https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:19:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662355 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:17:27 +0000 ManidipaM 662355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, that is a NEAT closet, every which way! I suspect once you start playing dress up, two things will happen: You'll find you do have quite a few options to wear, as opposed to nothing, even if not as many as you'd like; but you'd be closer to 'as many as you'd like' by identifying real 'holes' that much faster without the ifs and maybes and one-trick-ponies getting in the way.</p> <p>I'm in the all-these-greens-should-go-together camp; just needing the right colour to bridge the more disparate shades. So maybe if you have extra time on hand some rainy day, you can put together a few combinations and post? I daresay more colour-savvy YLFers will be able to sort out what the missing element might be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662326 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:21:17 +0000 Astrid 662326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's true Vildy. I can see that working if the greens are almost neutral, if they only a have a touch yellow or blue in them. But I personally don't like it to mix clearly warm and cool tones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662325 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:09:28 +0000 Vildy 662325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some people have theories that all reds go together (blend in) and all greens go together. I can see it better with reds. </p> <p>Brigette Raes suggests viewing green as a neutral and when you think about it, it seems that you can pair a dark green handbag with anything. </p> <p>Also, I have had great luck trying an experiment where I tried to see how many outfits I could carry an olive bag with. Seemed like pretty much everything. Olive seems to work wherever khaki would work, treated as a neutral. </p> <p>So other author had an idea that it worked to keep your wardrobe in cool tones but to add, say, a warm tone bag or other prominent piece. And vice versa. I think this work, too. </p> <p>I guess it's whatever floats your own boat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662321 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 10:07:10 +0000 Astrid 662321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Harmonica. I think the skirt really has to go, it's just so impractical. I thought I could try to (partly) remove the fringe from the scarf, although I'm not sure if that'll look so good. The scarf is VERY bright IRL and on me and I always feel like it needs cool colors or neutrals to not look out of place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662314 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 09:22:05 +0000 harmonica 662314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great pic's Astrid! I love how you put your green items together and see that they go so well togethers. Aida did a great job on colour analysis! For the scarf and skirt, I'd be ruthless and say that you should part with them. They are annoying you in different ways, so not keepers. Better find replacements if they work well in theory (colour, shape and versatility), because they look really nice and the minty scarf is refreshing. To my eye (but I'm no expert), I can see it with *all* your green items, not only cooler colours</p> <p>Nice wardrobe too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662282 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 06:22:48 +0000 Astrid 662282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Aida! I hope my closet stays that way. I still have to do a count.... Thank you for your color analysis, that's so helpful! Both the minty scarf and the skirt on the right are in my holding zone right now. The scarf because it only goes with completely cool colored outfits and the fringe gets on my nerves. The skirt is really pretty, but it's hell to iron and then it's creased again after 10 minutes and it doesn't look good that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-662006 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:07:18 +0000 Aida 662006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Astrid, that is an incredibly neat and organized closet! I am impressed, it looks like you can very easily see everything which is a great help.</p> <p>Looking at your greens, the saturated pieces all look like they would play together well. From what I can see, the tones are definitely similar enough to match however you feel like with each other. The minty scarf looks more like a spring/summer shade and the plaid a fall/winter; the rest seem all-season except the darkest piece at the bottom which seems fall/winter. I would pair these items with any of your neutrals, and also any colors that you have which are more saturated (and don't have a lot of gray or brown to them).</p> <p>The two olivey pieces are definitely a different family of green as they have a lot of brown in them (I usually think of these as "muddy" colors). These look really great with neutrals (like cream!) and other colors that are equally muddy (like rusts). Mixing in less muddy shades is a bit harder, but not impossible.