fall fashion essentials for minimalists

Fall is often synonymous with rich textures, bold patterns, and autumnal hues. So if you prefer a minimalist aesthetic, the season can feel a bit overwhelming. But, if you gravitate toward clean lines, neutral palettes, and understated elegance, there’s no need to change your style personality during fall. Instead, focus on fall fashion essentials that will keep you looking effortlessly chic, that suit the season, and stay true to your minimalist approach.

Let’s examine the perfect fall fashion essentials for minimalists and how to combine them to create stylish, pared-down outfits.

1. The perfect wool coat

A structured wool coat in a neutral shade like gray or camel is a cornerstone of your minimal fall and winter wardrobe. Look for sleek, simple silhouettes that offer warmth and elegance. The key is to find a high-quality coat that you really love that will last you multiple seasons without going out of style.

AllSaints Riley Wrap Around Belted Long Line Coat | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Riley Wrap Around Belted Long Line Coat

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists | 40plusstyle.com

Kylie @kylish_aus above mixes minimal and urban style with her long coat and hoodie. The length and shade of this coat would work very well if you love a minimal look.

Get her look with this similar hoodie, pants, coat (another option here), sneakers, bag and earrings.

2. Neutral knitwear

Fall and knitwear go hand in hand. But rather than chunky patterns and bright colors, stick to soft, neutral tones in classic styles. Look for cashmere or wool knits in beige, cream, and charcoal. A well-fitted turtleneck, simple crewneck, or flattering v-neck will go with everything.

Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck Pullover | 40plusstyle.comVince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck Pullover | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck Pullover

3. A white shirt

A white shirt works for any season. It’s probably the most essential item in your wardrobe if you are a minimalist. Wear it on its own or layer it under a sweater or dress. Look for high-quality cotton and a timeless finish.

COS Relaxed Shirt | 40plusstyle.comCOS Relaxed Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Relaxed Shirt

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists - leather skirt and white shirt outfit | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists - leather skirt and white shirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Open Stitch Longline Wool CardiganCOS Relaxed ShirtJ.Crew Collection Pencil Leather Midi SkirtJ.Crew Stevie Leather BootsCOS Serif Leather ToteArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Oblong Huggie Hoop Earrings

4. sweater dress

A sweater dress in a simple, sophisticated design is easy to dress up or down, pairing with boots for a dressier look, or with simple sneakers. In milder weather, you can wear alone, or in warmer weather, team with your long coat and a scarf.

COS Asymmetric Merino Wool Dress | 40plusstyle.comCOS Asymmetric Merino Wool Dress | 40plusstyle.com

COS Asymmetric Merino Wool Dress

5. Longline cardigans

A long-line cardigan is the perfect layering piece for fall. The design is minimal, with clean lines, no extra detailing, and no pockets. A high-quality, long cardigan can be thrown over a simple outfit for added warmth without adding unnecessary complexity to your look.

Eileen Fisher Open Stitch Longline Wool Cardigan | 40plusstyle.comEileen Fisher Open Stitch Longline Wool Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Open Stitch Longline Wool Cardigan

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists - Nora wears a neutral outfit and print scarf | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists - Nora wears a neutral outfit and print scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nora @juststylela above (read her style interview here) opts for minimal separates, and adds interest with her print scarf. If you like a very minimal look without prints, you could always add a plain, neutral scarf.

Check out this similar sweater, cardigan, jeans, booties, handbag, earrings and scarf.

6. Classic denim

A pair of straight-leg, slim-fit, or boot-cut jeans in a dark wash is a must for any minimal fall wardrobe. Avoid distressed finishes, embellishments, or trendy cuts, and opt for high-quality denim that you can dress up or down and pair with the other fall essentials on our list.

Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.comWit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans

7. Tailored trousers

Embrace tailored pants in neutral shades. High-waisted, straight-leg pants will provide you with sophistication and simplicity. Choose pants that you can easily transition from day to night that look stylish paired with your knitwear and shirts.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Straight Leg Pants | 40plusstyle.comLauren Ralph Lauren Straight Leg Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Lauren Ralph Lauren Straight Leg Pants

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists - neutral sweater and black pants | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists - neutral sweater and black pants | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Boiled Cashmere Funnel Neck PulloverLauren Ralph Lauren Straight Leg PantsJ.Crew Stevie Leather BootsCOS Serif Leather ToteNordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Harbison Long Pendant Necklace

8. Midi skirts

For days when you want a break from your jeans, a midi skirt in a neutral shade or a minimal print like a stripe or small check is the answer. You can add some texture while still staying minimal by opting for leather.

