10 Minimalist Staples Every Fashion Person Should Own

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Sometimes the words "minimal" and "boring" can get thrown around together. But in this editor’s opinion, they don’t have to be related. In fact, minimalist fashion can be just as cool and inspiring as more ornate looks.

The trick to making minimal outfits look elevated is following a few key rules. First, don’t be afraid of color. If you stick to streamlined silhouettes, bold solid colors like fuchsia and chartreuse can easily fit within a minimalist wardrobe. Next, fit is important. Something as simple as a white T-shirt can look surprisingly different depending on the cut. And lastly, choose just a few accessories. Adding one or two pieces—like simple toe-cap slingbacks or flat-top sunglasses—can add dimension to your outfit without feeling too overdone. Want to see how fashion girls are wearing minimal outfits?

Keep reading to see seven minimal outfit formulas fashion girls swear by and then shop pieces inspired by their looks.

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Suit + Loafers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Try wearing a suit in a solid color. Instead of black, try something like light pink or white, both of which feel very modern.

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Long Dress + Slingbacks
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Pair a long lightweight dress with slingbacks for a casual look that's also office-appropriate.

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Minimal doesn't have to be boring. Choose bold colors like fuchsia to make a statement.

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Camisole + Trousers
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Go bold with strong colors.

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Blouse + Tailored Pants
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Add streamlined accessories like wire-frame glasses and a bucket bag to a blouse and jeans.

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T-Shirt + Skirt + Mules
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

A simple T-shirt can look elevated when paired with a skirt and mules. Stick to one color for a streamlined look.

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Oversize Top + Jeans
(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Play with volume. An oversize button-down top paired with jeans adds dimension to a minimal outfit.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.