I have many reasons for having a minimalist wardrobe and becoming a minimalist. I move around a lot, I haven’t lived in the same place for more than eight months in awhile, so not having a lot of clothes to pack up and unpack is beneficial. Minimalist living is what I am all about.
I also live in a 400 sq. ft. house, which, needless to say, has no walk in closets. Finally, I’m trying to pay off $20,000 in debt, so buying fewer clothes means more money (read further about how to make extra income) to send towards my debt.
That said, I love to shop. I really didn’t spend too much cash on my wardrobe in University (what with have no money and all) and now that I’m out and earning a steady paycheque, the urge to upgrade, replace, and spend spend spend has been strong.
My preferred poison is online shopping, where I can agonize over the perfect pair of jeans, hunt for free shipping, and make wish lists galore, all from the comfort of my couch.
In order to keep that shopping urge under control, I try and keep my wardrobe minimalist. Whether you are wanting to have a minimalist travel wardrobe, a french minimalist wardrobe, a chic minimalist wardrobe, and so on, it IS possible! Minimalist living most of the time starts with your closet.
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Here’s how I do it:
The “No Duplicate” Rule For My Minimalist Wardrobe.
This rule really is the minimalist in me. I hate have multiple items that perform the same function. That’s why I don’t have an eReader (I already have a laptop and a big smart phone) and the same principle applies to my wardrobe.
I don’t need two red scarves, I don’t need more than one winter hat. If I must own multiples of one item (like jeans) I make sure each pair has a unique feature, and I still strive to own as few as possible.
The “Novel Purpose” Rule For My Minimalist Wardrobe.
If I’m thinking about buying something online, it must serve a purpose. It has to fill some kind of void that my current wardrobe just can’t fill. If I want to buy a fall jacket, it has to be because my wardrobe is sincerely lacking a fall jacket.
If I can get by with lighter jackets and my heavy winter coat, I don’t buy it.
The “Versatility” Rule For My Minimalist Wardrobe.
I never buy anything that can only be worn for one specific occasion. That’s why I don’t own a party dress, or anything else that I would only wear only a few times a year. If I want to buy something, I must be able to get a lot of use out of it, otherwise, it’s not worth my hard earned cash.
The “Quality” Rule For My Minimalist Clothing Lifestyle.
When I was in university, I bought cheap clothes. I couldn’t help it, I had no money and clothing ranked lower on the list than “feed myself” but I still had to maintain some level of professionalism in my business school presentations.
I remember getting really sad when I’d finally plunk down the cash to buy a new top, only to have the stitching completely unravel after the first wash because the piece was so cheaply made. These days I make sure to spend a bit more money on quality clothing that I won’t have to replace anytime soon.
The “Seriously Jordann?” Rule For Minimalist Living.
Before hitting “checkout” during my online shopping endeavours, I try to think to myself “Seriously Jordann? Do you need that?”
Even if whatever I’m buying meets all of the other criteria, but I can’t honestly say that I need it, I generally don’t buy it.
Of course, all of these rules are guidelines that I occasionally completely ignore because something is flashy or is on serious markdown, like the top I ordered yesterday that I’m completely excited to get because it was 60% off and had free shipping. But generally speaking, these guidelines help me maintain a small, functional, minimalist wardrobe that’s easy to move, easy to maintain, and easy on my credit card.
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Quality rule is my fav. i used to buy cheap junk (i.e. Old Navy), and the clothes would literally unravel while wearing them. Not I buy quality, and shap rarely.
That used to happen to me, and for awhile there I bought nothing but high quality clothing. The only problem with that was that I wanted to keep shopping, but the high quality clothing was lasting so well that I didn't need to buy anything! Now I try and strike a balance.
Since I work in a mortuary, I get to wear black all the time. This makes it easy to have a minimalist wardrobe! I try to buy few items, but high quality items. I have clothing that still looks great even after I have been wearing it for ten years!
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I have a few high quality items that are still looking as good as new. I'm very happy with them!
Business casual clothing, bought at Goodwill; turns into 'work' clothes after a few months. Frugal, sometimes trendy; looks good but really cheap.
I definitely think there are tons of good clothing to be found at thrift stores.
I am very much like you in that I am a minimalist when it comes to clothing. If I don't wear it then I don't need it. I forget who said it but "The more stuff you own, the more stuff owns you." There is freedom in not having a lot of stuff.
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That's definitely true. The more stuff you have, the more space you need, the more house you need. It's better to have less stuff, and spend your time and money on experiences instead.
I love shopping for new clothes. My closet is packed with all my clothes. My hubby jokes that I wouldn't have to do laundry for months! I have enough clothes to last that long. Sorta true, but some of my stuff is seasonal.
I don't shop for clothes online though. I like to try it on before making my decision. My mom also knows my size perfectly and buys me clothes.
I never buy anything full price though. Usually I get all my clothes on super sale.
I also think that you have to live life. I don't have a lot of things I do for fun. I don't drink or smoke or do drugs…or do crafts or really anything outside of work, working out, and having family. I don't even buy music. Everybody has something they spend their money. You can't feel extremely guilty.
