If you think defining your own personal style is difficult, imagine what it's like for a celebrity. Designers quite literally throw themselves (okay, their garments) at the A-list 24/7, and having so many options at their disposal must be overwhelming (to say the least).
I'm not saying this problem equates to that of some of the more serious issues in our society but, personally speaking, I'd struggle to maintain my style identity if suddenly the entire catalogue of the world's most sought-after clothes were at my disposal. Which is why I think it's so easy spot a star who dresses the way they want to dress, as opposed to what stylists would have them wear. And none are more headstrong than the minimalists.
When your career calls for you to wear lavish gowns more frequently than jeans, it's little wonder the likes of Rihanna and Beyoncé utilise every opportunity to make a bold statement. However, with the minimalist and quiet luxury movements more prolific now than ever before, we thought it was high time we gave minimalist style icons the space they deserve.
Of course, we appreciate all fashion sensibilities, but we're particularly inspired by those who choose simplicity over standing out, and whose wardrobes consist of clean lines as opposed to tulle and taffeta. Because style is so much more than wearing the first expensive dress that comes your way.
For this, I delved deep into the fashion archives to bring you the best pared-back dressers from the '60s right up to today. From Françoise Hardy and Audrey Hepburn to '80s It girls like Winona Ryder and Iman to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Zoë Kravitz, keep scrolling to see, in no particular order, 17 of our favourite minimalistic style icons.
1. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
Style Notes: Serving as a PR for Calvin Klein during its '90s reign, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was the epitome of pared-back chic. Sleek tailoring, midi skirts and accessories The Row would design today were her go-to—even for the lavish state dinners she'd attend with her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr.
2. Zoë Kravitz
Style Notes: Somewhat enigmatic off-camera, we only really see Zoë Kravitz when she's on red carpet duty or when she gives us an all too infrequent update on Instagram but, when she does check in, you can get she's wearing something pared back and perfect.
3. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Style Notes: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is elegance personified. Equally confident in a couture gown as she is suiting and low-key jeans outfits, her eye for simple silhouettes is unrivalled.
4. Audrey Hepburn
Style Notes: Little black dresses, trench coats, high-waisted trousers and chic white blouses… Audrey Hepburn's capsule wardrobe is a minimalist's dream.
5. Laura Harrier
Style Notes: Laura Harrier's blazer-and-jeans look is just one of the star's many minimalist outfits we have pinned to our inspo board. The longline blazer paired with the relaxed-fit jeans? Ingenious.
6. Winona Ryder
Style Notes: While Winona still sets our fashion pulses racing today, her '80s ensembles will always have a place in our hearts. No one could pull off a brown suit quite like she could.
7. Lily Collins
Style Notes: Lily Collins' on-screen persona, Emily, drifts around Paris is brilliantly bold ensembles, but IRL, the actor favours streamlines silhouettes and pared-back colour palettes.
8. Solange Knowles
Style Notes: Solange Knowles' style can't be boxed in—she wears what feels most intrinsic to her and that's inspiration in itself. Lately, though, she's been leaning on a neutral palette and relaxed separates.
9. Sabrina Elba
Style Notes: Sabrina Elba is fast becoming one of my favourite dressers; you never know what she'll sport next. What you can guarantee, however, is that it'll be incredibly considered, fit perfectly, and focus on what I deem minimalistic staples.
10. Kate Moss
Style Notes: The effortless style that catapulted Kate Moss to icon status in the nineties continues to set the supermodel apart. She's frequently sighted in elegant slip dresses and exquisite tailoring.
11. Sade
Style Notes: The cream roll-neck, the high-waisted skirt in contrasting black, the chunky gold hoops, the earthy-hued pout… There's nothing about this look that we don't love. Correction: There's not a super-minimalistic Sade look we don't love.
12. Jennifer Aniston
Style Notes: Don't be fooled by her penchant for beachy hair and flip-flops; Jen is as minimalist as they come. No-fuss dresses are her forte, with simple, never-date accessories serving as her only add-ons.
13. Françoise Hardy
Style Notes: In the '60s, Françoise dominated the French music scene for the best part of the decade and became one of the most influential women in the industry. However, her influence also spread to fashion—androgynous to the bone, her uniform consisted of shirting, tailored trousers and low-heel boots.
14. Selena Gomez
Style Notes: Lately, Selena Gomez has been forgoing OTT gowns for understated dresses (this Toteme dress being a highlight) and extremely wearable separates, cementing her status as a minimalist style icon.
15. Phoebe Philo
Style Notes: Having redefined women's fashion during her sovereignty at Céline, Phoebe Philo is singlehandedly responsible for making minimalism more interesting and what it is today. And for that, we'll be forever grateful.
16. Iman
Style Notes: Being a minimalist in the '80s wasn't easy, but Iman's fondness of monochrome made her a beacon of classiness in a sea of brash looks.
17. Angelina Jolie
Style Notes: If you thought minimal fashion had to be all about oversized suits and coats, think again. Angelina Jolie makes minimalism work with her love of elegant pieces thanks to the muted colour palette and interesting shapes created by her cardigan and the folds on her dress.
Now, Shop Minimalist Pieces Inspired By the Icons Above
The blazer 90% of our editors have their eye on.
A great layering piece.
These perfectly-cut trousers come in sand, too.
Slingback shoes are only growing in popularity.
Chunky gold earrings are integral to this aesthetic.
Reformation creates beautiful dresses in minimalistic silhouettes.
A leather loafer is the cornerstone of many a minimalist wardrobe.
Give your wardrobe some '90s kudos with this skirt.
A great minimalist look starts with a simple top.
Bottega Veneta's bags are status symbols in minimalist circles.
These classic jeans come in an inclusive size range.
Just look at that neckline.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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