
You hear so much about a minimalist capsule wardrobe, but what does it mean? How can you create a minimal capsule wardrobe? Stick around because we have easy tips and tricks for your own capsule wardrobe while utilizing your own personal style.
Minimalism isn’t just a trend. It’s a lifestyle, it’s a revolution and it is slowly starting to take over the world. This lifestyle encourages people to get rid of their belongings and move towards a more sustainable mindset. We have talked about this a lot, especially our wardrobes and saving money when you need to make changes, have fewer clothes, and take the step to what is more meaningful in life.

Minimalism is not only a mindset but also a way of life. Minimalistic fashion has been prevailing lately, especially with the clean girl aesthetic that’s getting super popular these days. The whole idea around the clean girl aesthetic is “less is more” and that idea stemmed from the world of minimalism. In this blog post, we’ll be talking about minimalistic fashion and the top ten must-have wardrobe items that every minimalist should own.
What Is Minimalistic Fashion?
Minimalistic fashion comprises timeless pieces, neutral colors, and items that offer versatility. People who love this type of fashion want quality over quantity. It is why it is essential to invest in sustainably made clothing items. With minimalism, you don’t have to worry about keeping up with trends since your style will always remain timeless. Minimalists prefer to own pieces that can easily pair with each other and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

What to wear should not be the biggest decision you make in the day. Sure, most of us want to be stylish, and comfy, and show our creativity here and there, but as a minimalist, capsule wardrobes take out a great deal of the guesswork and time it takes to get your outfit of the day ready.
What is a Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a concept that involves creating a minimalist and versatile collection of essential clothing items that can mix and match to create a variety of outfits. The term “capsule” refers to a small, curated selection of clothing items that can be worn interchangeably, making it easier reduce the need for a large and cluttered wardrobe.
The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is to prioritize quality over quantity and to focus on timeless, classic pieces that you can wear for multiple occasions. It typically consists of a limited number of clothing items, often around less than 30 items, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. However, the exact number may vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle needs.

A minimalist capsule wardrobe is essentially the same thing. Minimalist capsule wardrobes are usually more in line with the sustainable way of life, in addition to what is of importance. Investing in items that will last, or taking care of the items you have, that are staples in your minimalist wardrobe.
Clothing Items Every Minimalist Should Have In Their Wardrobe
If you are just getting into minimalism, you may be feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed. It can be quite hard to declutter and decide which items to keep and which ones to throw out. To help you, we have a list of the top 10 sustainable wardrobe essentials that every minimalist should have in their wardrobe. We’ve also put together some outfit ideas. You can look at it as a capsule wardrobe checklist.