Oh I have also accumulated my clothes. It's a goo thing I haven't really gained any weight the past couple of years.
If shopping is "your thing" then I wouldn't feel bad for it. My thing is running, and i spend a lot of money on that. Everyone needs a thing!
I went through my wardrobe and broke out all my clothing earlier this year (http://nzmuse.com/2012/03/whats-inside-my-closet/) – I don't *think* I have a lot of clothes but I'm not a minimalist either. As you can probably see I have a lot of clothes in various shades of my favourite colours 🙂
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I`ve started to be conscious about my style. before, I could buy different kinds of clothes that just didnt go together. now I try to pick a style and certain colours, so that all my clothes can be used together in different ways. I`ve always gotten a bit more shopping with a goal. Instead of using lots of money on clothes, I try to think more about what I would really want and need. f.example. I have a lot of different short sleeved tops, but few sweaters. and I have no decent looking simple black pants. so that`s what I`m after these days. this way I dont overspend, and still get what I need.
I love singling out one single item that I need to fill a hole in my wardrobe and searching for the perfect thing. These days I want a chunky scarf, and some new maroon jeans.
I don't have a whole bunch of clothes either and I'm about a simple/classic wardrobe. The most important rule I follow is that I must feel 100% good in what I wear. In fact my husband easily has twice the amount I do! I do keep a couple of party dresses and heels around since I do attend functions a few times per year. I work from home so my typical uniform is my flannel pyjamas unless I have a web conference call lol. I have a few pairs of jeans and some v neck tops long sleeved and short, a couple of dress pants and a few nicer tops. I think I own more accessories than clothes actually. I often tend to go through my closet and see if there are items I'm not wearing often and will donate them. I spent 3 1/2 years paying off debt so like you shopping was put on the back burner and it has really changed my mindset on buying "wants". I love the "Seriously Jordann" rule!
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Sounds like you have a very functional wardrobe! Fiance definitely has more clothes than I do. 🙂
I have way too many clothes, but most of them don't fit. If I were to donate all of my bigger clothes, I'd have a very minimalist wardrobe. But I'm scared of putting back on the weight, so I keep the bigger clothes around. Someday, I'll be confident enough to donate them!
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I think that's fair. Maybe if in a year you're still the same size, you'll be comfortable donating them.
I don't have many clothes and all I have here with me fit in the suitcase I came with. After two months I haven't used half of the clothes I brought! I try to have versatile things that I can use for different occasions. Most of my clothes are pretty classic so should age well.
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I think you would definitely qualify as a minimalist wardrobe, but you just prove the point that no matter what amount of clothing you have, there's always something you never wear!
I don't. I moved a lot a few years ago, too. It's AMAZING how quickly that will slim down your wardrobe! I also get really guilty every time I buy something for myself, even if I really need it. It's something I'm working on.
Moving definitely makes for a slim wardrobe, you shouldn't feel guilty for buying something you need!
I don't have a minimalist wardrobe. But I want one. I stumbled upon an ebook called The No Brainer Wardrobe that covers how to create a 'capsule' wardrobe where every piece has it's purpose and can be interchanged with various other items. Countless different outfits can be created out of only a handful each of tops, pants, and shoes. I'm trying to get away from cheap clothes and my next purchase is going to be a really nice, high quality pair of boots or a shirt. Whichever I find first. 😉
I do the "Seriously, Madison?" thing too. It's got me out of numerous purchases!!
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Wow that sounds like a really interesting book!
I only like to buy quality clothes depending on what I will be using them for. If I am going into the garden on working around the house I don't care if they are used second hand clothes. For work or going out and about I need casual and business wear but I do like to have bits that I can mix and match. I have far from the amount of clothes that Mrs.CBB has but I always live by the Quality rule and buying something once that will last you a decent amount of time. Mrs.CBB is the same though and likes to get pieces that she can mix and match.
I usually banish older casual clothes to the "gardening and housework" pile when they're no longer fit for every day wear, that way I can still get a lot of use out of them, even if it wasn't their intended purpose.
I have way too many clothes and I've been cutting back, only keeping things that I truly like, that I look and feel good in. I'm also trying to eliminate duplicates and focus on fewer quality items. I have a medium-large closet, and I've lived in the same house for 29 years, so things tend to accumulate if you're not careful!
My style is casual, jeans, tanks & tees, layered as needed, with capris for the heat of the summer, as we work at home. But we do travel for business conferences, which requires a different set of clothing in business casual. I also have several black dresses appropriate for various occasions, which I wear repeatedly. My favorite I've had for 10 years. I also have too many jackets & coats for different weather & occasions…
I'm currently on a 'no buy' rule, unless I'm making a direct replacement or I find something outstanding that I don't already own.
I am retired and want to look nice in public. Most my activities are gardening or going to the gym which translates into having too many ill-fitting stained pieces. I need to bite the bullet and get the 30-gallon trash bags out.
I keep my pile of clothes small as well. Whenever I buy something new, I force myself to get rid of something old. This way it never gets out of control.