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Basic wardrobe essentials for a minimalist wardrobe

Fashionable basics are the foundation of every stylish look. You only need a couple of items of timeless and stylish clothes to create lots of different outfits for everyday wear and for special occasions. You can spice up your outfit with a few trendy items of clothing. In this article we will show you which items of clothing every capsule wardrobe needs.

Contents

What are the basic essentials?

When putting together your basic wardrobe make sure to only have a couple of items of clothing that are timeless and can easily be combined with other clothes. By doing so, you will be able to put a range of stylish outfits together and you could finish off your outfit with some striking accessories or bold colours. Keep the following points in mind when choosing what clothes you want to include in your wardrobe:

  • Go for clothes with a plain or subtle pattern. Dots or stripes are always a fashionable choice if you want to add some variety to your wardrobe.

  • Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and suit your body shape. Most wardrobe essentials can be found in a variety of different sizes and fits.

  • Invest in clothes that are made out of high quality materials as they are hard-wearing and longer lasting. High quality clothes are comfortable to wear and they will look better on you.

  • Neutral colours play an important role for a minimalist wardrobe, as they are easier to combine with other clothes.

What are the best colours to go for?

White can be combined with any other colour. Smart business outfits or chic casual outfits can be put together with basic essentials in white. You also have the choice between different shades of white such as radiant snow white, natural wool white and a warm ivory white.

Black clothes on the other hand suit all body shapes and it is also a great colour for a stylish or smart outfit. You can put together a fabulous casual look with black clothes or a punk look with the right accessories. Black is therefore a real all-rounder. If black is a little too dark you can also opt for other shades such as anthracite or dark blue.

If you are looking for a plain or earth tone colours then brown, beige or taupe are the right choice. These colours in combination with warmer tones such as mustard yellow, camel or claret go very well together and they are also a great alternative to black and blue.

Wardrobe essential basics: white T-shirts are simple and very versatile.

Must-have 1: T-shirts

T-shirts in plain colours are practical and can be combined with almost anything. You can create a smart look by wearing a white T-shirt under a jacket or a blazer. For a more casual look wear a pair of jeans or a patterned skit with it. Breathable and durable cotton T-shirts are a must-have when it comes to basic items of clothing.

Women’s T-shirts

Men’s T-shirts

Elegant basics for your minimalist wardrobe: simple shirt blouses can be combined with lots of different outfits.

Must-have 2: shirt blouse

For women, the shirt blouse is another basic essential that you should have in your wardrobe. You can combine it with numerous outfits for a professional or casual look. You could combine it with a blazer and a pair of smart trousers for work. You can create a classy look with a skirt for going out in the evening. Wearing a pair of classic blue jeans will loosen up your look and make you look very smart casual.

Smart blouses

Formal shirts are an absolute must-have for every man’s wardrobe.

Must-have 3: shirts

Every man needs to have a suit with a good fit or a formal shirt. Suits are ideal for special occasions or for work. You should have a small variety of formal shirts in neutral colours. You can also choose from a variety of casual shirts for each season, such as light and airy linen or denim shirts for summer and warm flannel shirts for autumn and winter.

Smart & casual shirts

Basics for your wardrobe: soft fine knit jumpers for autumn and winter:

Must-have 4: fine knit jumpers

A simple knitted jumper is the perfect choice for cold days and goes well with jeans as with different kinds of trousers. Make sure to choose knitwear that is made out of a high quality material so that you can enjoy it for longer. It is a good idea to create a layered look when it is cold to help keep you warm. This way you can still comfortably wear a cardigan or jacket over your jumper.

Cosy knitwear

Wardrobe basics: jeans can be worn with so many different outfits.

Must-have 5: jeans

It's hard to imagine a wardrobe without jeans and they have definitely earned a place in your minimalist wardrobe. They are comfortable, robust and extremely versatile. Blue or black jeans, in particular, are the easiest colours to combine with different stylish outfits. Combining different styles of jeans with different outfits can create a trendy look, but straight leg or distressed jeans have proven to stand the test of time and are a true evergreen.

Women’s jeans

Men’s jeans

Casual trousers are a great choice for a minimalist wardrobe.

Must-have 6: casual trousers

Casual trousers are simply indispensable for work or formal occasions. Casual trousers enhance any outfit and make combinations with plain blouses or shirts and knitted jumpers look effortlessly chic. Whether you're looking for pleated trousers for the office, hard-wearing corduroy trousers for a retro style or airy chinos for the summer, you can find the perfect pair of trousers that you can combine with almost anything. Casual trousers are a real must-have for your wardrobe.

