build a solid minimalist base.
• Select styles of clothing that showcase a clean, long line.
• Choose tops, pants and jackets that follow the lines of the body, but aren’t too clingy or too baggy.
• Steer clear of ruffles, embellishments, or overly trendy details.
• Wear columns of solid colors (or if you do include prints, choose monochrome or subtle tone on tone prints)

Tops for the minimalist closet

Like the rest of your closet, your tops will be classic, timeless and are likely to be in neutral shades.

That’s not to say you can’t add a pop of color if you would like to. However, if you do, you are likely to prefer a block shade rather than, for example, a flamboyant pattern like florals.

Below, I’ve included four tops that you could wear for season upon season, year after year, and they will never date.

Options such as a neutral short-sleeved t-shirt, a classic button-down skirt, a turtleneck and a wrap top will give your closet the clean, classic look you love.

However, I have added interest with the fabrics and twist detailing of the t-shirts here, and the subtle stripes on the shirt.

Sarah (above) chooses a classic white shirt and adds on-trend elements to her minimalist outfit by knotting her top and wearing sandals with an asymmetrical element.

Check out this similar tie front shirt, jeans, sandals, watch and bracelet.

Zella tuck front t-shirt – Lafayette 148 New York silk blouse – Vince silk box top – Samsøe Samsøe pinstripe shirt

Jackets for the minimalist fashion look

For the minimalist style, choose jackets and coats with a body skimming style.

Steer clear of anything too baggy or trendy.

Opt for clean lines and neutral colors. You can opt for black. But, you don’t have to. You can also choose gray, white, tan or navy.

Adaline (above) looks beautiful in a classic black, white and tan combination.

Steal her look with this similar tee, cardigan, skinny jeans, mules, crossbody bag and earrings.

Topshop crepe blazer – Club Monaco single button blazer – La Fiorentina longline mesh vest – Blank NYC suede drape front jacket

Pants for your minimal fashion look

Choose pants that flatter your shape. Good choices are a slim copped pants in black, gray, or navy.

Another flattering option is a full-legged trouser cut pant, or a boot cut trouser in a dark color which will lengthen your legs and create a long visual line.

You can also add a casual cropped pair of  pants for a more casual style.

Jona (above) wears cropped pants with a subtle stripe.

Check out this similar white v-neck top, blazer, pants, slip-on sneakers, crossbody bag and sunglasses.

Vince crop trousers – Citizens of Humanity slim jeans – BOSS straight leg pants – VERO MODA tie front shorts

Dresses and skirts for your minimalist closet

One of the most important elements in a minimalist wardrobe is a simple, clean lined statement dress, a simple dress with one stand out detail that can be dressed up or down.

Select a fabric that works winter or summer like a lightweight, seasonless wool or silk.  Select a simple wrap, sheath or subtle A-line.

Monika (above) opts for a little white dress rather than a little black dress.

Get her look with this similar dress, pumps and bracelet.

Here are a few dress options to build out your minimalist wardrobe.

Chelsea28 mock neck sheath dress – Vince tank dress – Club Monaco midi dress – Club Monaco satin wrap skirt

Shoes to go with your minimalist outfits

Classic, flattering, and feminine shapes like pumps, boots with a pointed toe, ballet flats, mules and slingbacks complement a minimalist style.

Deborah (above) opts for a pair of shoes which are a king of sneaker-oxford hybrid.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants, sneakers and earrings.

Naturalizer half d’Orsay flat – Botkier slide sandal – Tory Burch sandal – Tory Burch lace-up sneaker

Accessories and Jewelry to go with your minimalist clothing

Less is more when it comes to jewelry for the minimalist style.

Choose one exceptionally stylish piece of jewelry rather than layer lots of pieces.  

If you want to add a statement piece, choose something oversized rather than delicate.

Silver, gold or other metallics are a great option. For bags, select a satchel or crossbody with tonal details.

Patricia (above) chooses a small black carry-handle handbag and keeps her outfit entirely in black and white – apart from the pops of color provided by her lipstick and nail varnish.

Steal her look with this similar shirt, trousers, ankle strap sandals, handbag, belt, watch, earrings and sunglasses.

Vince Camuto top handle hobo – Madewell leather crossbody bag – Sole Society twisted hoop earrings – Karine Sultan drop earrings – Ray-Ban sunglasses – Nordstrom cuff bracelet – ALLSAINTS pendant necklace – Nordstrom dyed wrap

A capsule wardrobe of 9 minimalist outfits using the pieces above

Below are 9 looks we created for the minimalist style capsule wardrobe. But there are lots more combinations you could create from these pieces.

For example, you could wear the long white shirt dress open as a coat, or you could team the moto jacket with the navy dress.

For more inspiration, you can take a look at an earlier capsule we created below (below). These items are no longer available in stores, but still give you lots of outfit ideas!

Remember, most of us don’t just have one style personality. We are a usually a mixture and can also like elements of other style personalities. However, usually one is dominant.

You may like to check out our capsules for the preppy style, classic style, Eurochic style, natural style or architectural style.

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

Minimalist clothing brands I love

• Eileen Fisher
• COS
• BOSS
• AllSaints
• Helmut Lang
• Victoria Beckham

Let me know what style personality you are! Does the minimal style personality speak to you?

Like this article on the minimal style personality? Share it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Patricia

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