</p> <p>The purse is a lovely yellowy-green shade! I feel like that could just go with all kind of spring/summer outfits! Would look especially cute with white/cream and denim </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-661860 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:33:10 +0000 Astrid 661860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lisa! It looks fairly nice already, I agree. I still have too many layering tops and not enough tops I can wear on their own. I think it would be interesting to count. Oh, jackets and shoes aren't there, oviously. And I have gear somewhere else and also some more things in boxes that I can't part with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-661856 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:29:37 +0000 Lisa 661856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your wardrobe looks minimal and in line with your goals to me. Nice job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe/page/2#post-661849 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:25:57 +0000 Astrid 661849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Carole, it's true that it's good to hear that other people think about it too. This Project 33 sounds good.</p> <p>Thanks Aida. That's true about the layering. But that's alright, I don't want to change my style, I just want as few pieces as possible to implement it. I've taken a picture of the greens below. I can say that I almost never use the bag and the bright scarf. I've always tried to think about which colors I buy, but it seems I'm not as successfull as I thought.</p> <p>Thanks Shevia.</p> <p>Elle, that's so true. I have to really love an item to want to wear it again and again. Otherwise I get bored. Your capsule sounds great!</p> <p>Thanks for the link, Vildy!</p> <p>Harmonica, that's a truly minimalist wardrobe! Sounds great.</p> <p>Manidipa, thanks for your long response! This makes totally sense. I like the idea of starting with my comfort zones to figure it out! I'll think about it. I sorted through it all yesterday and the picture #2 below was taken later on. There are still some things on the laundry rack, but that's it. This morning I looked at it and thought that I had absolutely nothing to wear! Although I only put away those items I never wore anyway. </p> <p>Nadya, that's a great realisation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660952 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:36:04 +0000 Nadya 660952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has gotten me thinking that perhaps I'm more of a minimalist than I realized. Like you, Astrid, I like to wear my items frequently, though for a different reason. Some of it may come from my years of traveling for work, when all my work clothes had to fit into a one week capsule that went with one pair of shoes (either black or brown).</p> <p>When I first started working after college, my goal was to get through a work week without repeating bottoms. Now, I feel luxurious if I can go ten, but don't feel it's a necessity.</p> <p>Plus, it will totally crack me up if I can tell my husband that actually, I have a minimalist wardrobe.</p> <p>Fern, your color coded spreadsheet is brilliant and I am stealing the idea pronto! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660935 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:22:55 +0000 Isabel 660935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coincidentally, I was just reading about Project 333, which the viviennefiles is trying to follow. It is about having 30 pieces of clothing for 3 months. Anyway, I am obsessed with minimalism..in everything..but I too struggle with achieving it. I want to feel as if I have all the "right" things at the right time. But it IS hard. One needs to have the personality and the discipline. One also needs to know what "right" means. I think that you can't determine that without getting good fitting clothes in various types and colors and wearing them to determine how well they work in your life. I am definitely a "try it out" and applicability person. I just don't know in my head if something will work until I actually use it. </p> <p>The other thing that makes it difficult, IMO, is that life evolves and there is so much out there. I had a great, working wardrobe that seemed ready for anything. Then I gained 30 lbs...and my life changed...and my tastes had changed a bit....you get the picture.</p> <p>Sometimes, Astrid, we WANT to be a certain way because we THINK we should be that way, but it is simply not in our nature right now. Keep working on your perfect fit and when you are ready ( and you will know it ) you will start gravitating toward whatever is natural for you.</p> <p>For me, I LOVE accessories....I don't fight it anymore. They make me happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660926 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:13:42 +0000 ManidipaM 660926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've strayed pretty far from my own goal of a moderate, if not minimalist wardrobe. Partly due to not being able to replace the 'avoidables' fast enough and partly from the challenge of finding suitable partners for 'beloved orphans', I find I have a lot more *stuff* than I want. So I'm clearly not the best person to advise...</p> <p>...but I did think of this: I like my wardrobe most when I travel. And that enforces a sort of minimalism already! Yes, my at-home climactic and on-road challenges require some addition of extra-sturdy clothes, shoes and gear, but on the whole, if all my closet behaved the way my suitcase closet does, I'd be a very happy woman. Now, I don't usually buy my colour schemes, but I often pack by the kind of scheme Vildy mentions --- two equal value colours and a neutral. Sometimes, for a longer trip, I add a second neutral. So say the colours are red and dark blue (navy and neighbours) or teal, and the neutrals are dark chocolate and charcoal. What's interesting, though, is I often use a couple of shades of my 'colours' --- so a darker cherry and a pure red, a lighter and a darker teal etc. And I always add a splash of white or cream.