The fall fashion forecast was definitely inspired as well as versatile, and with the abundance of floral prints, bold silhouettes and deconstructed classics one might be inclined to believe that minimalism has given way ‘maximalism’. This, of course, couldn’t be further from the truth. Minimalism is still holding the reins, especially now that it’s autumn. This season is every minimalist’s dream as they get to experiment, play with layers and prove that minimalism is everything but boring.

For all of those who are feeling increasingly drawn towards the realm of simplicity and timeless, effortless elegance only minimalism can provide, worry not. Putting together a minimalist look is easier than it seems, and all you need is a bit of guidance so you can choose just the right garments that will then blend together as if they were made with the intention of ending up with each other.

First and foremost

Before you can dive into the world in which getting dressed in the morning takes five minutes with the result of an impeccable outfit every single time, you have to first learn some of the basic rules. The first rule is one regarding the color palette.

In order to avoid clashing garments stick to a neutral palette consisting of various shades of grey and beige, then the inevitable black, as well as white, navy and at times maroon, burnt orange and shaded spruce – after all, the last three are Pantone’s colors of the season and given their neutral warmth they are sure to fit right in. With the exception of a subtle plaid print and evergreen stripes, leave other prints behind as they can stir trouble in the matching department.

The second rule concerns the cut. Always pick timeless non-trendy cuts that will always be in style and never purchase anything you haven’t tried on because one of the key elements of minimalism is the perfect fit. No matter how gorgeous a piece looks, if it doesn’t fit like a glove, leave it behind. Finally, allow only high-quality garments made from sustainable (therefore durable) materials to enter your wardrobe. You’re building a long-lasting wardrobe arsenal and so quality is crucial if you want your clothes to stand the test of time.

Starting over

Once you’ve picked up on these simple rules, it’s time to start building your wardrobe. For girls, this journey starts with dresses as they are the simplest yet most powerful tool one can pull out of a closet. A gorgeous black dress with a touch of drama in the form of subtle lace details that follows your shape is an impeccable choice.

For men, the journey starts with no other than a great tailored suit. Black would be the obvious choice, but truly any color from the ‘prescribed’ color palette will do as long as the cut is classic and timeless. Speaking of suits, both men and women should own at least one but preferably more than one blazer. In order for you to remain fashionable, one of them can be tailored and the other oversized. The second will be a perfect autumn outerwear for those casual low-key days, and it can even feature the plaid print.

Now, we move on to tops. Both men and women should own a classic white shirt. Your closet will be grateful as this is one of those chameleonic garments that go wonderfully with both casual and dressy outfits. You can pair it with the blazer or a gorgeous sweater. A snug light beige wool sweater goes amazingly well with a white shirt, especially if you throw in a pleated midi skirt in black or even maroon. For guys, both black and grey will do the trick, and if a pop of color is what you’re looking for, then shaded spruce is definitely your pick.

As autumn is all about chic layering skills, don’t forget to stock up on basics. By that, we mean simple T-shirts in all the mentioned shades. Never underestimate the power of a simple tee as it’s the perfect foundation for any casual chic look. Black and white striped cashmere sweaters are a definite must for both.

 As for jeans, the same rule applies to both ladies and gentleman. Your first priority is the perfect fit so make sure you scout the perfect jeans for your body type. Steer clear of embroidery, patches and ripped jeans – the goal is a lasting not fading novelty. Always go for dark instead of washed jeans – it’s very difficult to look polished in washed jeans. Now, this next garment is for boys only – simple grey sweats as there are very few things sexier than a man sporting this casual piece.

Bring on the fall

Fall would not be complete without a few fine outerwear garments to complete the look. While both boys and gals can take the same classic route with the utmost sophisticated camel trench coat, if for guys this is a tad too dressy, a classic leather jacket makes for a super-fine alternative. Every girl should own a black biker jacket – the ultimate fashion chameleon, because even minimalist gals deserve a bit of edginess.

Carefully curated footwear

One of the fall’s staples for every girl are black and camel ankle boots. Simple black patent leather loafers should also be on your list, along with nude pumps and simple white sneakers (something along the lines of Adidas Superstar. Boys should stick to classic suede shoes, white sneakers as well, and for a bit of edge, black army boots or the best Adidas Yeezy Boost deals.

Minimal all the way

Nothing more than a great timepiece and eyewear is necessary or desired when it comes to men’s accessories. For girls, this universe is a tad larger, but make sure to keep your jewelry subtle (silver and gold only). Finally, a woman’s best friend – the bag. Don’t experiment with these, keep them solid, well-made and with no excessive details.

By Sophia Smith