A Crisp White Button Down Shirt
Starting off with something super versatile; a white button-down shirt is a must-have for every minimalist’s wardrobe. We recommend opting for something that is a bit oversized so you can have endless style options.
The Marrakesh Oversized Linen Shirt from Amour Linen is made from linen fabric and offers that elevated, casual look. It is great for layering and therefore can be worn all year round. The brand is dedicated to promoting and producing sustainable clothing and is known to make handcrafted, premium linen pieces.
A Layering Bodysuit
A solid-colored bodysuit is perfect for layering under just about anything. Opt for a neutral color one so you can easily style it with the other items in your minimalistic wardrobe. Whether you’re going for a casual look to run errands or getting glam to go on a date, a simple bodysuit will be your best friend.
The Thong Bodysuit by Groceries is completely seamless and made from all organic cotton that is GOTS verified. It is locally produced in Los Angeles. If you already have white, black, or beige tank tops, you can substitute these.
The Quintessential Coat
If you are looking for an investment that will never go out of style, invest in a sustainably made coat. Easy to throw on any outfit, a good quality coat will instantly elevate your outfit.
The New York Classic Coat by THE MAKE has an oversized fit and is an ageless and timeless choice. The brand focuses on curating timeless pieces that will last a lifetime and this coat is one of them.
We are also big fans of a basic denim jacket. You can easily grab one on Poshmark for a deal! This is what I (shannon) have done, twice. I sold the first one on Poshmark when it no longer fit and bought a smaller one later. It is my favorite jacket.
Neutral Trousers
Trousers are not just meant to be worn at the office. They are a great minimalistic wardrobe staple piece to create easy, everyday outfits. You get to enjoy a comfortable yet sophisticated look with them.
We love the Regenerative Organic Cotton Pleated Pants by VINCENT JAMES. Style and sustainability come together to create these perfect trousers; everything from the fabric to the cut of these bottoms is perfection.
A Little Black Dress
It’s no secret that an LBD is essential in every woman’s wardrobe, especially a minimalistic one. Whether you’re going for a casual look to run errands or getting glam to go on a date, a simple little black dress will be your best friend.
The Elliana Halter Ruched Dress by ABLE has got halter straps and ruched detailing to give your everyday look an upgrade. This ethical fashion label focuses on empowering women and creating sustainable pieces. A slip dress that is a neutral color can be your go-to!
A Good Pair of Jeans
Since minimalistic fashion is all about “less is more”, you really need to invest in one pair of jeans that fits you perfectly and will last you for a long time. You can either opt for skinny jeans or mom jeans.
The Ex-Boyfriend Slim Jeans by AG will serve you well. Their denim capsule collection is called the “Jean of Tomorrow”. They have an amazing collection of sustainably made denim, it’s worth checking out. Jeans are the perfect staple for all of the different seasons, too!
Oversized Knitted Jumper
For the cold season, you’ll need a thick and high-quality knitted jumper to keep you warm. We recommend getting something that is oversized so you can have fun styling it.
The brand NAVY GREY offers an exceptional range of knitwear that is sustainably made. They offer a great variety for minimalists, just like the SUMMER HEIRLOOM V – Organic Cotton/Wool Knitwear. It is made from a blend of 85% GOTs certified organic cotton and 15% softly spun superfine Merino.
Gold-Tone Minimalistic Jewelry
Minimalistic fashion calls for elegant and dainty gold jewelry. Think of small hoops, snake chain necklaces, and some slightly chunky rings. Remember to invest in good pieces that will last you forever. Once again, less is more.
AGMES has curated a collection of long-lasting jewelry that is sustainably made and is surprisingly lightweight and easy to wear. The Small Celia Hoops are a wardrobe staple for every minimalist. Their Katrin Ring is also a work of art.
A Quality Pair of Sandals
A true minimalist cannot live without a good pair of sandals. While pumps are also a staple piece, sandals are great for everyday wear and can pair well with most of the outfits in your closet.
The Maya Flat Sandal by Reformation is made for walking with ease. They feature a strappy, minimalistic design and these sandals have a 43% less footprint than conventional shoes.
Timeless Shoulder Bag
For the last must-have item for minimalist fashion, we have a timeless shoulder bag. You obviously need a good and long-lasting bag in your wardrobe, so opt for something that is not only sustainably made but also offers versatility.
The Canvas Medium Shoulder Bag by HYER GOODS is a timeless shoulder bag with a cotton canvas. It is crafted from luxury leftovers and is ethically made.
Capsule Wardrobe Minimalist Style
We hope your journey to minimalism has been, or will be a successful and rewarding one. Not only will these pieces in our list fit the aesthetic but will also be sustainable and long-lasting. Since minimalism encourages people to live with less, it is important to invest in pieces that are high-quality and can last you a lifetime.
Take a view of your own closet and maybe make a wardrobe checklist. What items will you wear, what items have you not worn, and what do you need to make the perfect capsule wardrobe for you?
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
You can do whatever you want with your capsule wardrobe. The point is to invest in items that won’t get damaged quickly, and items that will last a long time. You can read more about slow fashion in a previous blog post.
No, there are no rules. Any efforts to reduce your clutter, even in your closet, is a positive.
Why, yes, we do! Our Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge can be found here.

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