The Minimal Wardrobe

One of the things I love about the New Year is the opportunity to re-evaluate my life, the opportunity to make new changes and refinements to make each year even better than the last. One of the things I evaluate each year is my wardrobe. I find myself always gravitating toward the same pieces each season and I find a lot of joy in mixing and matching them to create new outfits. 

I find that having a minimal wardrobe not only saves me time each morning getting ready, but really allows me to enjoy all the garments I own. I've tried to select each piece carefully so that I know it is something I truly enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in, I rarely have days where I feel like my outfit isn't quite right. It also allows me to have fun with shoes and accessories to change up my look. 

For winter, one of my favorite parts of my wardrobe is third layers. Third layers are things like jackets and sweaters that can really transform an outfit. I wear my Multi-Way Vest nearly every week, and as the temperatures drop I've been gravitating toward the (coming soon!) Multi-Way Jacket. I love that I can belt or pin them in different ways, or simply wear as-is, giving me additional warmth without compromising on style. 

So, you might be asking how you actually go about defining your own minimal wardrobe. There's a ton of tips out there on capsule and minimal wardrobes, but here's my own take on it: 

1. Think about what you actually like to wear.

What pieces do you find yourself wearing over and over? Which ones make you feel instantly put together and confident? These pieces tend to be the workhorses of our closet, and we reach for them because they suit our every day needs. Build your wardrobe around the piece (or pieces) that make you feel like your best self.

2. Think about your lifestyle. 

Many of us have a work wardrobe and a casual wardrobe. Think about if there is any crossover between the two. Some of us might need a wardrobe of strictly professional attire and then one for more casual days, but if your work is more business casual there is potential for some crossover. Who doesn't want to spend less time getting dressed on a Monday morning and spend the workday in a favorite outfit that makes you feel great? Building a wardrobe that fits multiple facets of your life will give you more wear per piece and will save you from constant outfit changes. 

3. Think about what is important to you in a piece of clothing. 

For me, I value simple, classic styles that are comfortable but still look polished and put together. Others might value the ability to explore & experiment with the latest trends, or clothing that takes them seamlessly from work to play. Think about your absolute favorite piece of clothing and what you love about that, then think about how those qualities apply to your wardrobe overall. If you like to explore new trends, focus on building a core wardrobe of neutral basics that will allow you to add a statement piece in this year's trending print, style, or color (hello, ultraviolet!), without the need to buy an entirely new outfit to make it work. 

With these considerations you can start building your core wardrobe. Start with base layers, a top with pants or a skirt, a dress and leggings or tights, then add third layers and accessories. Also think about how these pieces work in different combinations, a tunic with skinny jeans might also pair well when partly tucked into a skirt. Selecting a color palate is also important. By choosing clothing within a specific color palate, you can ensure that all your pieces work well with each other and your accessories. 

The most important thing to remember is to have fun! You don't have to throw out 2/3rds of your closet right away, refining and editing your wardrobe is a process, and when done thoughtfully it can really make a difference. Having these guidelines in place for yourself will also make shopping a breeze, you'll find yourself happier with your purchases and well on your way to your perfect wardrobe.

What is your favorite wardrobe staple? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!