When we think about minimalism in colors, we immediately go for white. White is the go-to color when we think about minimalist visual arts or minimalist design. It’s only natural that we do so because white is a simple color that matches with just about everything. Nonetheless, minimalism isn’t all about palettes of white and white, especially when it comes to style.
Minimalism isn’t based on a strict set of rules an aspiring minimalist must follow to embrace the lifestyle. Rather, it’s adaptable to each personality and taste. You are free to choose the color combinations that make you feel more confident.
We have briefly talked about minimalism in style. The key in minimalist style is to own a few pieces of clothing. When shopping, the criteria must be the color: you must choose your clothes with a few palettes in mind so that all your clothes match with one another. This will allow you to make several distinct outfits.
Palettes
To create your palettes in minimalist style, your clothes shopping must be broken down into these colors. Here is a list of the most appreciated neutral colors that serve as a basis for a minimalist outfit.
After having chosen your neutral outfit color, there are two options: you either pair the main color with other specific colors to create a tonal outfit (wearing multiple shades of the same color) or choose among other colors for a contrasting outfit.
Tonal outfits are appealing because it gives you a more polished look without you having to spend extra time getting dressed and it’s simple because shades of the same color always go well together.
Contrasting outfits require a bit more of time and effort, but with the right clothes, it becomes simpler and the results are always breath-taking!
Here’s how to match these colors in different ways
If your main color is white
You can match it with ivory or grey to create a tonal outfit. If you’re feeling more of a contrasting vibe, the options are varied: you can use pieces of clothing in tones of cream, nude, olive, black, and charcoal.
If your main color is ivory
To create a tonal outfit, you can match ivory with white and cream. To create a contrasting outfit, you can choose one (or many) from khaki, olive, charcoal, and black.
If your main color is cream
For a tonal outfit, opt for a mix of cream, beige, and tan. If you prefer to put together a contrasting outfit, mix cream with white, charcoal or grey.
If your main color is olive
A tonal outfit based on olive is accompanied by khaki. Contrasting outfits with olive as the main color can be put together with white, ivory, cream, and black.
If your main color is sand
To create a tonal outfit use nude and tan. If you’re aiming at a contrasting outfit, match with charcoal and black.
If your main color is nude
A tonal outfit based on nude goes with ivory, beige, and tan. For a contrasting outfit, use white, olive, grey, charcoal, and black.
If your main color is tan
Beige, nude, and cream are ideal for a tonal outfit. On the other hand, white, ivory, and black are the ones for a contrasting outfit.
If your main color is army
Olive, khaki and black are great for an army tonal outfit. For a contrasting outfit, use white and sand.
If your main color is grey
To create a tonal outfit, match grey with white, charcoal, and black. To create a contrasting outfit, match nude and khaki.
If your main color is taupe
To create a tonal outfit, use nude and mocha. To create a contrasting outfit, opt for white, grey, camel, and black.
If your main color is camel
For a tonal outfit, match camel with cream and tan. For a contrasting outfit, match camel with nude, white, and beige.
If your main color is khaki
A tonal outfit based on khaki matches with olive. A contrasting outfit includes white, ivory, nude, beige, and black.
If your main color is beige
Tonal outfits based on beige use ivory and cream. Contrasting outfits include white, khaki, charcoal, and black.
If your main color is mocha
For a tonal outfit, match nude and taupe. For contrasting outfits, match white, sand, and black.
If your main color is charcoal
For a tonal outfit, match white, grey, and black. For a contrasting outfit, use cream and nude.
If your main color is black
For a tonal outfit, match grey and charcoal. For a contrasting outfit, use ivory, cream, nude, and white.
Outfit suggestions
You can go through the different palettes we described above and create your personalized outfits. However, we compiled a few examples of everyday outfits based on minimalist neutral colors.
For a party
Use nude as the main color and combine it with ivory clothing and beige accessories. This combo is perfect is you’re looking for a feminine, refined yet simple look.
For a meeting (male)
This palette is great for men and it is a great look for an important meeting. Use charcoal as the basis (color of the suit) and mix it with grey accessories and a black tie.
For a meeting (female)
For a meeting, try a look based on grey and mix it with cream clothing and khaki accessories. This is a modern and clean look that doesn’t lose its elegant appeal.
- For a weekend hike
This combo is inspired by colors of the outdoors. Go for tan as the main color and add ivory and white in other pieces of clothing and accessories. The tan gives you an energetic and natural vibe.
For hanging out with friends
This palette is one of the good ones. Its tones are flattering and great for bright-toned environments. Use charcoal as the main color and mix it with ivory clothing and nude accessories.
That’s a somewhat feminine palette, the alternative we offer for men is charcoal as the main color as well, but rather than combining it with ivory and nude, try mocha and grey.