</p> <p>In terms of numbers, I find I take tops = number of days plus 3-4 for a longer trip (never longer than a fortnight), and contrary to the usual blogosphere rules, at least 4 sets of bottoms (including a pair of jeans, a pair of trousers or two, and a skirt or two) and sometimes as many as 6 to allow for dressier eveningwear. The tops include at least a couple of layering T-shirts, plus a mix of knits and wovens.</p> <p>Add 3 pairs of shoes at least (one dressy, two for long days walking to rotate), sometimes, 4. </p> <p>Add 3 bags: one large tote for day use that can double as 'personal item' of some size to stuff extras and souvenirs into; a small bag or clutch for evening; and an extra for shopping or carrying documents and things people love to hand you.</p> <p>Also, depending on climate, add 2 jackets/blazers/cardigans and 2 coats (winter wool and rain parka).</p> <p>A handful of scarf and a pouch of jewellery. Two pairs of tights and leggings, two </p> <p>So I guess for me this is enough variety before I need to do laundry and before I get outright bored.</p> <p>What is interesting to me is that I *don't* actually end up with an all tops with all bottoms kind of mix. Often a top will at best work with 2 bottoms --- and that's just fine! It's still plenty of variety --- and me, I'm pretty easily bored even though I stick fast to my favourites for repeat wears. What I *do* stress about is:<br /> (a) comfort --- I absolutely refuse to be in restrictive garments for travelling<br /> (b) my favourite silhouettes --- could be wide-legged pants and a tailored shirt/blouse; could be leggings and a short dress or tunic; a pencil skirt, knee-length or maxi, and tank and jacket; jeans and drapey or swingy knit top...</p> <p>I guess this is my long-winded way of suggesting you start with your comfort zones (think of your lifestyle as well as how you like to move, sit, walk personally; what silhouettes and textiles and textures you're really cosy in)... and take it from there. Stylistically, you might not be certain yet of the look you want --- but you might find your most *comfy* silhouettes dictate your style direction to an extent. Someone who likes A-lines and smocks is unlikely to go too flapper, say... </p> <p>And this doesn't mean you leave no room for play. You *can* add extras from your 40% holding zone. But first, find different ways to create that comfy silhouette, in just four colours (or any arbitrary number that appeals, even just two or three) --- and then, when they all have different vibes, put them together to see what felt best or looks most like you or most attractive to you at this time. </p> <p>Just an idea that I hope might help. Either way, I want to state that people like you and Kirti and Meredith already show us how much excitement can be found in fewer pieces, every time you post. You're already way ahead of the rest of us --- so take heart! With your smaller closet size, I bet you have fewer mistakes to regret as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660739 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:47:44 +0000 harmonica 660739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This post got me thinking of my four months stay in Stockholm (years and years ago) where I truly had a minimalist wardrobe:</p> <p>1 pair of black trousers<br /> 1 charcoal pencil<br /> 2-3 sweaters (1 wool)<br /> 2-3 T's<br /> 1 cardi<br /> 2 pair of shoes (booties, I guess)<br /> 2 winter coats (black leather + red rain coat)<br /> Undies, socks, tights, mittons, scarf, cap etc</p> <p>The colours were mainly black, grey and red. I did a lot of laundry, but didn't mind (laundry in the evening, dry next morning). And as you see, fewer bottoms than tops/toppers</p> <p>I felt truly liberated!</p> <p>Vildy: thanks for the link!<br /> Echo Claire on putting *at least* 40% in a hidden box and are very excited about your experience with that when time comes </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660726 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 09:56:50 +0000 Vildy 660726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The academchic's link was given to the color wheel and recommendation of putting together 2 of the triad of 3 colors. I really like Imogen Lamport's post where she suggests the same thing plus a neutral and it's not the same old same old. </p> <p><a href="http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2012/07/how-to-wear-red-white-blue.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.insideoutstyleblog......-blue.html</a></p> <p>example: blue, yellow and CHOCOLATE - wow, I never would have thought of that.</p> <p>Also, she gives a good proportion for combining colors: 60 - 30 - 10 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660711 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 08:07:25 +0000 fieldmouse 660711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for a minimalist wardrobe to work well you have to really love the few clothes you have (or the outfits they create in combination with each other). If you have a minimalist wardrobe made up of 'meh, it's ok' things, you will still keep craving new and better stuff. </p> <p>In terms of the clothes I own that I actually wear, I'm a minimalist. My wardrobe, not so much, because I buy some stuff that ends up being a dud... I don't crave variety, I'm perfectly happy wearing the same outfits over and over again, so I only end up wearing the clothes that I really like and ignoring the rest.