'90s minimalism has been hard to escape ever since the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy craze started this year. While, of course, CBK will always be seen as a pillar of the look, the aesthetic has been admired way before Love Story came out. I even wrote about it last summer as my go-to reference for warm-weather dressing—it’s just always easy and chic.
Designers like Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Calvin Klein defined the era, and today, brands like Khaite, Kye Intimates, Rue Sophie, St. Agni, The Row, and Toteme continue that same uniform approach to dressing with classics you’ll wear on repeat for years. For more accessible options, I always recommend Banana Republic, COS, Gap, and J.Crew.
Right now, I’m eyeing pieces like C’est Nous’ Mini Muse Bag, Carel’s Carlotta flats, and Chimi's Edith Optic Sunglasses. For specifics items to search, I tend to look for capris, trench coats, button-downs, simple tank tops, column and knee-length skirts, high V-neck tops, silk slip dresses, straight-leg jeans, kitten heels, and ballet flats.
Below, shop timeless staples that embody the style.
Based in Spain and made in Morocco, C'est Nous is my new favorite bag brand discovery. This particular one has adjustable strap with snap buttons, which I love.
Chimi is one of my favorite eyewear brands.
Several of our editors have The Demi Flat from Margaux.
Under-$100 Levi's '90s 501 Jeans.
A column skirt to wear on repeat for $120.
This $18 cotton V-neck tank top.
Banana Republic has so many elevated basics.
This simple Cotton V-Neck Sweater.
Miu Miu's Regard Sunglasses feel very '90s.
The perfect spring t-shirt.
I want all of CDLP's tops.
I always keep a pair on the Havaianas Slim Flip Flop around.
A cute cotton pleated skirt from J.Crew.
My black cashmere cardigan is one of my most-worn pieces.
An under-$100 cotton poplin shirt.
I want this Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater.
All of our editors love Flore Flore.
If you're looking for an effortless spring skirt, there's the $60 Lowen Midi Skirt.
Associate Editorial Director Eliza Huber and Associate Director, Special Projects Kristen Nichols both recommend Citizens of Humanity's Zurie Straight Leg Jeans.
I want everything from KYE.
A go-to Prada bag feels like the epitome of '90s minimalism.
I love St. Agni.
The L.A. label Vir Vita is available to shop on Nordstrom.
I've been looking for a black silk slip dress.
As seen on Nicole Kidman in Eyes Wide Shut.
Cou Cou can do no wrong.
A chic Guizio trench coat.
Studio Amelia makes my dream kitten heels.
If you love Prada Sport, Permanent Vacation is the emerging Australian brand to know.
I had to include L.L. Bean's best-selling Boat and Tote.
NIA has so many nice spring dresses.
I like the shape of this bag from The Horse.
I recently discovered the British brand Home of Hai, and it immediately loved it.
Asymmetric hems are trending right now.
I know this halter dress will get so much wear.
$199 Leather Kitten-Heel Mules from COS.
I recommend Brooke Callahan's whole collection.
A little mesh cami.
I'm surprised this Balmacaan A-Line Half Coat is only $40.
I just found out about EDN, which focuses on designing with natural fibers like organic cotton, lyocell, hemp, and wool.
Clare V.'s natural grain leather Moyen Messenger.
The Joelene Strapless Dress from Bec & Bridge for special occasions.
Pleated skirts are seasonless.
Gerard Darel's iconic handbag.
I finally got the Provenance Oversized Jacket from Rue Sophie.
I want to invest in a dress from Silk Laundry.
The French brand Carel is beloved for a reason.
Centre Piece is an emerging New York City-based womenswear brand.
I can't resist a halter top.
Repetto ballet flats have been on my wish list for years.
I have this exact Campell & Kramer dress.
These Misha & Puff organic Pima cotton pants are incredibly soft and comfortable.
Since I don't wear sneakers aside from at the gym, I rely on walkable flats and Mary Janes as an alternative, like these Biom Lite Textile Ballerina from Ecco.