8 Key Pieces You Need For Your Minimalist Wardrobe

I’m sure you’ve heard the word ‘minimalist’ a lot this season, but for good reason. Minimalist wardrobes are those that consist of fewer, high quality pieces that are also reflective of a minimalist style of clothing, and, in my opinion, are the way to go. Think classic pieces with a neutral palette that you can wear multiple ways and many times over. Below are 8 key pieces that I think should be in every woman’s minimalist wardrobe.

1. Block Heels

Now I absolutely love my pointed toe skinny heels, but, I have to say, block heels are seriously growing on me. They also provide more support to them than stilettos because of the chunkier heel.

Ever since Everlane came out with their “The Day Heel” heels (the shoes linked in this post), I fell in love with the minimalist style of them. In my opinion, they turned block heels from an entirely work heel to one that can be worn day and night, dressed up or down and still made to look classy AF.

Go for a solid black block heel for the most versatility, but if you want a bit of colour, maybe go for something in a burnt orange or forest green colour. Wear these with tailored slim trousers or wide-legged trousers for a more dressed-up look, or maybe even opt to wear them with denim jeans (pictured below). Either way, these heels will be a staple in your minimalist wardrobe.

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2. Midi Slip Dress

Ooo, the midi slip dress. I absolutely love this piece and believe it is a key piece to have in your minimalist wardrobe because it layers divinely with your other essentials. You have a fitted turtleneck in your closet? No problem, just drape your midi slip dress over top and add some black stiletto kitten heels. What about a chunky knit? Great! Throw it on over your dress for a modern twist on the sweater and skirt combo. Allow yourself to play with proportions and hemlines here.

For inspiration, scroll through the photos of the Etsy midi slip dress linked below. One model wears it with an oversized burnt orange knit. While the dress I linked is on Etsy, you can also find similar black slip dresses as part of many collections these days.

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3. Oversized Blazer

Another Everlane favourite of mine. I can’t help that Everlane produces perfect minimalist wardrobe essentials! The Oversized Blanket in Glen Plaid (pictured below) or Grey Herringbone can be worn in so many ways.

For a dressed down look, pair your blazer with a white tee and jeans, or try my new favourite combo, a turtleneck and slip dress with sneakers and the blazer as your top layer. There are truly infinite possibilities with this piece, making it a key piece in your closet! Your simple, oversized blazer will give you an effortlessly cool yet polished look that pairs well with pretty much anything and everything.

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4. A Good Pair of High-Waisted Jeans

When I say ‘a good pair of high-waisted jeans’ I’m not talking about skinny jeans. I’m talking about those jeans that hug you in all the right places and can be work with everything. Plus, I genuinely feel like the skinny jean train has left the station and has been replaced, thankfully, by the tapered jean. These jeans provide more versatility so that you can wear them with a turtleneck tucked in, kept in place with a cool belt, or with an oversized sweatshirt, a t-shirt, sneakers, heels, mules, you name it. The list goes on.

Two of my favourite brands that sell tapered jeans are Levi’s in the Wedgie Icon fit (pictured below) and Everlane’s The ’90s Cheeky Straight Jean. I just can’t help but name Everlane again. The company has everything you need for your minimalist wardrobe. The former is slightly more expensive but a tried and true classic, while the latter is sustainably made and a more cost effective choice with two lengths available.

’90s style is the new-old style, so be confident that either of these choices would be a perfect addition to your minimalist wardrobe.

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5. White Button-Down

Perhaps the most classic piece in the traditional sense of the word, the button down will no doubt be an essential to your minimalist wardrobe. I’ve linked an off-white option below from The Group by Babaton because I love how divinely it drapes. The utility pockets also make the blouse a more versatile pick that you can dress up or down.

Easy to pair with many bottom options, such as jeans, wide-legged trousers, cigarette slacks, or even a silk midi skirt, your white or off-white button down will be a key piece you’ll choose over and over again.

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6. Black Fitted Turtleneck

My favourite and most worn piece in my own minimalist wardrobe collection, the black fitted turtleneck is a must have in anyone’s closet. I have linked KOTN’s black fitted turtleneck below, which is the exact turtleneck I have. It’s made with a micro-rib jersey for comfort and a perfect fit, hugging you in all the right places.

Pair it with Levi’s jeans and a bold belt, or over a silk midi skirt. Maybe even wear an oversized blazer over top and paired with a mini skirt. I’ve mentioned it before but don’t be afraid to play with proportions when it comes to your wardrobe. I find some of my favourite outfits come from mixing and matching hemlines and proportions.

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7. Chunky Knit Turtleneck

On the exact opposite end of the turtleneck scale, also have on hand a chunky knit turtleneck for those days you want to feel cozy yet chic. When the weather permits, I love wearing a wrap dress underneath my knit sweather with either mules or sneakers. When I want to feel extra cozy, I wear my knits tucked into my Levi’s for a dressed down, yet still effortlessly cool look.

I have the exact sweater I’ve linked below, an Aritzia favourite, and love it. In fact, I have a couple of Montpellier sweaters in different, neutral colours because they are super soft, made of extra fine merino wool, and fit just right. If Aritzia isn’t near you, you can also purchase chunky knit sweaters at H&M, American Eagle, and Zara, to name a few other companies!

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8. Plain White Tee

I’d be remiss to have a list of the key pieces for a minimalist wardrobe and not include a white t-shirt. The plain white t-shirt is a staple because, like all of the pieces in this curated wardrobe, it is versatile and can be worn many different ways, and with each piece listed in this article.

Below I’ve linked Everlane’s ‘The Cotton Crew’ because it is made sustainably, is super cozy, and doesn’t break the bank doing so. Pair with your black midi slip dress and some sneakers for a cool day out or with some heels for a night on the town. Maybe even wear underneath your white button down, paired with some denim jeans. Believe me when I say that your plain white tee will go a long way for you. It has your back, literally.

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