Two of the most popular fashion topics at Who What Wear are looking expensive and creating a capsule wardrobe, but combining these principles and then adding them to said wardrobe is far from easy; especially if you're an ardent minimalist who truly values quality. Building a minimal capsule wardrobe is like curating a gallery of timeless elegance within your closet, where every piece speaks volumes without uttering a word. The beauty lies in its efficiency—fewer items, streamlined choices, and more room for impeccable style.
One of the magical perks of a minimalist capsule wardrobe is its immunity to the unpredictable whims of fashion. Trends may come and go like fleeting fireflies, but your capsule collection stands strong, steadfast in its ability to transcend seasons. It's like having a fashion crystal ball that predicts the longevity of your wardrobe choices—one of the many things that minimalist fashion fans adore about decidedly simple and chic outfits.
So, which items should feature in a well-rounded, minimal capsule wardrobe? Every closet should be stocked with best jeans to suit your tastes, a simple white t-shirt to serve as a blank canvas and a form of leather shoe to round it all out. Of course, there's always the appearance of a few other standout items that help tie looks together. Curious to know what they are? We've done our due diligence and looked to the array of minimalistic style icons who do it best—let us present the perfect minimalist capsule in nine easy pieces.
9 Must-Have Pieces for Your Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
1. Neutral Blazer
Style Notes: No minimalist wardrobe is complete without a blazer. Look to neutral tones such as beige and camel to maximise their versatility.
Shop Neutral Blazers:
The Frankie Shop is our go-to for expensive-looking tailoring.
Wool is a great choice for the chillier weather.
A double-breasted blazer brings a more tailored finish to your look.
2. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: While minimalists regularly wear leggings and jeans (more on those later), when they need to look polished in a pinch, they reach for tailored trousers in a classic hue.
Shop Tailored Trousers:
The editor-approved Reformation Mason pant is a versatile style that can be dressed down with the latest trainers in fashion or up with heels for formal events.
A barrel-leg trouser adds such a cool silhouette to an outfit.
Wide-leg options are equally chic, especially when layered with a soft knit or waisted cardigan.
3. Black Boots
Style Notes: We could analyse footwear styles separately as curating a shoe capsule wardrobe is another discussion, but when it comes to drilling down the nonnegotiable, anti-trend black boots rank highly on the minimalist capsule wardrobe priority list.
Shop Black Boots:
Pair with jeans and white button-up for an effortlessly stylish look.
These riding boots are so elegant and perfect for all seasons—just swap out a white cotton nap dress for a pair of sturdy trousers and a trench coat when the weather shifts.
4. Striped Shirt
Style Notes: Continuing the classic theme, a blue striped button-up shirt will serve as a handy top option. Wear it with jeans, trousers, slip skirts and even over simple dresses.
Shop Striped Shirts:
Available in sizes XS to XXL.
Quite a French-girl staple.
This red iteration is a great alternative to classic blue and white stripes.
5. Simple Leather Bag
Style Notes: Take all the effort and worry out of matching your accessories to your outfits by opting for pared-back silhouettes, such as this shoulder bag from The Row.
Shop Leather Bags:
Such a cool shape.
A neutral-coloured bag will make styling your outfits so much easier.
I love this micro version in one of 2025's hottest colour trends—burgundy.
6. Perfect Jeans
Style Notes: We'd argue that minimalists wear jeans more than any other aesthetic group, so it pays to take the time to find your perfect fit. Right now, we're seeing a definite penchant for slightly looser silhouettes amongst the style set.
Shop Jeans:
These jeans were made with added stretch for ultimate comfort.
FRAME has some great denim options this season.
We'll always recommend the COS arch jeans as an addition to any wardrobe.
7. White Skirt
Style Notes: White skirts have the power to make any outfit look more polished. This is especially true if you choose a more formal poplin or a-line style.
Shop White Skirts:
Style it with a simple cashmere knit and ballet flats.
Perfect for brightening up your winter wardrobe.
Available in size XXS to 4XL.
8. Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Style Notes: As far as tops go, none are quite as hardworking as a plain tee. While you can always opt for v-neck iterations, crew necklines are the most reliable and most worn by minimalists.
Shop Crew Neck T-shirts:
A plain crew-neck tee acts as a base for so many of my outfits.
This COS clean-cut t-shirt is a fashion-lovers staple and the one our fashion editors recommend the most.
This T-shirt is thicker than most, meaning that the risk of it looking see-through on is zero.
9. LBDs
Style Notes: A little black dress is a great addition to any capsule wardrobe. With the ability to easily be dressed up or down, the LBD is a timeless investment you won't regret.
Shop LBDs:
This combination dress will wear just as chicly with simple flat sandals and a striped knit for day time as it will barely-there heels and gold jewellery for evenings out.
The shirring dress might give off a romantic note, but the colourway and simple silhouette keep this dress on the right side of minimal. It also comes in an array of other chic colours.
A simple black shift dress will work hard in any wardrobe set up. This linen summer dress comes in sizes 4-26.
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