While searching for minimalist wardrobe essentials, you’ve probably seen the same recommendations over and over: a basic striped t-shirt here, a traditional tan trench coat there, and don’t forget that classic-cut blazer.
While these are definitely great core closet essentials, the fact that they’re constantly being suggested as capsule wardrobe essentials can make the concept of a capsule closet feel incredibly limiting.
As a women in her 30s who values individual style and subscribes to the capsule wardrobe method, I’ve found that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
You can create a minimalist capsule wardrobe the reflects your personal style, suits your unique 30-something lifestyle (work, play, motherhood, and everything in between), and flatters your body type.
And you don’t have to invest in a bunch of expensive pieces to do so.
To prove my case, I’ve rounded up 50 chic capsule wardrobe basics below under 16 different categories.
Every single item is well-rated, well-priced, sold over on Amazon, and hand-picked by someone your age (me!).
Scroll down to check out these cute, versatile pieces.
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Roundup: 25 Amazon Minimalist Wardrobe Essentials for Women
Before I jump into my list, I want to address my take on minimalist fashion and creating a capsule collection because I know it’s different from many.
In my opinion, the minimalist wardrobe essentials you buy should suit your personal style. There’s no point in owning a white t-shirt if you don’t like how a white shirt looks on you.
Additionally, I don’t think you should limit yourself to having a super small selection of clothes or a very specific number of items in your closet. We all have different lifestyles (jobs, hobbies, climates, etc.), so we all have different needs.
To me, great capsule wardrobes make life easier. They allow your life to function with fewer clothes, which means less laundry to manage, items to organize, and overall decision fatigue.
Your goal should be to create a closet full of essential pieces that suit your lifestyle needs, that fit you well, that can be easily mixed and matched, and that you genuinely love.
If you do this, you will undoubtedly make your life easier in the long run.
Now let’s get to that list of minimalist wardrobe essentials for women, shall we?
1. Trench Coats
Trench coats will never go out of style, which make them the ideal light jacket for those looking to take a more minimalist approach to fashion.
If you want something a bit more unique, get a trench coat in a fun color like sage green. Just be sure it coordinates well with other clothing pieces in your closet.
2. Winter Coats
The “Amazon Jacket” by Orolay has been popular for a few years now, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s really good quality, beyond warm, and relatively affordable for a good winter coat.
If you don’t love the style of “The Amazon Coat” specifically, the brand that makes it has some other well-rated styles you can check out in the Orolay store.
3. Faux Leather Jackets
Rocking a faux leather jacket is a great way to showcase individual style. There are so many options, and most of them (like those shown above) are classic enough to wear on repeat for many years!
I especially love the faux fur leather jacket and faux shearling leather jacket shown above. The added textures make them look higher end and extra chic. However, a basic moto jacket really does go with everything. You can’t go wrong either way!
Learn how to create your own capsule wardrobe without sacrificing your personal style!
My unique, step-by-step guide is absolutely FREE And it includes a downloadable minimalist wardrobe checklist to make the process that much easier.
4. Black Blazers
A classic black blazer can be worn to the office, happy hour, a networking event, a job interview, church, Sunday brunch…the list goes on!
I’m a big fan of the oversized blazer, but try a few and find the best cut for you before settling. This is one of those pieces of clothing that has a ton of variations, so trying a few different ones on will ensure your hard-earned money is well spent.
5. Rain Coats
For those of us in rainy climates, a good rain coat is a minimalist wardrobe essential. If that’s not you, consider yourself lucky.
These Amazon finds are equally flattering and chic. And two of them come in a bunch of other colors!
6. Tank Tops
Tank tops are a my go-to base piece. I use them to layer under t-shirts and sweaters all year round.
This tank top set is my favorite because it includes 3 different basic colors (black, white, and gray), and the tanks are actually reversible! One side has a v-neck cut and the other side has a rounded neck cut, so you can adjust the neckline depending on what you’re wearing.