Women’s casual trousers

Men’s casual trousers

Blazers and jackets are stylish and great for creating a smart look for work and formal occasions.

Must-have 7: blazers and jackets

A blazer or jacket will effortlessly make your outfit look smart. You can combine this must-have with blouses or shirts for a smart look for work. You can combine a blazer or a jacket with a T-shirt or jumper for a more casual look. Outfits with a smart casual look are comfortable and they will make you look very chic. At the same time, you can also wear unlined jackets and blazers as an alternative to a lightweight jacket for formal occasions.

Stylish blazers

Smart jackets

Lightweight jackets are perfect for autumn and spring and for your minimalist wardrobe.

Must-have 8: lightweight jackets

It is a good idea to add a lightweight jacket to your minimalist wardrobe so that you don’t feel chilly in spring and autumn. A trench coat is a classy choice when it comes to lightweight jackets. If you are looking for a more casual look, a bomber jacket or a shacket are the ideal choice. Denim jackets or leather jackets are great for creating a snazzy casual look. We recommend having a weatherproof raincoat if you enjoy being out and about at all times of the year.

Women’s lightweight jackets

Men’s lightweight jackets

A winter coat is an absolute must for every wardrobe.

Must-have 9: winter coats

It is important to have a winter coat that has a good fit and is made out of high quality materials to help keep you warm during the winter. Ideally, they should not only keep you warm, but also be able to be combined with a wide variety of winter outfits. Classic woollen coats are timeless and can look particularly elegant, whereas quilted jackets are more casual and have a sporty look.

Warm & cosy winter coats

Monochrome skirts can be combined with a wide range of clothes to create an elegant look.

Must-have 10: skirts

A skirt with a great fit that suits your figure can be worn to create a smart or casual look. Skirts can be styled in a variety of ways. Flared and swing skirts suit all body shapes.

Skirts for every style & occasion

Lots of women have a little black dress in their wardrobe, which makes them a must-have.

Must-have 11: dresses

Dresses are an absolute must-have when it comes to wardrobe essentials. Airy summer dresses, knitted dresses or elegant sheath dresses for everyday wear can be found in most women's wardrobes. The "little black dress" has been described by fashion experts as an absolute must-have for decades. The timeless classic in mini or midi length is simple, elegant and can be styled in many different ways.

Dresses for any occasion

Tip

This guide is here to help you choose which basics you would like to have in your minimalist wardrobe. If you don’t really wear dresses or skirts, you don’t need to include them in your wardrobe. If you prefer to wear dresses instead of trousers you could own more dresses than trousers. Men may prefer to have a couple more jumpers or T-shirts if they have to wear a suit every day for work.

Women’s wardrobe essentials

Timeless fashion basics can be combined in many ways and are suitable for a professional environment as well as for free time and special occasions. The following basics should be in every woman's wardrobe:

  1. White T-Shirt

  2. Shirt blouse

  3. Fine knitted jumper

  4. (Blue) Jeans

  5. Casual trousers

  6. Blazer

  7. Lightweight jackets such as a trench coat or leatherjacket

  8. Coat or parka

  9. Casual dress

  10. Little black dress

  11. Skirts such as an A-line or a pencil skirt

Men’s wardrobe essentials

Below we have listed the absolute essentials every man should have in his wardrobe. You can create lots of different outfits with only a few items of clothing that you can wear for work, special occasions or for a causal get together with family and friends:

  1. Plain T-shirts

  2. Smart shirts

  3. Casual shirts made out of linen, denim or flannel

  4. Jackets

  5. Suit trousers

  6. (Blue) Jeans

  7. Casual trousers

  8. Knitted jumpers

  9. Lightweight jacket such as a bomber jacket or leatherjacket

  10. Coat or parka

  11. Jumpers

Conclusion: essential wardrobe basics everyone should have

By having the essential basics, you can create a wide range of fashionable outfits and you don’t need to spend a lot of time thinking about what you are going to wear. You can then add some finishing touches to your outfit with stylish accessories, items of clothing that are currently in or some clothes in bright colours. Use the lists as a guide to help you put your own minimalist wardrobe together. Adapt your wardrobe to your preferences and take into account any clothes you need for work or your lifestyle.

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Cover photo: iStock.com/Morsa Images

All other images in this text are from C&A