Everyone knows September is like Christmas to the fashion set, but The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion Editor, Astrid Carter, thinks now is not the time to be shopping for trends, but rather brilliant basics and timeless classics that will work hard in your wardrobe for years to come. Here, she handpicks her favourite pieces from the high street stores that do minimalism so well. From the softest cashmere to excellent winter coats, here are her picks.

A person wearing a sleeveless, white, V-neck, ankle-length satin dress with side pockets—reminiscent of designs from minimalist high street brands—walks on a light grey floor against a plain white background.
Satin Midi Slip Dress
Massimo Dutti, £120

There are some clear standouts on the high street when it comes to shopping for a wearable, minimalist wardrobe. Pieces that have legs for seasons to come, if not years. For me, those are Arket, COS, and Massimo Dutti. They are so good at tailoring and pieces that look and feel expensive – and yes, they often are, when it comes to high street price points – but they are well worth sacrificing quantity for quality. They are also brilliant at playing to a neutral colour palette, whether it’s chic off-white or elegant caramel and mink tones.

This satin slip looks so expensive. I’d layer it up over a fine-knit poloneck, straight-leg denim, and ballet flats.

Elsewhere, H&M Studio is one to watch for gorgeous chunky knits and tailored trousers, whilst their regular line always seems to do a fluid, elegant going-out top I can’t resist every season. Meanwhile, Mango is the destination for chic tailoring and pared-back shoes that will go with just about everything.

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Person wearing a grey jumper and dark wide-leg trousers, styled in the spirit of minimalist high street brands, stands with hands in pockets against a plain white background, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
Shoulder Pad Jumper
H&M Studio, £89.99
A woman with long curly hair wearing a cream silk asymmetrical blouse and blue jeans from minimalist high street brands stands against a plain light background, looking at the camera.
Tie-Detail Satin Blouse
H&M, £19.99
Person standing against a white background, wearing a dark, long-sleeve top with sleeves rolled up and wide-leg dark trousers—a look that embodies the effortless style found in minimalist high street brands. They hold a matching jacket and have a relaxed, confident posture with one hand in their pocket.
Wrap-Detail Barrel Trousers
H&M, £37.99
A person stands against a white wall wearing a long cream-coloured coat from one of the top minimalist high street brands, paired with red socks and black shoes, with a neutral expression and hands in the coat’s pockets.
Woollen Coat With Belt
Mango, £229.99
A person wears a khaki trench coat with black buttons, holding the coat closed at the chest—a style often seen in minimalist high street brands. Their face is partially visible, and they have long dark hair.
High-Neck Trench Coat
Stradivarius, £59.99

Summer seems just a hot minute ago, but there are some stellar coats cropping up in-store already. Now is the time to shop, before they sell out.

A person wearing black sunglasses, a cream jumper, and light trousers from minimalist high street brands stands against a plain white wall while carrying a large black bag over their shoulder.
100% Wool Round-Neck Sweater
Mango, £49.99
A minimalist, off-white mule shoe with a pointed toe and a low, angled wedge heel—reminiscent of styles seen in leading minimalist high street brands—displayed on a plain light background.
Leather Effect Mules
Stradivarius, £35.99
A person wearing a loose grey cardigan with large buttons, white wide-leg trousers, and black ballet pumps stands against a light grey textured background—a look that perfectly captures the clean lines and effortless sophistication often found in minimalist high street brands.
Oversized Wool Caridigan
H&M, £139.99
A person with long blonde hair, wearing a black long-sleeved top, blue jeans, and black ballet flats—styled in the effortless elegance of minimalist high street brands—sits on the floor with knees drawn up and arms wrapped around them, looking slightly upwards.
Block-Heeled Slingbacks
H&M, £27.99
A close-up side profile of a young person with light skin and blonde hair wearing a wide, shiny black hairband, set against a plain white background—a look reminiscent of minimalist high street brands.
Wide Alice Band
H&M, £6.99

High street favourite, H&M, has some very Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-coded accessories.

