Dressing minimally is often a tricky balancing act. It’s all about choosing the perfect basics, whether a quality tee or your boyfriend’s shirt, paired with a pair of perfectly fitting jeans, topped off with the right (and right amount of) accessories. For me, the below five accessories can make or break a minimal outfit.

1. The necklace

If you’re like me, you’re likely to always choose the plainest of plain tops, and leave the job of standing out to the rest of your outfit. Then I think it’s always a good idea to break up that monotony with a simple necklace. It should be personal and reflect your personality. For snootier occasions, something more bling would be perfectly appropriate. However, I strongly believe that the more dramatic your jewellery, the simpler the outfit should be, and vice versa.

2. The timepiece

I don’t care what anyone says, timepieces are jewellery too, so never leave yours behind just because you ‘have a smartphone for that’. Wearing a luxe watch denotes good taste (because, you know, you care about the time and everything). And because the choice of style is so personal, it can say so much about you. I love my classic men’s style watches, like this one by Canberra watch brand Erroyl.

3. The belt

Belts probably don’t have much practical application these days, because I’m sure you are likely to buy pants that actually fit, but all I can say is – wear one. There’s probably no other accessory which instantly makes you look 1000% more put together.

4. The shoes

This is a biggy. The choice of shoe pretty well dictates the direction of the entire outfit. I love to juxtapose feminine and masculine, and dressed up and dressed down – pointed pumps with boyfriend jeans, sneakers with dresses, and chunky Birkenstock Arizonas with skin tight skinny pants.

5. The bag

A minimal wardrobe doesn’t need – corrections, doesn’t want – a lot of bags. All you need is a few classic and quality styles that go with everything you own. The lunch bag clutch is one of my all-time loves for off-duty days. The slouchy shape makes the whole outfit feel more relaxed.

Men’s Shirt – Country Road
Distressed Jeans – J Brand
Classic Leather Strap Watch – Erroyl
Sling back pumps – Thrifted
Lunch Bag Clutch – Coming Soon to Beige Renegade Shop