10 Minimalist Outfits to Sport This Fall for Understated Elegance

When it comes to mastering the art of minimalism, a fully monochromatic outfit is a chic place to start. This fall, we’re opting for beige-on-beige, courtesy of Staud and Helmut Lang—two brands synonymous with a downtown look and feel. Hints of black through accessories, like an elegant leather belt or pointed-toe ankle boot, break up the color beautifully. Speaking of color pops, this fall, our minimalist palettes consist of icy blues, mellow yellows, cherry reds, and sleek slate grays. Because yes, as any self-proclaimed minimalist will tell you, their wardrobes aren’t just treasure chests for tonal blacks, whites, and browns. There are even splashes of animal-print in there given as it is just another neutral this fall.

Like always, we’re looking back to the ’90s for inspiration—an era most equated with the minimalist mindset. Think Gabriela Hearst’s lacy, two-toned slip dress with Vince’s oversized leather bomber jacket or a pair of Tkees x Nili Lotan flip-flops with Ganni’s pleated pants and a crisp white button-up from Joseph. Some of this season’s trending now can also be shopped, below, from Mango’s barn jacket and Tory Burch’s studded ballet flats to a structured suit vest from Róhe and JW Anderson’s tie-detailed sweater. All of which come with the minimalist seal of approval, of course. Here, shop 10 minimalist outfits that scream chic for fall—and beyond.

The Monochromatic Moment With an Elegant Belt

Nothing defines minimalist dressing quite like a fully monochromatic look. Here, go for beige-on-beige, starting with Staud’s scarf-detailed top and a pair of matching trousers from Helmut Lang. Off-set the color ever-so-slightly in a cropped, button-up leather jacket and Anderson’s thin leather belt. Khaite’s pointed-toe ankle boots will be a cornerstone of your early-fall wardrobe, while Sophie Bille Brahe’s pearl-drop earrings bring the shine.

The Minimalist Color Palette With a Pointed-Toe Pump

Looking to make a subtle color pop this fall? Look to Uniqlo’s icy blue cardigan and Jacquemus’s fresh-off-the-runway, zebra-printed skirt for guidance. Accessories, like a pair of kitten heel mules from Black Suede Studio and The Row’s Park tote, keep things clean and simple. The same sentiment could be said for Oliver People’s x Khaite’s silver-trimmed sunnies and Bottega Veneta’s mixed-metal earrings.

The Lacy Slip With an Oversized Leather Bomber Jacket

Of all the pre-fall outfits to test, we’re loving the juxtaposition of a dainty, lacy slip dress with a rugged, oversized leather bomber jacket. Chloé and Saint Laurent are just two of many brands taking on the chic combination. Below, follow suit in Gabriela Hearst’s silky style and Vince’s zip-up moto jacket. Complete the look in a pair of black leather mules from Veronica Beard and Toteme’s patent leather shoulder bag.

The Crisp White Button-Up With a Tailored Trouser

Sometimes you just can’t beat the basics—and what is more foundational in a wardrobe than a crisp white button-up shirt? Joseph’s poplin is the ultimate clean slate, standing up to a pair of cherry red trousers from Ganni perfectly. Drape Allude’s cashmere crewneck over your shoulders or tie it around your waist for a casual finish. Then, slip into a pair of Tkees x Nili Lotan flip-flops on warmer fall days.

The New Knit With a Sleek Jean

This season’s newest knits feature all kinds of unexpected, yet totally welcome details. Just take this slouchy JW Anderson sweater, for example. With a knotted-effect at the waist, it’s an important piece of off-duty wear to invest in, best worn with sleek jeans to heeled smoking loafers. Accessories, like a studded suede belt or python-effect handbag, end on a textural note.

The Bright Blue Button-Up With a Sharp Denim Skirt

This fall’s go-to style staple? A blue button-up shirt. From Uniqlo, this striped style can be left open over a plain white tee or tucked into a polished pant. Here, we’re wearing ours with Everlane’s sharp denim midiskirt and a pair of studded ballet flats from Tory Burch. Longchamp’s mini canvas bag and a silver chain necklace from Sophie Buhai are small, but mighty additions.

The Polished Polo With a Slouchy Corduroy

With a slightly oversized fit, La Ligne’s vibrant red polo is relaxed as it is refined. This fall, wear it atop Max Mara’s flared corduroy pants or underneath Mango’s canvas barn jacket. Boat shoes from Jeffrey Campbell hone in on the preppy aesthetic, while jewels from Completedworks and Marla Aaron are certified classics.

The Mellow Yellow Maxi With a Timeless Trench

Of all the minimalist must-haves to cop this fall, few personify understated elegance quite like a second-skin maxidress. Proenza Schouler’s mellow yellow number has been on our radar for a while now—and now yours, too. Outfit accoutrements include Uniqlo’s timeless khaki trench coat, H&M’s leopard-print ballet flats, and Loeffler Randall’s simple shoulder bag to tie it all together.

The Suede Jacket With a Retro Sneaker

Thanks to luxury labels like Bottega Veneta, Carven, Prada, and more, all things are coming up suede for fall. Try on this cropped suede jacket from Zara with H&M’s white poplin midiskirt and Tove’s striped button-up to see what all the hype is about. For extra ease and sophistication, slip into Dries Van Noten’s retro sneakers and carry Loewe’s mahogony-colored Puzzle tote.

The Structured Suit Vest With a Bermuda Short

Two timeless trends synonymous with a minimalist mindset? The tailored suit vest and a pair of knee-grazing Bermuda shorts. Here, try on these from Róhe and Saint Laurent for total sartorial success. Toteme’s heeled thong sandals and Source Unknown’s oversized blazer aid in elevating the ensemble, while Khaite’s metallic handbag and a pair of silver hoop earrings from Banana Republic take this look straight from commute-to-cocktail.