This is for when minimalism loosens up, because not every minimalist has to be perfect.
It is a couple of days before we turn the clocks back, and winter has been on my mind. There’s something about winter that makes even the most refined dressers want to exhale just a little.
Maybe it’s the air getting colder, the endless layers, or the fact that the days blur together, but suddenly, perfection feels overrated.
I actually always think perfection is overrated in general, but even more so at this time of year.
This brought forth the concept of a capsule focused on Undone Minimalism. This is the capsule wardrobe for those who crave simplicity but also texture, personality, and a touch of imperfection.
This isn’t sterile minimalism, not the kind that feels like a showroom.
It’s the version that’s lived-in, layered, and quietly cool.
Think soft, relaxed denim, chunky knits, sharp coats, and pieces that look better slightly rumpled.
It’s not about being polished to perfection; it’s about being effortlessly put together without having to put in a lot of effort.
Because we all know how much effort it takes to appear effortless sometimes.
So, this is the winter capsule wardrobe for women who’ve mastered subtlety but still want their clothes to say something.
The Mood: Quietly Confident, Slightly Dishevelled
If classic minimalism is about control, undone minimalism is about ease. It’s that perfect mix of intention and accident.
The half-tucked shirt, the oversized coat with vintage jeans, the soft sweater slipping off one shoulder.
Picture this:
Relaxed straight-leg denim with a black turtleneck and heeled boots…and a vibrant bag
A wool coat layered over a hoodie with kitten heels.
A distressed grey knit paired with grey tailored trousers, a structured tote, and coloured sunglasses.
It’s cool, grown-up, and just imperfect enough to feel real.
The undone minimalist doesn’t chase trends; she plays with proportion, texture, and tone.
It’s about knowing when to let go, and trusting that your instincts (and your wardrobe) can do the heavy lifting.
Navy Turtleneck | Blue Jeans | Ballet Flats | Black Slouch Bag | Navy Coat | Grey Turtleneck Sweater | Grey Scarf | Black Mules | Chartreuse Bag | Black Dress | Wrap Sweater | Midi Skirt | Striped Long Sleeve | Brown Boots | Navy Blue Sweater | Black Button Up | Balaclava | Black Boots | Black Jeans | Striped Sweater | High Top Sneakers | Earrings | Leather Gloves | Navy Blue Tote | Navy Cropped Cords
The Core Pieces: Elevated Ease
Undone Minimalism thrives on foundations that flex. You want a capsule that works from weekday to weekend, with pieces that feel like extensions of your personality.
Not uniforms.
I really like to include pieces that I own and love, as well as items that I have used in previous capsules, so that I can showcase their versatility. I will note if I own a piece.
1. Relaxed Denim:
Straight or slightly loose, in classic blue or faded black. Skip distressing because the worn-in feel will come naturally with wear. And you will wear the hell out of these.
2. Oversized Sweaters:
Slouchy, ribbed, maybe even a bit pilled. Go for a mix of cashmere blends and cotton knits in greys, creams, and soft browns. Maybe even a stripe.
I am really into cotton knits at the moment, and I bought the Gap oversized sweater because it has similarities to the popular Ophelia sweater by the Row. Obviously, it is not the same thing, but it gives a similar vibe to me.
I bought it in brown, and would love for the Canadian Gap to get it in navy blue.
3. Tailored Trousers (with ease):
Choose fabric that drapes or is structured rather than clings. Wide-leg or straight-cut shapes look sharp even when styled casually.
Try corduroy in a cropped barrel for some shape and texture.
4. The Unstructured Coat:
Try a wool or wool-blend if you can afford it. Something long, or a belted robe-style coat, because these add movement and a hint of softness.
5. The Everyday Shoe:
Loafers, boots, mules or sneakers that feel lived-in but intentional. A little scuff adds charm, not chaos.
I own those sneakers; they are one of my go-to pairs. I find that they add a bit of fun when I tuck pants into them, but they also work well under cropped trousers.
Since this is a winter wardrobe, I wanted to note that yes, winter weather footwear is needed for many people.
And while it can snow a pile here, they plow well, so I often can get away with these if it is extra wet outside (they have insulation too). I don’t think I wore actual winter boots once last year.
