https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 02:13:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe/page/2#post-179888 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 01:55:02 +0000 Katja 179888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sinead, yes, it makes perfect sense - I have some of that same tendency, and the idea of giving myself permission to spread out is part of what I need.</p> <p>Anne, thanks for pointing to your thread - another facet of the same subject. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe/page/2#post-179869 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:33:42 +0000 anne 179869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Sinead makes a very good point.</p> <p>BTW I didn't mention it yesterday but I started a post on a very similar issue a while back<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-many-clothes-are-enough" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....are-enough</a></p> <p>Hope this might help </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe/page/2#post-179849 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:08:46 +0000 sinead 179849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katje, you've posted a really interesting question and I feel like we share some challenges in figuring out what "enough" in a wardrobe means. When I first started my YLF adventure I didn't just have a minimalist wardrobe- I barely had anything to wear. Years of putting kids first left me with an embarrassingly small wardrobe- and with nothing to wear when special occasions came up. Or any occasion. So for me, since I spent so long trying to make too little work, my viewpoint is a bit skewed. I know that it's easy to convince myself not to buy something, to make do with what I have. If I let the word minimalist get in there I'm afraid I'll go back to my old ways of scraping the bottom of the barrel , clothes-wise, instead of working on looking effortlessly stylish, which is my goal. </p> <p>So I'm just saying here that if you're still in the process of finding your style and learning how to create outfits, it might not be the best time to worry about being minimalist. I've given myself permission to overdo a little because I think that'll just put me in the normal range. Does that make sense? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe/page/2#post-179839 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:53:50 +0000 Louise 179839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting article from Marlene, though I think it's aimed at those who feel like they are drowning in clothes and spending loads. I have a fairly large wardrobe but don't feel as though I'm bogged down, I'm a social shopper who can browse without spending a penny while nattering with friends x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe/page/2#post-179837 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:47:01 +0000 Katja 179837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Marlene, for that article - it's not really the direction I'm going, but it does provide some food for thought. I'm approaching this more in the "You can't have everything - where would you put it all?" vein - some combination of "what can I buy that will have the most flexibility" and "what can I afford to buy that's trendy, and that won't cause me too much heartache when it goes out of style, or doesn't go with anything I own anymore?"</p> <p>Sal at Already Pretty addressed a variation of this today, too: <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2010/07/reader-request-effective-inventories.html">Effective Inventories and Honed Style</a>. I like that title: "Effective Inventories". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179800 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:03:07 +0000 Maya 179800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm...that article seems aimed at people who hate shopping and don't care too much about clothes or fashion, who want to be "freed" from the burden. What about those of us that don't consider clothes, fashion, and shopping to be a burden? I would get sooooo hopelessly bored if I followed those guidelines. I like and look forward to having that creative challenge every day. It isn't stressful or challenging for me. As far as I'm concerned, getting dressed is something we all have to do, so we may as well learn to love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179795 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:47:18 +0000 Anonymous 179795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is an article that appeared today on the Blog "Becoming Minimalist" that fits in with this conversation. He addresses not only the practical steps in downsizing but the mental obstacles that we deal with when managing our wardrobes. </p> <p>“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.” – Epictetus</p> <p>Consider for just a moment how your life would look different if you owned fewer clothes:</p> <p>You would have more disposable income.<br /> You would have more time to live your life.<br /> Mornings would feature less stress.<br /> Your closets would be well-organized and uncluttered.<br /> Packing for trips/vacations would take less time.<br /> Laundry days would be easier (not necessarily less, but definitely easier). </p> <p>Unfortunately, instead of enjoying the benefits of owning fewer clothes, most of us buy into the lie that more is better. And because we do, we accumulate more and more clothing each season. We are convinced that new clothes will make us more joyful, more fashionable, and more popular. Unfortunately, they just end up getting in the way.</p> <p>Consider going a different route with your life. Try owning fewer clothes. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy the freedom that it brings.</p> <p>Whether you are hoping to minimize your wardrobe to the absolute minimum or just trying to pare down some of the excess in your closet, you will find these 10 steps practical and applicable. They are the same steps that we have used in our home:</p> <p>1.Admit that you own too much clothing. That’s all you really need to get started.<br /> 2.Wear fewer colors. Most of us already have a few favorite colors that we wear most often anyway – usually because we like the way we look in them. Choosing to intentionally wear fewer colors means less accessories (shoes, belts, jewelry, handbags, etc.). It also makes too much sense not to try.<br /> 3.Embrace the idea of one. When one can be enough, embrace it – one black dress, one swimsuit, one winter coat, one black belt, one pair of black shoes, one pair of sneakers, one handbag… insert your own based on your occupation, lifestyle, or climate.