A single-breasted grey blazer with three black buttons, notched lapels, and two front flap pockets, displayed against a plain white background—an effortlessly chic piece inspired by minimalist high street brands.
100% Wool Suit Blazer
Massimo Dutti, £190
A person wearing a long, double-breasted black coat, black trousers, pointed shoes, and large black sunglasses—an ensemble reminiscent of minimalist high street brands—stands against a plain white background.
Tailored Double-Breasted Coat
COS, £269
A pair of black straight-leg jeans with a classic five-pocket design, button and zip fastening, and subtle faded detailing—channelling the effortless style of minimalist high street brands—laid flat on a white background.
Mid-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans
Massimo Dutti, £70
A person with light brown hair in a ponytail stands facing away, wearing a light blue button-up shirt tucked into high-waisted white trousers with a black belt—a look reminiscent of minimalist high street brands. The background is a plain, light-coloured wall.
Light blue, long-sleeve button-up shirt with a collar, hanging against a plain white background. Inspired by minimalist high street brands, the shirt features a concealed button placket and cuffed sleeves.
100% Silk Shirt
Mango, £109.99

How gorgeous is the colour of this powder blue shirt? Especially when paired with off-white tailored trousers.

Person wearing a blue collared shirt, black trousers, and black sunglasses stands against a plain light background with hands in pockets, embodying the clean aesthetic often seen in minimalist high street brands.
Tailored Pima Cotton Shirt
COS, £65
Black leather ankle boot with a low heel, pointed toe, and elasticated side panel, shown in side profile against a plain white background—an effortlessly chic style inspired by minimalist high street brands.
Leather Ankle Boots
Arket, £229
A person wearing a loose white button-up blouse with puffed sleeves and blue jeans, styled in the spirit of minimalist high street brands, holds a black bag while standing against a plain white background.
Cotton Poplin Shirt
Arket, £75

Pieces that have legs for seasons to come, if not years.

A woman with short, wavy hair wears a taupe long-sleeved polo and brown trousers, holding a large brown bag—her look exuding the effortless style often seen in minimalist high street brands—as she stands against a plain light background, looking downward.
Soft Knit Polo
Next, £30
Two long-sleeve collared jumpers, one light pink with front buttons layered over a taupe jumper, both displayed against a neutral background—quintessential pieces inspired by minimalist high street brands.
Soft Knit Polo
Next, £30

If you’re not yet familar with Next’s The Set, check it out. Wearable, practical basics at very reasonably price points.

A rectangular, dark brown leather handbag with two long, thin shoulder straps—reminiscent of designs from minimalist high street brands—is shown against a light grey background.
Leather Baguette Bag
John Lewis, £119
A woman, dressed in a long black trench coat from one of the leading minimalist high street brands, wears black pointed heels and large black sunglasses. She stands with hands in her pockets against a plain white background.
Funnel-Neck Trench
COS, £199
A black leather pointed-toe shoe with a low, angled heel and a subtle V-cut on the upper, shown against a plain light background—a sleek design that echoes the refined aesthetic of minimalist high street brands.
Angular Leather Heeled Loafers
COS, £139
A woman stands against a plain wall wearing a taupe jumper from one of her favourite minimalist high street brands, with another jumper draped over her shoulders, black wide-leg trousers, and brown shoes. She looks relaxed with one hand in her pocket.
100% Wool Oversize Jumper
Zara, £55.99

Good knitwear is essential to a minimalist wardrobe. I love the mink shade of this Zara number.

A person sits on a wooden block, wearing a jumper draped over their shoulders, a top, dark trousers, and loafers from minimalist high street brands, with one leg crossed over the other and their hand resting on their face, looking at the camera.
Black leather jacket with a high collar, front zip, two flap chest pockets, two vertical side pockets, and elasticated cuffs and hem—showcasing the refined aesthetic often seen in minimalist high street brands—shown against a plain light background.
Leather Funnel-Neck Bomber
COS, £349
A person stands wearing a loose white long-sleeve V-neck top, a black calf-length skirt, and tan heels against a plain white background, embodying the clean lines and subtle elegance often seen in minimalist high street brands.
Pull-on Leather Skirt
Arket, £319
A dark grey, long-sleeved, oversized polo-neck jumper with ribbed cuffs, hem, and collar—reminiscent of pieces found in minimalist high street brands—laid flat on a light background.
Pure Cashmere Jumper
Arket, £189
Accessories, Fashion, Outfits, Trending Fashion

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.

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