I Just Assembled the Perfect 9-Piece Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
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. It's 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.
So, which items should feature in a well-rounded, minimal capsule wardrobe? We've done our due diligence—let us present the perfect minimalist capsule in nine easy pieces.
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:
A double-breasted style can be dressed down with jeans or up with a slip dress for formal events.
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 Frankie Shop is our go-to for expensive-looking tailoring.
3. BLACK BOOTS
Style Notes: We could analyse shoe styles separately but when it comes to drilling down the nonnegotiables, anti-trend black boots rank highly on the minimalist capsule wardrobe priority list.
Shop Black Boots:
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:
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:
A neutral-coloured bag will make styling your outfits so much easier.
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:
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:
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:
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 story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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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