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.
Leset
Barb satin sleeveless minidress
Marie Adam-Leenaerdt
cotton-jersey wide leg pants
Proenza Schouler
Slash cutout slingback sandals
Elleme
trousse suede shoulder bag
9-to-9 Ease
Faithfull’s strapless silhouette needs little else aside from silver jewelry and unfussy sandals to keep the look cool
Faithfull
Hedy strapless maxi dress
Sophie Buhai
classic circle bangle bracelet
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.
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.
Massimo Dutti
long flowing v-neck dress
Chan Luu
14k bond cord pearl necklace
Relaxed Polish
A slouchy suit and minimalist flip-flops strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and nonchalant.
James Perse
ribbed stretch-Supima cotton tank
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.
Celine Eyewear
aviator-style acetate sunglasses
Femininity Unraveled
A balletic boatneck and ethereal white skirt offer a light and airy take on summer minimalism.
Flore Flore
Steffi long sleeve t-shirt
Ruohan
x Hereu Puntera ballerina flats
Aesther Ekme
soft baguette shoulder bag
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.
Toteme
curved ribbed stretch tank
Frame
The Hang mid-rise straight-leg jeans
Jacques Marie Mage
Cliff D-frame acetate sunglasses
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.
Staud
Flores cotton-gauze halterneck top
Staud
Carla cotton-gauze midi skirt
Toteme
kitten heel slingback sandals
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.
Nili Lotan
Wrenley ribbed cotton tank
Suzie Kondi
Foosta cotton-poplin mini skirt
Playful Restraint
A sleeveless turtleneck and black maxi keep things streamlined, while avocado-green flats and fish-shaped studs add a subtle jolt.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Sandrine ribbed turtleneck tank
Éterne
stretch-jersey maxi skirt
Manolo Blahnik
Ballerimu bow-detailed satin mules