minimalist fashion clothes on a hanger

Minimalist

minimalist style: looking sharp without trying too hard

By Vivienne Westwood

Published: 01 Mar 2025

Minimalist Style: Looking Sharp Without Trying Too Hard

Hey there, fashion friends! Let's talk about minimalist style. I know, I know, it sounds kinda boring, right? Like beige cardigans and sensible shoes. But trust me, minimalist style is anything but dull. It's about looking effortlessly chic, polished, and put-together without having to spend hours agonizing over your outfit each morning. Think Audrey Hepburn meets modern cool. I, for one, am obsessed with it!

This whole thing started for me a few years ago when I was drowning in clothes. Seriously, my closet looked like a small-scale clothing store exploded. I had so many clothes, yet I felt like I had nothing to wear! Sound familiar? I bet it does. So, I decluttered, got rid of everything that didn't make me feel my best, or didn't fit properly, and the result was incredible. It was like my world became cleaner, more streamlined - and my style evolved too.

So what's the minimalist style about? I think it's less about following rules, and more about curating your wardrobe so that it's all quality over quantity.

a stylishly dressed woman walking down a city street

a stylishly dressed woman walking down a city street | Image: Supplied

The Building Blocks of a Minimalist Wardrobe

You don't need a huge closet to look great. The key to minimalist style is having a few high-quality, versatile pieces that you can mix and match endlessly. Think of it as a blank canvas. You're building something beautiful, starting with a few essential colours and textures.

Essentials:

  • A perfect-fitting white t-shirt (trust me, this is a game changer)
  • A pair of well-made dark wash jeans (or black)
  • A versatile blazer (black, navy or a neutral colour)
  • A classic trench coat
  • Comfortable yet fashionable sneakers
  • A simple, elegant dress (that can be dressed up or down)
  • A few stylish sweaters (neutral colors are my fave)
  • A quality handbag (that you'll use every day)

You can expand on this, but start with these, and then add some statement pieces—a bold necklace, a colorful scarf, an interesting pair of shoes. But don’t overdo it. Remember the goal is effortless style, not chaos.

various clothes laid on a table showing simple and quality outfits

various clothes laid on a table showing simple and quality outfits | Image: Supplied

Colour Palettes and Textures

Another thing that makes minimalist style so effective is the use of colour palettes. Sticking to a limited range of colours and textures makes it so much easier to put together outfits and it creates a cohesive feel. Neutrals are super versatile, and are always a solid starting point, but then adding pops of colour, can make the whole look so much more fun! This really helps streamline your wardrobe, since everything will go together. If you're overwhelmed, start with a simple palette - think creams, blacks, greys, and navys, and add pops of colour as you feel comfortable.

As for textures, don't be afraid to mix it up! A simple linen shirt paired with a cashmere sweater and a crisp cotton skirt is just effortlessly sophisticated. The key is to keep it interesting and not just limit yourself to cotton.

a color palette with neutral colors and pops of color

a color palette with neutral colors and pops of color | Image: Supplied

Accessories: The Finishing Touches

Accessories are where you can really have fun and show some personality without going overboard. A bold necklace, a statement ring, or a stylish scarf can make all the difference. Remember, less is more. A minimal, well-thought-out accessory can elevate a simple outfit in an instant. So make your accessories work for you!

various stylish accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, and scarves

various stylish accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, and scarves | Image: Supplied

Minimalist Style: It's a Mindset

Minimalist style isn't just about the clothes you wear; it's a mindset. It's about being intentional with your choices and focusing on quality over quantity. It's about being comfortable in your own skin and confident in your style. It's about creating a wardrobe that makes you feel good and reflects your personality. What do you think? Is this something you could incorporate into your life? Let me know in the comments below!

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo da Vinci

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