This spring, I’m going to be releasing spring capsule guides specific to different styles. Whether you prefer minimal, sporty, Parisian chic, romantic, or classic style, I’ll be sharing a big ol’ guide with a mini capsule wardrobe, outfit ideas, street style images for inspiration, trends that align with each style, and stores to shop. It’s gonna be good!
Kicking off this style series with minimal style, one of my favorites. Minimal style emphasizes clean lines, neutral colors, and easy, effortless silhouettes. Minimal outfits combine basics in a modern way and take advantage of accessories to add interest and dimension. One of the most important elements in creating minimal outfits is texture. Since you are working with a mostly neutral color palette, you’ll want to add different fabrics and textures like woven details, suede, knits, leather, and metallics.
Spring Capsule Guide: Minimal Style
Ten Piece Minimal Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Black Tee & White Tee // Simple but high quality black and white tees are a foundational piece of arguably any spring capsule wardrobe. For the minimalist, they can be worn on their own with possibly a sweater worn over the shoulders or layered under blazers and jackets. More quality tee options here and here.
Button Down Shirt // For a modern take on a button down shirt, I recommend grabbing one in an oversized fit. This one from Gap is 100% cotton and feels light and flowy. I also own this one from Sézane which is a thicker and more structured cotton. A shirt like this can be styled SO many ways. Wear it buttoned and untucked over a pair of jeans or trousers. Maybe throw a sweater over the shoulders for texture. You can also wear it unbuttoned with a tee underneath like a jacket.
Relaxed Fit Blazer // Blazers provide structure and polish to a minimal outfit. I love wearing mine over a simple tee with some chunky jewelry. You could also throw a sweater over top for more warmth and texture. You can always find affordable blazer options at H&M.
Cashmere Sweater // A good quality knit is the layer you need for fluctuating spring weather. Wear it layered over a tee (that pop of color at the neckline is a simple but effective detail) in the early morning and then throw it over your shoulders or tie it around your waist as the weather warms later in the day. Affordable option here.
Leather Jacket // I feel like minimal style always benefits from a little edge, and a leather jacket provides just that. This one is on my spring wishlist. I recommend finding one that is oversized for a modern and updated look.
Light Wash Jeans // Light wash jeans feel very spring like, and I love how light denim pairs with black and navy. Choose a style of denim that suits you best. Personally, I’ve been drawn to more relaxed fit styles in recent months for that effortless cool vibe.
Cream Cotton Pants // Really you could use any style of trousers, but I’ve been loving a more relaxed cotton style like this for spring. I also have been preferring cream over stark white especially when worn with black or chocolate brown pieces (so good!) This is a good work from home option and these would be good for the office.
Woven Black Flats (STITCHANDSALT10 for 10% off) // Shoes for spring are highly dependent on your climate. You may have to stick it out with your winter boots for a few extra weeks if you live somewhere like Canada or Chicago. But when the weather warms up enough for flats, I highly recommend a woven version like this (affordable option here.) They add texture and detail to a minimal outfit.
Suede Loafers // Any loafer will do, but I’m currently very into the chocolate brown suede versions I’ve been seeing everywhere. The color is elegant and elevated and the suede ups the texture variation as well. Budget-friendly option here.
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Minimal Style Accessories For Spring
Don’t underestimate accessorizing if you are a minimalist. This is where you get to have a little fun and really personalize your style. How many times can I say ‘texture’ in one post, but here again is a place to add it in a way that takes an outfit from basic to elevated. Bags in different textures are an easy way to do this. I particularly love woven and suede versions. You can also up the ante with a cool chunky belt with heavy metallic details or chunky statement jewelry. And lastly, do not forget a cool pair of sunnies to complete the outfit. Honestly, this is a must in my (fashion) book.
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Minimal Spring Capsule Wardrobe Outfits
I’ve created a few outfit ideas using the pieces from the above capsule wardrobe. I kept these fairly simple, but definitely add a few pieces of jewelry to finish the look. Because all these pieces are basic, it’s so easy to mix and match and create a ton of different outfits.
Pinterest Outfit Inspiration
Trends To Consider
Be picky when it comes to trends. Only invest in those that align with your personal style and that you’ll want to wear even when it isn’t at the height of trendiness. Here I’ve selected four possible trends to consider if you’re a minimalist plus pieces to shop.
Leopard Print // Prints are not necessarily a common thing in minimal style, but I think if done in a more subtle way, they add so much to a simple outfit. Leopard print is really considered a neutral, and although it’s very trendy right now, it never truly goes out of style. You could add leopard print through your accessories like a belt, bag, or shoes for just a pop of print in a minimalist outfit.
Barrel Jeans // I know some people are very anti-barrel jeans (I was at first!), and that’s okay. If you like trying different denim silhouettes though, this could be the trend for you. There is definitely a wide range of styles within this category including those with a very exaggerated curve like a horseshoe or those with a more subtle curve like these which I own. Above, I’ve linked several options at different price points from my favorite denim brands.
Mesh Flats // So impractical, but kind of chic, too? Mesh flats were a big question mark for me in the beginning, but I actually really love them now and even added them to my spring wishlist. I would consider them more of a sandal in terms of functionality. They are especially nice for petites or those with short legs because the transparency of the material allows you to see the foot and extends the line of your legs. Since mesh flats are so popular right now, I was able to find many, many options all at different price points (from $35 to $400!)
White Cotton Maxi Skirt // These came on the scene in a big way last spring and fall. They can read a little feminine but when styled well, I think they tie in nicely with other minimal pieces. Try pairing it with a basic black tee or sweater and sneakers or even a blazer. Adding some edge really balances the overall look.
Stores To Shop For Minimal Style
Everlane // I love Everlane for high quality basics that feel a bit more modern. Their sweaters are some of the best quality pieces I own. If you are building a capsule wardrobe, this would probably be my first choice. I also love their jeans and highly recommend them. This high rise straight is a fave, along with this mid-rise style that feels more relaxed and comfortable.
Gap // Have you shopped at Gap recently? They are killing it ever since Zac Posen took on the role of creative director last year. Their spring line is full of beautiful minimal pieces (check out their linen collection; going on a spring trip anyone?) If you’re looking for modern yet affordable minimal styles definitely check out The Gap.
Dissh // Dissh is an Australian brand that has gotten fairly popular in the states in the last five years. They are a minimal girl’s dream. Their designs are so chic yet effortlessly cool and modern.
Cos // I have been sleeping on the brand Cos. This chic and minimalist brand is where all the cool London fashion girlies shop. Although they are owned by H&M, they are more mid-range (not luxury but not cheap either.) I have several things in my Cos cart right now including the blazer, tees, and pants I’ve included in this capsule wardrobe (I know, I know).
I hope you found this minimal spring capsule guide helpful. I always recommend planning your spring wardrobe in advance of the season. Save some inspiration, create a wishlist, and keep an eye out for pieces you might want to purchase. I’ve found that going through the steps of this process results in much more intentional purchases. And most of all, have fun with it! Fashion is an expression of yourself (whether you want it to be or not.) It’s a chance to experiment and be creative. I truly believe you can really find out a lot about yourself when you take the time to create a wardrobe that feels like you.
Read More:
Casual Chic Outfits: No Jeans!
Three Ways To Style Trousers For Spring
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