A 12 Piece Minimalist Spring Capsule Wardrobe

I don’t know if I am fully embracing a minimalist spring wardrobe, but I am definitely leaning that way.

There is very much a strong sense of minimalism, simplicity, and wearable outfits at Copenhagen Fashion Week right now.

They have their regular mix of completely artsy/maximalist/fun outfits, but there was a strong sense of wearability this season which was nice to see because CPHFW is a good indicator of which way style is going.

 As the weather gets hotter and hotter each season, I just look for ease and simplicity because I hate the heat so much.

My vibe would be Raey and Tibi but they are out of my price range, so I must try for a similar feel. 

Which is something that I am slowly working on with myself.

What is Minimalist Style?

Minimalist fashion represents a refined and understated approach to style. It takes in mind the concept of “less is more,” and leans towards the importance of simplicity, quality, and timelessness in clothing.

This doesn’t mean all beige or the generic style wardrobes that people seem to associate with building capsule wardrobes.

Every capsule wardrobe should look different for the person who is building it. No two capsules will ever be the same.

Nor should they.

Just because we are going smaller doesn’t mean that your style has to leave. In fact, I would argue that having a strong sense of personal style will really help to solidify those capsule wardrobe choices.

At the heart of minimalist fashion lies the principle of simplicity.

This approach strips away the non-essential, focusing on clean lines, uncluttered designs, and a streamlined silhouette.

Unlike other styles, minimalist fashion shuns excessive embellishments, loud prints, or complex patterns.

Yes, colour tends to play a critical role in minimalist fashion, often employing a muted and neutral colour palette that includes shades like black, white, grey, beige, and other earth tones.

I wanted to mix both warm and cool colours together in this wardrobe to give it a more versatile look.

Plus, since this is a spring capsule wardrobe, I wanted to include some green even though I wasn’t going all out in colour.

Neutral colours are not only versatile and easy to mix and match, but they also contribute to the timeless quality of the minimalist wardrobe, which is often why they are the go-to.

The subdued colour scheme enhances the wearability of each piece, ensuring that items remain relevant and stylish year after year.

I am a huge proponent of buying the best you can within your budget, versus buying a bunch of things because they are cheap.

This philosophy advocates for a more sustainable approach to consumption, where the focus is on buying fewer but better-made garments.

We want these pieces to last, both in terms of material durability and design, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle.

We also want pieces that will transition from season to season which this capsule wardrobe will do into summer, and then back into fall with some slight modifications.

A key aspect of minimalist fashion is its emphasis on versatility.

Clothing pieces are often designed to be multifunctional, easily transitioning from one occasion to another.

When you have a small wardrobe, this is important to ensure that you have appropriate options for various events.

So this wardrobe versatility extends to how these pieces are styled, with the ability to create numerous looks from a limited selection of items.

The creative aspect of trying to come up with new ways to wear things that I have worn over and over is always a fun challenge for me.

After a while, it becomes second nature, and you will be able to visualize various outfits before you even buy an item.

This is a key point for me to know when and new item of clothing is worth buying. If I cannot think of several different ways to wear it, then it isn’t something that I want to spend money on regardless of that impulse to buy it.

A minimalist wardrobe is often the first style associated with a capsule wardrobe. Which I try to prove to you every week isn’t true.

A capsule can be built with any style in mind.

But the history of capsule wardrobes is actually a fun little dive if you have some time to spend on it.

Basically, the term “capsule wardrobe” was first coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique, in the 1970s.

It was later popularized by designer Donna Karan in 1985 with her “Seven Easy Pieces” collection.

The philosophy behind a capsule wardrobe is rooted in minimalism and mindfulness. It advocates for a reduction in the number of clothes owned, focusing instead on a small collection of essential, timeless, and versatile pieces.

This approach counters the culture of fast fashion and the constant pursuit of the latest trends.

That being said, playing with trends is a great way to keep your wardrobe fresh, fun, and to not suffer from wardrobe fatigue.

So try adding some trends. Just be picky with those that you include.

For instance, I was going to include a trench, and while it is a spring season wardrobe must-have in my eyes, it is also the obvious choice in a minimalist capsule.

I like to use a trench with a wardrobe that is more out there. Having the classic characteristics of the trench balance out and complement a more maximalist or edgy wardrobe. 

So instead I went with an oversized bomber.

I want this to have a Tibi wardrobe feel and their aviator bomber was one of those pieces I want but know I will never have.

Way out of my price range. Secondhand market here I come. 

I have also noticed that the Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag has been growing in popularity again. It first came out in 2000 and over the years has many different iterations.

I went with a minimalist white. Keeping it simple but with a ton of visual interest.

This bag was a wishlist bag for me for years, and I finally found one for a great price on Vestiaire in white. And because it came from a seller in Canada I bypassed the duties which is always a deterrent for me.

But because of their popularity surge, the prices do fluctuate a lot on the secondhand market.

Some often being priced higher than new in stores.

But if you look you can still find some great deals, like here on Poshmark there is a huge variety of styles and colours, for a full range of prices.

Plus you might be able to make an offer for less.

Next, I want to touch base on the mesh flat trend.

This was one that I originally was adamant that I was going to stay away from, but as we draw near spring and warmer weather I kind of had an epiphany — I hate wearing sandals.

I hate toes, I thoroughly dislike having my toes hang out, and an open weave flat actually seems like the right move for me.

I can keep my toes contained but still have that open weave airiness of a more exposed shoe for the spring and summer season.

Caveat: this is not a trend that I am willing to spend designer prices on even though the Alaïa version is the most sought after.

And there is no way I will find those on the secondhand market yet in my size for a reasonable price.

So what I wanted to do was find a pair that gave the same vibe and I think that these are pretty on the nose. 

If you are interested in a more mesh versus net style, these are a great budget-friendly option as well.

Because they are mesh and a silver colour they almost have an industrial sort of feel to me but with the softness of a ballet slipper. I love a good contradiction. 

It also pairs well with the grey which is a colour we have seen coming out a lot more throughout winter and now into spring.

It would make a good monochromatic shoe in an all-grey outfit because it doesn’t have that overt silver look to it.

But, like, I said, I originally was a definite no on that trend, but thinking about it more showed me that it is actually one that makes a lot of sense for my style and personality.

So this is my long-winded way of saying that even with minimalist or capsule wardrobes, it is okay to wear trends.

Just pick the ones that align with your personal style and fashion goals.

Minimalist Spring Outfit Ideas for Women

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