6. The “Effortless” Extras:
A crossbody bag, a structured tote, and silver or gold minimalist jewellery, but still has personality.
Maybe some colourful accessories like the bag and balaclava, which I own both of because I love that colour.
How to Make It Feel Fresh
Here’s the secret to making a minimalist wardrobe interesting: contrast.
The undone minimalist knows how to create visual tension by mixing slouchy with sleek, matte with shine, vintage with modern.
Layer unexpected textures: A smooth silk shirt under a chunky cardigan, leather pants with a wool coat, or crisp cotton with soft cashmere.
Play with proportion: Big coat, slim pants. Oversized sweater, structured skirt. It’s the silhouette that tells the story.
Or you can do oversized, with oversized and pair it with a slim boot or shoe.
It is the intent behind the pairing.
Add personality through shape: A boxy knit, cropped jacket, or puddle-hem trousers can keep a neutral outfit intriguing.
Lean into imperfection: Half-tuck your shirt, roll your sleeves, wear your hair undone. It’s minimalism with pulse and movement.
The beauty of this aesthetic is that nothing feels too “done.” You can literally throw on your outfit in ten minutes and still look like you planned it days in advance.
Colour Palette: Soft Neutrals with Depth
Minimalism loves neutrals, but this version plays with temperature and texture.
Think warm taupe, faded denim blue, ivory, charcoal, soft black, navy and some burgundy. These hues create depth without feeling overdesigned.
If you want a touch of surprise, add something bright but keep it to the accessories, like a bold scarf or winter hat.
The goal is tone-on-tone contrast, layering multiple shades of the same family to create movement and softness but not to be boring.
Monochrome doesn’t have to be bland.
How to Shop the Undone Minimalist Way
Undone minimalism doesn’t mean careless buying; it’s about careful collecting. You’re curating ease, not excess.
Choose fewer, better basics. Look for natural fibers, relaxed fits, and pieces that age gracefully.
Shop men’s sections for proportions. An oversized men’s cashmere sweater or coat can be perfectly undone when styled right.
Seriously, though, they are often constructed with better, more natural materials. The striped sweater I bought from the men’s section is 100% cotton. You can see me wearing it here.
The relaxed fit and slight distressing is what makes it work in this capsule.
Buy for how it feels, not just how it looks. Texture is your best friend here: softness, weight, drape. No one wants something that looks great, but feel bad on.
Mix new with the old. A new tailored coat can pair beautifully with thrifted denim or an inherited knit.
And remember, the undone minimalist doesn’t stress about matching. They trust the cohesion of her palette and the simplicity of her shapes.
The Personality Behind the Aesthetic
I feel like there is something refreshingly confident about dressing this way. It says: I know myself, but I don’t need to prove it.
It’s minimalist, yes, but it’s got a bit of an artist’s soul, relaxed, tactile, lived-in. It feels like it belongs to someone who reads design books, travels light, and prefers an espresso over a latte.
It’s less about chasing a look and more about curating a rhythm with the pieces you reach for again and again because they just work.
This capsule is for those who appreciate simplicity but don’t want to be boxed in by it. Someone who believes in comfort and authenticity, but also knows the quiet power of a good outfit.
In winter, when everything feels heavier, this lightens it up, with movement, ease, and clothes that feel lived in.
This capsule isn’t pristine; it’s personal. And that’s what makes it very wearable.
And wearability should be the ultimate goal when it comes to building your wardrobe.
Minimalist Winter Outfit Ideas
Navy Turtleneck | Blue Jeans | Ballet Flats | Black Slouch Bag | Navy Coat | Grey Turtleneck Sweater | Grey Scarf | Black Mules | Chartreuse Bag | Black Dress | Wrap Sweater | Midi Skirt | Striped Long Sleeve | Brown Boots | Navy Blue Sweater | Black Button Up | Balaclava | Black Boots | Black Jeans | Striped Sweater | High Top Sneakers | Earrings | Leather Gloves | Navy Blue Tote | Navy Cropped Cords
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I love this, I will bookmark and see if I can recreate the outfits with what I currently own.