Your Modern-Day Minimalist Style Guide
Minimalist doesn’t have to mean boring. No need to ditch your fun layers for a fully beige and black wardrobe. You can still keep it colorful, playful...and, most importantly, you. Finding your minimalist clothing style is all about simplifying your wardrobe and focusing on your most loved and most versatile pieces to achieve a casual yet polished look. Here’s your quick guide to curating a modern-day minimalist wardrobe.
What is minimalist fashion? Today, the minimalist look shows up as clean cuts, solid colors, easy-to-wear neutrals, two-tone or monochrome ‘fits, and classic sneakers and clogs. The more versatile and timeless, the better. Going minimalist means decluttering, valuing what you have, and living as simply as possible.
- Identify the styles you wear on repeat.
You know who they are. The outfit you pull on when you’re running out the door: your best-fitting jeans, the sweater you could live in, the t-shirt that’s softer with every wear, and of course, your favorite white sneakers. These are the familiar, comfortable, and versatile pieces that will serve as the foundation of your minimalist wardrobe. Cover all the bases—jeans, slacks, tees, button-ups, sweaters, sweats, activewear, and shoes. By identifying your go-to pieces in each category, you’ll start to rethink those single-use items and hone in on your style. When it comes to footwear, we think every wardrobe needs...
Women’s:
- Timeless white sneakers that elevate any look: Melrose Lug Platform and SeaChange LTT
- Sporty sneakers for everyday errands and unbeatable comfort: Royal Runner
- Reliable rubber clogs or rain boots for gardening sessions and trips to the farmers market: Bodega Clog and Bolinas Boot
Men’s:
- Classically stylish lace ups that look good with any outfit: SeaChange CVO
- Go-to sporty sneakers for a comfortable fit all day long: Royal Runner
- Durable rubber clogs or rain boots for outdoor adventures and backyard projects: Bodega Clog and Bolinas Boot
- Plan for the lifestyle you have—and want.
We’ve all seen plenty of capsule wardrobe content on social. But no one closet fits all. Think about your current lifestyle and the clothing and footwear you need for the job: Are you working from home or heading to the office? Are you walking the dog or running after kids? Are you brunching on the weekend or heading for the mountains? Outfit yourself for now, but also think about where you want to go: Looking to get into biking? Make sure you’ve got the right gear. Leveling up at work? Get your professional look dialed. Ready to adopt a furry friend? Get yourself some comfy, casual walking shoes.
- Layer in pops of colors and vintage pieces.
Once your foundational pieces are set, now you can add a little more personality. Layer in a few fun, trend-driven styles—like embellished denim, corset-style tops, and sheer fabrics—or accessorize with bags and belts to add a pop of color. Consider these pieces the zest of your wardrobe—the statement-making styles that keep your collection fresh and totally you. Nothing beats finding a unique gem at a local thrift store. Fun fact: most of our photoshoot styling is sourced locally from Santa Barbara thrift stores. If you’re ready for footwear that pops, check these out...
Women’s:
- Holographic platforms with some major Y2K nostalgia: Monterey Platform
- Hot pink slip ons for brunch and weekend adventures: Baja Slip On
- Two-tone fleece booties for coziness and style at home: SeaChange Bootie
Men’s:
- Festive florals to complete your backyard BBQ best: Hawthorne Slip On
- Leopard print slip ons for wild weekends with friends: Baja Slip On
- Neon fleece slippers with rubber soles for venturing out: SeaChange Slipper
- Evolve your capsule wardrobe seasonally.
Since you’re constantly evolving, your wardrobe should, too. While your foundational pieces may stay the same across seasons, you might rethink your trendier pieces, swap your old sneakers for a fresh pair, or change up your layers based on the weather. If the flowers are blooming, time for your lighter and brighter colors. If wedding season is over, time to tuck away your dresses or suits. And if the leaves are starting to turn, get ready for corduroy and cashmere season. These seasonal check-ins can help you further edit the styles that rarely make it into the rotation.
- Set aside time for getting organized.
Once you’ve tried on everything in your closet and dialed in your keepers, put everything back thoughtfully. Categorize by style, color, or occasion—whatever helps you get ready for the day faster. You don’t need to fully Marie Kondo your closet but be mindful of where you put your most-used items. You might designate a shelf for the items you reach for daily. Or, if you have the space, put some items in storage so they’re out of sight and out of mind—until the next season. If you’re ready to part ways with a few things, host a clothing swap with friends, sell via apps like Poshmark, or donate to a local thrift store.
Your closet is just the start! See where else you can declutter and find peace of mind at home. Going minimalist will inspire you to value the items you own while shopping more thoughtfully in the future. And remember, it’s not about Pinterest-level perfection—it’s about making progress.
