Form following function: we’ll keep this short.
After the Coogi sweater 90’s and Ed Hardy aughts, the fashion world was hungry for something new. Iconic designers like Helmut Lang and Raf Simons planted the seeds for change around the turn of the millennia, but it would take until 2004 for minimalism to grow into a global presence.
That year, New York-based design duo Common Projects launched the Achilles Low sneaker – sleek, precise, luxurious, and completely unembellished. Compared to the neon Bapestas it competed with, the Achilles was lightyears ahead and a species apart.
Only a few months later, H&M would launch its first designer collaboration with none other than the master of monochrome, Karl Lagerfeld himself.
The collection’s focus on basics – coupled with the Swedish chain’s global distribution – brought fashionable minimalism to the masses.
And oh, was the world ready: well before the era of professional resellers, the entire collection sold out globally in mere hours.
In November 2004, pared-back Scandinavian design earned the respect of millions of shoppers and fashion editors alike. The rest, as they say, is history.
How To Style With Minimalism In Mind
The best minimalist outfits stick to solid colors, simple patterns, and sleek designs regardless of context.
Whether you’re rocking penny loafers or white leather sneakers, your clothes should drip simplicity.
Clean lines? Check. Minimal graphics? You bet.
White tees, overcoats, and neutral-colored crewneck sweaters are the name of the game here. Brands like A.P.C., Norse Projects, and Uniqlo U do it best.
Applying these style tips to streetwear is as easy as relaxing the construction. In clothing, styling, and life: just don’t try too hard.
Minimalism here often means tapered sweats, unadorned bomber jackets, and extended shirts that emphasize clean lines.
Pair any of the above with retro-inspired sneakers and a solid color hat to nail the look.
While much of streetwear rests on flexing brand status, flashy text and graphics are the exact opposite of the understated minimalist style.
Color-matching “tonal” logos (like the kind on Supreme’s FW15 Embroidered Hooded Sweatshirt) get an under-the-radar pass, but as a rule, minimize the distractions and let the piece speak for itself.
Done right, minimalist streetwear is effortless fresh that doesn’t need a marketing budget to flex.
If your commitment to minimalism extends to your budget, check out brands like H&M, Everlane, and Gildan for the best value.
But, if you can reach for the nicer stuff: KITH, Wings + Horns, and John Elliot. The quality alone is worth every penny.
6 ESSENTIALS FOR A MINIMALIST WARDROBE
Ready to rock the simple, clean wardrobe? Here’s our 6 essential picks, covering both high and low budgets:
Leather Sneakers
The foundation to any minimalist wardrobe, these understated white sneakers set the tone for your outfit’s clean lines and tonal hues.
Overcoat
Long, sleek, and built for any weather. Keep the lapels simple and avoid add-ons like belts.
Grey Crewneck Sweater
Minimal stitching, neutral tones, and 3-season versatility. Welcome to your new favorite mid-layer.
OCBD (Oxford Cotton Button Down)
This classic-inspired print piece balances visual interest and a commitment to minimalist design principles.
Tapered Sweats
The new casual pants. Keep these solid-colored and let your outfit do the rest.
Pants
There’s so many different types of pants, but realistically you only need 3 pairs.
