Top designers and minimalist labels, complete with style picks
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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1. Why Minimalist Designers Matter
Minimalism in fashion isn’t just about neutral colors—it’s about clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and timeless elegance. These pieces form the backbone of a refined wardrobe, and when fit is right, they’re effortless and chic. Use Tellar.co.uk for precise sizing across all featured brands.
➡️ Live Tellar Post: Best neutral‑basics clothing brands, where and what to buy – your comprehensive guide to minimal wardrobe foundations, complete with brand fit notes. (Tellar.co.uk)
2. Scandi Simplicity: COS
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Why it stands out: COS offers Scandinavian minimalism—clean cuts, architectural draping, and premium fabrics without the designer markup.
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Style picks:
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Oversized Blazer – perfect with wide-leg trousers or layered over knit co-ords.
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Pleat-Detail Midi Skirt – subtle texture without fuss.
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Knit Polo Sweater – elevated yet effortless.
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Fit note: Rich in shoulder structure, slightly boxy through the torso—ideal to size down for a fitted look. Refer to sizing with Tellar.
➡️ Live Tellar Post: Best high‑street brands for pretty blouses and spring dresses – compares sizing lines like COS, H&M, & Other Stories. (Tellar.co.uk)
3. Japanese Precision: Uniqlo
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Why it works: Focused on functional minimalism using quality materials—like Heattech, linen, and supima cotton—tailored for everyday ease.
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Style picks:
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Wide-Leg Linen Blend Pants – breezy but structured.
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Fine-Knit Crewneck Sweater – closet essential.
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Premium Cotton Poplin Shirt – crisp, versatile layering piece.
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Fit note: True-to-size, but lean cuts suit layering—check stems and shoulder width via Tellar.
4. Elevated Essentials: The Row
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Why it’s iconic: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand epitomises luxury minimalism—understated yet exquisitely executed.
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Style picks:
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Slim Turtleneck – goes under blazers or layered with longline coats.
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Cashmere Wide-Leg Trousers – fluid, refined, luxurious.
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Double-Breasted Oversized Coat – architectural cut with impeccable drape.
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Fit note: Generous through chest and sleeves—consider tailored adjustments or take your true size and counsel through Tellar's size advisor.
5. French Elegance: Jil Sander
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Why it excels: Known as the “Queen of Less,” Jil Sander delivers clean silhouettes, puffer accents, and precision tailoring in monochromes.
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Style picks:
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Shoulder Pad Blazer – structured yet streamlined.
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High-Neck Cape Coat – dramatic minimalism.
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Feminine Silk Blouse with Mandarin Collar – refined and versatile.
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Fit note: Slim European cuts—size up if you have a fuller bust or shoulders, and confirm arm length via Tellar.
6. British Tailoring: Joseph
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Why it stands out: Joseph blends English tailoring with elevated simplicity—think sleek trousers, soft coats, and minimal dresses.
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Style picks:
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Cashmere Funnel-Neck Coat – luxe luxe luxe.
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Crepe Wrap Dress – office-to-evening staple.
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Tailored Cigarette Trousers – clean lines for all seasons.
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Fit note: Generous in the hip—if in between, size down for sharper tailoring. Use Tellar fit chart.
7. Contemporary Cool: The Frankie Shop
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Why it resonates: Paris-based but globally chic—approachable minimalism at a mid-price point, with a modern edge.
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Style picks:
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Oversized Square Blazer – the ultimate clean-shoulder silhouette.
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Tailored Straight-Leg Trouser – smooth front, polished look.
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Knit Midi Slip Dress – easy to wear alone or under coats.
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Fit note: Street-smart oversized fit—be aware of shoulder drop and hip width with Tellar size tools.
8. Elevated Workwear: Vince
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Why it’s liked: Focuses on soft tailoring, luxurious knits, and muted tones—perfect for minimalist layering.
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Style picks:
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Sleek Crepe Tailored Blazer – great return to minimal workwear.
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Silk Trim Turtleneck Tee – subtle luxe detail.
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Slim Fit Wool Trousers – sharp silhouette for work or play.
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Fit note: Tailored athletic cut. If stocking bust or arms, suggest taking one size up. Tellar can guide chest/torso fit.
9. Italian Craftsmanship: Max Mara
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Why it stands out: Understated Italian elegance—world-famous for camel coats, soft suiting, clean shirting.
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Style picks:
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Manuela Icon Coat in Camelhair Wool – the coat that started talk of Max Mara.
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Jeanne Oversized Shirt – relaxed structure, stretch-resistant.
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Eva Wool Trousers – clean, wide cut with relaxed silhouette.
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Fit note: Classic European sizing; full bust call for upsize. Use Tellar for sleeve/bust balancing.
10. Minimal Accessories
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Building your look:
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Simple Leather Backpack or Structured Tote (Mansur Gavriel, Céline) – sleek, functional.
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Slip-On Mules or Pointed Loafers (Common Projects, Studio Nicholson) – minimalist footwear.
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Gold Disc Studs or Sculptural Hoop Earrings (Maria Black, Mejuri) – let clothes do the talking.
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Fit note: Check closure lengths and adjustable straps via Tellar—to avoid return hassles.
11. Capsule Wardrobe Integration
Item Category |
COS / Uniqlo |
Premium Layering (Row / Vince) |
Investment Outerwear (Max Mara / Jil Sander) |
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Tee or Sweater |
Cotton crew (S/M) |
Cashmere turtleneck |
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Trousers |
Wide-leg linen / poplin |
Tailored wool trouser |
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Dress/Slip Dress |
Uniqlo knit slip |
Frankie Shop tailored dress |
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Blazer/Coat |
COS oversized blazer |
Vince tailored blazer |
Max Mara / Jil Sander coat |
Accessories |
Leather tote, gold studs |
Structured backpack, sculptural earrings |
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These six items empower 10+ outfits—simple, elegant, and endlessly wearable.
12. Fit Strategy with Tellar
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Use Store Size Lookup on Tellar for each brand—enter bust, waist, hips, and sheet displays exact size suggestions.
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Check body proportions (arm length, torso length) using Tellar’s tape measure tool.
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Read brand drape notes: tough structure (COS, Vince) vs. soft fluid fabrics (Jil Sander, The Frankie Shop).
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Adjust for layering: If layering a turtleneck under a blazer, choose slightly looser silhouette but check Tellar’s size range.
➡️ Live Tellar Post: Where to Find Fashion‑Forward Clothes: High‑Street, Designer & Indie – includes tape-order steps and Store Size Lookup tutorial. (Tellar.co.uk)
13. Caring for Minimalist Pieces
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Dry clean coats (Max Mara, Joseph)
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Hand-wash premium knits (Row, Vince)
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Machine wash cold for Uniqlo basics
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Steam, don't discard; store structured items on wide hangers to retain shape
14. Inspire Your Minimalist Journey
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Zendaya’s structured neutral suiting—midi skirt, blazer, turtleneck vibe with clean lines (Tellar.co.uk)
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Sabrina Elba’s polished capsule—Levi’s, COS blends, structured coats (Tellar.co.uk)
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Jennifer Aniston’s classic neutrals—Max Mara coats, white tees, straight denim (Tellar.co.uk)
15. Stay Connected with Tellar
For daily minimalist fits, sizing tips, and clean‑cut styling drops:
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
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Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Final Word
Minimalist dressing is about quality, precision, and restraint. Labels like COS, Uniqlo, The Row, and Max Mara offer exceptional foundations—paired with Tellar.co.uk’s fit guidance, you build a streamlined wardrobe that’s both polished and practical. Effortless elegance is just a click away—happy styling!