It’s often said that minimalist fashion was born in the 1920’s, when Coco Chanel first introduced the world to the little black dress. “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance,” the designer reportedly said. Over a century later, the less-is-more approach is still considered one of the chicest ways to dress. Just consider the enduring covetability of understated labels like The Row, Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Phoebe Philo’s Celine. Or, our collective obsession with finding the perfect white T-shirt, crisp blazer, and well-fitting pair of jeans.

For all its visual brevity, minimalist fashion isn’t always totally effortless to pull off. In certain hands, a turtleneck and a pair of pants can be the ultimate in sophistication—or a total snooze. To that end, minimalist fashion requires a certain appreciation for nuance. An understanding of silhouette, texture, and proportion helps, but it’s mostly about having the confidence to let your discernment speak for itself. As famed minimalist artist Donald Judd was known to say, minimalism is the “simple expression of a complex thought” and about “the whole” being more interesting than its individual parts.

In other words, minimalist fashion is as much a philosophy and a practice as it is an aesthetic. “It’s about an ease that you can feel and see,” explains creative director and stylist Ali Pew, whose Substack Uniform explores that point of view. “It’s intentional.” Below, a few tips on how to embrace minimalist fashion and make it your own.

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Invest in essentials

When it comes to choosing items for a minimalist capsule wardrobe, fashion designer Jenni Kayne says it’s all about curating “timeless” pieces that will evolve with you. “Lean into pieces that work with anything and everything and will be with you for years to come,” she advises, adding that “you truly can’t go wrong with a crisp white button-down, a simple navy cashmere sweater, classic black trousers, and a vintage pair of jeans.”

Pew says it’s helpful to define your “wardrobe foundations” and to be disciplined when shopping. “Stick to a uniform of the pieces that make you feel the best and invest in what you truly love,” she says. “My personal wardrobe foundations are thin knits, button downs, wide-leg trousers, blazers, tote bags, and strappy sandals—but minimalism really is about leaning into what is essential to you.”