https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:14:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now/page/2#post-1171654 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 17:46:57 +0000 Alassë 1171654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hand raised - also with Suz in that I have what I consider a medium or even big-ish wardrobe, but that is because I am a minimalist/lover of simplicity. Small-medium wardrobe size, simplicity in style, and simplicity in house &amp; home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now/page/2#post-1169249 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:59:19 +0000 Mo 1169249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thought I've had on this subject before, and the Project 333 in particular, is that if I did that challenge and extrapolated for 4 times in a year, it equals the number I have. &nbsp;So in essence I don't see 333 as minimal, but restrictive unnecessarily. &nbsp;132 items all used throughout the year is going to give oneself a lot more mental breathing room (or even 66 items each half year) than only 33 for a few months. &nbsp;The total sum is the same. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now/page/2#post-1169243 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:48:16 +0000 E 1169243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 'simplicity' tendencies (as I think of it, rather than pure minimalism, as I'm not focused on cutting possessions to the bare minimum but rather making sure I'm avoiding excess) in every aspect of my life/possessions except my closet &amp; bookcase! But even then, everything has to fit neatly in the storage space I have and I won't, for instance, buy more book shelves to expand that space. The vast majority of my reading comes from the library anyway, but I love a book case full of books &amp; little treasures (I find one on each trip), almost like a scrapbook as furniture. And occasionally I add to my collection with a Better World Books order, which feels like a decadent treat.</p> <p>If the secondhand clothing market suddenly vanished, I'd eventually become a minimalist as my current clothes wore out&nbsp;because I'm so (ethically)&nbsp;fussy about buying retail. As it is, though, I can build a quality wardrobe in my favourite colours and good fabrics, for pennies on the dollar, and I enjoy doing it. I don't feel overwhelmed at all&nbsp;by choice in the morning when I get dressed! And I enjoy wearing different combinations/'remixing' and layering. When I travel, I can make do with a tiny capsule wardrobe, but it doesn't make me any happier or better dressed, and I can't imagine wanting to do it permanently!</p> <p>I've enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on this thread though, and I find people who prefer tiny closets fascinating. hehe I love reading wardrobe &amp; packing lists for just that reason! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now/page/2#post-1169223 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:13:31 +0000 Lisa 1169223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Minimalist, that's going to get my attention!&nbsp; I've been striving for a small wardrobe for a few years and am fascinated by those who have small wardrobes where everything fits together and everything gets heavy wear.&nbsp; The closest I have come to this is our current winter season.&nbsp; I am only using 52 items right now and have been hovering around this number for the past couple of months.&nbsp; I'd say about 30 (ish) items are actually pieces worn for daytime and the rest are gear items (horseback riding, workout gear, or thermals for layering under daily clothes).&nbsp; I often see numbers around the 30 mark for a 'minimal' closet when talking about wardrobe size.&nbsp; I am always curious about the journey someone takes for minimal wardrobe size.&nbsp; I also like minimal style, the clean lines and neutrals colors are lovely, but I have yet to attempt that side of minimalism with my personal style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now/page/2#post-1169048 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 08:00:02 +0000 goldenpig 1169048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am neither a minimalist in wardrobe or style (quite the opposite in fact!), but I often wish for that Zen feeling I get when I look at minimalist closets and houses. So calm and neutral and soothing! If I could wave my hand and get rid of all the clutter and chaos in my house and life I think I'd be so much happier! But then it'd only be a matter of time before I was missing this or that perfect matchy matchy item or pop of color to complete my outfit... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1169044 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 07:29:56 +0000 Carla 1169044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not counting sports gear (which is a big part of my life) my clothes, counting shoes, boots, and coats...bags and scarves even, totals around 60 items. I am currently not acquiring, since all my needs for all seasons are met. I would add a pair of perfect white jeans if I could find them, and possible 1-3 new T's for the summer. By volume or quantity I could be considered minimalist (family and friends say so) but I do like colour and luxe fabrications...so style wise would not identify myself as such. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1169039 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 06:50:03 +0000 jen 1169039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only jewellery I own is one wedding ring and my beloved&nbsp; Cartier Watch!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1169037 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 06:44:37 +0000 jen 1169037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, the 18 items don't include my two coats. We have cold winters so I have a green khaki one with faux fur hood (casual), and a dressier wool 3/4 length coat. Pjs one winter set and one summer set. I have two handbags one for winter one for summer,( two Louis Vuitton Neverfulls). All my clothes are kinda expensive, but I don't buy a lot, only what I need and love to wear. I have one pair of black tall boots, one pair black booties, runners, white sneakers and a black pair of pumps. That's it!