The minimalist design is one of the biggest style trends in 2024. It’s everywhere, from interior design to graphic design, and naturally, fashion. 

Women want it, preferring the more mindful approach to dressing up over fast fashion. And labels are paying attention as the industry gives birth to more contemporary brands that deliver wearable, timeless pieces to neutral-palette loving women.

But what exactly is a minimalist wardrobe? How do you start a wardrobe with minimalist women’s clothing?

What Does it Mean to Dress like a Minimalist?

At the core of minimalist fashion lies the “less is more” concept. Minimalist style focuses on simplicity and timelessness, with a distinct nod toward elegance. Some celebrities who champion this style are Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Aniston, and Zoe Kravitz. 

When minimalist style icons dress up, they look “dressed down.” They don’t choose flashy fabrics, unusual silhouettes, and visible brands or logos. Although these celebs are photographed in what appears as a common t-shirt or relaxed blouse with a pair of jeans or slacks, they rarely look ordinary. Because much like all other styles that have been trendy, the minimalist style is not just about the “what” but also the “how.”

With the right shirt, pants, and shoes, you can look stylishly put-together in the most basic-looking pieces.

How to Dress Like a Minimalist Woman

A minimalist style is built on key pieces. You may already have the basic t-shirt, pants, or skirt in neutral colors, but they may not be enough. What’s casual wear isn’t necessarily minimalist style – it’s just minimal.

What do you need to build a minimalist wardrobe?

1.  Choose high-quality fabrics.

Minimalist clothing looks utterly sophisticated on any woman if it’s made from high-quality fabric. When the fabric drapes well over the body, that’s a good sign. 

Apart from cotton, some good quality fabrics to look for are:

• Cashmere
• Tweed
• Silk
• Leather
• Linen
  
  

Quality fabrics not only drape well, but they also last long when you follow care instructions. 

2.  Find tailored pieces.

Anything will look good on any woman when the clothes are tailored to the body. The cut and fit are crucial to making a simple and modest style look runway ready or Hollywood-approved.

Tailored jackets or blazers, tailored pants or slacks, and even tailored vests are perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe. Go for neutral-palettes because this will let you mix and match the tailored pieces with other minimalist clothes in your wardrobe.

You can go to a meeting in a two-piece suit on a weekday or do brunch with the ladies in neutral-toned pants and a cotton tank top on a weekend.

3.  Prioritize the essentials.

Think foundational garments – what are yours? The average woman would have the following wardrobe essentials:

• T-shirt
• Straight leg jeans
• Black leggings
• Jacket (e.g., denim, leather, and blazer)
• Trench coat
• Tank top
• Little black dress
  
  

Minimalist women’s wardrobe will have a few of those essential pieces, with a few others for stylish layering. You can add an everyday dress, which might even dress up with a tailored blazer, ballet flats or strappy flats for an outfit at work.

Other wardrobe essentials to add are knitwear, statement coat, and even a turtleneck top. Each piece can work with one another, provided the colors complement or match.

4.  Trust in the power of accessories.

A wool scarf, a leather clutch, a chunky belt — accessories can put a finishing touch on a minimalist outfit. What accessories you choose will depend on what you’re doing or where you’re going, and personal preference. 

For example, you don’t always have to wear jewelry with your outfit. Remember, less is more. Sometimes, a pair of high-quality sunglasses will do the trick of turning a casual look into a chic style.

Much like your minimalist clothes, look for clean, sleek lines, neutral tones, and quality materials when shopping for accessories. Other minimalist accessories to add are:

• Structured bags
• Classic leather shoes
• Classic timepiece
• Simple jewelry
• Slim wallet
• Simple hair accessories (if you use them)

5.  Think low-key styling.

There was a time in fashion when trotting out of the house with an outfit that screamed certain brands were cool. These days, however, low-key fashion is best. It’s in the same vein as “quiet luxury,” which is a counter-movement to showing off massive logo prints and flashy luxury.

Instead of glitz and glam, minimalist fashion celebrates cloaked refined elegance. Craftsmanship and classics take priority over brand flaunting. 

Your minimalist wardrobe will not have room for graphic tees and logo-peppered bags. Every piece can be ultra luxurious without broadcasting the fact.

How to Shop for Minimalist Clothes

Minimalist fashion is all about simplicity, fewer but versatile pieces, and understated elegance. But there is also a mindfulness aspect to this fashion choice; that you shop with intention (that is, other than wanting to look good).

Some people not only transform their entire wardrobe but also their way of life to practice minimalism. That means deliberating whether a dress or blouse you’ve seen online is going to add value to your wardrobe. Will the new piece of clothing work on its own and be part of a perfect outfit for any season?

Here are a few key tips to apply when shopping for a minimalist wardrobe.

• Do an inventory of your closet.
  You’ll want to know what you have and what you need before creating a shopping list. If you’re just starting out with this new wardrobe, line up your clothes according to: clothes you love, clothes you never wear, and clothes that don’t fit well.
  
  Dividing your clothes will allow you to retain what’s necessary and give away what’s no longer essential. Once you have room, list the pieces you’ll need to build a minimalist wardrobe.

• Set a budget.
  Although minimalist fashion sounds like you don’t need to spend a lot of money, remember that you’ll be shopping for quality fabrics. Clothes in silk, tweed, or wool tend to cost more than outfits made in synthetic fabrics.
  
  Setting a budget will keep you from getting carried away. You’ll also stay focused on acquiring pieces you truly need versus clothes you could buy later on or do without.

• Choose brands that are known for minimalism.
  Finally, look for fashion brands that are known for their elevated basics. Some shoppers also choose brands that practice sustainability, using recycled, eco-friendly materials, including their packaging.
  
  The minimalist style seems like it’s the trendy way to go. But this concept will leave you with timeless and sophisticated pieces that can work in any decade and any season.