17 practical ways to interpret modern minimalism

Spring trend report: Get the inside scoop on the season’s hottest trends — plus our best tips on how to wear them.

By Chatelaine

February 18, 2014

Modern Minimalist: Atlas black umbrella, wood stem

Photo, Imaxtree.

Modern Minimalism

Here's how

Think sleek, simple shapes in luxurious fabrics. (This is investment dressing at its best.) Work with neutral tones — like our favourites, black and white — and you can’t go wrong. Even a classic dress shirt looks sharp tucked into a voluminous balloon-cut skirt. Add extra excitement with a single accent colour.

Modern Minimalism: Thakoon model, black dress, high neckline

Photo, Imaxtree.

Look for

• Cocoon & boxy shapes
• Perforated leather
• Tailored pants
• Structured accessories
• Man-style flats
• Unadorned pumps
• Textured fabrics
• Button-down shirts

Our top picks: Shoes (both styles), $140, Town Shoes.

Modern Minimalism: Town Shoes Oxford flats, black and white

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com

Top pick

Atlas umbrella, $40, Raindrops.

Modern Minimalist: Atlas black umbrella, wood stem

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

David Dixon for Town Shoes shoes, $135, Town Shoes.

Modern-Minimalism-David-Dixon-for-Town-Shoes-heels

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Jones New York top, $59, The Bay.

Modern Minimalism: Jones New York white button-down top

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Watch, $90, Timex.

Modern Minimalism: blue Timex watch

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Top, $75, Vince Camuto.

Modern Minimalism: Vince Camuto leather tanktop

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Judith & Charles jacket, $525, Holt Renfrew.

Modern Minimalism: Judith and Charles black peplum leather jacket

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Skirt, $128, French Connection.

Modern Minimalism: French Connection texture beige salt n' pepper skirt

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Belt, $19, Old Navy.

Modern Minimalism: Old Navy blue belt

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

Attitude shoes, $100, Sears.

Modern Minimalism: Attitude black pumps

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top picks

Pants, $110, Banana Republic.
Bag, $136, BCBG.

Modern Minimalism: black BCBG clutch, Banana Republic checkered and tailored black pants

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top pick

424 Fifth Lord & Taylor skirt, $99, The Bay.

Modern Minimalism: Lord and Taylor leather black skirt

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

Top picks

Tank top, $89, Ann Taylor.
Necklace, $165, Calvin Klein.
424 Fifth Lord and Taylor top, $24, The Bay.

Modern Minimalism: Ann Taylor leather tanktop, Calvin Klein silver necklace, Lord and Taylor top

Photo, Erik Putz. Off-figure styling, Jay Barnett/Plutinogroup.com.

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

FILED UNDER:

shopping runway Spring Trends

Copy link

The cover of Chatelaine magazine's spring 2025 issue, reading "weekend prep made easy"; "five delicious weeknight meals", "plus, why you'll never regret buying an air fryer"; "save money, stay stylish how to build a capsule wardrobe" and "home organization special" along with photos of burritos, chicken and rice and white bean soup, quick paella in a dutch oven, almost-instant Thai chicken curry and chicken broccoli casserole in an enamelled cast-iron skillet

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

Want to streamline your life? In our Spring 2025 issue, we’ll show you how—whether it’s paring down your wardrobe, decluttering your messiest spaces or spending way less time cooking thanks to an easy, mostly make-ahead meal plan for busy weeknights. Plus, our first annual Pantry Awards.