4 Essential Steps for Building a Minimalist Wardrobe

While it started as an art movement, minimalism entered the field of design to introduce an interior style known for its simplicity. Thus, minimalist design became defined by subtle and neutral colour schemes, open and unobstructed spaces, and natural elements like greenery. However, minimalism has also taken off in fashion circles throughout the years, influencing not just personal styles but also a way of living.

These days, minimalism has become a tool for sustainable, slow fashion, focusing on timeless pieces that reflect one’s unique personality instead of relying on seasonal trends. If your goal is quality instead of quantity when it comes to clothes, here are the key steps in building a minimalist wardrobe.

1. Sort and organise your clothing

Before you even start thinking about which fabrics and patterns to wear, it helps to sort your wardrobe first and figure out which clothes would fit the minimalist look you’re going for. Having an organised wardrobe allows you to see at a glance the pieces you love and deserve to be kept, while also identifying gaps in terms of clothes that no longer align with your style and must hence be cleared out through donations and consignments. When cleaning out your wardrobe, you can invest in storage containers, hangers, and racks to maximise space and make room for quality garments that you’ll gradually integrate into your outfits over time.

2. Look for versatile pieces

Once you’ve completed a proper wardrobe overhaul, it’s time to start looking for versatile pieces that offer multiple outfit possibilities to ensure harmony between various clothing and accessories. When looking for fashion essentials like handbags, it’s best to not just pursue what’s trendy and instead go for timeless designs and materials that can be styled for various occasions. These include a black monogram patent bag suitable for everyday looks due to its functionality while still being a sophisticated choice for formal events and dinners. Meanwhile, a monogram tote bag in a neutral colour like black or beige is versatile for both office and travel purposes.

3. Practice mindful shopping

As you hunt for pieces that reflect your distinct style, it’s important to be mindful of your purchases not only in terms of cost but also environmental impact. For instance, you can start small and save up for expensive yet high-quality staples like coats, jewellery, and shoes instead of immediately buying the first item you see on fast-fashion retailers’ racks. Besides buying brand new, you can also make affordable yet long-lasting investments in your minimalist wardrobe by buying pre-loved apparel from online resellers and checking out thrift stores. There’s also the option to maintain individuality and variation through mending, alterations, upcycling, rentals, and swapping clothes with close friends.

4. Curate capsule outfits

Lastly, you can streamline your wardrobe by curating capsule outfits that can easily be mixed and matched depending on the occasion. If you’re at a loss for go-to outfits with a signature appeal, a helpful style reference would be Scandinavian or Scandi fashion, which can be summed up as “casual, classic, and quality.” Among the timeless outfits that Copenhagen-based stylists, designers, and creative directors recommend is a flawless combination of a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans. It serves as a base layer to which you can add a coat to elevate it during winter or accessories like jewellery, scarves, or bags to bring individuality and complete the look.

…add a coat to elevate it during winter or accessories like jewellery, scarves, or bags to bring individuality and complete the look.

As you build the minimalist wardrobe of your dreams, remember that this is a journey that mustn’t be rushed so you can ensure mindful, intentional sartorial choices. Rewiring not just how you style your clothes but also your philosophy towards shopping and the fashion industry can be a rewarding lifestyle transformation.