The fashion industry has granted us some of the boldest names and suavest pieces over the last few years: Totême’s fringed scarf coat, The Frankie Shop Ripstop jacket and Khaite’s Scarlet cardigan are just a pinch of the crème de la crème offerings by fashion-forward brands. Contemporary brands from The Row to The Frankie Shop have spearheaded the design industry and their styles continue to forge longevity seasons on—whether that’s cold-weather favourites or svelte shaping for summer days.
Fashion can be daunting, with many trends bouncing around the ether, but when it comes to sartorial flair and the essence of personal style, refined dressing surpasses every trend. Minimalist brands are beloved by editors and fashion types worldwide, and whilst our dialects vary, some names are universally appreciated. People are so enamoured with the pared-back aesthetic, that it has now become a reinforced style of dressing inherited by both minimalists and maximalists, albeit in different ways.
The value of functionality in fashion has never been more prevalent as we’re in a diligent era, where people value easy-to-wear uniforms without needing to sacrifice comfort or style. Contemporary brands continue to amass cult followings and customers are optimistic about making these fashion investments. They’ve also influenced the customer approach to acquirement, with many people now choosing to invest in quality garments over quantity.
Devoid of saturated hues and instead offering neutral palettes ranging from creamy ecru to dusty cocoas and sepia tones—there are styles and colourways made to slot seamlessly into existing wardrobes. With an amalgamation of billowy dresses comprising silk and crisp organic fibres, there are pieces to appease every texture profile and taste. Keep on reading for the 10 minimalist brands to know in 2024 —including some that may be new on your radar.
1. House of Dagmar
Founded by three siblings and built on the legacy of their great-grandmother, Dagmar, House of Dagmar launched in 2005, bringing with it a fresh take on functionality. The Scandinavian brand aims to bring us expert craftsmanship, with a streamlined curation of high-quality pieces to span decades of wear, irrespective of trends.
House of Dagmar
Bias Cut Top
This bias-cut top features an elegant and sweeping shoulder design.
House of Dagmar
Leather Skirt
Although minimalism is best associated with understated silhouettes, as seen here, voluminous styles are also considered classic.
House of Dagmar
Cinched Blazer
A cinched blazer in an ochre hue. I’m sold on tailoring!
House of Dagmar
Brushed Alpaca Knit
Super cosy and chic — a piece you’ll wear through to summer.
House of Dagmar
Wide Leg Denim
The perfect ’90s style denim.
2. By Malene Birger
Although By Malene Birger was founded in 2003, the brand disrupted the fashion world in the latter of 2022 — introducing us to some famed garments and fuss-free textiles indicative of its bohemian essence. The fringed scarf and bouclé dress are some of the notorious styles saturating our favourite creators’ Instagram feeds. The garments meet somewhere between modernist shaping and bohemian (boasting a slight lilt). From languid frocks to substantial knits, it’s the destination for classics with a spin.
BY MALENE BIRGER
+ NET SUSTAIN Paige organic cotton-blend maxi dress
One part chic, one part cosy.
By Malene Birger
Abilso leather tote bag
By Malene Birger also excels when it comes to accessories.
By Malene Birger
Sloana merino wool maxi dress
A representation of the brand’s Scandinavian simplicity.
By Malene Birger
Poppie maxi coat
A classic style that will work hard in your wardrobe.
By Malene Birger
Tinley double-breasted cardigan
Look at the wide-cut sleeves – minimalists will appreciate these intentional details.
3. Tove
Camille Perry and Holly Wright’s brand came to our attention in 2019. With a pedantic approach to clothing and an emphasis on pieces that celebrate the human form, it’s become a firm favourite for ‘dressing up’ among fashion lovers. Amongst their varied arsenal, you’ll find free-flowing fabrications and remixes of classic styles.
TOVE
Leomie asymmetric gathered stretch-jersey top
The intertwined fabrication make this so far from your average top.
TOVE
Rae belted leather jacket
The cut of this leather jacket is so directional.
TOVE
Raquel stretch-silk cloqué maxi dress
I can never resist this colour.
TOVE
Rayssa strapless stretch-jersey maxi dress
Tove shows its design prowess through immaculate drapery.
Tove
Carlotta Lambswool Coat Dark Brown
If you’re looking for a forever coat, then look no further.
4. Ninety Percent
When it comes to championing sustainability few brands do it like Ninety Percent. Their limited arsenal comprises wardrobe basics with a twist. In addition to the considered fabrications and sleek designs, they’re intentional about their environmental impact — reinvesting 90% of profit into community causes. If you’re looking to invest in forever pieces at sensible price points, you won’t be disappointed.
Ninety Percent
Orion Wrap-Effect Asymmetric Midi Dress
The handkerchief hem will add a playful movement with each step.
NINETY PERCENT
+ NET SUSTAIN Chani LENZING REFIBRA straight-leg pants
Pair this with the matching Nagar top.
NINETY PERCENT
Narin draped organic cotton-jersey midi dress
Ninety Percent does everything well, especially elevated dresses.
Ninetypercent
Iphis Top in Enoki Mushroom
A high-quality piece you’ll wear for years to come.
Ninety Percent
Nagar Tencel Lyocell Shirt
Button up shirts feature in our outfit builds all year round.