J.Crew Collection Pencil Leather Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.comJ.Crew Collection Pencil Leather Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Collection Pencil Leather Midi Skirt

9. Suit you can wear as separates

A good way to give your fall closet lots of flexibility is to choose a three-piece suit that you can wear together or split up as separates to create many different looks.

MANGO Wool Suit | 40plusstyle.comMANGO Wool Suit | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Wool Suit BlazerWool-blend Suit VestWool Suit Pants

10. Streamlined ankle boots

Ankle boots are a fall staple. If you’re a minimalist, the key is to choose sleek designs with no fuss. Stick to classic leather or suede. Avoid embellishments like buckles and lots of lacing. Instead, look for styles with simple pull-on or zip fastenings.

J.Crew Stevie Leather Boots | 40plusstyle.comJ.Crew Stevie Leather Boots | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Stevie Leather Boots

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists - Suzie wears a black and white outfit | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists - Suzie wears a black and white outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Suzie @suzie.richetti above chooses a minimal pencil skirt and booties and adds a little rock chick style with her moto jacket.

Steal her look with this similar top, moto jacket, skirt, boots and necklace.

11. long boots

For fall, it’s a good idea to have both ankle booties and a pair of longer knee-high boots is a good idea to give your wardrobe flexibility. Choose flat or low heels that you can easily walk in. Wear your long boots over slim pants or under the dresses and skirts in our list.

Donald Pliner Souma Boots | 40plusstyle.comDonald Pliner Souma Boots | 40plusstyle.com

Donald Pliner Souma Boots

12. A cashmere scarf

We love adding a cashmere scarf to minimal looks. Choose a soft shade in a beautiful cashmere blend that feels soft against your neck.

Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.comNordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists - cream coat and sweater dress outfit | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists - cream coat and sweater dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Riley Wrap Around Belted Long Line CoatCOS Asymmetric Merino Wool DressDonald Pliner Souma BootsRebecca Minkoff Megan Leather ToteNordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf

13. Leather accessories

Rather than bright prints, lean on leather accessories to complete your fall look – a leather tote, thin belt, and leather gloves.

COS Skinny Leather Belt | 40plusstyle.comCOS Skinny Leather Belt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Skinny Leather Belt

COS Serif Leather Tote | 40plusstyle.comCOS Serif Leather Tote | 40plusstyle.com

COS Serif Leather Tote

Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote | 40plusstyle.comRebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote | 40plusstyle.com

Rebecca Minkoff Megan Leather Tote

14. Contemporary hoops

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Oblong Huggie Hoop Earrings | 40plusstyle.comArgento Vivo Sterling Silver Oblong Huggie Hoop Earrings | 40plusstyle.com

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Oblong Huggie Hoop Earrings

15. Pendant necklace

Nordstrom x Harlem's Fashion Row Harbison Long Pendant Necklace | 40plusstyle.comNordstrom x Harlem's Fashion Row Harbison Long Pendant Necklace | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Harbison Long Pendant Necklace

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists - Adaline wears a sweater dress and boots | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists - Adaline wears a sweater dress and boots | 40plusstyle.com

Adaline @sdmomstyles above opts for subtle, gold jewelry to go with her sweater dress and boots.

Recreate her outfit with these similar knitted coordinates (another option here), boots, bag and necklace.

Good brands for minimalist fall essentials

If you do love a minimal look, these are some of the brands to check out to update your fall closet and pick out some fall fashion essentials to go with the rest of your outfits.

Fall fashion essentials for minimalists capsule wardrobe

Below, you can see the minimalist fall essentials from above together in a capsule wardrobe to see how you could wear them.

Let us know in the comments below if you would any any fall fashion essentials to this list

Minimal capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.comMinimal capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. Timeless fall trends that will stand the test of time
  2. A capsule wardrobe for the minimal style personality
  3. How a minimal wardrobe need not be boring
Fall fashion essentials for minimalists | 40plusstyle.comFall fashion essentials for minimalists | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Kylie @kylish_aus

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