How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe
Photo by Ron Lach
Starting the transition to a minimalist wardrobe can feel overwhelming! There’s so much to go through and too many decisions to make.
When you break down the process of beginning your minimalist wardrobe it may actually be an enjoyable process of decluttering. Trust me, the freedom and peace of mind that comes with having a minimalist closet is worth the effort!
Despite the closet checklists and must have lists minimalists will make you think you need, there is no one “right way” to create a minimalist wardrobe. Everyone’s personal style and minimalist expression is different.
What do you need every day?
Everyone's essential items are different, so start by setting aside the items you wear everyday! Whether it’s your favorite hoodie or a comfortable dress, there’s a reason you always find yourself wearing them, so there’s no reason to get rid of them.
What shirt do you find yourself constantly reaching for? What shoes do you always slip on while running out the door? These are the pieces that make the foundation of a lasting minimalist closet! From here you can continue to shape your personal minimalist wardrobe.
What have you not worn in a long time?
We all have those items that sit in the back of our closet untouched. Maybe we received them as a gift or bought them thinking it would be a fun and different piece! But nevertheless we just don’t wear them.
And that’s ok! We don’t need to guilt ourselves for not wearing every item in our wardrobe all the time. But we also don’t have to let them continue to take up unwanted space!
Clean it out!
The biggest step to take in crafting your minimalist closet is cleaning it out! Now that you know what pieces you haven’t worn in a long time, it’s time to find the duplicates. Do you really need three white sweaters? Five black t-shirts? Pick one or two of each item to help narrow down the clutter!
From there, take all of those unworn items you’ve identified and find somewhere to donate them. Local thrift stores, clothing drives, or homeless shelters are great places to look– plus it’s a great way to give back to the community and support sustainable living!
What’s missing?
With the clothes you have left, is anything missing? Any essential items you need to bring together the pieces you have? Staple clothing basics will help you mix and match more easily. Just make a short list, and stick to it!
Be sure to only buy versatile items that fit well so that you know you’ll actually wear them! If you can, try to buy high-quality sustainable items that will last a long time.
How can you keep it up?
Starting your minimalist wardrobe is the easy part but keeping it up can be more of a challenge! Remember to continuously reevaluate your closet. When you notice an item that you no longer wear, remove it! And when you find yourself needing a new piece make sure it works well with what you already have.
Try to resist the urge to buy unnecessary clothing items as much as possible, but when you do get something new try swapping it out with something. This way you avoid accumulating too much stuff in your closet!
When you realize that having a minimalist wardrobe starts with what you already have, it feels a lot easier! I hope that this practice helps you free up space not only in your closet but your life as well!