5. Beare Park
Hailed a name to know by Net-A-Porter, and with a newly launched Liberty concession, Beare Park has made an instant impression on fashion types. For lovers of monochromatic looks and feminine shapes, Beare Park offers fluid, longline silhouettes, and tailored styles aplenty.
BEARE PARK
Layered silk-satin and georgette maxi dress
A standout gown for minimalists.
BEARE PARK
One-shoulder tie-detailed silk-georgette maxi dress
When minimalists want to stand out, they put focus on fabrics, like silk.
BEARE PARK
Wool-twill maxi skirt
Elegant maxi skirts continue to dominate winter trends in 2024.
BEARE PARK
Strapless pleated cotton-twill maxi dress
A white dress is an ideal companion for a pending spring.
BEARE PARK
Pleated paneled checked wool maxi skirt
6. Caes
Caes is an intentional brand with a moniker that relates purely to slow fashion. With an emphasis on transeasonal clothing, the styles consist of neutral pallets and refined shapes. Each piece is designed to fit seamlessly into a working wardrobe, and they emphasize the importance of durable fibres.
This jacket will serve you every year.
CAES
Lyocell-blend jersey top
A white top with a scooped neckline can be worn during the day and night.
CAES
Cotton-poplin blouse
Caes takes classic styles and adds a unique edge to set pieces apart.
CAES
Lyocell and cotton-blend poplin midi wrap skirt
A midi skirt should be in everyone’s collection, no matter the aesthetic. It’s a piece everyone can put their stamp on.
CAES
Cotton-fleece sweatshirt
This butter-hued sweatshirt can work for many occasions.
7. Totême
Founded in 2014 by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman, Totême is a brand that fundamentally champions wardrobe staples. They’ve produced some of the most iconic minimalist pieces to date. Their collection features opulent fabrications and pieces that are crafted to withstand time and transcend seasonal trends. Most popular are their outerwear and knitwear pieces. Their inspired take on modern styling has inspired many brands. I’m sure most of us will agree that Kling and Lindman succeed in their mission to corner the minimalist market.
Totême
Draped Fringed Wool-Blend Jacket
Totême has amassed a serious cult following with many of the pieces selling out fast – case in point the Draped Fringed Wool-Blend Jacket. Now available in four colourways including this swoon-worthy dark grey version.
Toteme
Soft suede shirt cornsilk
You can always trust Totême to produce fanciful outerwear.
Toteme – INT
Minimalist summer coat anthracite
Totême gave the trench a modern lift with this pared-back shaping.
Totême
Roll-Neck Striped Wool-Blend Sweater
Understated, yet powerful – the sweater everyone is coveting seasons on.
8. Black to Grey
I have a penchant for indie labels, so I was delighted to stumble across Black to Grey. The brand concept zeros in on a conceptual approach that aims to marry the earth’s organic properties with clothing of a similar ilk. Many of the pieces are also fashioned from recycled fabrics – emphasising the importance of circularity in the fashion industry.
.blacktogrey
Ida Trousers
Held in denim with contrasting stitching.
Black to Grey
Basalt Trench
Pair this androgynous style trench coat with a midi dress for a match to behold.
Make this a fuss-free occasion top if you’re averse to bells and whistles.
.blacktogrey
Slate Trousers
I’m already planning out so many outfits that include these trousers.
9. Lou Lou Studios
Inspired by French architecture, Chloé Harrouche set about encapsulating a theme of integrity and focus on the female form – with Paris as her muse. The Lou Lou Studios atelier is situated in the most aesthetic corner of Paris. Its repertoire highlights relaxed silhouettes with an off-duty feel. The compositions are worth a notable mention, too.
Lou Lou Studios
Cashmere-Blend Maxi Dress
This relaxed style will accentuate the figure.
LOULOU STUDIO
Martil wool and cashmere-blend coat
Subdued tones, a refined fit and a cashmere-rich mix. What’s not to adore?
LOULOU STUDIO
+ NET SUSTAIN Abside leather slingback pumps
LOULOU STUDIO
Ribbed-knit mini dress
The Parisian influence in the lengths.
LOULOU STUDIO
Canillo cotton-blend bouclé sweater
Neutral cashmere is the backbone of minimalist style.
10. Leset
Leset is inspired by the notion of a ‘set’ uniform. It’s where at-home attire meets minimalism without needing to forgo a chic aesthetic. Lili Chemla’s styles centre on an easy-to-wear sentiment and hones in on uniform pieces that comprise luxe fabrications. Think the ultimate LBD and leggings to take you from day to date night.
Leset
Gil Crinkled-Satin Blazer
From the collarless design to the crinkled satin texture, this is the most elevated blazer I’ve ever seen.
Leset
Jane Belted Wool-Blend Twill Trench Coat
When considering the foundations of a great wardrobe, a great trench coat always features.
Leset
Rio Stretch-Ponte Stirrup Legging
2023 is the year of fancy leggings.
LESET
Lauren brushed stretch-knit slim-leg pants
If you’re looking for a change from the classic black or grey pants, opt for a just-as-timeless grey slip.
Leset
Adam Cashmere-Blend Sweater
Celebrate the cropped silhouette with high waisted bottoms.
Next Up: French Women Agree—These 5 Colour Trends Look Extremely Elegant
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Promo image: @brittanybathgate; @monikh; @francescasaffari