Categories: Fashion

20 Cute Minimalist Fashion Ideas To Replicate

THE WORLD IS IN COMPLETE CHAOS AND HAS BEEN FOR FAR TOO LONG.  Time to calm the heck down. Sometimes, the best way to calm down is to completely clear your mind- and clearing your surroundings is sure to help with that. So, the only option, the only place to turn… minimalism.

Let’s take this chaotic energy flooding our world and put it in the way back of our closets. Or, if we are really going minimalist, let’s throw it all awayyyyy. Chaotic energy (and items) be gone! 

If you’re looking for inspo for how to start living minimally, take a look at these 20 cute minimalist fashion trends that you can try out!

1. Messy Bun

Starting from the top, the messy bun. Few hair styles are as simple and sleek as a nice, pulled back, and effortless bun. All you need is a brush and a hair tie, maybe a scrunchie for just the right amount of a personal touch, and voila. Plain. Simple. Minimal effort and pizazz, but still so natural and cute. 

Get the look!

2. 100% Neutrals

Kim Kardashion might be one of the most extra people on the planet. But despite her unwavering drama (no hate, actually quite love and respect her), she usually dresses quite minimally. Her characteristically minimalist fashion has been seen on a variety of occasions as she mixes a neutral with another neutral, or two of the same neutrals at once! Grays on grays or off-whites on off-whites are some of her seemilgly favorite minimal looks. And you don’t even need Kim’s bod to rock these outfits. A simple 100% neutral fits look great on anyone! 

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3. Maxi Dress

Maxi equals mini(malist)?! The simple silhouettes of a maxi dress often provide some of the most minimalist fashion looks, even despite all that fabric. Not only are maxi dresses simple in themselves, but you can also wear them with essentially any shoe or no shoes at all (that’s what I call minimalist). Pairing the maxi with a top knot, messy bun or un-styled hair also adds to the minimalist look. Gotta love an outfit where makeup is the furthest thing from mandatory!

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4. Turtlenecks

Turtlenecks are the ultimate minimalist fall and winter outfit item, providing a good amount of warmth, even on the coldest of days. A turtleneck is great for a minimal outfit because it can stand alone and still look perfectly professional. With the ability to be paired with a simple pair of jeans, a flowing skirt, or literally any bottom ever, turtlenecks are so low maintenance and one of the best ways to go about minimalist fashion. 

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5. Monochrome Grays

Monochrome goes beyond just Kim K. when talking about minimalist fashion. The monochrome trend is a great way to keep an outfit simple and sleek. Not to mention the meshing of greys or other neutrals is ever so calming to the eye. Grab a comfy gray sweater and some chic gray work pants to pair together for your monochrome minimalist fashion statement. 

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6. Classic Denim

A simple pair of denim pants is as basic as it comes (but like, basic in a good way). A tailored and well-fitting pair of jeans can be mixed and matched with any top. From plain sweaters to plain white tees, jeans are the perfect bottom for any minimalist fashion look.

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7. Simple Cardigan

‘Minimalist’ and ‘comfortable’ are oftentimes closely related. But they are literally one in the same when talking about a simple cardigan. They’re the perfect way to stay cozy no matter what you’re wearing underneath. Oversized cardigans are another great minimalist option. Either way, these nice sweaters are the easiest thing to throw on any outfit- a minimalist’s dream!

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8.Simple Headband

Trying to tone it down, but still want to dress it up? Think like Blair Waldorf… but minimalist. Try a simple black headband to add some spunk with your minimal accessories. 

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9. Plain White Tee

Enough said. Cotton, silk, you name it, a plain white tee is both extremely minimal and extremely functional.

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10. T-shirt Dress

The minimalist fashion go-to. It doesn’t get simpler than a t-shirt not needing to be paired with bottoms. 

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11. Black Loafers

The simplest way to a minimalist’s heart is a nice pair of plain black loafers. Just because they’re plain does not mean they don’t add a TON to the outfit, plus you can stylize your pair by opting for a pair with some tassels, embroidery, or another unique touch.  

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12. Half-up Clips

Adding on to the hair trends as minimally as possible, dainty half-up clips are a great way to stay in line with your minimalist side while still looking polished. Whether it’s a gold circle or a simple bar, this entire hairstyle will scream- I mean whisperrrrr- minimalism.

Get the look!

13. One-Toned Backpack

Even minimalists need accessories! A one-toned cotton or canvas backpack is a great example. A bag so simple and functional that also abides by your minimalist fashion aesthetic? Can’t get better than a one-toned bag. 

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14. Crossbody Bag

Perfect for carrying all you have in one simple pouch. Some crossbodies might looks super simple (which is perfect for the concept of minimalist fashion), but they really have all you need and more. Pockets to hold your belongings and a long strap to comfortably carry all you have. Coming in canvas, corduroy, leather and more, there is a crossbody option for every minimalist (and maximalist, too). 

See Also

Get the look!

15. Linen Button Down

The perfect material for any season- light enough for summer, buildable for winter, a linen button up is chic, simple and super cute. Pair yours with some jeans, a skirt, underneath overalls. You name it, a linen shirt is the perfect minimal way to finish any outfit. 

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16. White Button Up

This minimalist fashion item is the best way to combine minimalism with sophistication. Though a button up is super simple, you can personalize your style by opting for a more feminine version, a masculine one, or something with a little added spunk- like a satin number or a touch of lace! A sleek button up can elevate any look while staying super minimal too.

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17. Menswear Inspired Volume Pants

Minimalist menswear is a minimalist fashion trend that is growing more and more popular. Thus the variety of minimalist menswear is far from minimal. Various outfits that fall under the trend might include a button up or down, a classic tee, some a-line or straight leg pants, or even an oversized piece. One of the most fun, yet surprisingly minimal, menswear pieces is volume pants. Usually a single color paired with a similar or same colored top, these pants are a big way to stay simple. Depending on what top you decide to pair them with, you can totally change the vibe of the outfit- from masculine to feminine to anywhere in between.  

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18. Linen Pants

It doesn’t get more simple or more comfortable than some linen pants. The breathability and effortless silhouettes provide a pair of pants that you can wear to the office, to the beach, or even to a yoga class. 

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19. Canvas Platform Sandals

A simple black canvas-strapped sandal is about as minimalist as shoes come. Barely more than your bare feet, these sandals are super comfortable and durable. Perfect for basically any season except winter (unless you live somewhere lucky enough to wear these all year round!). 

Get the look!

20. Biker Shorts

Last up on the list of 20 minimalist fashion ideas to replicate might be one that you are already playing around with. Biker shorts can be a great way to stay comfortable in a super simple and cute outfit all day. A plain black pair of bikers matched with an oversized tee, that white button up we talked about, a comfy hoodie, or even a nice blazer can create the perfect minimalist fashion look. 

Get the look!

Minimalism might be the trend of the future, but in many ways it is so much more than a trend. Acting in a minimal way is a lifestyle- one filled with less material goods, simpler outfits and (maybe) therefore a calmer mindset. If you’re feeling the need to take a step back from clutter and all-consuming consumerism, minimalism is a great place to turn.

Seeking motivation to make this change? Start out by creating a wardrobe of minimalist fashion trends and let us know how it goes!

What’s your favorite way to practice minimalism? Have a clothing item that’s your minimalist go-to? Tell us about it in the comments below!

*featured photo from Amber Kazalbash’s ‘Vulnerable’ spread. Check her out for more editorial inspiration here!
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Alexandra York

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