There are many benefits to keeping a minimalist wardrobe. For starters, it can make deciding what to wear so much easier. With fewer clothes to choose from, you won’t have to spend an inordinate amount of time getting dressed. Keeping just a few select items in your closet is also a more sustainable attitude towards fashion. It prevents you from purchasing more than you need, which, in the long run, stops you from throwing out piles of clothes that will eventually turn to waste.
Some people might think that a minimalist wardrobe produces boring outfits, but this is far from the truth. After all, a great closet collection is built on quality rather than quantity. By carefully purchasing, organizing, wearing, and caring for your clothes, you can curate a selection of timeless and stunning outfits. To help you get started, below are six tips for achieving a small yet fashionable wardrobe:
Pare Down Your Wardrobe
To simplify your wardrobe, begin by paring it down. This is particularly important if you own a lot of items but seldom use most of them. By taking out what you don’t need, you’ll be left with a more functional clothing selection. Keep garments that you genuinely like and intend to wear frequently. If a piece that you love is a bit worn, see if it can be repaired.
Items that are ill-fitting, irrevocably damaged, and incompatible with your personal style should be kept in a separate pile. You can then organize them into more specific categories. Ill-fitting garments that are in good condition can be sold online or at consignment stores. You may also choose to give them to loved ones or a local charity.
As for damaged clothes that are beyond repair, try donating them to textile centers or waste facilities for recycling. You can also turn them into rags for household use. This is a great way to reduce textile waste and promote sustainable fashion.
Go for Classic Staples
When purchasing clothes, try to focus on classic wardrobe staples. While there’s nothing wrong with owning a few trendy clothing pieces, it’s best not to fill your closet with them. After all, trends come and go—this season’s hottest threads may not age well in the next few years.
Classic clothing pieces, however, are timeless. They’ll always look great, which means you can depend on them for years to come. In fact, you can create dozens of stylish outfits with just a few classic pieces. For instance, staples like leggings, denim jeans, cardigans, turtlenecks, and button-downs can be mixed and matched to create fresh looks for a variety of occasions.
Prioritize Quality over Quantity
Quality clothing lies at the heart of a simple but stylish wardrobe. In this era of fast fashion, it can be tempting to frequently purchase new clothes at lower prices. However, fast fashion often relies on high production rates, which often cause quality to suffer.
In order to sell lots of affordable clothes in a short span of time, fast fashion manufacturers must rely on dubious processes and flimsy materials. This results in fragile garments that trap consumers in an endless cycle of buying and discarding.
Although quality clothing items are usually pricier, they’re a worthwhile investment considering their durability. By prioritizing sturdy clothes, you can keep your closet contents functional for much longer.
Keep Your Colors Simple
When it comes to proper styling, pay attention to color combinations, as they can make or break your overall look. In general, it’s best not to have more than three colors or shades in a single outfit. This creates a more cohesive and appealing look. Black and white, however, are exceptions to this rule.
Clothes in neutral colors—like tan, gray, olive, and marine—are essential to building a simple wardrobe. Since neutral colors pair well with almost everything, clothing in these shades can be combined in a variety of ways. Pair them with clothes in brighter colors for nice contrast, or wear them together for an understated yet sophisticated look.
Add Some Flair with Accessories
Don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories. They can maximize a simple wardrobe by breathing new life into your usual outfit combinations. For example, you can dress up casual clothing pieces with statement jewelry to create more formal ensembles. Garments can also be modified using accessories. For instance, an oversized button-down can be cinched at the waist with a wide-belt for an effortlessly chic look.
Take Proper Care of Your Garments
Purchasing quality clothing is only the first step to maintaining a simple wardrobe. Remember, even well-made items can undergo wear and tear without the proper care. To ensure that your clothes look good and remain usable for as long as possible, take extra caution when washing, drying, and storing them. The simplest way to do this is by following the care label instructions on your garments. This will prevent them from getting damaged and worn down over time.
When it comes to building a no-nonsense wardrobe, a little can truly go a long way. All you really need are a few well-made items in classic styles. By taking care of these clothes and being more mindful of your purchasing habits, you can create a functional, beautiful, and sustainable closet collection that will stand the test of time.
