Whether you really believe that "less is more" or you're one of the millions of women who regularly follow Coco Chanel's famous advice ("before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off"), there's no denying the appeal of a stripped-back, uncluttered, clean-lined look. Simplicity, elegance, effortlessness that creates a feel of Zen-like serenity and calm - these are the hallmarks of the modern minimalist style.

For 2015 this is a look that has been hitting the high street in a big way. Take a deep breath because Lounge by Zalando is about to guide you into the mysteries of this rigorous but rewarding trend.

There's a distinct exotic influence to 2015's minimalist aesthetic. Go-to statement pieces include a tunic or kimono-style top with a collarless neck, a long skirt, wide-legged trousers and a cape or poncho for outerwear. Doll yourself up in these loose, flowing robes and you're sure to feel like a high priestess of fashion!

Fashion lovers seeking the ultimate minimalist ensemble will probably want to restrict themselves to a palette of a single colour - white on white and black on black are both equally chic. But if a totally monochromatic outfit isn't for you, you can achieve a look that's just as editorial with a mixture of muted neutral tones. Or you can go so far as to inject a note of contrast by pairing a tan top with a black skirt or vice versa.

Whatever colour choices you make, remember to avoid shiny fabrics or anything with too much glitter. Instead, opt for matte finishes that will diffuse light and give a soft, feminine feeling to your minimalist apparel.

Expect to see columnar, up-down silhouettes that de-emphasise womanly curves, narrowing the shoulders and hips. Proportions are roomy and elongated. Hems of tops frequently come down to mid thigh, skirts down over the knee. Trousers are often baggy and flared.

To stop all this material from becoming boxy, it's important to go for relaxed, lightweight fabrics with plenty of life and movement and steer clear of anything stiff, heavy or severe.

Without brightly printed fabrics, glitzy embellishments and bold colour combinations to fall back on, minimalist designers bring visual interest via inventive use of texture. Look for clothes with attractive weaves and knits, unusual seaming and construction or finishing touches such as raw edges and frayed hems. These subtle details add personality to a minimalist ensemble.

Another way of injecting a note of individuality into a minimalist style is by creating a unique layered look. For instance, match an oversized cape with a narrow skirt or pair a tunic with a long, slouchy jumper or cardigan. By introducing one or two asymmetrical garments into your ensemble it’s easy to create some strong diagonals. In this way you can keep your minimalist wardrobe constantly looking fresh and up-to-date.

The last thing you want to do is spoil your on-trend minimalist outfit with some careless over-accessorising, so it's important to hold back on the bling and the styling and keep things simple. In terms of jewellery, think along the lines of a narrow hoop necklace and a couple of matching bracelets or something equally subtle.

Simple pumps or flats in a sober colour and a plain clutch bag should be quite enough to round out the outfit. In tune with the comfortable, casual feeling of 2015 minimalism, make-up is best kept understated and hair should be loose, natural and not overly groomed.