Minimalist Fashion…….I used to own so many clothes. Like, embarrassingly many. My closet looked like the aftermath of a rom-com breakup scene. You know the type—shoes on top of a laundry basket, hangers doing yoga poses, and somehow, five versions of the same “going out” top that I never actually went out in.
Then one morning (while searching for something “simple but cute” to wear and ending up sitting in a towel for 30 minutes scrolling Pinterest), I had that realization: I had a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.
You ever feel like that?
That’s when I stumbled into minimalist fashion. Not in a cool, intentional way—more like a desperate “I can’t deal with this chaos anymore” kind of way. I started tossing things, Marie Kondo-ing the life out of my wardrobe, and accidentally discovered that I actually looked better with less stuff.
The Magic of Minimalist Fashion (a.k.a. Not Trying So Hard)
Minimalist fashion isn’t about wearing the same beige outfit every day (though, no hate if that’s your thing). It’s about finding those few pieces that make you feel put together without overthinking.
It’s like… when you finally stop chasing trends and realize your jeans and white shirt combo is undefeated.
Plus, as someone who lives in Queens, NYC, space is… let’s say luxury-adjacent. My closet is basically a glorified cabinet. If a jacket fits in there, it deserves an award.
So I narrowed it down. Five staples. Five things that can mix, match, and survive coffee stains, late subways, and random 70-degree days in February.
Let’s break it down.
1. The White Shirt (A.K.A. The MVP of Minimalist Style)
You can’t talk minimalist fashion without mentioning the white shirt. Button-down, crisp cotton, maybe a little oversized. It’s the clothing equivalent of a plot twist you didn’t see coming—simple, but it changes everything.
I wear mine for everything. Zoom calls. Date nights. Grocery store runs where I pretend I don’t care who I bump into (I do). Tucked into jeans, tied at the waist, layered under a sweater—whatever.
One time I spilled an entire iced latte on mine before a meeting, and my friend was like, “It just looks vintage now.” So yeah, it even forgives clumsiness.
Mini tip: Spend a little extra for a good one. Cheap white shirts go see-through faster than a ghost.
2. The Perfect Pair of Jeans
Finding the jeans feels like dating. You go through the wrong ones (tight, awkward, too short, too long), think maybe it’s you, then—bam—you meet the one.
Mine are straight-leg, high-waisted, a little faded, and miraculously comfortable enough to sit cross-legged on the subway without cutting off circulation.
Minimalist fashion thrives on that perfect pair of jeans that goes with literally everything: the white shirt, a black tee, a blazer, sneakers, heels, you name it.
And don’t even get me started on fast fashion jeans. I once bought a pair that stretched out so fast I could’ve camped in them. Lesson learned: buy fewer, but better.
3. The Black Blazer That Makes You Feel Like You’ve Got It Together
Listen—every chaotic human deserves a black blazer.
I throw mine on over a t-shirt and instantly look like I might have a meeting with Vogue (or at least, like I remembered to pay my bills on time).
I once wore my blazer over a hoodie to brunch, and my friend said I looked like “business casual met streetwear and had a confident baby.” I took that as the highest compliment.
The best part? It’s seasonless. Winter? Layer it. Summer? Toss it over a tank top. Job interview? Done. Random ex sighting? Even better.
4. The Little Black Dress (Yes, It Still Works)
Every time someone says “LBD,” I picture Audrey Hepburn eating a croissant in front of Tiffany’s and feel underdressed by default.
But truth? Minimalist fashion redefines it. Your LBD doesn’t have to be some fancy cocktail dress. Mine’s just a soft, knee-length number that I’ve worn to birthdays, job interviews, and yes—funerals. (Not the same day, obviously.)
It’s simple, easy, and makes me feel like I tried just enough. And honestly, with the right shoes and a denim jacket, it even works for running errands.
Minimalism doesn’t mean boring—it means flexible.
5. White Sneakers: The Real MVPs
If you’ve never fallen deeply in love with a pair of white sneakers, you’re missing out on one of life’s purest joys.
They go with everything. Jeans. Dresses. That “I’m late but pretending I’m chill” outfit.
My first pair got destroyed walking through the rain in Manhattan, and I literally tried to clean them with baking soda like it was an emergency medical situation. (Spoiler: didn’t work.)
Now I’ve accepted that slightly dirty sneakers are part of the vibe. Like, “I care… but not too much.”
How 5 Staples Changed My Whole Closet (and Maybe My Life?)
When I cut my wardrobe down to just these essentials, I didn’t expect it to feel… freeing.
No more decision paralysis. No more guilt over unworn stuff. Just outfits that work.
Now, when I open my closet, I don’t sigh or panic. It’s basically:
- Grab shirt.
- Grab jeans.
- Maybe a blazer if I want to fake confidence.
That’s it. Done.
And you know what’s wild? People started complimenting my style more. Like, constantly. “You always look so put together,” they said. Meanwhile, I’d been doing less than ever.
Minimalist fashion isn’t about owning nothing—it’s about owning the right things.
My Totally Unsolicited Advice
If you’re even thinking about trying this, start small. Pick one item to invest in—a white shirt, maybe. Or your dream jeans. Build from there.
And don’t get caught up in being perfectly minimalist. (I still own too many hoodies. No regrets.)
It’s not a contest. It’s about dressing in a way that makes you breathe easier, like you’re not chasing some influencer aesthetic.
Also, if your mom says, “You used to dress more colorful,” just smile. Because you know what? Neutral tones are your new happy place.
💡 Pop Culture Sidebar
Remember in The Devil Wears Prada when Miranda Priestly gives that whole “cerulean blue” monologue? Yeah, minimalist fashion is kind of the anti-cerulean moment. It’s saying, “I’ll stick with white and black, thanks.”
(And you can totally still wear color—just… intentionally.)
A Few Fun Extras (Because You Know I Can’t Shut Up)
- Add gold hoops. Instant polish.
- Use a lint roller. Always.
- Don’t underestimate the power of good posture—it’s free and it works.
- And seriously, if your sneakers get dirty, own it.
🖇️ Recommended Links:
- Un-Fancy’s Capsule Wardrobe Blog — where I first learned “less really is more.”
- The Anna Edit — for actually wearable minimalist fashion inspo.
Minimalist fashion didn’t make me a different person. But it did make my mornings smoother, my style sharper, and my closet a little more peaceful.
And honestly? That’s more than I ever expected from five pieces of fabric.
Now if only my skincare routine could be this simple.