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1169020 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 05:20:35 +0000 catgirl 1169020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't say I'm a minimalist but limiting certain things (no summer clothes, limited palette, certain fabrics) has resulted in me wearing a smaller amount of items both daily and overall. I don't aspire to it but I aspire to ease, and those factors are conducive to simplicity in morning dressing for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168941 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:43:20 +0000 Deborah 1168941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting that some have mentioned their homes etc.  My home is pretty minimalist without being (I hope) what you would describe as cold. I don't keep anything we don't need and I also have empty storage spaces in my home:)  For me it is an aesthetic that flows through all areas of my life too.  Even my office at work) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168939 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:40:07 +0000 Suz 1168939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, I do actually plan to limit my colours even more just to see how that feels. So some of my supposed "minimalism"&nbsp;is more aspirational than real at this point. :)</p> <p>Minimalism as an aesthetic&nbsp;goes in and out of vogue. I think these days&nbsp;the movement in general (I mean, in the bigger fashion world)&nbsp;may be&nbsp;<b>away</b> from it. As in, this style&nbsp;has "peaked" for a while, and so we may be heading in a different direction. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/jan/01/minimalism-dead-long-live-maximalism-fashion">Here's a recent article about that.</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>But regardless of what fashion does, for me, personally, a simple look is what I crave and what has always worked best on me. Minimalism is probably not the right word for it. I haven't found the right word. Simple, clean-lined, and streamlined might express best where I see myself heading.&nbsp;</p> <p>Would simple opulence be too much of a contradiction in terms? I hope not.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168934 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:33:03 +0000 Anonymous 1168934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@jen, I'd love to see pictures of your 18 items! Does that include coats, sleepwear and gear for summer and winter? I'm such a wardrobe voyeur, lol!</p> <p>I totally concur with Debs, Suz and Steph about having more just right items means I need less items over all. I've been so blown away in this realization that I really don't want&nbsp;to bring home anything that doesn't have the potential of being just as useful. BUT sometimes, I have to get it home and actually put it through it's paces to figure this out.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also don't thing having a small wardrobe is particularly more virtuous than having a larger selection of things. It does have some benefits though, which I am enjoying.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168929 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:17:28 +0000 Susie 1168929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would anyone believe me if I said I am a minimalist with shoes and bags?<br /> I don't think so :)</p> <p>But with a few things I sort of am. I wear layering tees frequently and I do have several, but basically only one in each of the colors I wear. Though I do have both long and short sleeve versions in some of the colors. </p> <p>My socks and hose are fairly minimal. I cut down on the total number of pieces of sleepwear and plan to purge a few more. I updated my lounge wear a few months ago and will be purging more now that I have a better idea of how many pieces I need for fall/winter. </p> <p>And I've also cut down on the number of shoes I have though it is still a lot :)</p> <p>As to style, mine is pretty minimal. I wear a lot of solid colors and simple designs with few embellishments. No ruffles or bows. Pattern mixing is very rare. I don't wear many scarves and fairly minimal jewelry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168928 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:17:01 +0000 Peri 1168928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming back in to answer Suz, I guess that makes sense, it just wasn't how I saw you! You do have a coherent style, but I see a lot of variety. I guess my definition of minimalist style is a beginner one as usual...like when someone says something like they are limiting their color palette to black, white and grey.</p> <p>There seems to be growing admiration for minimalist style, if not numbers. I'm wondering why that is? Is it a large fashion trend, or something happening on this board, or something else. As usual, I'm not in it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168918 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 02:47:27 +0000 Jaime 1168918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I certainly do not have a minimal number of clothing items, that's easy! Whether my style is minimal is less clear - I am very attracted to certain elements of a minimalist look, hardly wear jewelry or accessories, don't usually wear a lot of patterns and colors together. And yet, I am not glued to the notion if that make sense. Interesting thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168824 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 00:32:48 +0000 mrseccentric 1168824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ooooh, i am gonna be watching this thread!