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) opts for a classic white shirt with her jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, jeans, sandals, belt and bag.
Max Mara Leisure silk front T-shirt – Vince silk popover top – FRAME shirred halter top – Vince button-up blouse
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.
Lou (above) chooses a neutral blazer in an on-trend oversized style.
Get her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, sneakers, belt and sunglasses.
Urban Coco open front blazer – BLANKNYC suede moto bomber – Eileen Fisher longline cardigan – Lyssé open front jacket
Pants for your minimal fashion look
Choose pants that flatter your shape. Good choices are a slim cropped 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.
Kirsten (above) chooses a pair of skinny jeans with her white shirt and tan wedges.
Check out this similar blouse, jeans, sandals, crossbody bag and sunglasses.
Wit & Wisdom bootcut jeans – Wit & Wisdom skinny pants – Zella high waist leggings – Vince bermuda 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.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress and pumps.
Here are a few dress options to build out your minimalist wardrobe. You could also think about a jumpsuit in a neutral shade.
Nordstrom asymmetrical sleeveless dress – VERO MODA asymmetrical T-shirt dress – Fraiche by J tie waist jumpsuit – Donna Karan faux wrap pencil 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.
Jeffrey Campbell slide sandal – Sam Edelman mule – SARTO by Franco Sarto slingback sandal – Veronica Beard slip-on 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.
Adaline (above) chooses a black crossbody, a delicate gold necklace and a pearl bracelet.
Check out this similar dress, cardigan, sneakers, crossbody bag and sunglasses.
COACH colorblock leather shoulder bag – Tory Burch leather crossbody wallet – Karine Sultan sculptural cuff – Karine Sultan stud earrings – Sterling Forever pendant necklace – Ray-Ban hexagon sunglasses – Nordstrom wool & cashmere scarf – Kate Spade New York cotton & silk bandana
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 easily wear the moto jacket with the asymmetrical dress, the long cardigan with the leggings or the halterneck top with the pencil skirt or black pants.
shop all items above here:
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
Let me know what style personality you are! Does the minimal style personality speak to you?
Continue reading:
- A Capsule Wardrobe For The Classic Style Personality
- How To Do More With Less – Or Why It’s Ok To Wear The Same Outfit Multiple Times
- How A Minimal Wardrobe Need Not Be Boring + Meet The Absolute Star Of The Capsule Wardrobe!
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Feature image by Kirsten
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I’m definitely in the minimalist style category with clean lines, asymmetry and pared down architectural shapes that don’t overwhelm. I don’t adhere to the neutral color philosophy and incorporate color and some patterns. Black and white colors are not a focus in my wardrobe (not very flattering next to my face).
Thank you❤️,very useful.
Absolutely loved this article! I am captivated by minimalism and have been adapting some elements since college in search of significance in the 1920s style. It just makes perfect sense!
I’m in!
Cyndee
Thanks for the quiz. I was glad to see a name attached to my style. I would say I am a pure minimalist and one peak in my closet would prove it. I am trying to move away from all black to a more beige/white palette. I got into a capsule wardrobe idea five years ago and also away from hangers. I fold/roll most of my clothes and sort them into categories (ie., tops, leggings, etc.) arranged in plastic boxes that slide in and out of Ikea Trofast frames. It’s all very organized but I think my next step is to print out some sample mood boards to visualize various options so I don’t end up falling back on a few old standards.
Great article,that is excactly what i like to wear…thank you very much
Love the minimalist look. I have been slowly revamping my wardrobe and replacing with better quality pieces. I would rather have fewer pieces with better quality.
I am a hybrid–not really subscribing to any particular style on a regular basis…I love minimalist styling of course! something so refined and elegant and effortless…but right now I am loving ruffles, poof, and layers….and then when i grow tired of that! I love the picture of the woman with the grey high waisted jeans and white collared shirt!–oh my! i would wear that in a heartbeat!.
xo Eva
I am more and more minimalistic both in my clothing style and home decoration. This post really speaks to me – no flounces, almost no patterns, clean lines. Totally me!
I found this article so interesting. Ive been following minimalism for years, but so good to get new tips and ideas. Thank you.
THANK YOU I LOVE THE MINIMALIST.
This whole series is so interesting to me! You delve into a lot more detail than most fashion blogs. My test results led me to the minimalist label! Yes! I agree with a classic, architectural bend once in awhile. I can’t wait to discover more! We really aren’t all one style are we!
Great post. I’m a minimalist in most areas of my life. I agree with one of the other responses stating that quality is an issue. There’s less distracting the eye so you need a better quality item.
I’m trying to bring more color into my wardrobe as I have mostly neutrals, as you so aptly described.
I really enjoy your posts, you are very informative!!
Thank you very much❤️..very useful..
Hi,
Thank you Sylvia for for posting this interesting feature on the minimalist style. I have always been a classic minimalist – drawn towards neutrals in high quality fabrics. Prefer fuss-free clothes with clean lines. Love a statement watch with silver/diamond ear studs.
Your post has given me interesting ideas on how to put together individual outfits and accessories to give a classic timeless appearance.
Please continue posting more such articles on minimalist styling.
Now that I’m retired, I find myself mindlessly purchasing inexpensive (okay, okay, cheap and poor quality) clothing items that add up to not much of any thing really nice to wear. What I need to do is weed out those J.C. Penney nothing-burger buys and start fresh, spending more per item but buying fewer. That might help reduce all those pop up ads at the same time.
Thank you Sylvia. Please do more of these minimal capsule wardrobes for spring/summer as well! That’s when it’s a bit harder. I like to use minimalist pieces as a base and then add interest with glasses, bags, etc. Like Carey I rely on navy, grey, and muted blues with plum/burgundy accents. Your style sense is excellent.
Love this post! I am so drawn to muted blues, grays, navy, and ecru. I am trying to get away from using black all the time, but I love it too. I’m trying to incorporate more burgundy and eggplant as pseudo-neutrals. My biggest challenge will be to incorporate accessories. I don’t like putting on cold metal objects, so I need to find alternatives. Scarves look mumsy on me; maybe I need to practice, because there are so many gorgeous scarves out there. Thanks for the fantastic blog.
I am not really minimalistic, am I haha. But I do have a lot of the things you are showing.
I love minimalist style….on others!
It is a beautiful way to dress as long as the quality is high and the details are right.
This is great post that makes me want to branch out into try an occasional minimal look.
Thank you!
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Great post! I love minimalism and have been adapting some elements (clean lines, minimum detail, no froufrou) for my own style. One thing I have learned is that color can be incorporated into the style, it’s really all about the aesthetics which range from simplified shapeless lines to extreme graphics. A wonderful book on this topic is, “Less is More: Minimalism in Fashion” by Harriet Walker. I learned a lot about the various interpretations of the style since it first popped up on the scene some time in the 1920s.
Thanks for your feedback and great to hear that this article was useful to you!