How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe: The New Way

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This is a mini guide to a real life minimalist wardrobe, and unlike any other article you’ll read regarding this topic. Minimalism has had increased interest over the last few years, people are becoming increasingly aware of how much they own and how much they need. This post will walk you through key principles of a minimalist wardrobe, how to create one, and why the typical step by step process you’ll find elsewhere isn’t the only way. So keep on reading!

What is a Minimalist Wardrobe

A minimalist wardrobe contains only what you need and use, is mindful of the impacts of fashion and has an overall goal of making you feel less chaotic about your life. You will see later on in this post a critique of this mindset. Finally, a minimal wardrobe is different than a capsule wardrobe as it’s comprised of your wardrobe as a whole, while a capsule wardrobe is a set of items for a given season that are meant to work interchangeably.

Why Have a Minimalist Wardrobe

Minimalism is founded off of the idea that less is more, which is something I preach about throughout the articles of this blog time and time again. Less is more has so many benefits from clearing your mind to saving money, but the one thing that I don’t stand behind is this notion that a minimalist wardrobe must consist of minimalist items and that there’s a one size fits all. For example, a blouse can not be a patterned blouse but rather a plain white blouse and you can’t exceed a certain number of pieces. I believe the idea of minimalism in fashion should go beyond aesthetics and celebrate more of what a minimalist wardrobe looks like for different people.

Benefits to having a minimalist wardrobe include but are not limited to:

  • Shopping less so saving money is a big benefit
  • Spending less time getting dressed
  • Reduces decision fatigue
  • Provides more space in your living area
  • Less clutter
  • Provides a clear mind
  • Creates fluidity in your wardrobe

Even though there are so many benefits to creating a minimalist wardrobe there are also challenges. For more on the challenges associated with owning less visit the blog post that highlights these potential challenges and what you should know before minimizing your wardrobe.

RELATED: 10 Things to Know Before Minimizing Your Wardrobe

minimalist wardrobe

How to Curate a Minimal Wardrobe

This is of course different for everyone, as stated in the article linked above it can be difficult to get rid of items so have grace with yourself and know that this is a process. Here are a few steps that can help guide you through the process:

  1. Think about what your why is, decide on what your goal or goals are and what your timeline looks like. You can remove items slowly or all at once, whichever you’re most comfortable with.
  2. Go through your wardrobe and put aside any pieces you haven’t worn in over two years, pieces that are worn out or ripped, or just don’t fit anymore. Gift them to friends or a nearby women’s shelter or store them for now if you have space.
  3. Gather the pieces you love and reach for the most and put them front and centre.
  4. Create a checklist including styles, brands and colours you love and wear a lot and make sure you don’t go beyond that list if you decide to shop to fill in any gaps.
  5. Remember to dress for yourself and not what you think minimalism looks like.

How to Maintain a Minimal Wardrobe

The process above is the first step really, maintenance can be just as difficult so give yourself grace.

  1. Only buy when the piece is something you know will go with your current wardrobe, is something you love, and something you will get a lot of wear out of.
  2. Come up with a maximum number that works for you and stay within that number.
  3. Always be mindful and create a budget for clothes.
  4. Keep a checklist if you need to stay organized.
  5. Remember that this is an ongoing process.

How to style a minimalist wardrobe

Prioritize your comfort and lean into your personal style. There’s no one way to style a minimalist wardrobe, if you want patterns then go for it! Unique structures and colours, do it. Having a minimalist wardrobe is all about making it work for you while keeping pieces to a minimum.

A minimalist wardrobe looks different for everyone, I have different colours and patterns in mine but stay within a certain amount of pieces. I do own quite a few minimalist styles since they add versatility to my wardrobe but I also like to spice it up with statement pieces like a patterned dress. This allows me to remain interested in my wardrobe, and reduces spending.

What should be in a minimalist wardrobe

Pieces that fit your lifestyle, comfort level, design preferences and interests. Basics are great core pieces and act as a foundation to your wardrobe while a few statement pieces like a really great jacket or dress adds excitement and flare.

RELATED: Building a Core Capsule Wardrobe

minimalist wardrobe

The New Way to a Minimal Closet

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty shall we. Most people who create minimal wardrobes are essentially looking for a minimalist way of life. So a lot of the time minimalism is seen throughout their home, within their makeup collection, waste habits, and much more. If you’re looking to simply minimize your wardrobe using a few foundations within minimalism that is totally okay.

Your whole life doesn’t need to be minimalistic and your wardrobe doesn’t need to consist of the same neutrals.

Make minimalism work for you

I’ll leave a few images to give you inspiration but if you want to own less, have fewer options and have a clear mind focus on being mindful when shopping and dressing rather than trying to fit into this idea of what a minimalist closet looks like.

Focus on functionality and purpose over aesthetics and self improvement. The New Yorker summed up minimalism in a way I never could, stating:

The new literature of minimalism is full of stressful advice. Pack up all your possessions, unpack things only as needed, give away everything that’s still packed after a month. Or wake up early, pick up every item you own, and consider whether or not it sparks joy. See if you can wear just thirty-three items of clothing for three months. Know that it’s possible to live abundantly with only a hundred possessions. Don’t organize—purge. Digitize your photos. Get rid of the things you bought to impress people. Downsize your apartment. Think constantly about what will enable you to live the best life possible. Never buy anything on sale.

The New Yorker

This drives home the point to create a minimalist wardrobe that works for you, when you read articles that show images of a lot of negative space with verbiage that feels harsh and matter of fact, it can make you feel out of place and like minimalism isn’t for you. Know that it can be more flexible and fit your lifestyle, it also should never feel forced or make you feel bad. Grace is everything here. I hope these tips help and make things seem less intimidating.

If you’re looking to create a capsule wardrobe for work check out the post below, it includes a free downloadable checklist you can save to your computer or phone that will help you curate a collection of items that will work together to create a variety of different outfits perfect for the office.

Finally, if you love curated product recommendations, and more information on capsule wardrobes and minimalism be sure to join the weekly newsletter. It arrives straight into your inbox every Thursday, and offers content exclusive to subscribers so you can’t find it anywhere else. It’s kind of like getting a personalized letter from your fashion and beauty loving bestie every week.

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minimalist wardrobe


Leave a Comment

6 Comments

  1. 11.29.21
    Sally Maracomb said:

    How to downsize your wardrobe? Travel! What you need and take on a 10-day trip will force you to decide what you like, what’s comfortable and what you will actually wear.

  2. 8.18.21
    J Fisher said:

    Less is more. Less standing in an overstuffed closet trying to decide what to wear. Less handling those pieces that don’t quite go with anything else. Less stress. Amen!

    • 8.18.21
      emmairenecavanagh said:

      You are right on the money here, so many great benefits once you go through the motions!

  3. 7.21.21

    Where did you get that cute gray sweater? I love it!

    • 7.22.21
      emmairenecavanagh said:

      It’s actually a stock image! I will always link an item if possible, sorry for the confusion!