<br /> 4.Donate, sell, recycle, discard. Depending on the size of one’s existing wardrobe, an initial paring down won’t take long. Make a few piles – donate, sell, or recycle. Start with the clothes that you no longer wear. You’ll be surprised how much you can remove.<br /> 5.Donate, sell, discard some more. Removing the clothes you no longer wear is easy. Removing the clothes that you don’t really need can be a tougher choice. Turn around all the hangers in your closet. After the season, remove every article of clothing that wasn’t worn. That should help get you started on a second round of paring down.<br /> 6.Impose an arbitrary moritorium on shopping. For many, clothes shopping is just a habit – and habit always takes over for inattention. To begin breaking the cycle of purchasing and discarding (the average American throws away 68 lbs. of textiles each year), set a self-imposed buying freeze. I recommend 90 days. If given enough time, this simple exercise in self-discipline will change your view of your clothing and the stores that produce, market, and sell them.<br /> 7.Set a monthly spending limit. Pick a low number and stick to it.<br /> 8.Purchase quality over quantity. Only buy clothing that you truly love – even if it costs more. If you stock your closet full of things you love, you will have less desire to add to it.<br /> 9.Avoid the sale racks. Sales can (and should) be used to help you get a better price on something you need. Unfortunately, most sale racks are designed to convince us to purchase something we don’t.<br /> 10.Impress with your character, not your clothes. Lee Mildon once said, “People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.” </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179715 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:28:58 +0000 anne 179715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say this is such an interesting thread and thanks to all those contributing.<br /> Lisa that last point is really interesting. I have never thought of making the connection between what you currently wear and how many of something you need before! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179576 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 01:42:50 +0000 Lisa 179576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing I am finding during my closet purge between this month and last, is how many of my clothes I really wear. Maybe you can chart what you wear for one month (I flip hangers) and that would help you narrow down how many of an item you need. For example, I found out in one month, I only wore 20 tops, although there were 30 days. Needless to say I now know I can donate some of my tops and as long as I have 20 I'll be ok. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179496 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:07:35 +0000 Scarlet 179496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the clarification, Katja. That makes sense. But I would just say, to use your example, if you see a dress in a selection of colors, and all your accessories and coats are neutral, then of course you could wear any color dress in that case. So why choose black? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179480 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:18:55 +0000 Katja 179480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <blockquote><p>By the way, I am curious on your thinking about color. For example you posted a very colorful outfit (that looked great) recently, but you described yourself looking like a bowl of sherbet, which doesn't sound positive to me. Do you feel pressured to use more color but don't feel that it is you? I don't think everyone has to wear tons of color. Not everyone wants to. </p></blockquote> <p>Hmm. I don't think I was using "sherbet" in a negative way - more that I thought the outfit invoked a rainbow sherbet sort of palette.</p> <p>Perhaps part of my concern about color is my fear that committing to more colors will involve buying a lot more stuff - maybe shoes or hats that match just one skirt, or one dress, and then when that skirt is gone, the extra stuff is superfluous. But that could also come from not having a plan, or a pre-determined set of colors to choose from.</p> <p>I do know that psychologically, I have a hard time buying things in colors and patterns. If I see a dress in multiple colors, I'll always veer towards the black one, even though I already have a bunch of black dresses and don't need another one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179372 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:16:15 +0000 AJ 179372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a red pair of kitten heels, but I hardly wear them. The shoes I use the most are neutral or metallic in color. I guess if you like your feet, then go to town with the colored shoes. I think my feet look long, so it's not something I really like to focus attention on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179368 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:51:32 +0000 Scarlet 179368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have read some advice that to be truly strict with your money and wardrobe you should choose one dark neutral for accessories, i.e. black, brown, or navy, and build your wardrobe around that. If you cleared out your brown or black accessories that would make room for colored shoes.</p> <p>By the way, I am curious on your thinking about color. For example you posted a very colorful outfit (that looked great) recently, but you described yourself looking like a bowl of sherbet, which doesn't sound positive to me. Do you feel pressured to use more color but don't feel that it is you? I don't think everyone has to wear tons of color. Not everyone wants to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179344 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:36:05 +0000 Ariadne 179344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Minimalism is something I'm actively working on implementing in my life and wardrobe, so I'm watching this thread with interest. For the moment, one thing I'm doing is focusing my wardrobe around casual dresses (knits and things I don't need to iron) and denim bottoms (jeans, skirts). I'm also working on coming up with a palette to focus around. Current draft: Black, bitter chocolate brown, olive, dusky muted purple/plum, pluis dashes of mustard yellow, turquoise, grey, and red (especially coral and tomato). