As prices increase and storage spaces decrease, minimalism is the mantra of today. People are investing in high-quality, durable items that can be utilized in multiple ways. Having fewer things to worry about may also lead to peace of mind. Minimalism is not just a style, but a mindset. It empowers you to break free from the excessive consumerism prevalent today.
What you wear is an important aspect of how you perceive yourself. If you feel forced to follow every fashion trend, you may waste time and money. Instead, curate your wardrobe according to what suits your body and personality. Once you’ve found that winning combination, you can mold it to fit every occasion. Being minimalistic is about having fewer things with elevated style.
Creating a minimalist closet begins with understanding your needs. Make a note of which clothes you wear the most and why. Then follow the steps below to revamp your wardrobe and enhance functionality and versatility.
1. Begin With an Audit
To create a minimalist closet, start by being honest. Go through all your clothes and ask yourself if you enjoy wearing them or if they were simply impulse buys. From outerwear to underwear, everything should be audited. That lacy lingerie may look pretty, but simpler wireless bras are much more comfortable. Remember that discomfort often shows on your face, ruining your look no matter what you wear.
The more cluttered the closet, the more overwhelming it is to decide what to wear. Declutter by chucking out anything ill-fitting or out of style. Don’t hold on to clothes that are too small for that ever-elusive day when you’ll lose those extra pounds. Instead, replace them with clothes that make you feel better today. Selling clothes in good condition will earn you some cash to buy a few high-quality items for your new closet.
2. Build a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Start with your casual to dressy clothes ratio; do you dress up often or are you more of a homebody? Next, find neutral colors that work best with your skin tone. Classic pieces like a little black dress and straight-leg jeans are a must. Then add a jacket or blazer for layers and to create different looks.
Choosing clothes isn’t only about looks but also function. That white cotton shirt might look fancy, but ironing it could be quite a chore. Similarly, clothes that are dry clean only can be expensive to maintain. Base your wardrobe on needs rather than wants. For instance, if you live in a place with all four seasons, your wardrobe may be dictated by the weather.
3. Rotate Regularly
It isn’t just luck, having the right clothes available at the right time takes careful planning and organizing. Block out the first weekend of each quarter to remove out-of-season clothes and fill your closet with more weather-appropriate items. Move bulky items like boots and overcoats out of the way until they’re needed. Consider buying large under-bed storage bins to make the seasonal swap cleaner and faster.
Even if the weather isn’t a deciding factor, rotating your wardrobe gives you a fresh new look at regular intervals. Take the popular slow fashion challenge called Project 333, where participants dressed in 33 items of clothes for 3 months. The results were amazing. Participants found that having less to wear provided them with more space, time, and contentment.
4. Amp Up With Accessories
Once you’ve set the base of your wardrobe with neutral colors, add a little punch with the accessories. Colors show personality. An orange tote gives a navy blue suit a fun touch, while a burgundy scarf makes it look more professional. Adding a scarf, belt, bag, and even jewelry to your ensemble can transform your look completely. The best part about accessories is that they add a touch of flair without taking up much room.
While the list of accessories is endless, stick to the ones that hold the power to carry the outfit. For instance, a statement necklace can dress up a plain top making it perfect for an after-work party. When buying accessories, make sure they go with at least three different items in your closet. The more versatility it has, the greater value the accessory adds to your wardrobe.
5. Maintain the Minimalism
With a minimalistic mindset, the way you shop may change forever. Instead of buying clothes because they’re on sale or look good online, you’ll only buy what you need. Buying fewer items gives you the flexibility to invest in better quality clothes that are often more comfortable and durable. Focus on quality instead of quantity.
Consider following the one-in-one-out rule and let go of one item when you buy a new one. This will prevent your closet from becoming cluttered again and help keep your impulse buys to a minimum. Explore different closet organization ideas to find one that suits you the best. Once you’ve put in effort and time to create a minimalist closet, you’ll want it to remain that way.
Be Your Own Stylist
A minimalist closet frees up space from your room as well as your mind. With everything in plain sight, you won’t have to dig blindly through your closet anymore. Now all you need to do is stay creative, mixing and matching items to complement your signature style. Being your own stylist exudes a confidence that you can’t acquire from buying expensive clothes. The stronger you feel, the better you will look.
Your wardrobe is meant to serve you, not stress you out. Just by reorganizing what you have, you may rediscover an untapped goldmine hidden within a mountain of clothes. Start slowly and make choices to lighten up your wardrobe. Before you know it, getting dressed will be enjoyable again.
