The appeal of a minimalist wardrobe becomes stronger each time I stare at my closet full of clothes and announce I have nothing to wear. (Sound familiar?) The thought of simplifying morning routines, saving money and reducing decision fatigue gets a yes please from me. I might own less but going forward the focus will be on building a closet of well-loved items that are both versatile and timeless. The essentials of a minimalist wardrobe are those items that will never go out of style and those that you’ll reach for again and again. I’ve included five of my must-haves below.
Button-Down White Shirt
It's a classic wardrobe staple that does double duty and easily transitions from casual to dressy. This is one item that will be in constant rotation in your closet so opt for a high-quality shirt in a durable fabric. The white shirt pictured is made of a matte silk with some beautiful draping.
Leather Tote Bag
Universally loved because it’s both practical and stylish, you can’t go wrong with a roomy leather tote bag. It's ideal for carrying essentials and a well-made bag will last for years. Pick a classic neutral such as black, brown or tan and it will be a constant companion that works with any outfit. The leather tote pictured is from Kate Spade and it boasts a sleek silhouette and a rich luxe color.
Trench Coat
If there’s one item hanging in every minimalist’s closet it would have to be the beloved beige trench coat. It can be worn through multiple seasons and the jacket is timeless so you’ll be wearing it for many years to come. This one from J Crew looks super chic and also some nice details like a removable hood and water-resistant fabric.
Stud Earrings
Studs are the perfect jewelry staple. They’re the minimalist accessory you can wear on repeat and they’re easy to wear and easy to style. Whether they’re gold or silver, dainty or big, it's an extra touch that can elevate a look. The silver studs pictured are a pretty choice for everyday wear and the carved detail gives them some added flair.
Comfy Casual Shoes
Sneakers have come a long way since their inception as a sports shoe. Every fashionistas seems to have their favorite and why not? They’re the ultimate in comfort and casual running shoes can be worn with almost anything. Sneakers come in so many colors and styles, it shouldn't be hard to find your own favorite. I'm partial to these suede Puma shoes and love the neutral gray.
Little Black Dress
No closet is complete without the little black dress (LBD) so it should come as no surprise it’s as essentail. Wear it with sneakers and a jean jacket for a casual look or pair it with heels and some statement jewelry to dress it up. Its simplicity makes it perfect for layering so you can wear it in different ways throughout the year. This one from Everlane would look fabulous in the summer with sandals and chic in the winter with boots and a blazer.
White Shirt // Tote Bag // Trench Coat // Stud Earrings // Casual Shoes // Little Black Dress