Understated, Elegant Pieces Under $300? These 9 Minimalist-Outfit Formulas Are Surprisingly Affordable

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Photo: Courtesy of Xander Opiyo

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Understated elegance never goes out of style. Whether you call it quiet luxury, minimalism, or capsule wardrobe dressing, this non-trend trend is pure chicness. And better yet? Some of the best finds of the spring and summer season also happen to be affordable.

Thanks to the high-street heroes we know and love–think Massimo Dutti, Cos, Everlane, and Mango–crafting a polished, uniform look doesn’t have to break the bank. There are also chic contemporary labels, like Donni, Leset, Loulou de Saison, and The Frankie Shop, that offer up fabulous fashion finds under the $300 mark. From billowy blouses to clean-lined skirts, we’re mapping out 9 must-have affordable minimalist outfits to make your own this spring and summer.

Vogue’s Under-$300 Minimalist Edit:

First up is some subtle yet statement-making outerwear. Sporty anoraks, notably inspired by the Miu Miu runway have a been seasonal highlight—as well as breezy bombers and lightweight trench coats, particularly of the cropped and clean-lined variety. Styling-wise, pair them with a sleek maxi or shorts, and a low-key pair of soft flats or trainers. Then, there are the dresses—we’re embracig monochromatic numbers in all lengths, from mini to maxi. Meanwhile, tailored trousers and full skirts pair perfectly with classic T-shirts or button-ups, for office or off-duty looks.

Meanwhile, a selection of quietly chic accessories from Vince to Lié Studio are not to be missed. Other prized picks include a pair of scrunched loafers from Black Suede Studio to a masterfully minimal pendant from Soko Sabi. Get the pared-back, but certainly never boring look, below—and shop 9 minimalist outfits, all built around pieces under $300.

The Ribbed Tank and Flowy Skirt

A fitted tank and flowy skirt is easily elevated for your 9-to-5 with heeled thong sandals. Gold extras and a small day clutch transition it seamlessly to evening.

St. Agni

Open-back ribbed tank

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Massimo Dutti

Flounce linen blend midi skirt

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Vince

Siri kitten heel sandals

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Porto

The Pouch

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Shashi

Super Katerina double hoop earrings

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French hair pin

The Sporty Anorak and Slim-Fit Maxi

Embrace the season’s sporty codes by styling a long-line maxi skirt with a practical topper for considered contrast. A stretchy headband drives the idea home.

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Everlane

The Short Anorak

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H&M

2-pack jersey hairbands

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Roxanne Assoulin

The Knot gold-tone earrings

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Leset

Lauren stretch-knit maxi skirt

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Staud

The Dude shoulder bag

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Black Suede Studio

puffy knot slide sandals

The Little White Dress and Criss-Cross Sandal

Add dimension to the all-white midi with black accessories, like a petite handbag and woven hair scarf. A chunkier leather sandal anchors the look.

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Hanro

Juliet pleated gown

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Seychelles

Chai slides

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Uncommon Matters

Swell coated-wood cuff

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Free People

Billie hair scarf

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Rubi Shoes

cord pendant necklace

The Flowy Button-Down and Relaxed Trouser

For casual Summer Friddays, trade in your ballet flats for minimalist leather flip-flops and a sleek leather shoulder bag.

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H&M

oversized linen shirt

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Aritzia

Bureau pants

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Chimi

code sunglasses

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Laura Lombardi

Isola hoop earrings

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St. Agni

90s petit shoulder bag

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A.Emery

Kinto leather flip flops

The Modest Mini and Matching Car Coat

A car coat in a matching tone is a smart way to elevate a mini dress. Ballet flats and compact top-handle bag give it instant polish.

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Everlane

The Shift Dress

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Uniqlo

oversized single breasted coat

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Vince

Vivian lambskin ballerina flats

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Nothing Written

classic golf mini bag

Sophie Buhai

small fan shell claw hair clip

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Aire

Epsilon sunglasses

The Relaxed Pleated Trouser, White Tee, and Loafer

Recreate your go-to work look with summer-friendly versions of everyday staples, such as a lighter-weight flowy trouser, relaxed tee, and supple loafer.

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The Frankie Shop

Ripley pleated wide-leg pants

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Kate Spade New York

Grace leather shoulder bag

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Flattered

Bon Bon leather shoes

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Gap

organic cotton VintageSoft t-shirt

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Elisa Johnson

Lexi sunglasses

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Frame

The Square Buckle belt

The Black Midi and Cream Ballerina

Yes, you still can wear black in the summer. A one-and-done dress is our favorite way to do so, plus its versatile nature means it can be easily dressed up or down. For daytime elegance, a cream ballet flat and black woven tote are all you need to complete the look.

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Cos

layered peplum midi dress

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Zara

macramé shopper bag

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Soko

Sabi drop pendant necklace

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Cos

leather ballerina flats

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Mejuri

Stacker ring

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Madewell

Russell oval sunglasses

The Summer White Ensemble

On the flip side—the ultimate warm-weather uniform is undoubtedly an airy tank and equally breezy linen pants. Ground the tonal color palette with black extras and silver touches for a look that reads classic and modern at the same time.

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Donni.

The Linen Simple pants

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Donni.

The Linen Shell tank

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Vibi Venezia

mary jane Nero flats

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Massimo Dutti

natural raffia bag with leather base

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Jennifer Behr

Lucy silk headband

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Clyde sterling silver necklace

The Transitional Coat and Long-Line Denim Short

A long-line denim short feels instantly more dressed with a button-down and trench coat. Sneakers and crew socks keep it practical and casual.

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Madewell

single-breasted trench coat

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Cos

longline denim shorts

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J.Crew

Étienne oversized shirt

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Adidas

Taekwondo sneakers

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Le Specs

Outta Love sunglasses

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Comme Si

The Yves socks