6 Minimalists Just Shared Their Trend-Proof Wish Lists With Me
If you're a regular Who What Wear reader, then you'll know that, every month, we invite a selection of our favourite influencers to share their current wish lists with us. You could absolutely accuse me of being biased, but this is always one of my favourite stories to edit, as it provides an exclusive insight into the pieces that social media tastemakers are excited about, informing my own wish list at the same time. That, I believe, is what they call a win-win, and for January, I decided to switch things up a bit.
You'll have noticed we're embarking on a great deal of trend analysis, as we do at the start of any new season, breaking down the key looks from the S/S 23 runways, all the way to pinpointing the shoes, jeans and dresses that feel most current for the year ahead. As such, I thought I'd take a different approach with this month's influencer wish-listing exercise, focusing less on what feels fresh right now and instead on pieces with everlasting appeal. And who better to inform us on said pieces than a handful of the chicest minimalist content creators around? From coats that you'll love and wear for a lifetime to separates that transition from winter to spring with ease, scroll on to discover what's on the wish lists of six minimalist dressers for 2023.
UME
I've followed Ume for a while now, and her work is a testament to the minimalist aesthetic. Over the years, her style has remained unchanged—proof that pared-back pieces never go out of style.
Ume's Wish List
Raey's designs are always incredibly sleek, and this coat is no exception.
I've been coveting the Neous Phoenix bag for a while now; I love this rich burgundy hue.
There's a lot of hype surrounding this blazer. It's the perfect relaxed fit, and I know I'll get so much use out of it.
I like to keep my accessories minimal, and this baseball cap is the ideal addition to my roster.
A good pair of black trousers is a wise investment—I like the cut and silhouette of this Totême pair.
I'll throw this on with everything from jeans to tailored trousers to shorts come summer.
DANIELLE
If you want your clothes to look more expensive, Daneille's Instagram feed is practically an in-depth study on the subject.
Danielle's Wish List
I can’t get enough of grey at the moment, and I adore this cute, fluffy tank top. I love the pearl detailing but love even more that it’s detachable so I can play around with how I style it.
I have been looking for the perfect leather skirt, and I think I found it in this gorgeous Raey rendition of the classic piece.
Aeyde is a brand I’m constantly talking about because of the craftsmanship that goes into its shoes, with premium-grade leather and unique minimalist design. I can see myself wearing these boots for winters to come.
I love a classic handbag shape with a bit of personality, something that makes them stand out. And Kara does just that. I am obsessed with the diamanté features this brand plays with in its designs.
There's nothing wrong with this coat and everything right with it. Tailoring perfection, 100% wool. It's a sleek black maxi coat, created to last the ages. I adore it.
They speak for themselves. I will wear this iconic shape every single moment of every day, summer and winter, autumn and spring. In my opinion, they are fit for every occasion.
HELEN
Helen has a knack for finding the sleekest pieces on the high street, which she perfectly layers with investment items.
Helen''s Wish List
Between its spring-ready tan hue and sleek shape, I know I'll get so much wear out of this versatile bag.
Loose-fitting denim is still a huge trend for 2023; I'll be getting my fix by way of this H&M pair. The high waistline makes them feel more elevated and tailored.
MONIKH
Monikh's wardrobe is one of the most impressive we've seen, and while she's unafraid to tap into colour and print trends, when you break down her wares, they share one common thread: timelessness.
Monikh's Wish List
A huge flashback to my uni days. The ballet pump is back, but this time, I’ll luxe them up with soft tailoring and floaty summer dresses.
I’m obsessing over wide-leg, '70s-style jeans at the moment. Perfect with bouncy cotton blouses.
Possibly the answer to "jeans and a tee” for nights out.
I'm equally into the matching top.
BELLE
With her flair for offbeat styling and an eye for clean lines, journalist and influencer Belle's wardrobe is a minimalist's dream.
Belle's Wish List
Totême’s outerwear is on another level, and the shape of this car coat is exceptional.
I love Raey jeans—the brand does the best baggy fit—and pale grey feels fresh for spring
I’m into pyjamas as going-out clothes, and Tekla does amazing organic cotton pj's that can easily double up as "real" wearable additions to your wardrobe
Everything from The Frankie Shop is on my wish list but this grey bomber will go with all the pieces I’m currently wearing.
I love a tote bag for ease of use, and this Loewe one ticks all my boxes.
AÏDA
Based in Paris, Aïda is adept at finding minimalist pieces with a classic finish; cue gold buttons, contrast piping, and more It bags than you could ever hope to own.
Aïda's Wish List
I know this coat is very popular on social media, but I’ve been eyeing it for several seasons now, so I might treat myself. It’s chic and it’s a good staple coat for winter and early spring. In my opinion, the matching scarf detail makes it so worth it and convenient for styling.
I already own the faux-croc grey version of this bag and I love it so much that I would love it in another colour. It's the perfect casual-chic bag for everyday use; it fits in all my essentials, and I’ve learned to carry a bit less thanks to this bag, which is a good thing. I would love to buy it in a neutral colour that goes with everything.
Originally, I wanted the Celine Triomphe belt, but it’s everywhere right now; this one from Saint Laurent is a great alternative. Discrete and just as elegant if you want to invest in that category.
Sandro has an amazing range of smart, preppy dresses right now, and this one is so elegant. I would love to give it a go this year.
The classic vintage bucket bag from Louis Vuitton has also been on my wish list for a while. I’m planning to travel a lot this year, and I think it will be perfect as a travel bag. I have friends who own it, and they always tell me how practical it is.
Axel Arigato's Memory cardigan is a great alternative to the Khaite cardigan. Apparently, the quality is amazing; this would be perfect for the transitioning weather during spring.
Next Up: 6 Stylish Updates That Will Infinitely Improve Your Winter Wardrobe
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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