A guide to classic minimalist style

A guide to classic minimalist style

Welcome to the first in our style series which we hope will help you to define or refine your personal style. This week – classic minimalism.

What is classic minimalist style?

Simple; functional; considered: these are the watchwords for minimalist style. Simplicity is anything but basic in this case – it’s all about paring everything back to clean lines, subtle colours and thoughtful detailing to create an elegant, timeless result. It’s not just looks that matter though, practicality is also key. Pieces should be effortlessly wearable, comfortable and fit for whatever the day brings. Minimalism has a mindfulness to it too - each piece is a thoughtful choice, built to last from quality fabrics and versatile enough to work in a variety of looks. In a more, more, more world, sometimes it’s refreshing to look for less.

Minimalist style icons

  • Jennifer Aniston
  • Gwyneth Paltrow
  • Laura Harrier
  • Caroline Bessette-Kennedy
  • Megan Markle 

classic minimalist style icons

Minimalist outfit essentials

A White T Shirt

Seems so simple but there are infinite white t shirts to choose from. Focus on fit, consider fabric weight and go for 100% cotton or linen.

The Perfect Boyfriend T-Shirt (White)

        

 

 

 

 

 

A White Shirt

It’s the ultimate classic and no minimalist wardrobe can be without one

The Perfect Shirt (White)

The Perfect Shirt (White)

A Blazer

Adds instant polish to any outfit

Bettine blazer (Black)

Effortlessly stylish, tailored trousers are a great foundation for both formal and casual outfits

Cécile Cigarette Trouser (Black)

A classic knit

Lean into luxurious fabrics such as mohair and cashmere for richness of texture in a minimalist look

Camille Striped Jumper (Navy Ivory)

Alex Cashmere Blend Jumper (Mole)

A vest top

A vest might seem like a summer-only essential but it’s super useful for layering in the cooler months

Maya rib vest (Burgundy)

MAYA RIB JERSEY VEST BURGUNDY VEST BERRY VEST WOMENS VEST 11LOVES ELLEN LOVES ELEVEN LOVES

A jersey dress

Throw on a jersey dress and you’ve got a sleek silhouette and absolute comfort in an instant – ultimately practical

Izzy Ribbed Jersey Dress (Chocolate)

A trench

Another quintessential element of a minimalist wardrobe, a trench coat will never date

Tahlia Trench

Tahlia trench coat two tone trench coat camel trench coat long trench coat eleven loves ellen loves 11loves

How to make a classic minimalist style work for you

Consider your lifestyle

Minimalism may seem all starched up but it can work well in more casual contexts too. Straight leg jeans are a minimalist classic or you can switch it up with a barrel leg or wide leg style. Try them with a sheer knit and blazer in the cold weather. For sportswear-inspired styles such a joggers, focus on construction and go for muted colours to keep a sleek edge to the look.

Sarah Straight Leg Jeans (Washed Black) with Bettine Blazer (linen - relaxed fit)

 
Iggy Sheer Rib Jumper (Black) with Parker Pintuck Wide Leg Jeans

Thea barrel leg jeans

Perfect Side Stripe Joggers with The Perfect Boyfriend T-Shirt (White)

model wearing Side Stripe Joggers Eleven Loves

Throw some shapes

Minimalism may be known for its restraint but silhouette is where you can really go big if you want to. Start small by looking for classic pieces with interesting construction or go straight for the statement piece.

Olivia Oversized Poplin Shirt (White)

Olivia Oversized Shirt (White)

Leah trousers

Bettine Oversized Blazer (Chocolate) with Leah Trousers (Chocolate)

Accessorise

Simple elegance will always be a winner when it comes to accessorising a minimalist outfit but one or two sculptural pieces can really make an impact – look for strong, sleek shapes.  

Break the rules

If everything’s feeling a little too polite, break some rules. Anything that feels a little bit wrong is probably right – mix black and navy; oversize everything or mismatch your accessories.

Play with colour

Minimalism isn’t always black and white – earthy tones, neutrals and pale pastels can all be part of the palette. Choose a top-to-toe hue or try colour blocking in tonal shades for extra polish. If you’re keen for more contrast, pastels work well with neutrals – think grey with yellow or beige or chocolate with pale powder blue. Red, whilst a bright, can also work as a neutral, and is a great way to add a zing of colour to a minimalist look.

It’s how you wear it

Popping the collar on a shirt, rolling the sleeves on a suit, adding a half tuck– simple styling touches are a surprisingly effective way to freshen up a minimalist look.

Pic of Bettine blazer (white linen) with rolled up sleeves + black jeans

Experiment with texture  

When you’re working with a limited colour palette, texture is the place to be playful. Lean into luxurious fabrics such as cashmere, mohair and silk and be as creative as you like in combining them. Mixing heavier and softer textures when layering is a great way to create contrast.

Embrace 2025 fashion trends – thoughtfully

Minimalism offers plenty of scope to tap into 2025 trends with pieces that’ll last. Wide leg trousers and XL jackets reference the oversize trend whilst giving a strong silhouette. Chocolate  was big on the SS25 catwalks  – wear it monochromatically, tonally or with complementary hues.

Adopt a signature detail

It could be a strong red lip, striking glasses, a statement accessory: a signature style detail can really help to make a minimalist outfit your own.

Mix with other style personalities

Even if you’re mostly a minimalist, you can still have some fun with other styles. Try flirting with romanticism by matching a feminine blouse with a tailored trouser or give a classic suit some edge with your favourite band tee.

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