You know how you can be satisfied, comfortable, and confident with your personal style, yet all that falls to the wayside when you encounter one of those people who manage to make even though most basic outfits look impossibly chic?
Which then causes you to want to reevaluate your style to figure out how you too can be that kind of person.
That effortlessly chic person.
I think we all have those moments, but if you have been there this post is for you.
I follow a lot of people on Instagram because I enjoy their style and a small collection of those are the people who have that innate ability to always look so put together it almost hurts.
Even a basic sweatshirt and jeans are brought to new levels of chicness that is hard to replicate, and I really wanted to determine what it was that made it work so well for them but often falls flat when you try channel the same vibe.
A commonality that I noticed is that they all had the same attributes that elevated them from basic minimalism. Something that gives them that fresh modernness versus classic feel.
Often when building capsule wardrobes we are told that everything we bring into it must be timeless or classic.
Even if pieces are considered timeless and classic, while at their the core they remain that way but the piece has evolved with variations to the silhouette, structure, and shape through the years.
Often it is subtle differences like the shape of the toe of a boot, or the fit of a button-up, but it is these small but nuanced changes that bring freshness and modernness to the look.
So while a black boots is timeless and classic, a square or pointy-toe boot is currently the shape to seek out, and round-toe boots are considered dated to an extent.
This is what I am going to get into with this post.
A 12 Piece Minimalist Chic Fall Capsule Wardrobe
Green Cardigan | Black Jeans | Grey Boots | Blue Bag | Cape | Black Heeled Boots | Dress | Turtleneck | Ballet Flats | Black Bag | Blue Jeans | Button Up | Earrings | Mary Janes | Grey Sweater | Cream Sweater | Grey Trousers | Tricolour Bag | Belt | Pendant Necklace | Black Sweatshirt | Navy Asymmetrical Cardigan | Sneakers | Sunglasses
What does minimalist chic mean?
A minimalist chic wardrobe is all about simplicity, modernism, and being elevated.
It revolves around curating a collection of essential, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched easily, without the need for bold patterns or excessive embellishments.
No ’80s flashiness here.
The focus is on neutral colours like black, white, beige, and grey, to bring the minimal and timeless feel, but then adds a key colour or two to freshen the look up and step it outside of the basic wardrobe box.
When I talk about high quality pieces I want you to know that I am not talking about spending tonnes of money. I just want you to seek out the best pieces you can find within your budget, and for everyone that will vary.
Even retailers like H&M and Zara can have some true gems if you look. I still have some pieces kicking around from over 15+ years ago that I bought from there.
I also like to focus on finding quality items via secondhand retailers which allows me to purchase items that would normally be out of my price range.
It opened up a whole new world to me. And for this reason I have specific retailers for specific jobs. It helps to guide my shopping and keep me organized.
For instance, Poshmark is great for scoring deals on everyday mall brands, alongside higher-end labels.
It’s easy to use, and you can interact directly with sellers.
It is perfect for a mix of affordable, trendy items and more upscale pieces. It’s also great for secondhand fast fashion. It is easy and inexpensive.
The RealReal and Vestiaire are where I look for high-end luxury goods at a fraction of the retail price. I searched these along with my favourite consignment shops.
Ebay works in both the designer and Poshmark capacity and I use it when I want to broaden my search. It also has a lot of Japanese resellers where you can find secondhand and vintage handbags for a great price.
In Japan, selling fakes is illegal, and you must have a licence to sell your items, which makes sellers more trustworthy.
Etsy is one of my favourites and my go-to when I am searching for vintage pieces.
There are many more that are out there, each one serving different purposes. You just need to figure out how to make these work for you in the best possible way which will help you to find the best quality items you can afford.
In terms of style, minimalist chic is clean and understated. It relies on the cut and small details to bring style and visual interest.
It is like a blazer with a cinched waist, or a sweatshirt with puffy sleeves. Taking a basic piece and making it more than basic.
I talked about building a capsule wardrobe using elevated basics if you want some guidance in how to select not so basic, basics.
Rather than following fast fashion trends, the emphasis is on long-lasting items that can transition between different settings.
Think of a sleek, tailored blazer that can be thrown over a white T-shirt and jeans for a casual yet elevated look or paired with tailored trousers for something more sophisticated.
This doesn’t mean they ignore trends, they just add them as extra. The focus of the wardrobe is not on being trendy which is the smart way to go about it.
Trend focused wardrobes age quickly and you feel like you are running in circles in order to keep up to date.
