Say it with me folks: minimalism does not equal boring. The sleek and simple aesthetic is about more than just plain white T-shirts and all-black outfits. It’s not solely about quiet luxury either, although there is obviously some overlap. Having a more minimalist style means looking for pieces that can stand on their own, no flashy accessories necessary. It’s about hunting down that perfect fit or impeccable tailoring that make something look like it was made just for you. The fact that my minimalist wardrobe can also be mixed and matched in just about any combination is just the cherry on top of a very chic cake. So while others may love the maximalist vibes of the Sardine Girl trend, I’m more than happy to just keep things simple this summer. Read on for 13 gorgeous minimalist summer fashion pieces I’ve got my heart set on adding to my wardrobe ASAP.
I’m a Minimalist—Here are 13 Items I’m Buying for Summer
No fuss, no muss
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Agolge
I'll be honest, shorts are tough for me—especially as a toddler mom. But they're also all I want to wear in this summer heart. Thankfully, this pair checks all the boxes: a "modest" length, 6-inch inseam, soft denim and roomy (but not baggy) fit. The color, which the brand has dubbed "Fortune Cookie," is an ideal shade of off-white that doesn't feel too stark. Word to the wise: size down, these run large.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 23 to 34
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
2. Madewell the Handwoven Mini Tote
Madewell
Last summer, I purchased the large version of this tote and now I'm smitten with this mini. Madewell leather is consistently top-notch in terms of quality. This one in particular is sourced from a tannery that was certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), an organization that works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry. It's giving Dragon Diffusion for a quarter of the price.
FAST FACTS
- Size: 7.4”H x 12”W x 4”D
- Materials: 100 percent leather
Still Here
I'm a big fan of this New York based brand that specializes in everyday dressing. While their denim is certainly the star, they also make excellent basics. Case-in-point: this square-neck tank that reminds me of what I wore in the ‘90s, in the very best way. What makes this tank worth the price tag, you ask? The material is ultra-soft, doesn't shrink up in the laundry (trust me, I put mine in the dryer by accident), and it has a longer length (great for anyone with a long torso). It's simple, yet the neckline makes it slightly more interesting. I'll pair with those shorts above and a pair of flip flops for a throw-on-and-go look.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Materials: 53 percent Tencel, 19 percent cotton, 25 percent nylon, 3 percent silk
Dôen
Ahh, my dream summer dress! White is typically my go-to for the months of May to August, but I couldn't resist this simple silhouette in a punchy orange red. The Marianne dress is crafted from crisp organic cotton poplin, and features a square neckline, gathered bust and a fitted bodice framed with petite ruffles. The easiest dress to pack in a suitcase.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
5. Suzie Kondi Kyria Pleated Midi Skirt
Suzie Kondi
A true summer workhorse, the white skirt is everywhere this season. This style from Suzie Kondi is excellent because it has a wide, stretch waistband, oversized pockets and while it's not lined, it's not paper-thin (read: not see-through). Cotton poplin is also the best fabric for summer and can be dressed up or down. Styling tip: I like the idea of throwing out the rules and doing oversized on top and bottom, like with this By Malene Birger top.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
Left On Friday
My true minimalist tendencies do come out with swimwear because a basic black one-piece is always my go-to. And you truly cannot go wrong with this style from Left On Friday. The reviews speak for themselves—in fact, it's been nicknamed the “LBD of swimsuits” for good reason. Available in regular and tall from sizes XS-XXL, the suit features a high-cut and smoothing coverage that dries quickly and is fade resistant.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XXL, also Tall
- Materials: 46 percent nylon, 38 percent polyester, 16 percent Lycra
7. J.Crew Gamine Eyelet-Trim Shirt
J.Crew
J.Crew is putting out some great work these days. One of my favorite finds from their summer collection has to be this cropped button-down. The crochet detailing is just so sweet, but also so cool. I love the idea of wearing this top open with a sarong as a beach cover-up or teaming with the A-line skirt above for a breezy all-white ensemble. PS. I sized up one for looser fit.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: US 00 to 24
- Materials: 100 percent cotton
8. Ancient Greek Sandals Saionara Jelly Sandals
Ancient Greek Sandals
I think minimalist wardrobes can get a bad rap, but here's the thing: it doesn't have to be all black and beige. You can have playful, colorful pieces, it's just about how you pair them. For example, I love the jelly sandal trend this summer. It just screams girlhood to me. This pair from Ancient Greek Sandals is a happy medium because it has a classic leather sole, which bridges the gap between beach flip-flop and city sandal (if you're into that sort of thing). I like the pop of red, but the blue is also really fun.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: EU 35 to 42
9. GAP Linen-Blend Shell Top and Mini Skort
GAP
A matching set is such a great wardrobe addition and this linen-blend duo from the GAP is just so sleek and versatile. The shell top is the ideal length for pairing with jeans or skirts and the fabric is breathable to keep me cool on even the hottest summer days. And the bottom is actually a skort with built-in shorts, though it looks like a miniskirt from all angles. It’s such a clean look, but also means I don’t have to stress about picking up my toddler or bending over at the park.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL, also Tall and Petite
- Materials: 55 percent linen, 45 percent rayon
10. Dorsey Paracord Rouge Tie Anklet
Dorsey
To add a little element of playfulness to my streamlined summer wardrobe, I like to play with jewelry. This year, it's all about the cords and the Dorsey Paracord Anklet was an immediate "yes" for me. Worn alone, stacked, or wrapped at the wrist (my current preference), the self-tie cord is made from rugged-yet-refined woven red paracord finished with gemstone-accented gold caps available in lab-grown diamond or white sapphire. As the site states, it's "designed for summer days that call for utilitarian sophistication."
FAST FACTS
- Size: 15 inches long
- Materials: nylon,18k gold vermeil or sterling silver with lab-grown white sapphire or lab-grown diamond
Free People
It’s a real toss-up between the classic white or trendy butter yellow colorways of this top for me, both are just so easy to wear. It’s a fun twist on the parade of vest tops I’ve been seeing everywhere lately with a slightly more casual vibe, although you could totally button this all the way up over some tailored trousers for the office too. I will say, if you’re between two sizes I’d recommend opting for the larger of the two—the fabric does have some stretch, but you don’t want there to be too much pulling and gaping with the buttons.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL
- Materials: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent elastane
12. Nordstrom Cotton-Blend Dress
Nordstrom
The silhouette of this midi may be simple, but it’s also incredibly flattering IRL. And the material is as soft as your favorite T-shirt, with just the right amount of heft to give the skirt enough shape. It’s another great staple that can be dressed up or down. And while it does come in a range of colors, including both black and white, this rich brown hue looks incredibly luxe and will pair just as well with my black accessories as it will with more colorful options.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XXS to XXL
- Materials: 93 percent cotton, 7 percent spandex
Comme Si
Like I said, minimalist doesn't mean beige! These pistachio pants in a sleek bias-cut are my dream summer pant. Full disclosure: I don't own these (...yet). However, you can't go wrong with this universally flattering silhouette. Crafted from sumptuous silk charmeuse and cut on the bias to naturally elongate the leg, this pair features a slim fully-covered elastic waistband, while the fluid drape offers laid-back elegance from day to night.
FAST FACTS
- Size Range: XS to XL, also Long
- Materials: 100 percent silk
