So what makes up our minimalist capsule wardrobe this pre-fall? At the top of our list is none-other than the one-and-done-outfit dress. Slip into Jil Sander’s mellow yellow maxi or Róhe’s slinky tank dress and expect sartorial success each and every time. Similarly sleek, there are cool tops from Cos and Staud that elevate every bit of evening attire. Styling-wise, wear yours with a pair of tailored trousers from The Frankie Shop and Veronica de Piante or a subtly statement-making skirt from Toteme or Loulou Studio.
Lightweight outerwear offerings, like Loewe’s corduroy-trimmed wax jacket or & Other Stories’s cropped trench coat, come especially in handy when the summer sun starts to fade; and same goes for breezy knitwear from Everlane, La Ligne, and J.Crew. The latter have several minimalist-approved hues, like classic black, cherry red, slate gray, and chic camel. Accessory-wise, no minimalist outfit is complete without a black ballet flat from Tove or Bally’s menswear-inspired driving loafers. Then, there are handbags that whisper “chic” no matter where you carry them, whether you choose Toteme’s canvas clutch or St. Agni’s woven tote. Other elegant extras include dainty jewels from Agmes, Lié Studio, and Alexis Bittar and Isabel Marant’s quietly luxurious cord belt. Below, discover (and shop!) 12 basics that make up the ultimate minimalist pre-fall capsule wardrobe.
One-and-Done Dresses
Regardless of the season, a dress is a prized wardrobe possession. This pre-fall, we’re gravitating towards easy, throw-on-and-go styles from Róhe and Jil Sander to Wardrobe.NYC and By Malene Birger. Then, there’s Merlette’s classic LBD, which looks great with a sandal now or boots come fall; same goes for Khaite’s cool grey tank dress–a soon-to-be Vogue editor-favorite.
Lightweight Outerwear
Nothing anchors a transitional outfit quite like a lightweight outerwear offering. Textural takes from Bally and Staud feel especially fresh, while Loewe’s wax jacket and cropped trenches from Cos and & Other Stories are true-to-the-classics. Meanwhile, Khaite’s at it again with another viral, oversized denim jacket. The one below features an edgy, faded wash we predict all fashion girls will love.
Easy Flats
Step into something easy yet elegant this pre-fall, like a pair of eternally-classic black ballet flats from Tove or Bally’s menswear-inspired driving loafers. Versions from Mango and Flattered are seasonless, while Aeyde’s python-effect flats or H&M’s suede style make a subtle sartorial splash.
Minimalist Handbags
This pre-fall, the ultimate sign of luxury is a minimalist handbag from the likes of The Row or Khaite. For more accessible price points, looks to Toteme, Lié Studio, St. Agni, or Madewell for styles that also have the ability to elevate any outfit in mind–just throw one on over your shoulder and voilà! Instant chicness guaranteed.
Cool Tops
Don’t consider yourself a dress girl? Up your evening attire’s ante with a cool top or two instead. Cowl-neck choices from Róhe, Source Unknown, and Cos feature a flattering fit, while Victoria Beckham’s two-toned tank is a certified end-of-summer staple. Honorable mention goes to Staud’s sleeveless turtleneck top and Veronica de Piante’s structured suit vest.
Sleek Skirts
‘Tis (still) the season of skirts! Tuck your white poplins midis away in favor of sleek styles from Zara, Cos, and Joseph. Denim skirts from Loulou Studio and Jacquemus offer-up a more casual, weekend vibe, while Toteme’s leopard-print midiskirt is one to cop now before it sells out.
Notable Knits
Cozy up in something lightweight yet luxurious once temperatures drop, like Everlane’s buttery yellow polo or La Ligne’s cherry red cardigan. As with any layering essential, you can catch us sporting Loulou Studio’s V-neck atop a plain white tee or Lisa Yang’s sleeveless sweater all on its own. Khaite’s wool-blend cardi is another basic worth investing in, while J.Crew’s cashmere tee is a true steal for under $100.
Great Denim
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a piece of great denim. Basic blues from Banana Republic, Madewell, and Frame are totally timeless, while raw denim from Cos and Dries Van Noten offer-up a dressier, more polished finish. Levi’s cult-classic 501 jeans are reimagined this pre-fall in a bright white. We’re big proponents of wearing white post Labor Day, after all.
Crisp Shirting
Worn buttoned-up with a tailored trouser or left open atop a ribbed tank, a crisp shirt knows no stylistic bounds. Striped styles from Wales Bonner and J.Crew have the menswear seal-of-approval, while color pops from Róhe and Stella McCartney are designed to stand out. Shirts from Banana Republic and Massimo Dutti are notably neutral–in the best way.
Tailored Trousers
A tailored trouser is no longer just meant for your nine-to-five. A cornerstone of any minimalist capsule wardrobe, find polished straight-leg styles from St. Agni, Veronica de Piante, and Aritzia or more wide-leg versions from The Frankie Shop and Banana Republic. All look equally chic with a chunky loafer as they do with a kitten heel.
Timeless Tees & Tanks
Beloved for a reason, every closet rotation needs a strong roster of tees and tanks. Wear yours layered under other transitional essentials or all on their own on warmer transitional days.
Chic Outfit Additions
Your minimalist outfit deserves a très chic finishing touch. Find dainty jewels from Copenhagen-based brands Lié Studio and Ragbag or cool belts from Cos and Isabel Marant. Throw either on with a plain white tee, pair of blue jeans, and consider your look instantly styled.
