The Complete Guide to Creating a Minimalist Wardrobe
If you`re tired of feeling like you have too many clothes and nothing to wear, you should start creating a minimalist wardrobe. It will simplify your life because you need to dress every morning. It will be easier and faster to do that when your closet aligns with your personal style. Actually, you feel great when you open your closet and see all the outfits you love and feel comfortable in them.
Here, we tell you about minimalist wardrobes and how to create a minimalist closet.
Table of content:
What is a Minimalist Wardrobe?
Why Have a Minimalist Wardrobe?
How many clothes should be in a minimalist wardrobe?
How do I start a minimalist wardrobe?
What are the essential items for a minimalist wardrobe woman?
Is a minimalist wardrobe worth it?
How a Minimalist Wardrobe Can Change Your Life
What is a Minimalist Wardrobe?
A minimalist wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. This is without excessive items. The concept of a minimalist wardrobe challenges the idea that we need many clothes to look good. Instead, it emphasizes quality over quantity. A typical minimalist wardrobe would include high-quality, versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Having a minimalist wardrobe can simplify your life, save money, and reduce decision fatigue in the morning.
Minimalist closets are suitable for people who want to live an eco-friendly life and avoid fast fashion. Some people find the aesthetic aspect of a minimalist wardrobe in neutral colors to be appealing. However, others feel that they need fewer clothes and can be more productive by creating a uniform.
Why Have a Minimalist Wardrobe?
Minimalism is a lifestyle choice that involves living with less stuff and only keeping the things that bring value to your life. With this in mind, a minimalist wardrobe is a wardrobe intentionally pared down to the essentials. This approach has many benefits for individuals and society at large, including:
Simplify your life: When you have fewer clothes to choose from, it becomes easier to make decisions in the morning. You won’t have to spend time browsing through a large and messy closet, and you’ll always have something appropriate to wear no matter the occasion. This can save you time and energy.
Save your money: By reducing the number of clothes you own, you will reduce the amount of money you spend on clothes you don’t really need. With a minimalistic wardrobe, you can invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that last longer and you won't be tempted to buy every new trend that comes along.
Sustainable fashion: Having a minimalistic wardrobe is also helpful for the environment. Fast fashion is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries in the world. With a minimalistic wardrobe, you reduce clothing waste and pollution produced by the fashion industry.
Discover your personal style: When you have fewer clothes, you learn to mix and match your pieces to create different outfits. You’ll discover what styles and colors suit you best and build a wardrobe truly reflective of your personal taste. You’ll also learn to appreciate quality over quantity and invest in pieces you truly love.
Practice self-discipline and mindfulness: In a world that encourages consumerism and materialism, it’s easy to get caught up in the "more is better" mentality. However, by intentionally choosing to live with less, you are more mindful of what you bring into your life. You learn to appreciate what you have and don't always look for the next purchase to fill a void.
How many clothes should be in a minimalist wardrobe?
The number of clothes in a minimalist wardrobe varies depending on individual needs and preferences. However, generally, a minimalist wardrobe typically contains about 30-40 items. This may include essential basics like t-shirts, jeans, and dresses, as well as a few high-quality pieces like blazers, coats, or statement accessories that can be mixed and matched in different ways.
It's imperative to note that the number of clothes in a minimalist wardrobe should be based on factors such as lifestyle, climate, and personal style. The goal of a minimalist wardrobe is not to have a specific number of items. Instead, it is to have a functional and purposeful collection of clothing that you love and wear consistently.
How do I start a minimalist wardrobe?
Starting a minimalist wardrobe can feel overwhelming, but with a few simple steps, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1-Assess Your Current Wardrobe
Begin by inventorying your current wardrobe. Look through your closet, drawers, and any other storage spaces where you have clothes stored. Assess what you already own, what you wear often, and what you haven't worn in a long time. Sort your clothes into piles, including keep, donate/sell, and recycle/trash.
2- Decide on your personal style
Minimalism is all about keeping things simple, so it's imperative to know your personal style to create a wardrobe that reflects your unique aesthetic. Look for inspiration on fashion blogs or Instagram and pin down the looks, colors, and styles you like.
3- Identify Your Wearing Needs
Identify the specific types of clothes you wear regularly, and prioritise purchasing these items for your minimalist wardrobe. For example, workwear or regular clothing. Consider the types of events you attend and the weather conditions you encounter in your area.
4- Keep Only Classics
Keep only timeless, fitting, and feel comfortable. Invest in high-quality basics such as white T-shirts, jeans, blazers, dresses, and shoes for everyday use, and deliberately select items that suit various occasions.
5- Choose neutral colors
Stick to neutral shades such as grey, black, white, and navy, as they can be paired with other items in your wardrobe effortlessly. The combination of neutral clothing creates a classic and sophisticated look.
6- Be mindful while shopping
Start shopping mindfully and buy only pieces that you feel comfortable in, complement your style, and are high-quality. You're not bound to fast fashion trends because a minimalist wardrobe prioritises clothing quality over quantity.
7- Practice the One-In-One-Out Rule
This helps you keep your minimalism mindset in check, limiting unnecessary ensembles or duplicates. You may like to replace something you no longer need with something beneficial.
