The latest breed of minimalist brands offer the kinds of wardrobe essentials that every stylish woman needs: Clothing that is sleek, wearable, and steeped in sophisticated cool. Here, our favorite of the bunch.
Mansur Gavriel
This New York-based accessories line is only a few years old, but its clean-lined, Italian leather bucket bags and super sleek totes have already reached Birkin-like status. The brand's pieces are in such high demand that they're almost always sold out before they even hit the shelves of Barneys and Bergdorfs.
Photo: @mansurgavriel
Claire Vivier
LA-based Claire V's clutches, totes, and shoulder bags manage to strike that rare balance between timeless and modern. With their streamlined shapes and range of colors and prints (think: bold racer stripes or speckled white dots), they're sleek, playful, and literally go with everything.
Photo: @clarevivier
Atlantique Ascoli
Parisian designer Atlantique Ascoli takes the concept of the perfect white shirt to the next level. Her eponymous line features crisply tailored tops, tunics, and minidresses in architectural silhouettes, natural fabrics, and neutral hues.
Senso
Australian shoe label Senso describes its vibe as "classic yet obscure." One look at the line's affordably-priced collection of flatform sandals, slip-on sneakers, and ankle booties and you'll quickly agree: This footwear is familiar, directional, wearable, and unique—and will have your friends wondering which high-end designer you splurged on.
Photo: @senso
Protagonist
Protagonist's New York Fashion Week debut was the talk of the town this past season—and not for nothing: The two-year-old's line of flawlessly constructed cashmere sweaters, wide-leg pants, pencil skirts, and linen blazers are about as easy-wearing and polished as they come.
Photo: @protagonistnyc
Tome
Tome designers Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo have a personal mandate to create strong, relevant essentials—and in just six short seasons they've succeeded. Their line is a go-to for women seeking powerfully chic pieces that work in real life: breezy silk button-ups, sleeveless trenches, and slouchy trousers.
Photo: @tomenyc
Toteme
Understated cool is the kind of thing that's hard to pinpoint—and even harder to achieve. With their line of loose-cut sportswear in luxe fabrics and subdued hues, Swedish style blogger Elin Kling and Interview magazine art director Karl Lindman make it suddenly so much easier.
Photo: @totemenyc
Brock Collection
You might not think a line inspired by Little House on The Prairie would make a list like this this, but thanks to exaggerated silhouettes and a pared-down aesthetic Brock Collection's elevated take on Americana nails modern minimalism to a T.
Photo: @brockcollection