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179300 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:40:15 +0000 Traci 179300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katja,<br /> I believe Sal at Already Pretty has that same Land's End shirtdress. You can dig around for more posts of how she styled it, but here's a start of how she styled similar dresses:<br /> <a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2010/06/this-week-i-love_23.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....ve_23.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179299 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:36:28 +0000 Kristine 179299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm somewhat minimalist, or at least I like to pretend I am. I think small shoe wardrobes need color or interest even more than large ones. If you only have two pairs of flats I would make one a neutral and one a pseudo neutral like olive or plum. If you can have three maybe add a print like leopard or plaid. Shoes that are a little more of a statement can make the outfit, especially if your clothing is also fairly neutral and basic. There's nothing wrong with neutral shoes but I bet you would get a lot of wear out of red or turquoise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179281 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:53:06 +0000 Kate 179281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tarzy, maybe it will help to also factor in how long items last when deciding whether to pay more for a killer item. For example, I have a lot of bottoms and jackets that are several years old, and many that are 5+ years old. If I keep that in mind when making a purchase, it's easier to pay more. However most of my tops don't last more than 2 years (and some much less) - thanks to spills, holes in less durable fabric, armpit stains, etc - so it doesn't make sense for me to spend a lot on these. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179279 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:09:17 +0000 tarzy 179279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great question! I'm also doing a closet purge, and grappling with these very same issues.</p> <p>I definitely want to get more minimalist. I would love to own only things that look killer, but I find for my body, and my style, those things tend to be much more expensive than what I've been used to buying. </p> <p>I was thinking about this in regards to jeans, at the moment. I work from home, so I'm in jeans every single day. That works best for my style, and for me. I've found one brand that fits me fairly well. I've currently got about eight pairs. I usually get them on sale for around $50.00. They're all "okay." Not killer. I know that a pair of $150 premium jeans would probably look better, but I just can't wrap my head around paying that much. (If I could even find a pair that really fits my "mature" body (hips and thighs.)) If you figure I've spent $400 on 8 pairs of jeans - would I be happier with say, two pairs of killer premium jeans? Right now, I can wear a different pair every day. With only two or three, they would be in very heavy rotation, and need to be washed a lot more. </p> <p>Same thing with tops. I can't bring myself to pay $125 for one killer top. I just can't - not yet. So I end up with seven or eight that cost around $30, and are "eh." </p> <p>In theory, I want a small closet filled with killer things. But I just never seem to be able to make that transition to actually spending more for less. I'm sure if I sat down and added up all the money I've spend on things I am now purging, I would be able to buy ten pairs of premium denim. Maybe I should really do that, although I think seeing the actual numbers would make me cry! </p> <p> I wonder if I'll be able to do it this time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179274 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:28:28 +0000 Louise 179274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I counldn't do minimalist to save my life! but I admire those that can, so good luck x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179255 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:38:32 +0000 Kate 179255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being picky about colors definitely has helped me streamline my wardrobe and my new purchases. I'm able to completely pass by certain items that don't come in "my colors" and focus the scope of items I look at while shopping in a big way. If it's not an autumn color - warm and muted - I don't bother looking at it.</p> <p>Within my closet, almost all of my clothes match with each other - so I'm never trying to buy new items that "go" with something I already have. Instead, the focus is on having enough options to mix and match. I have a lot of brown shoes, brown skirts, brown shirts, and brown layers, but I can't wear all of them together at the same time. I also have olive green skirts, shirts, and layers, but can't wear all of them at the same time. Same with khaki/beige/cream and tan/camel. I also can only wear so many outfits that consist entirely of these neutrals, so now the focus is on adding more colors to my outfit, that can be used with any mix of these neutrals. </p> <p>The result isn't a tiny wardrobe, but one that maximizes opportunities for creating new combinations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179251 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:18:55 +0000 Katja 179251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <blockquote><p>Katje, start off with thinking about wardrobe capsuling</p></blockquote> <p>Wow, that's a lot of information to digest! Thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179250 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:10:04 +0000 Vix 179250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katja --</p> <p>The way you styled that shirtdress sounds perfect to me, but I skew minimalist more often than not (and the stars have to align for the "not" to happen). With your coloring, I'm sure the turquoise and black created a lot of drama!