More and more friends have been asking me to organize their closets and help them build a great minimalist wardrobe. They’ve accumulated so many random pieces throughout the years that just don’t suit them any more. They want to rid their wardrobe of any cheap materials and elevate all of their essential pieces. While fast fashion brands are enticing and often have some great styles, they are generally not built to last. And as we get older, we begin to recognize the value and style of really well-made garments that stand the test of time. What my friends now crave are fewer items that are high quality in a variety of neutral colors that they can make multiple stylish outfits out of. They want timeless pieces that they will always look stylish in without always having to chase the latest trends.
If you’re looking to elevate your own minimalist wardrobes and take your personal style to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. Below are the essentials for building a minimalist closet of versatile pieces that you’ll have forever.
This is a checklist of the specific clothes and accessories you will need to build out your entire capsule wardrobe:
JEANS
CLASSIC PANTS/ SHORTS
BUTTON-DOWN SHIRTS
TANKS/ TEES/ BODYSUITS
SWEATERS
JACKET/ COATS
SHOES
BELTS
BAGS
JEANS
Denim can be the base of any minimalist capsule wardrobe. I mean how many of us live in a pair of jeans every single day?! The secret lies in the style and wash and what makes them versatile enough to be worn in many different ways. I like to always have a straight leg pair of jeans in a great classic wash in my closet. It’s worked for the French for years without going out of style and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me! Having a few pairs of jeans in different colors and fits means you’ll be able to put together unlimited casual outfits. Here are some great options in black, white, a classic wash and a clean rinse to cover all of your bases!
PANTS AND SHORTS
Everyone needs at least one good pair of black pants in their wardrobe. It’s a staple that has endless possibilities to how it can be styled. You can wear them to work, for interviews, to cocktail parties, for date nights or with a denim jacket and sneakers to go out for brunch with girlfriends. If you live somewhere with warm weather year round, a great pair of black shorts works just as well.
Here is more inspiration on how to style your black pants: Black Magic: Leaning Into the Black Pants Trend
BUTTON-DOWN SHIRTS
Dress shirts are always a good idea to have in your wardrobe. From fitted to oversized styles, find the one that works for your personal style and body shape. Classic white shirts never go out of style and can be worn with virtually anything – casual or dressy, day or night.
TANKS/ TEES/ BODYSUITS
Tanks, tees and bodysuits make up the core layers of most outfits. Everyone should have the perfect white t-shirt (short and long sleeves) in their wardrobe to layer under their sweaters and jackets. Tank tops or bodysuits are great in warmer weather or when you want a sexier look. Sticking to black, white and heather grey will ensure you have all of your layering needs covered.
SWEATERS
A classic crewneck, v-neck or turtleneck sweater is timeless and can be worn over tees or styled under blazers and jackets. I prefer to wear lighter weight cashmere to layer under things as it’s super soft and can be worn through multiple seasons. I tend to buy them in black, grey and oatmeal colors so that they go back to everything in my wardrobe. A heavier weight sweater is a great option to have in winter months as well.
DRESSES AND SKIRTS
Everyone needs a little black dress or skirt that you can dress up or down and style in many different ways. Whether it’s a casual date night or for special occasions, black dresses and skirts are easy to reach for time and time again.
JACKET / COATS
There are the jackets and coats you need in your wardrobe to complete your looks through the year:
Denim jackets are a staple and everyone should have atleast one that they love! Wearing denim-on-denim for a cool street style aesthetic or layering over a black dress for work, it’s something that should work back to all of your other pieces.
A leather jacket is another classic that will never go out of style and works back to everything. A black leather moto will give your wardrobe a little edge.
Trench Coats are as timeless as it comes and makes every outfit instantly chic! Perfect for any time of year, rain or shine, it’s an outfit completer every minimalist wardrobe needs. For colder climates, heavier winter coats are a must-have. A long wool coat in black, heather grey or camel is a versatile staple that can go over any outfit from jeans to dresses.
A structured or unstructured blazer is another wardrobe staple that every woman must have. They can go over any top or sweater to complete and elevate all of your looks. I personally can’t live without mine!
For more blazer style inspiration, here are two articles to check out:
SHOES
A pair of black shoes is a must. Whether that is a pair of ballet flats, loafers or boots is up to you as all of these are versatile options. You should also have a pair of sneakers and sandals that go back to everything. Add a pair of classic black heels and you’ve got your capsule wardrobe covered in the footwear department!
BELTS
If you have one black and one brown belt, you are in good shape. If not, adding these two to your capsule wardrobe helps style all of these pieces into different outfits with ease.
BAGS
A tote is a must-have bag as it’s the most versatile and hardest working bag in your new minimalist wardrobe. It’s perfect for work, for travel, for the gym and for days where you are out and about for hours with little time to stop home. A dressier evening bag is also key to have in your wardrobe for all of your special events. Keep the color palette to neutral tones so that they work back to everything. With just these two options, you’ll be able to easily style all of your different looks.
While a minimalist wardrobe may seem like you have fewer options to work with, you are actually able to mix and match all of the pieces to create unlimited looks. And the best part is that it takes less time to make incredibly stylish outfits with these pieces.
A minimalist approach to dressing is also a great way to dive into sustainable fashion. Buying fewer, high-quality pieces cuts down on waste and the need to purchase new clothes every season.
Pro tip: As you buy new pieces, swap out items that are poor quality or don’t suit you any more. It’s an easy way to build a more elevated minimalist wardrobe one piece at a time and not get overwhelmed! Donate the clothes and accessories that don’t work for you any more so there is less clutter and distraction in your closet. Green Drop will even schedule a pick up right at your door!
