The word minimalism has been familiar for the past couple of decades as it transcends from home decor into fashion. And while it’s something that is very commonplace and prominent now, the term and trend have existed since the early 1900s. Minimalism is known as a style or technique that is characterized by extreme sparseness and simplicity. Think about outfits we wore in the early 2000s. They were bright, mismatched and comprise different textures and materials. Well, minimalism is the exact opposite, and the style came back into prominence after the Great Recession—which started in 2007—prompting a wardrobe that was more simplistic and monochromatic.
Of course, the monochromatic style may have been reinstated out of necessity—people downsizing and adopting a more reserved wardrobe to cope with economic depression. But now, minimalism is a highly coveted style. And while new clothing brands have been founded on that trend alone, they boast price tags around $100 or more for one garment. Long story short: Minimalism is in.
As the fashion industry has been slower to prioritize plus size women’s clothing, women have had to rely solely on creativity to craft minimalist looks. But as more brands have either started catering to plus size women or have been created solely to answer the plus size demand, plus size minimalist clothing has arrived.
We know what you’re thinking: If minimalism is all about simplicity, then why do we need minimalist brands? Can’t we just throw on a pair of plus size jeans and a t-shirt? Yes, and no. The minimalist look is not just a trend, but it’s become a style that incorporates chic signature elements.
If you’re looking for a way into minimalism, follow these style tips to give your current wardrobe minimalist vibes. And if you need a minimalist wardrobe overhaul, these suggestions should help you decide which articles of clothing you should invest in.
Table of Contents
Identify Staple Clothes
The great thing about minimalism is that you can take the minimalist characteristics and apply it to pretty much any wardrobe. We start doing this by identifying the articles of clothing every minimalist needs.
Sleek Denim– Search through your denim drawer to find denim that is one wash and unripped. The cleaner the jeans look, the better. Plus size jeans are essential when it comes to creating a simplistic look with a little edge and personality.
Dress Pants– If you have neutral-colored pants that you wear to work or save for special occasions, get ready to wear those more often. Dress pants can be an integral part of a polished minimalist’s wardrobe.
Basic Blouses and Tees– Similar to the last two items of clothing covered, you want to identify the blouses you have in your closet that are one color, neutral and do not boast any patterns or embellishments. You can also look for basic t-shirts and tank tops.
Bold Outerwear– If you have any sleek blazers in your closet, make sure you keep an eye on them. Blazers are something that can be used to dress up basic t-shirts and tops, which you will be wearing a lot of as a minimalist.
Classic Shoes– Next up are the shoes. Most women tend to accessorize their outfits with shoes alone, meaning that these are usually some of the most vibrant and colorful parts of our closets. To achieve a minimalist style, find a pair of plain black, beige and white shoes. These can be booties, heels or flats.
The Equation To Minimalism
Minimalism is not supposed to make you feel like you’re being deprived by not being able to wear bold patterns and colors while mixing fabric textures. It’s more so about styling the essentials and making an outfit impactful without all of the extra noise. Using the clothing that you have identified previously, we are going to create a minimalist wardrobe. If you need to go shopping, don’t worry. We will tackle that next.
For Two- And Three-Piece Outfits
Think About Color– Minimalist outfits are usually composed of only one or two colors. Shoot for a monochromatic look when you can.
Choose a Top– What kind of blouse are you in the mood for today? Let’s say you have a white V-neck that you want to start with. Because this top is white and basic, we will pair it with dark bold pieces to create some contrast. If you have a plain, monochromatic top that has an edgy design or looks sharp, it can stand alone and skip the next step.
Add an Accent Top– If you opted for a t-shirt or a top that doesn’t pack a statement punch on its own, try pairing it with a sharp and sleek blazer. A white shirt with a black blazer screams minimalist, but is also a show stopper.
Pants as a Supporting Actor– If you’re feeling confident in your top choices, prioritize simplicity for the bottom half of your body. A pair of black, skinny dress pants or light wash denim will complete your minimalist look. Now, if you have a pair of pants that make a statement—say they are black satin, wide-leg pants—prioritize them as the leading actor and keep your top simple.
Match the Shoes– When topping off this look, make sure you pair your shoes with the color that is most prominent throughout the look. If you are wearing black pants and a black blazer, black sandal heels would look best.
For One-Piece Outfits
Think About Color– When wearing dresses, many minimalist styles embrace natural tones that are a bit more vibrant like burnt orange or mustard. Since a one-piece outfit doesn’t have as many components, it’s okay to embrace color with this look.
The Perfect Dress– If accessorized correctly, any dress could fall in line with minimalism. When it comes to identifying the right dresses for your new minimalist wardrobe, make sure there are no embellishments or details that distract from the dress. Dresses that drape and are oversized are also perfect because you can add a simple belt or chunky necklace to create shape.
Shoes Can Be a Statement– Because one-piece looks are often less busy than two or three pieces, you can walk on the wild side with your shoes. But we are still trying to keep a minimalist style so stick with neutral tones that don’t clash with your dress.
Accessorizing
Minimalism is all about embracing the essentials and decluttering, but accessories are still very much a part of the minimalist style. Here are some tips on which accessories to include and how to wear them.
Necklaces and Bracelets– Necklaces and bracelets should both be very classic pieces, with muted metals that don’t shine. If you are wearing a simple dress, add a longer necklace to your look that creates emphasis, but isn’t too distracting.
Belts– Belts can be a good way to create emphasis when it comes to flowy dresses, but keep the colors and patterns very minimal. No need for animal print or bold buckles.
Hats– Wide-brimmed hats can transform the feel of a minimalist look while still keeping things simple. If you opt for a hat, keep other accessories down to a minimum.
Investing In Minimalist Pieces
If your closet search for simple pieces and basic staples didn’t turn up many results, don’t fear. Here are some tips on what you should invest in to create the perfect minimalist wardrobe.
Dresses– Dresses are so simple to wear—especially if you are following the rules of minimalism—because they can stand on their own without much accessorizing and styling. Balance your minimalist dress selection with a mixture of lengths, fits and materials like jersey and cotton.
Pants– Invest in a pair of skinny dress pants in a neutral color and also have your eye out for a pair of statement pants like wide leg, satin trousers. The skinny dress pants will go with a bold top well and the wide leg trousers can make any top look effortlessly chic. Have a couple of pairs of denim, too, but make sure you invest in jeans that are one wash and have very few embellishments or pocket details.
Outerwear– Outerwear has the potential to transform any minimalist look whether you are looking to take the outfit from day to night or to add an edge to an outfit you wear often. Invest in a sleek blazer that will pair well with any color. If you’re looking for a jacket to fit into your minimalist style, try a monochromatic wrap-style coat.