When you think of a minimalist capsule wardrobe your mind usually goes to a beautiful set of neutrals, clean lines, simple silhouettes, subtle accessories, and no patterns, but I like to try to step outside the box.
My goal is to show you that you can embrace a small wardrobe and still retain some fun, colour, and most of all your personal style.
Most people do not fall under the category of one particular style.
Personal style is like a Venn diagram with a variety of styles you gravitate to overlapping and you falling somewhere in that diagram to varying degrees.
Those variations can occur daily depending on your mood or style goal that day. Which is why style is like a sliding scale.
And if you can remember that, and stop trying to box yourself into a particular style or aesthetic then you are going to make dressing yourself so much more natural and authentic because you won’t be forcing yourself.
So with this particular wardrobe, I wanted to embrace a minimalist feel, but I also wanted to incorporate that bit of edge that brings a different kind of personality to the wardrobe.
I wanted to keep it simple and uncomplicated while still giving a great variety and a selection of strong looks.
A 12 Piece Edgy Minimalist Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Striped Button Up | Blue Jeans | Grey Shoes | Green Bag | Blazer | Animal Print Boots | Slip Dress | Green Cardigan | Black Flats | Red Bag | Leather Skirt | Socks | Turtleneck | Blue Sweater | Red Belt | Purple Sweater | Riding Boots | Black Trousers | Black Denim Shirt | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Earrings | Blue Fringe Bag | Black Jeans
What is an Edgy Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe?
An edgy minimalist capsule wardrobe combines the clean, simple lines of minimalist fashion with a touch of boldness and unconventional elements.
This style maintains the core principles of minimalism but introduces a sort of avant-garde twist, making the overall look more daring and striking.
I’ve talked about this style several times over the years and the one point that I always want to showcase to cut back on frustration is that it isn’t always about a particular piece.
It is often in how you combine the pieces that form this style.
So if you are seeking out individual pieces that all have a bit of edge to them then you are going to end up spending a lot of time searching while also overlooking items that may be perfect for you.
There are a few small ways that you can transition this style in your wardrobe.
Add Some Depth With Colour
You can still stick to a mostly monochrome or neutral colour palette like black, white, grey, browns, and more muted tones like deep navy, but incorporate some unexpected colours.
I opted for some blue, purple, and red. Then added an olive green which is considered neutral. I call it one of the non-colour colours.
When alone it is very much green, but when you pair it with other colours it works in different ways. Sometimes coming across as bold, and at other times being more subtle.
It is one of those magic colours and is very trendy this fall.
Also try mixing materials or textures like leather, suede, or distressed fabrics. The socks are black but have a floral print.
It is the small details that make a big impact.
When you use contrasting textures within the same colour families, it adds depth and interest, such as pairing a matte fabric with something glossy or incorporating leather accents.
Trial and error will help to guide you.
Sharp Silhouettes
Opt for more angular or asymmetrical cuts that give a structured, architectural feel to your outfit.
Think oversized blazers, sharp-shouldered jackets, and asymmetric skirts or dresses. The blazer I included has a cinched waist giving an hourglass feel.
It is very Thierry Mugler which is the biggest compliment that I can give because his blazers were epic. It also comes in several other colours but I was very drawn to the chocolate brown.
So try incorporating items with an exaggerated fit, cropped wide-leg pants, full skirts, sharply cut coats, and angular handbags.
Pieces that push the boundaries of traditional minimalist silhouettes, like very square-toed flats.
Statement Pieces
A statement piece can truly make your wardrobe.
So while keeping your wardrobe minimal, include a few statement pieces that have a distinctive edge, like a biker jacket, combat boots, or a leather trench coat.
Statement accessories like chunky, geometric jewellery or colourful sunglasses can add an edgy flair without overpowering the minimalist vibe.
I opted for a few statement pieces like the sharp blazer, fringe bag, strongly shaped footwear like a bold square or pointed toe, a full leather skirt, and some colourful accessories.
Unconventional Details
Look for clothing with subtle, yet unique details like zippers, buckles, or cut-outs that add an element of surprise.
These details should be integrated seamlessly into the design rather than standing out too boldly.
Distressed elements like frayed hems, raw edges, or slightly torn fabrics can add an edgier, more rebellious feel while still maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
The light blue denim that I selected has one distressed knee. It is subtle and done in a very tasteful way.
Current distressed jeans are no longer slashed with multiple holes up and down the legs, or completely torn out knees. We are keeping the distressing minimal as well.
Layering with Purpose
Layering is key in an edgy minimalist wardrobe, but it’s done with intention and precision. Layering is a very important part of my personal style and one of the reasons why I feel like I flounder in the summer.
Try to layer different textures or lengths, such as a longline coat over a cropped top, or a sheer overlay over a solid piece.
Use structured pieces like a tailored vest over a fitted turtleneck or a slim leather jacket over a flowy top to create a juxtaposition that adds interest without clutter.
Minimalist Footwear with an Edge
Choose footwear that is simple in design but has an edge, such as pointed-toe ankle boots, chunky platform sneakers, or sleek combat boots.
These add a touch of boldness without being overly decorative.
Shoes in unconventional materials like patent leather or those with metal hardware details can add to the edgy feel while keeping the minimalist essence intact.
The footwear I chose has some interesting shapes like a very blunt square toe, or the pointy kitten heels with a high vamp.
By choosing silver for the sneakers I kept it understated but still bold and it goes really well with the vibe of this wardrobe.
Minimal Statement Prints
While minimalist fashion usually avoids bold prints, you can incorporate very subtle, or classic prints like abstract designs or dark florals in monochrome or subdued tones.
These should complement the overall minimalist look rather than dominate it.
I went with a sharp stripe in a top, and an animal print in a shoe. Yes, animal print is neutral and once you view it as so it opens up a lot of options in your wardrobe.
The key point to note about building your edgy minimalist wardrobe is that you need to thoughtfully select each piece that may add a bold element while also staying true to the simplicity and functionality of minimalism.
It is all about balance and the result is a look that is both striking and effortlessly cool.
Edgy Minimalist Fall Outfit Ideas
Striped Button Up | Blue Jeans | Grey Shoes | Green Bag | Blazer | Animal Print Boots | Slip Dress | Green Cardigan | Black Flats | Red Bag | Leather Skirt | Socks | Turtleneck | Blue Sweater | Red Belt | Purple Sweater | Riding Boots | Black Trousers | Black Denim Shirt | Sneakers | Sunglasses | Earrings | Blue Fringe Bag | Black Jeans
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this is perfection
Thanks Tally!
I feel like I’ve been searching for an eternity for THIS STYLE RIGHT HERE. But finding the items that fit me will be another challenge, since I’m 5’0 and 85lbs. Womp womp
I’m sure you can probably replicate the style with pieces that fit your petite frame. It will take some searching but I guarantee there will be pieces that work for you. Now that you have a concept of what you are looking for it should help to guide and keep you focused when you are shopping. Good luck!