When it comes to relaxed refinement, a tailoredsuit vest is a traditional menswear garment worth borrowing from the boys. Fit for summer, The Frankie Shop’s off-white option adds a depth of formality to any minimalist outfit. Style it with a pair of striped pajama-like pants, also from the Paris-based brand, for polished ease, The Row’s viral jelly sandals, and Massimo Dutti’s slouchy raffia tote. Meanwhile, summery separates, like Toteme’s oversize button-up and Mango’s linen blazer, are low-effort but high-reward. The latter comes in timeless black, making it a chic closet cohort for a Simkhai’s delicate slip dress and a pair of sultry strappy sandals from Manolo Blahnik. As always, we’re looking back to the ’90s for inspiration—an era most synonymous with the minimalist mindset. Think Vince’s crinkle-effect midiskirt, a pair of fashion flip-flops from Massimo Dutti, and Tory Burch’s mesh tote bag.
While only several weeks into summer, the importance of simple, minimalist dresses is present now more than ever. Our fashion favorites include & Other Stories’s statement red tank dress, Esse Studios’s strapless two-toned maxi, and Tory Burch’s LBD, which looks great styled over a pair of classic blue jeans. Honorable mention goes to Bite Studios’s tailored Bermuda shorts, which are a chic alternative to denim cutoffs. Below, 10 minimalist outfits that scream chic.
The Summer-in-the-City Slip Dress With a Linen Blazer
Simkhai’s lace-trimmed slip dress is a favorite among several Vogue editors. Just last week, Vogue’s executive fashion director, Lisa Aiken, styled the staple with a simple black blazer and pair of minimalist black sandals. Complete the look, below, with chic jewels from Lié Studio and The Ysso, plus Toteme’s canvas clutch.
The Striped Pajama-Like Pant With a Jelly Sandal
Two timeless trends synonymous with a minimalist mindset? The tailored suit vest and a pair of striped pajama-like pants. Luckily, The Frankie Shop offers up both—and for under $300. Style the downtown-cool look with a pair of jelly sandals from The Row and Massimo Dutti’s slouchy raffia tote. J.Crew’s exaggerated shell necklace is a nautical finishing touch not to skip out on.
The Crinkle-Effect Midiskirt With a Fisherman Sandal
Earlier this spring, we reported on the runway-approved white poplin skirt, courtesy of brands from The Row and Marni to Alexander McQueen and Ulla Johnson. For summer, they’ve been given a seasonal update in lightweight, crinkle-effect satin, like this ankle-grazing style from Vince. For a casual daytime look, wear it with Toteme’s linen-blend shirt, Madewell’s fisherman sandals, and a packable sun hat from Banana Republic.
Madewell
Tegan fisherman sandals
The Pop of Red With a Fashion Flip-Flop
Looking to make a subtle color pop this summer? Look to & Other Stories’s red tank dress. Accessory-wise, keep it clean and simple with Massimo Dutti’s fashion flip-flops, Tory Burch’s mesh tote bag, and Ben-Amun’s pendant necklace to match.
The Lightweight Crochet Sweater With a Summertime Loafer
Breathable crochet and summer go hand-in-hand, which makes this striped Everlane sweater a no-brainer. With endless styling opportunities, it looks especially chic with Madewell’s poplin midiskirt, Clare V’s woven tote, and a pair of summertime loafers from Flattered.
The Easy White Dress With a Downtown Sneaker
Fashion fact #1: Every summer capsule wardrobe needs an easy white dress. Proenza Schouler White Label’s poplin maxi is equal parts practical and polished, especially when styled with Adidas x Wales Bonner’s downtown sneakers and Bode’s embellished tote. Trust us, with this look in your back pocket, you’ll want to be an outfit repeater.
Proenza Schouler White Label
Libby tiered gathered cotton-poplin maxi dress
The Tailored Bermuda Short With a Python-Effect Sandal
With peak heat on our horizon, turn to pleated pairs of Bermuda shorts instead of denim cutoffs when you want something polished but still practical (impromptu bike ride, anyone?). Bite Studios’ high-rise style are a workwear staple in-the-making, pairing perfectly with Stella McCartney’s sleeveless sweater, Aeyde’s python-effect sandals, and Ferragamo’s raffia ladylike bag.
The Summer Polo With a Breezy, Billowing Pant
Don’t consider yourself a dress or skirt enthusiast? Look to The Frankie Shop’s breezy, billowing white pants instead. Styling-wise, we recommend pairing the prized pant with By Malene Birger’s knit polo with Matteau’s minimalist tank top layered underneath. Accessories from Reformation and Julietta add some welcome color to the otherwise neutral look, while Flattered’s suede clutch is almost too chic.
The Two-Toned Maxi With Mesh Ballet Flat
Of all the minimalist must-haves to cop this summer, none define understated elegance quite like the two-toned dress. Esse Studios’s strapless maxi has been on our radar since spring—and now yours, too. Outfit accoutrements include A.Emery’s gladiator sandals, Bottega Veneta’s burgundy crossbody bag, and a selection of earthy jewels from Jia Jia to Starling.
The LBD With a Sleek Blue Jean
We can assume that you already have an LBD or two taking up prime real estate in your summer capsule wardrobe. Keep things fresh by styling yours, like this mini from Tory Burch, atop a pair of classic blue jeans. Then, step into Staud’s mesh ballet flats and carry Alaïa’s canvas tote for a final look to last you seasons.
