17 Classic Items You'll Find in a Minimalist's 2026 Capsule Wardrobe
A classic white shirt, straight-leg jeans or a casual suede trainer, these are the 17 key items you'll find in a minimalist's wardrobe.
Chloe Gallacher
Now more than ever, the fashion industry is defined by binaries. On the one hand, you have the throw-everything-at-it maximalists, many of whom only exist on our Instagram feeds or are immortalised on the pavements of fashion week. On the other hand, you have a fashion tribe who are rejecting the noise and clamour of clashing prints and accessory overload and instead embracing a more contemplative approach to dressing. Yes, this is minimalism, but perhaps not as you know it.
An aesthetic that has simmered beneath the cultural surface for decades, minimalism has occasionally bubbled up and made its presence felt, but it never really disappeared entirely. It has presented itself in a variety of guises. Think Coco Chanel's sporty separates, Calvin Klein's '90s greyscale and Phoebe Philo's austere post-financial-crash stylings at Celine. It's one of the few fashion movements that has transcended multiple generations.
Over the last few seasons, it has become clear that simplicity is having another moment in the spotlight, in no small part thanks to the designs of cult brands such as The Row, Jil Sander, Lemaire and Gabriela Hearst, who are fronting minimalism 2.0. Add to this the fact that shoppers are wanting to invest in pieces that last for budgetary, ethical, and sustainable purposes, and you've got the perfect storm for purists.
"As we approach each season, we look to our six muses: the fashion pioneer, the warrior, the free spirit, the curator, the romantic and the purist," explains Natalie Kingham, a fashion consultant and the former buying director at MatchesFashion. "The Purist opts for a minimalist style with a sleek, functional edge, and this season, we noticed a new mood for clean, monochromatic elegance on the runway. This back-to-basics approach to wardrobing reinforces the pieces that matter—the clean, modern staple items that become the building blocks for the ultimate wardrobe."
This emphasis on creating an effective and long-lasting backbone of basics in your wardrobe was not, perhaps, so prevalent in previous manifestations of minimalism. With sustainability becoming an increasingly pressing consideration, people are wanting pieces that will stand the test of time but also feel versatile enough to work in multiple settings. Also, when it comes to design, 2025's contribution to the minimalist cause is unlike the sombre simplicity of the '90s or the sharp-edged appeal of Philo's first Céline (note the accent on the 'e') collection. We might want longevity from our clothes, but we also want personality.
Minimalism now comes in many forms, including tonal outfits, draped silk dresses, voluminous tulle creations, classic tops and basic blazers. This is good news, as it means we can all inject a little chic minimalism into our lives, even if we haven't considered it before.
Need a little more inspiration? Keep scrolling to see the minimalist-loving fashion people acting as our muses this year. You can also shop the key pieces in their wardrobes.
Minimalist Fashion: Your 17-Piece Pared-Back Capsule:
1. THE LOOSE-FITTING SUIT
Style Notes: Sylvie knows the power of an amazing suit. A relaxed fit adds an extra chic touch, and opting for a neutral like navy, camel or black will ensure it remains a wardrobe hero for years to come.
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This blazer is a minimalist's dream.
2. A SIMPLE-BUT-FUN TOP
Style Notes: A great top will never go out of style. Whether you pair it with jeans, leggings or wide leg trousers, it's a versatile piece that will work hard in your capsule wardrobe. Plus, it can easily be dressed up or down with a simple swap of footwear and accessories.
Shop the Look:
For all of your 'jeans and a nice top' kind of outings.
3. GOLD EARRINGS
Style Notes: A smattering of gold jewellery instantly elevates a simple look. From plain hoops to embellished pairs and huggies to studs, the choice is endless!
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Missoma are a firm favourite when it comes to jewellery.
4. A WHITE SHIRT
Style Notes: We could go on for hours about just how versatile a white shirt is. Some of our favourite looks include wearing it over a roll-neck, under a blazer or just as with jeans and boots.
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A timeless wardrobe staple.
5. THE STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
5. THE STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
Style Notes: Sure, there are tons of denim styles that are worthy of a place in your wardrobe, but true minimalists know that you can't go wrong with a classic straight-leg pair.
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Agolde are a firm favourite denim brand.
6. THE SMART TROUSERS
Style Notes: Smart trousers work with so many other wardrobe heroes and for so many occasions. From the office to dinner and weekend outings to drinks, they've got you covered.
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For everyday wear, and smart evening looks.
7. THE RACER-FRONT VEST
Style Notes: Pair with jeans or trousers and you have yourself a failsafe outfit. Just add layers to make it wearable across all seasons.
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The perfect layering piece, no matter the time of year.
8. THE BROWN JUMPER
Style Notes: A brown jumper is such a chic staple, it can be styled with such an array of outfits. From barrel-leg jeans to tailored trousers or over a dress, it's versatility makes it a must-have in a minimalist wardrobe.
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The perfect brown jumper.
9. A CREW-NECK T-SHIRT
Style Notes: Victoria Beckham once stated, "If in doubt, anything looks good with a white T-shirt." If it's good enough for the queen of minimalism, it's good enough for us, and she wasn't wrong.
Shop the Look:
COS is my go-to for affordable, high-quality basics.
10. THE SPLIT-HEM LEGGINGS
Style Notes: Another wardrobe hero we can't get enough of is leggings. Dress them up with heels and a blazer or down with trainers and a knit. The choice is yours.
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The small slit detail makes any legging feel 10 times more fashionable.
11. SIMPLE SHADES
Style Notes: Sunnies aren't reserved just for summer. When we get those beautiful bright winter days adding sunglasses to your cold-weather look is not only practical but chic, too.
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To elevate every single outfit.
12. SUEDE TRAINERS
Style Notes: Suede trainers have dramatically risen in popularity over the last couple of years and show no signs of going anywhere any time soon. Wear with jeans, tailored trousers or a slip skirt.
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I own this pair and get so much wear out of them.
13. THE BLACK BAG
Style Notes: We firmly believe a great black bag you love is such a wise investment. Pick your player from a top-handle style, cross-body or shoulder bag.
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A Bottega Veneta bag is permanently on our wish list.
14. THE KNIT DRESS
Style Notes: The knitted dress knows no limits. Want to wear her in autumn? Add knee-high boots and a blazer. Temperature going up? Swap in ballet flats and raffia accessories.
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Style with black boots for an easy, chic look.
15. THE RELAXED BLACK BLAZER
Style Notes: Ah, the humble black blazer. Will you ever let us down? The answer is no. Always a firm favourite in our capsule wardrobe, it can go with just about everything else on this list to make a winning outfit.
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The ideal throw-on; wear it with everything from jeans to slip skirts.
16. SIMPLE BLACK LOAFERS
Style Notes: This list wouldn't be complete without a great pair of loafers! From leather to suede, they're a timeless staple.
Shop the Look:
Classic black loafers are the minimalist footwear of choice right now.
17. THE TAILORED WOOL COAT
Style Notes: When the temperature drops, and minimalists want to look chic as well as feel warm, they turn to wool coats in more structured silhouettes to keep their outfits looking polished.
Shop the Look:
Mango is my go-to high-street brand for outerwear.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