</p> <p>Maybe you have a maximalist struggling to get out, ha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179248 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:00:26 +0000 Angie 179248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah! We posted at the same time :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179247 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:59:51 +0000 Angie 179247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo Vix and Frances, wholeheartedly. Thanks for putting what's in my head into a comment, ladies. </p> <p>Katje, start off with thinking about wardrobe capsuling: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/06/25/wardrobe-capsules-for-your-lifestyle/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/06/.....lifestyle/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179246 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:59:45 +0000 Katja 179246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I look at my closet, I see two "sets" of clothing and accessories:</p> <p>Black/white/jewel tones: I have black skirts, black pants, black dresses, a bunch of colorful blouses/shirts/tanks (bright greens/blues/oranges/yellows), bright colored scarves and necklaces</p> <p>Brown/earth tones: olive green and tan dress pants, brown skirts, beige linen pants, cream/earthy green/brown tops</p> <p>As you know, all my shoes are neutral. I don't wear earrings, except for very special occasions (metal allergies) or many bracelets (interfere with energetic wheeling). I'm just starting a belt collection - my old belts are too big, and for some reason recently I've bought two or three belts that are also too big (my body size concept is still pretty off) that I've had to return. I have tons of scarves. I love scarves.</p> <p>So, for example, I have <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/OriginalBeltedShirtDress~201099_59.html?bcc=y&amp;action=order_more&amp;sku_0=::BLA&amp;CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000130&amp;origin=index">this black shirt dress</a>, and have been trying to style it. The other day I wore it with black high heeled pumps, a black belt with an small, ornate silver buckle, and a turquoise multi-strand necklace, and I felt like I need one more turquoise <strong>thing</strong> (belt, shoes, hat detail, <em>something</em>!) to make it work. And I didn't have anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179243 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:56:05 +0000 Maya 179243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Minimalist. What a tricky word. I have heard some YLFers casually mention their minimalist wardrobes, and yet they seem to have a lot of clothes. More than I do, even though I value quantity over quality. </p> <p>I'm actually similar to you when it comes to shoes Katja. When I find comfy shoes (a rare treat), they have to be as versatile as possible, so I just can't be as playful as usual. However, there is so much more to neutral than just black and brown. Metallics, nudes, white, cream, navy, and gray are all just as fab. Red and yellow are great peudo neutrals too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179238 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:40:59 +0000 AJ 179238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marlene - that's so great that you've narrowed your style down like that. My style is all over the place and I admire women who have their "look" all figured out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179236 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:34:34 +0000 Vix 179236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Katja --</p> <p>I so much depends on one's tolerance for repetition -- one woman's "boring" is another's "beloved!" My closet is relatively small in general and REALLY small compared to a friend's; my restriction would drive her bonkers and her plethora would overwhelm me.</p> <p>I'm with Frances re ways to break out a bit and with AJ re figure out a structure that works for you.</p> <p>[Though I also agree with Traci/Crazyone that you could consider swapping out one pair of shoes for a versatile color like red, deep purple or....]</p> <p>Aside from the black/brown shoe issue, have you done a closet audit to see what colors you have (and like)? What sorts of accessories do you have now or do you think you'd like to have? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179233 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:26:46 +0000 Anonymous 179233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm finding that I want a more minimalist wardrobe these days, as well because I am moving into a house with much smaller closets. Its hard to say what will work for you since your life is different than mine but lately I have been relentlessly purging and things that are allowed to stay are things that I LOVE...things that fit and flatter and....things that I can wear many different ways. For example, I have a denim shirt dress that I just wore with sandals and a black stretch belt...but it will work in the fall with tights/boots and a sweater. </p> <p>I'm keeping my color pallet simple...things that work with black/gray/white and my brights fall into the cool-toned gem colors. They all seem to work together so I can mix and match. I purged everything that doesn't go with this plan.</p> <p>I'm keeping my bottom half simple....good quality jeans and basic skirts and pants and really focusing on building block items. My tops are more flexible and fun with more trend-based items and layering pieces. </p> <p>I've reduced my wardrobe by about half so far and I've been dressed appropriately for everything! </p> <p>The other thing I'm doing, which is more of an abstract concept, is I came up with some words to describe how I want my clothing to express my personality and if an item doesn't advance MY style statement then it doesn't belong in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalist-wordrobe#post-179229 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:22:41 +0000 AJ 179229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm not an expert at this but if I had to go bare bones, this is what I would have:<br /> First I'd choose a color palette. One color that looks killer on me and 2 coordinating colors. For example dark purple, dark brown and olive green. I would try to focus MOST of my purchases with these three colors in mind so that everything coordinates with each other.</p> <p>2 pairs of jeans in dark wash<br /> 1 dressy trouser (here I would choose brown instead of black)<br /> 1 LBD (purple)<br /> 2 pencil skirts: 1 denim and 1 office appropriate (here I would choose dark grey because it goes with all three of my colors)<br /> 1 black dressy blazer<br /> 1 day dress (I'm thinking an olive shirtdress)<br /> 2 fun skirts<br /> 2 pairs of shorts/clams/bermudas<br /> 2-3 shirts/blouses for every pant/skirt<br /> 1 long sleeve cardigan<br /> 1 short sleeve cardigan<br /> 1 trench coat<br /> 1 winter coat<br /> 1 pair of dressy pump<br /> 1 pair of sandals<br /> 1 pair of flats<br /> Then I would use accessories to mix things up and keep from getting bored. Whenever you wish you had a colorful shoe to go with your outfit, go with a colorful accessory instead. </p> <p>Well that's my attempt. I personally can't yet embrace the minimalist closet because I luv having options. I look forward to seeing what everyone else suggests. </p>