Minimalist Designers, Stylists, and Tastemakers on the Fashion Rules That Make or Break Your Personal Style

Minimalism gets a bad rap sometimes. There was definitely a phase when “minimal” started to feel synonymous with “boring,” and I’ve never really bought into that. That said, I get it—when you're standing in front of your closet trying to throw something on that feels built around basics but still like a whole look, it's easy to see where the reputation comes from.

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the people who actually get it right—the ones whose pared-back outfits somehow feel cooler, sharper, and like a subtle statement. So I asked them: “What’s the secret? What makes an outfit minimal but not forgettable?” What came out of those conversations wasn’t just a list of basic dos and don’ts—it ran deeper towards notes on proportion, smart accessories, and clean lines. Still, there were a few simple rules that kept coming up again and again, and I’m breaking them all down here—with the outfits to prove it.

Rule 1: Invest in Fit and Versatility

"Invest in versatile, high-quality basics that you can wear on repeat whether it’s during the week, on the weekend, or dressed up for a night out. Once I find a fit and style I love, I tend to buy it in multiple colorways because I know it works for me. It really comes down to understanding your proportions and what makes you feel your best. When something fits well and feels good, you’ll naturally reach for it again and again and that’s what makes it a true staple." — Cass Dimicco

Rule 2: Let Accessories Do the Heavy Lifting

"For me, it’s all about the art of accessorizing—they are the finishing touches to elevate your look. I typically start with the same outfit formula as my base and then play around with accessories. Since its inception, Aureum has always been about creating statement pieces that take your look to the next level. Accessories truly elevate any outfit and make it easy to repeat the same basic outfit formulas over and over again while still making them feel completely fresh and different every time." — Cass Dimicco

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Rule 3: Dress to Support Your Life

"My wardrobe staples are a good ribbed tank and a classic hobo bag; they pair effortlessly with almost any skirt or pant. A deal breaker for me is shoes that are uncomfortable or don’t match 90% of my wardrobe. I walk every day to get fresh air and stay present in my surroundings. A minimalist style creates space both physically and mentally to fully enjoy life." —Alicia Pettit

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Rule 4: Minimalism Doesn’t Have to Mean Minimal

"Similar to how some people identify as ‘introverted-extroverts,’ I like to think of myself as a ‘minimalistic-maximalist.’ Let me explain. On the surface, my style is deeply rooted in minimalism—clean lines, neutral palettes, and timeless silhouettes. I live, breathe, and would probably die for a good capsule wardrobe. But here’s the twist: I have an excessive number of capsule items. Like, 10+ white button-downs excessive. To some, that might sound like overkill. To me, it’s a perfectly curated collection of subtle variations that each serve a specific vibe or mood. And when it comes to accessories? I go all in. Stacks of rings, layered necklaces, statement earrings—sometimes all at once. It’s not about clutter; it’s about composition. I see accessories as the exclamation points on an otherwise quiet sentence. So while my foundational style says ‘less is more,’ my execution often whispers (or shouts) ‘more is more... but tastefully." —Coco Schiffer

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Rule 5: Precision Is Power

"Minimalism resonates most when every detail is so considered, it speaks for itself. At The Anteros, what appears effortless is the result of quiet precision — from the collar width to the double chest buttons and the exact placement of the shoulder seams. One rule we live by: a piece must do more than just look good. The color, fabric, and silhouette should feel effortless, yet be so well-designed and precisely fitted that it does the work for you. Shirting is often overlooked, but it’s one of the hardest-working staples — just as powerful styled like Sharon Stone at the Oscars as it is worn open over a bikini or with trousers for a meeting." — Bryn & Lisa Rhoads

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Rule 6: Make Sure Your Pieces Have a Purpose or Tell a Story

"When it comes to personal style, my only rules are that a piece either serves a purpose (i.e. basics), is a considered purchase, will stand the test of time, and most importantly, that I love it or it has an element of storytelling (i.e. vintage). And sometimes its only purpose is that it sets my soul alight, which is enough for me. I’ve never fit neatly into any category, so while I tend to veer more into minimalism, I’ve made the decision that whichever pieces I’m drawn to will work together simply because they’re Me, and I tend not to look to any one else for permission or validation." — Christina Grasso

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