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7 Minimalist Outfits to Try (with Pieces You Already Own)

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It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but a minimalist wardrobe is all about simplicity. Think classic, streamlined silhouettes; a few neutral colors; and fewer pieces overall. In addition to saving you time and money, it takes up less space in your closet and you'll always look put-together and stylish. So, you want to test the minimalist approach without having to invest in a ton of new clothes? That’s possible! Just start by recreating these seven outfit combinations using pieces you probably already own.  

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woman wearing jeans and a blazer
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

T-shirt + Blazer + Jeans

The combination of jeans, a simple tee and a blazer works for approximately a million different situations, and is basic enough that you can re-wear it (with a fresh tee and a rotating cast of accessories) pretty much all week long.

Get the look: BP. T-shirt ($10); Something Navy blazer ($71); Re/Done jeans ($250)

woman wearing a shirtdress and trenchcoat
jeremy moeller/getty images

Shirtdress + Trench Coat

A classic trench is a year-round workhorse for your wardrobe. During fall, toss yours over a crisp white shirtdress, and finish off the look with any type of footwear—from a pair of snake-print boots to white sneakers.

Get the look: Alex Mill shirtdress ($93); London Fog trench coat ($120)

woman wearing chambray shirt and black pants
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Button-down + Black Trousers

This look is pretty hard to mess up, regardless of your figure or budget. Just make sure to hem or cuff your pants to show a bit of ankle. (It’ll look more polished, modern and flattering.) Plus, feel free to play with the color or print of your button down; you don’t have to stick to basic white for this outfit to be minimalist-approved.

Get the look: J.Crew button-down ($78); Trina Turk trousers ($198)

woman wearing jeans a turtleneck and jean jacket
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Jeans + Turtleneck + Jean Jacket

Canadian tuxedo, but make it fancy. Denim on denim is one of our go-tos, and we’re especially into this dressed-up take on the outfit. The turtleneck and pointy-toe heels add a touch of polish, but you could certainly swap in loafers and a tee for a more casual look.

Get the look: Levi's jeans ($98); Maison Jules turtleneck ($17); Levi's jean jacket ($98)

puff sleeve sweater
EDWARD BERTHELOT/GETTY IMAGES

Sweater + A-line Skirt

Equal parts cozy and polished, this sweater and skirt combo gets bonus points for nailing proportions. Tucked into a high-waist skirt, a bulkier knit transforms into a super figure-flattering top.

Get the look: Free People sweater ($108); Rachel Roy Collection skirt ($89)

woman wearing a button down and white jeans
claudio lavenia/getty images

Button-down + White Jeans

We firmly believe that white jeans can be worn 365 days a year. Think of this getup as a slight upgrade to your jeans and a T-shirt uniform. Contrast the relaxed slouch of an oversize button-down-and-mom-jean silhouette with a feminine, pointy flat.

Get the look: Frank & Eileen button-down ($238); Madewell jeans ($98)

straw hat 1 august style ideas
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

White T-shirt + Pencil Skirt

A pencil skirt paired with a perfectly pressed button-down can feel a little fussy. (Also, who actually has time to iron?) Swap out the blouse for a relaxed tee and the resulting look is refined and (almost) effortless.

Get the look: Universal Standard T-shirt ($50); Diane von Furstenberg pencil skirt ($248)



sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

Sarah Stiefvater is PureWow's Wellness Director. She's been at PureWow for ten years, and in that time has written and edited stories across all categories, but currently focuses...