</p> <p>first, jen, what are your 18 pieces specifically? i'm fascinated by wardrobe lists, minimal is best. i can't get by with the absolute 'bare bones' myself, as then it's too much laundering, and i take so long to replace items which get ruined by, say a huge ink spot right on the nipple (completely hypothetical example *cough*).&nbsp; So i've learned to build in a bit of a buffer for practical reasons.</p> <p>I'm number three to jump in with what Deborah and Suz said - the more right things i get, the less things i need/want. In the last six months i've made a couple of dresses which just perfectly hit the spot (i've made some other things as well - i'm a slow sempstress but thankfully not THAT slow and i've been wearing them constantly - probably about 1/4 of my outfits over that time have been wearing one of these dresses.&nbsp; I'm wearing the chambray one today!&nbsp; And it's just because i want to wear them since i love them and they work perfectly for the climate and my lifestyle. No force whatsoever.</p> <p>I always knew i wanted to be more minimalist in terms of number of clothes, but i had no idea i'd love repeating to THAT extent. But i should have seen the clues beforehand - i drive everyone i know nuts by eating the same breakfast everyday, ordering the same meal every time we go out to eat, playing the same record incessantly, taking the same walk every day for years and years forswearing any color for my beloved neutrals...</p> <p>....looking back i think this should have been the big tipoff that as long as a i really loved what i had in my closet i should have had no qualms about comitting to a minimalist wardrobe. Minimalism's not for everyone, and i don't think it's any sign of virtue or less of a focus on clothes or style.&nbsp; It's just one way of approaching things.&nbsp; </p> <p>Fun Fun Thread!!&nbsp; steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168796 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:39:09 +0000 jen 1168796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 18 pieces of clothing hanging in my closet, my house has the basics and my cupboards have spare shelves. I do live the minimalist lifestyle, less stuff means more freedom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168787 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 23:31:54 +0000 Raisin 1168787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I have a fairly minimalist wardrobe. Like everything else in my life I like to keep things fairly simple and streamlined. I find it helps to keep my stress low. I honk my aesthetic is minimalist too. I don't do much adornment or jewelry. My mom always says my house is minimalist. My<br /> Mom and sister marvel over the fact that I have several empty kitchen cupboard, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168768 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:47:29 +0000 Deborah 1168768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting point Suz.&nbsp; See I don't find myself overly drawn to trend items so that has been a bit of a saving grace in terms of slowing my purchasing down a bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168760 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:39:30 +0000 Suz 1168760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes - what Deborah said. As I get closer to the "right" things for me, I need fewer things overall. If that makes sense.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the other hand, I have to confess that I will probably always buy a fair bit. Because I also like to try new trends and incorporate them into my mostly classic looks. So it's a balancing act for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Perhaps ideally I would have a small and superb quality "core" wardrobe of simple, mostly neutral&nbsp;modern classics, with some fast fashion "extras" every season, that I would donate at the end of one or two seasons. I think that would probably be my ideal in terms of a threshold of interest/ fun. Similar to what Angie does, I guess.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168754 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:33:27 +0000 Deborah 1168754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suppose it depends on how you define minimalist.&nbsp; I think I tend towards a minimalist aesthetic.&nbsp; Pared down looks, neutrals and no too much in the way of accessories. And my wardobe is definitely more minimal than when I joined YLF.&nbsp; I have gone from two full wardrobes and three storage boxes of clothes to everything fitting into my walk in with room to spare.&nbsp; My sense is I still have purging to do.&nbsp; While I do like variety and in the past have suffered from wardrobe boredom, I have found buying the 'right' things has really minimised these feeling for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168751 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:30:41 +0000 Helena 1168751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suppose it depends on how you define it, but I think I lean minimalist ... when I "style" an outfit, I usually end up taking all the styling off - I prefer minimal pieces in an outfit, and minimal pieces in my closet - both in terms of numbers, and (I think) design/style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168740 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:24:56 +0000 Suz 1168740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ </p> <p>Perio - good points. &nbsp; ETA: PERI, not PERIO. &nbsp; SPELLCHECK weirdness!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Let me explain.&nbsp;</p> <p>You're right,&nbsp;I <b>WAS</b> bored at the end of my NO Repeat November.&nbsp;</p> <p>What bored me was being forced not to repeat!&nbsp;</p> <p>Initially I thought&nbsp;I was bored with the same old items.&nbsp;What <b>actually</b> bored me -- or maybe irritated me --&nbsp;was <i>having to combine them in new ways</i>.