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Though plenty of TikTok pundits may disagree, minimalism is so much more than a trend. The low-key yet elevated approach to luxury exists today in brands like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme, among many others, but its roots go way back to Margiela, Hermès, and early Calvin Klein. Thanks to an emphasis on essentials, minimalism makes crafting an understated, elegant look easy. Investing in sleek denim, simple handbags, crisp shirting, and nonchalant trousers over those buzzy It items, is a wise principle pulled from the minimalist playbook. For summer, we’re mapping out ten must-have outfits that are polished and practical enough for every day.
Vogue’s Summer Minimalist Must-Haves:
- The Simple Maxi: Faithfull Hedy strapless maxi dress, $290
- The Classic Sandals: Bottega Veneta Riva flat mules, $950
- The Airy Skirt: Khaite Dawn skirt, $1,800
- The Bright Yellow Button-Up: Alex Mill Jo shirt, $145
- The Sleek Jean: Frame The Hang mid-rise straight-leg jeans, $268
- The Minimalist Bag: Aesther Ekme soft baguette shoulder bag, $620
- The Plain White Tank: Toteme curved ribbed stretch tank, $105
- The Tailored Trouser: Marie Adam-Leenaerdt cotton-jersey wide leg pants, $690
When it comes to mastering the art of minimalism, monochromatic looks are a chic place to start. For summer, we love an all-white outfit that incorporates bright white or cream denim (a versatile summer staple) or easy trousers. All-black, too, is always classic, whether in the form of a maxi dress or a more au courant pair of capris. That said, the minimalist need not shy away from color. A hit of solid red, or butter yellow, is an excellent way to make an outfit pop. The key is to keep the silhouettes simple.
Like always, we’re looking back to the ’90s for inspiration—an era most equated with the minimalist mindset. Think of Acne Studios’s slouchy suit matched with a pair of Emme Parsons flip flops, or a sweet black skirt set from Staud worn with a strappy kitten heel. All of the looks we’ve curated come with the minimalist seal of approval, of course. Here, shop 11 minimalist outfits that scream chic for summer.
Simple Styling Twists
This sleek Leset top can moonlight as a mini dress, but we like it best with coordinating satin trousers and clean accessories.
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9-to-9 Ease
Faithfull’s strapless silhouette needs little else aside from silver jewelry and unfussy sandals to keep the look cool
Retro Chic
A crisp base of capris and a high neck tank gets a hit of charm with cherry red flats and a cylindrical straw tote from Khaite.
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One-and-Done
A sweeping blue maxi dress is a simple way to make a statement. A woven bag and classic sandals complete the look.
Relaxed Polish
A slouchy suit and minimalist flip-flops strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and nonchalant.
Smooth Like Butter
White denim shorts and a butter-yellow button-down make for an easy off-duty combo. Add oversized aviators with coordinating tinted frames.
Femininity Unraveled
A balletic boatneck and ethereal white skirt offer a light and airy take on summer minimalism.
The All-White Formula
Classic white jeans, a simple tank, and minimalist sneakers are proof that you don’t need much to look pulled together.
Mastering Summer Blacks
Staud’s black halter and skirt duo makes an impact with clean lines. Add Toteme’s kitten heels for a chic girls night out.
A Subtle Burst of Color
Pair a bright red mini skirt with a simple top and barely-there sandals, for a clean-meets-flirty look.
Playful Restraint
A sleeveless turtleneck and black maxi keep things streamlined, while avocado-green flats and fish-shaped studs add a subtle jolt.
