How To Create A Minimalist Wardrobe Without Being Boring

What Is The Minimalist Aesthetic?

The minimalist aesthetic focuses on pairing simple, timeless pieces that have a traditionally professional twist. Think blouses, hoop earrings, simple sweater vests. This aesthetic usually doesn't incorporate a lot of different colors, textures, or prints in the base pieces, but if you don't want to stick to neutral colors, just make sure you stick to the same color palette. That way, a lot of the pieces can be worn together.

Step 1: Figure Out What Basics You Like

One of our favorite things to do when figuring out how to pair an item is to search for it on Pinterest (ie: "White tee outfits"). The platform is full of so many creatives who all have different ideas, so you're bound to find an outfit idea that you never thought of before!

Minimalist Aesthetic Basics

• Jeans (midwash is our favorite)
• Button-down blouses
• Plain tees
• Solid-color shoes
• Neutral bags
• Simple jewelry that goes with everything

Stores To Shop For The Minimalist Aesthetic

• Nordstrom
• Target
• Reformation
• Sezane
• Mejuri
• Uniqlo
• Everlane

Step 2: Get Rid Of Any Pieces You Don't Love

The most important thing about your closet should be that you love each and every piece. If you only kind of like what you own, you'll never be happy about what you're wearing. Here are some ideas for times you're unsure about a piece:

• If you haven't worn an item for six months, or if you go an entire season without picking something up (like when you reach the end of summer and didn't wear that one tank top at all), it might be time to say goodbye.
• Try the hanger trick; flip all your hangers so that they're hooked onto the bar in your closet backwards. Every time you wear something, fix the hanger, then see what hasn't been worn after a set period of time.
• If you're not sure whether you want to get rid of something, put it under your bed or in a box for a few weeks. If you forget about the item or don't miss it, then you can definitely part with it.

Step 3: The Extras

Once you've figured out the basics, then comes the fun part: accessories! This is where your individual personality can really shine through; your accessory and beauty choices will make a plain tee and jeans look different than everyone else's.

Figure out what hairstyles you like (popular ones within the minimalist aesthetic are a slick bun, ponytail, and loose waves). Stick to simple base makeup — fresh-faced foundation and a bit of blush — but feel free to try out different eyeliner shapes and lipstick colors. Stick to neutral nail polishes like whatever matches your skin tone, or go with a neon.

Ready to get started building your minimalist wardrobe? Here are some of our favorite outfit formulas for inspiration:

Minimalist Wardrobe Inspiration

Statement silhouettes — like a square neck jumpsuit with wide legs, rounded sunnies, and a gorgeous tote — means you don't have to rely on crazy colors to turn heads.

Something simple like a white button down pairs well with a variety of colors and styles. Wear it with slacks and a nice bag or cutoffs and sandals.

Strategically picking pieces that look good layered together and on their own (like a white tee, light cardigan, and trench) means you'll have a wardrobe you love all year long.

Sticking to a minimalist color palette doesn't mean you have to stick to the same silhouettes over and over again. This arched tank hem looks amazing with wide leg trousers.

When you're sticking to a minimalist color palette, small details add elegance and texture. Pleats in your pants and crisp tees add structure to your look, ensuring it's never boring.

Elevate your look with classic details like a boat-neck neckline, and *never* skimp on accessories like belts and jewelry — when your wardrobe is this minimal, these tiny details are what makes it look put-together, rather than bland.