What are some key pieces in a minimalist chic wardrobe?
A Button Up
And not just any button up, but a versatile one. The one I included can be worn asymmetrically buttoned across the front, or in the traditional way.
This gives two looks with one piece which maximizes your wardrobe. Versatility is crucial in a wardrobe.
A versatile wardrobe helps you maintain a cohesive personal style. When your clothes can be combined in different ways, you can express yourself without feeling limited, while also avoiding the clutter that comes with owning too many single-use or trendy items.
It provides balance and ease, making your wardrobe more efficient, sustainable, and reflective of your individual style.
Great Jeans
In a variety of styles and colours. We don’t want to see the same pair over and over. By embracing different styles it allows you to incorporate trends without it being the focus.
With this wardrobe I want to include a more classic straight-leg denim, and a relaxed fit. They both give a different vibe but can be utilized in ways to add juxtaposition to outfits.
Like a feminine shirt paired with baggy jeans and ballet flats.
Interesting Outerwear
Fall is the perfect time to play around with outerwear since the weather fluctuates so greatly. I wanted to include a very modern looking cape in navy blue with leather patch pockets.
I opted to focus more on navy blue and grey with this wardrobe instead of black because it is softer but also more unexpected than black.
There are still some black pieces but it wasn’t the base. I just wish there were more navy blue footwear options out there.
Coats and capes with built in scarves are very on trend this season, so keep that in mind if you are searching for some interesting outerwear options this year.
Wear the Dress
How many of us have a dress in our closet that they are saving for special occasions? If it isn’t a ball gown, then just wear the damn dress.
Your clothes are meant to be worn and keeping things set aside for that moment that doesn’t exist yet, and may never exist is just a waste of closet space and money.
Wear the dress.
I’m not talking about a sundress or basic everyday t-shirt dress, I am talking about that dress that is better suited for a dressy dinner. Those are the unworn pieces that you need to wear.
Going out for lunch with a friend? Wear that dress. How about taking the kids to the museum? Wear the dress, but pair it with things to make it more casual like layering over jeans and a turtleneck.
Use your wardrobe for its purpose: wearing the clothes.
Focus on Footwear and Accessories
In a minimalist chic wardrobe we really need to keep a focus on having a variety of footwear options that still retain a minimalist vibe, but have interesting details.
A strong square-toed ballet flat makes a statement, as does a sleek grey boot with a sharp, pointy toe.
Some minimalist Mary Jane heels with a contrasting strap, or a heeled boot with a boxy shape and slanted heel.
And don’t forget a sneaker that steps outside the classic sleek white sneaker box. Try something with a colour, I find the light blue to be more subtle and goes with the cooler-toned colour palette of the wardrobe.
For accessories the goal is to retain that minimalism but bring in some focus and interest. Large pendant necklaces are very trendy right now and make a statement but are also uncluttered and minimal.
The studded belt is an affordable option to the cult-following Khaite belt and adds some edge.
The sunglasses remain classic but have the larger retro aviator feel. Small things make a big impact.
Bring the Interest with Handbags
To me it is always a missed opportunity to not use your handbag to bring visual interest to an outfit. I love an interesting bag and these all have modern (some almost futuristic) vibes.
Anytime I carry my Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag someone compliments it. It is just one of those really interesting bags that adds some oomph to your look, which is why it has been around so long.
There is a lot on the secondhand market in various sizes and colours, but I was drawn to the tricolour. I think a silver version would also have been impactful with this wardrobe.
So when it comes to building a minimalist chic wardrobe it is not just about the pieces, but how you wear them.
People maintain a modern yet chic look in their outfits by striking a balance between contemporary trends and stark minimalism.
They choose their pieces to enhance, not overwhelm the overall look. Silhouettes are often kept simple but structured, reflecting a modern aesthetic that is both sharp and sleek.
I think the key takeaway from this whole thing is to keep it clean, streamlined, and simple—enhanced but not overdone.
Remember that and you should be okay.
Minimalist Chic Fall Outfit Ideas
Green Cardigan | Black Jeans | Grey Boots | Blue Bag | Cape | Black Heeled Boots | Dress | Turtleneck | Ballet Flats | Black Bag | Blue Jeans | Button Up | Earrings | Mary Janes | Grey Sweater | Cream Sweater | Grey Trousers | Black & White Bag | Belt | Pendant Necklace | Black Sweatshirt | Navy Asymmetrical Cardigan | Sneakers | Sunglasses
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