When Less Is More in Fashion

When it comes to minimalist style, it’s not necessarily what you wear, but how you wear it. Take the quiet luxury fashion trend, for instance. It’s the latest example of how a less is more approach to dressing can earn you major sartorial clout. Celebrities have been championing the look for years thanks to its timeless nature and wearability (read: no flashy fabrics or ostentatious silhouettes here).

Still, to keep minimalist style fresh and relevant, it has to be reimagined—while staying true to its core identity. Fortunately for us, a few wardrobe basics and some fashion know-how are all you need to make a statement. To prove it to you, we asked fashion experts to share their best advice for wearing this simple yet stylish aesthetic.

Keep scrolling for six tips for pulling off minimalist style like our favorite A-listers.

Focus on Your Wardrobe Essentials

Quality matters when putting together your minimalist wardrobe—but not just concerning materials (we’ll get to that later). Minimalist style relies on having the right foundational garments to build upon. “Although there is no magic number of how many pieces to have in a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to put the focus on building with the right pieces,” says fashion stylist Naina Singla. Her minimalist style must-haves? “A statement coat or trench, an everyday dress, loose knitwear, tailored trousers, high-waisted jeans, a tailored blazer, and elevated basics to layer with—such as knits, tees, and tanks.”

Be a Proud Outfit Repeater

Minimalist style in today’s fashion climate is not only favorable for its aesthetic but for its sustainability too. And although you may have to get a little creative when styling, upcycling is very much in (thanks, Cate Blanchett). “You’ll get the most out of your wardrobe if you’re able to make simple tweaks with your looks,” Singla tells us. “You can do this easily if you create a go-to daily outfit formula, which is a specific combination of items you can wear in different versions. Think of it as a uniform with little variation, that will help you to get dressed more easily and make it more enjoyable.”

Invest In High-Quality Fabrics

Dresses are a pillar of minimalist outfits because of their simplicity. That said, there is such a thing as too simple. “The simpler the look, the nicer the fabric needs to be because prints can hide flaws like uneven seams,” says Alison Bruhn, co-founder of The Style That Binds Us. Her solution? Investing in quality fabrics, such as linen, cashmere, cotton, silk, tweed, leather, and suede. “Pay extra attention to how the clothing drapes on the body,” she adds.

Choose Tailored Neutrals

According to fashion stylist Madeleine Kennedy, well-suited pieces (no pun intended) are also integral to minimalist style. “Picking pieces that are property tailored will keep your look sharp and elevated, while neutrals throughout will create a more cohesive look. Things like black and white trousers, black and white blazers, white and black button-ups [are must-haves].”

Invest in Accessories

When shopping for accessories to go with this aesthetic, you’ll not so surprisingly want to keep them minimal. Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet, founders of sustainable luxury footwear brand NOMASEI, offer up their recommendations: “You can’t get the minimalist look without a good pair of loafers, a silk-colored scarf…and a clean leather belt with minimal buckle.”

Forgo the Visible Logos and Graphics

Style therapist Christina Stein says that loud and monogrammed pieces don’t jive with minimalism. She suggests leaving the LV-stamped Louis Vuitton and oversized Goyard at home. “Instead, get a bag by Mansur Gavriel or the Row.” Stein also steers away from graphic tees when putting together a minimalist outfit since they’re timely, and therefore, don’t keep with the look’s classicism.