In conclusion, creating a minimalist wardrobe is achievable by following these simple lists above. Remember to start small and define what's significant to suit your needs and personal style. Minimalism is all about quality over quantity or fashion trends, so focus more on what you appreciate most.
Minimalist Wardrobe Examples
There are different minimalist wardrobes you can choose from based on your personality. Here you can learn more about them.
Capsule wardrobe: A capsule wardrobe is a strategically curated collection of crucial clothing items designed to provide a variety of outfit possibilities while limiting the number of individual pieces owned. Typically consisting of between 10 and 40 items, the wardrobe is meant to be rotated or swapped seasonally to provide maximum versatility.
Minimal aesthetic: A minimalist aesthetic wardrobe is all about creating a chic and uncomplicated look centered on quality rather than quantity. This fashion choice is characterized by straightforward silhouettes and subdued hues. While this aesthetic can range from inexpensive to luxury brands like Gucci or Burberry, pricey pieces are often considered "investments" and cherished accordingly.
Sustainable minimalist fashion: Eco-minimalism, also known as sustainable minimalist fashion or "green" minimalism, involves curating a wardrobe of ethically-sourced, eco-friendly clothing that is built to last for years to come. Quality is prioritized over quantity in this fashion approach. If you want a sustainable minimalist fashion wardrobe, you should support local designers and boutiques, or invest in eco-friendly pieces from ethical brands, by shopping second hand at thrift stores or online. Also, consider dress rental.
Extreme minimalist wardrobe: Those who embrace extreme minimalism strive to live with as few possessions as possible, often limiting themselves to 5 to 15 garments. In addition, these individuals adopt sustainable minimalism as a lifestyle and opt for environmentally conscious brands.
Realistic minimalist wardrobe: The most accessible variety of minimalist fashion is the "realistic" minimalist wardrobe, which incorporates any or all of the previously mentioned examples. Minimalist fashionistas display a more varied taste and personality through their clothing choices. Whether their style is boho, Gothic, artsy, vintage, or even that of a typical soccer mom, you'd be hard-pressed to identify them as minimalists simply by observing them moving about their daily errands.
What are the essential items for a minimalist wardrobe woman?
The key to creating a women’s minimalist wardrobe is to focus on timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Here are some essential items to help you build your minimalist wardrobe:
White T-shirt: A well-fitting white T-shirt can go a long way. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and paired with jeans, skirts or shorts.
Classic Jeans: Try a pair of dark blue or black jeans with no distress or minimal fading, as they are a staple that can be worn anytime.
Black Dress: Choose a timeless dress that suits your body shape and style, versatile enough to wear on its own or layered for different occasions.
Black or Neutral Blazer: It can dress up any ensemble, in a cross-functional setting. Preferably made of high-quality materials without wrinkles or shrinkage.
Neutral-Colored Pants: Look for cotton or wool trousers in shades like grey or camel that can be paired with anything, like white shirts or blouses.
Sweater: A soft knit sweater is ideal for cooler months, and for creating polished layering styles.
Classic Black Heels: You will need shoes that can be dressed up or down, such as black heels or flats. A well-made and comfortable pair of shoes that match any outfit.
Flat Sandals: Elegant and comfortable slip sandals can style up your wardrobe in spring and summer with a casual touch.
Accessories: An ideal minimalist wardrobe includes simple accessorizing pieces such as a scarf, a pair of understated earrings, a wristwatch, and possibly a bag matching the outfit.
Is a minimalist wardrobe worth it?
A minimalist wardrobe can be worth it for many reasons, including saving money, reducing decision fatigue, and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
By owning fewer clothes, you can save money on both the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance costs like dry cleaning and repairs. Plus, with a smaller wardrobe, you may find it easier to choose what to wear each day, reducing decision fatigue and enabling you to use your time and energy for other things.
Additionally, a minimalist wardrobe is more sustainable because it reduces clothing waste and encourages you to choose high-quality, long-lasting pieces that you will wear for many years to come. By reducing your consumption of fast fashion and choosing clothes based on need rather than trend, you can play a part in creating a more sustainable world.
How a Minimalist Wardrobe Can Change Your Life
A minimalist wardrobe can change your life by simplifying your daily routine, reducing clutter, improving your style, saving you money, and boosting your self-confidence. By focusing on quality over quantity, you'll have a wardrobe that works for you and leaves you feeling confident in what you wear every day. This can lead to a more organized and stress-free lifestyle, allowing you to focus on the things that matter most.
Conclusion
Opting for environmentally conscious solutions is the way forward, both for us and for our planet. A minimalist wardrobe can be a game-changer in that regard, offering multiple benefits. While it may seem convenient to settle for cheap, non-organic clothes, planning your purchases thoughtfully can transform how you perceive clothing. Maintaining a clutter-free closet will make you feel accomplished, as will having more money in your bank account, and most importantly, more time to enjoy life without worrying about what to wear.
Crafting a minimalist wardrobe and determining the optimal amount of clothing to own is a nuanced process that requires both creativity and practicality. It's crucial to remain truthful about your daily routine, what clothes you frequently wear, and what you never do. Above all, being open to learning from challenges and blunders is paramount.