7. T-Shirts
Tees are key pieces in a more minimalist wardrobe, so I recommend getting a few long sleeve tees and a few short sleeve tees in neutral colors. It’s nice to have options during different seasons.
You can wear these alone, or you can mix and match them with other pieces (cardigans, blazers, etc.) for additional outfit options.
When picking out your t-shirts, be sure to invest in cuts that suit your body type over what’s trending. You’ll use them more and keep them for longer.
8. Turtlenecks
If you want to shake up your collection of basic long sleeve tees, try a turtleneck or two!
You can style these as you would a plain shirt with long sleeves, but the overall look will be a bit more elevated.
9. Cardigans
Cardigans can be styled in so many different ways – with sweatpants, jeans, dresses, skirts, and even leggings.
I love coatigans because they’re one of those wardrobe staples that can be used for many different occasions. They never look too dressy or too casual. However, if you rarely ever have to dress up, a more casual cardigan style might do the trick for you.
My biggest piece of advice here is to stick to a neutral color palette, that way your cardigan will mix and match with more of what you own.
10. Shackets
Who knew shackets would end up on a list of minimalist wardrobe essentials?
When these casual wear pieces started trending a few years ago, I honestly wouldn’t have guessed it. But, in my opinion, they have totally earned a spot on this list!
Similar to cardigans and blazers, wearing a shacket over your favorite basics is yet another way to differentiate them.
There are so many variations of shackets on the market these days – long shackets, denim shackets, corduroy shackets, and so on. That said, I’ve linked a variety so you can see your options.
11. Sweaters
Amazon has some solid options when it comes to sweaters. I actually bought the off-white bat-winged sweater shown above for our most recent family photos, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
These options would be great for your winter wardrobe, but could function for fall and spring too. It just depends on where you live!
12. Sweatshirts
Whether you want an oversized sweatshirt, cropped sweatshirt, or classic fit sweatshirt – Amazon has you covered.
PS: Like most things on this list, all of these linked sweatshirt styles come in other colors.
13. Little Black Dress
A good little black dress is one of those minimalist wardrobe essentials that can get you through a variety of events – even more formal events. I think these Amazon LBD options are a solid middle ground!
I actually have the black velvet dress and have received so many compliments on the flattering fit and overall quality. Everyone seems to be surprised that I bought it on Amazon.
14. Rompers and Jumpsuits
I’m beyond obsessed with rompers and jumpsuits! They are just so easy, comfortable, and versatile.
You can style them alone, with a shirt under them, or with a sweater over them.
If you’ve never owned one, I recommend trying on a variety before committing. Some are definitely more flattering than others.
PS: This onesie jumpsuit is nearly identical to a higher end version, but it’s a fraction of the price. It comes in some pretty colors, too! If you’re in between sizes, size up.
15. Lounge Sets
This sweater lounge set is one of the best things I’ve bought of Amazon, hands down. It’s light weight, well made, comes in a ton of colors and the fit is perfect. If you want a more oversized look, size up one size. Otherwise, it’s true to size.
Denim Jackets
Denim jackets are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing. So if you don’t have one, do yourself a favor and put it at the top of your minimalist wardrobe shopping list.
I prefer oversized denim jackets because they fit over everything, even a thicker base piece like a crewneck sweatshirt.
But if you want something a bit more unique, try a pearl embellished denim jacket. I mean that would really up-level even the most basic white shirt and black jeans combo!
I hope this list of chic minimalist wardrobe essentials gave you a solid starting point for creating a capsule closet that reflects your individual style.
You really don’t have so spend a lot of money to build a functional wardrobe, and the time you’ll save longterm is worth the effort you’ll have to put in upfront. Trust me, I speak from experience!
If you’re working on paring down your own closet, don’t leave before checking out these resources:
- How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe in 6 Easy Steps (Free Checklist)
- The Ultimate Workout Capsule Wardrobe Guide – Works for Every Season and Reason
- Follow me on Pinterest for capsule wardrobe outfit ideas and other simple living tips.
- Follow me on Amazon to see when I link and review products that will make your life easier.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading.
Do your best today!
Xo,
