How to Be a Minimalist: 5 Key Items Every Woman Should Have in Her Wardrobe

Minimalism is one of those things that seems inherently simple, but really, to pull off the look with aplomb requires more effort than you would think. I know, so frustrating. There are, however, five key wardrobe staples that serve as the ultimate foundation to a minimalist wardrobe. They're crisp, they're clean, they're so easy to wear. The versatility simply oozes out of these pieces, and even better? They're timeless! Before I give away the good stuff, there are a few basic things — or rules, if you will — to think about when shopping for classic or "minimal" items of clothing.

First up, color palette. Most minimalist wardrobes are rooted in neutral colors like beige, brown, white, black, gray, and navy. Why? Because these natural shades always match! They can be worn in any sort of combination and look well thought out and polished: black and gray, ivory and tan, brown and beige, even brown and black or black and navy (forget any "rules" you've heard that go against these color pairings!). You can even go for a tonal look and wear similar shades head-to-toe: a current favorite among fashion girls is taupe-y colors worn top-to-bottom. If you want to experiment with a little more color, give earthy green, rust, and ochre shades a try. That's a long-winded way of saying that for those building a minimalist wardrobe, it's best to make neutral colors a priority.

Second suggestion: keep it clean. Meaning, look for silhouettes that are classic and simple. Embellishments? Not so much. Yes, you can always go for a blazer with slightly puffed shoulders or a waist-cinching belt, but the main takeaway here is that the more uncomplicated the item is, the easier it will be to wear with maximum longevity in your wardrobe.

Third tip! Fit. It's utterly crucial when it comes to mastering the minimalist look and usually the secret weapon of expert minimalists. I know it's unsavory to some, but taking the time to try on pieces in person or taking it a step further and having them tailored once you purchase will go a long, long way. The more an item looks and feels perfectly fit to your frame, the more impact you'll see as a result. Plus, you'll be consistently motivated to wear and rewear a well-fitting item because you know it will look and feel great without all the effort spent figuring out something else. Think of all the time saved! The true appeal to minimalist dressing.

Now that I've talked tips, ahead, discover five key pieces that make for an easy (and very chic!) minimalist wardrobe.