&nbsp;</p> <p>That was an interesting and enlightening lesson for me. It seems I like to be able to wear an item in one to four outfits -- and don't feel the need to press an item into service in a dozen ways or&nbsp;wear a completely different outfit every single day of the month just for the sake of wearing something different. I'd rather have about 10 completely fab outfits that I could repeat &nbsp;as is&nbsp;whenever I wanted.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for outfit minimalism,&nbsp;I do wear layers. It's a necessity in my climate. I can't get away without them in winter. Increasingly I try to make the layers less visible, apart from the top/ topper/ coat series, I mean. Same with scarves -- I like them on others a lot and still enjoy wearing them now and again, but increasingly I prefer to get away without them if I can. It's just that unless I am wearing a turtleneck, I really can't get away without them in winter. It's just too cold.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love colour, but my&nbsp;palette is actually quite limited. I wear pretty much the same ones (and mostly neutrals, at that) all the time. Same for pattern. I am not really crazy about most patterns for myself and&nbsp;I don't really wear very many.&nbsp;More in summer than winter, probably.&nbsp;But if you look closely, you'll see that even there,&nbsp;most patterns are in two colours at most. Occasionally 3 if all are neutrals. And typically they are geometrics or angled abstract type patterns.&nbsp;</p> <p>My clothing is all pretty clean lined. I don't go in for a lot of surface detailing. I do like mixed media stuff and colour blocking.&nbsp;</p> <p>Does that make sense? Or am I deluded? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168703 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:41:26 +0000 April 1168703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm kind of a minimalist in recovery. &nbsp;For years and years in my first marriage, my wardrobe was very small and pretty awful (anything besides gear was being saved for some other occasion.)&nbsp;&nbsp;I think I was trying to prove how low-maintenance I was. &nbsp;</p> <p>Now I have more things, but I also wear more things. &nbsp;I don't save things for some future event. &nbsp;My darling SO&nbsp;is 100% encouraging and appreciative of my efforts and always makes me feel that it's worthwhile to have a closet full of things&nbsp;that makes me happy. &nbsp;</p> <p>It's a modestly sized closet -- much smaller than many, larger than some. &nbsp;I guess I've gone from minimalist to&nbsp;mediumist. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168698 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:36:49 +0000 Mo 1168698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not that minimal, but considering I bounce between two opposing climates, I think I keep my numbers pretty well in check. &nbsp;From snow boots to sandals I have about 25 to 30 if you count all gear and work shoes (waitressing). &nbsp;Clothing is around 110 items, winter&nbsp;coats included. &nbsp;Maybe 10 &nbsp;handbags (and I only really use 2 or 3)&nbsp;and 6 scarves, 12 or so belts.<br />When I first joined about 3 1/2 years ago I had probably 200 clothing items. &nbsp;So, progress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168690 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:30:54 +0000 Peri 1168690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hijacking! </p> <p>Suz, I'm not quite sure I understand that...maybe you are being tongue in cheek? Because I've seen you talk about being bored and needing variety, so how does that fit with saying your ideal closet would have outfits so similar people would think they are all the same?</p> <p>I know you don't go in for a lot of accessories, but your outfits don't seem minimal at all to me. Layers, details, contrast, variety in color, prints...not what I think of as minimalist! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168682 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:23:40 +0000 Lyn D. 1168682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would like to be- &nbsp;I prefer not to wear too much at once- especially where jewellery is concerned.<br />But- can't resist the buying itch! The 1-in-1-out is a good rule for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168677 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:19:09 +0000 Suz 1168677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! Like Claire, I had to show up for a thread with that title. But then I realized I'm the wrong kind of minimalist.&nbsp;</p> <p>Or maybe not. Maybe I AM a minimalist at heart, because right now I consider my wardrobe rather "big" -- when according to Angie, in total numbers it still fits into the "fairly small" category.</p> <p>For now, I've settled on calling it mid-sized, and it's pretty much right for me -- it won't be growing and might be getting smaller but smarter. ETA not a lot smaller; i actually wear everything I own except special occasion wear&nbsp;quite a lot, so in that sense I'm at my minimum.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I'm actually the opposite of Peri. I think I'm ultimately a STYLE minimalist, not a wardrobe minimalist. So -- in my ideal world --&nbsp;I might have a mid-range number of items, but they'd be so similar looking that nobody would ever know I didn't wear the same outfit almost all the time. How's that for weird?&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not there yet. Still working on what the ideal items are.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168673 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:15:36 +0000 Anonymous 1168673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How do you define minimalist? Just curious what are people's points of reference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/minimalists-of-ylf-then-and-now#post-1168667 Sun, 16 Feb 2014 21:07:28 +0000 Peri 1168667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm fairly minimalist in number of items, but not in style...I like jewelry and scarves and color too much. </p>