</p> <p>I don't have a consciously defined set of colours that I stick to, I just tend to like only the same few colours: white/cream, grey/taupe; muted blues and pinks (a little brighter for summer), some deeper green occasionally (but a good green is hard to find!). </p> <p>As an example, my June 'capsule', i.e what I ended up wearing in June, not that I consciously put together a capsule (June was a relatively cool summer month here; for reference, I'm in North-Eastern Europe, probably a climate roughly similar to yours, though I don't know exactly where you live in Germany):</p> <p>-2 skirts (prints; both All Saints, so somewhat distinctive)<br /> -2 cardigans (light pink, grey), 2 hoodies (pale pink, cream)<br /> -2 tank tops (white, light pink), 1 tee (cream and light pink stripes), 1 blouse (light blue)<br /> -1 pair of capri leggings (white, to wear under the skirts because it's windy here..!)<br /> -1 bag (grey)<br /> -1 pair of shoes (white keds/plimsolls/lace-up tennis shoes)</p> <p>I work part-time, but basically I can wear what I like to work. As far as laundry goes, when I come home I hand-wash in the sink (sometimes only with water, no detergent) the top(s) I wore and hang it out to air-dry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660481 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:50:47 +0000 Jaime 660481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading this thread has given me a lot of food for thought for breakfast. I am a bit of a contradiction - a clutter collector and a minimalist who loves to wear the same thing over and over again. I am not yet awake enough to have anything very helpful to say but I will be giving this some thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660463 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:34:03 +0000 Aida 660463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, your style has a lot of layering built in (both currently and in your Pinterest boards), even though it's a more minimal style rather than ALGO. This is going to immediately up the number of items in your wardrobe, so that's something to consider.</p> <p>Regarding color, if you know which ones suit you I think that theoretically they will play well together. After all they will have something in common just from that! Being a stickler for the proper saturations and shades is key here though. I'd be curious to see all of your green items which clash, maybe we can get some info for you out of that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660390 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 23:27:29 +0000 Carole 660390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love exploring the concept of the "minamilist wardrobe". It seems like Project 33 would be a good place to start, just focusing on a few key pieces (33 total) for a season and packing up the rest. I'm not sure I will ever do it, but I'm fascinated by the idea. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's responses here. It's fun knowing I'm not the only one exploring and contemplating this very thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660352 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:41:37 +0000 Vildy 660352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh thanks, Fern. I have Open Office. hmmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660348 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:31:14 +0000 Astrid 660348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your great responses! </p> <p>That makes sense Lisa. I guess that's important when you want to mix and match. I like cool colors also better on myself, although some warmer tones can look good when they are the right intesity. </p> <p>Lemonade, I agree that a very simple color palette isn't the right thing for me. But I can definitely see myself defining some neutrals and trying to stay in the cool color palette otherwise. Why do you think it wouldn't work without denim? You're right that I'm not a denim girl, I definitely like my denim jacket over skirts and with dresses and a nice faded pair of denim jeans is always nice, but that's it. But I think non denim items can work as the same neutral workhorses too. One example is my black knee length skirt.</p> <p>A, I think it depends on how you define a minimalist wardrobe. It could be the lowest number of items you're comfortable with so that you are always well dressed no matter the season. I agree that in my case I would need more items than someone who has no seasons.</p> <p>Meredith, that's really what I've been doing already, mixing it up with accessories. I don't have any great 'boho' jewelry, maybe I have to change that. I guess I just think that I know enough now to take it a step further? Not sure.</p> <p>Claire, no problem at all! It's interesting to hear about all that. I like the idea of putting the 40% away and try to work with the rest, I think I will do that. It would also be interesting to analyse why I don't wear them or why I don't like them anymore.</p> <p>Kate, so much fantastic advice! I want to try all of this. I definitely agree about the denim thing. I think I have some things figured out, maybe not all of it but I definitely have a better idea than a few months ago. Here's once again the link to my Pinterest board, for those who haven't seen it yet. <a href="https://pinterest.com/ridrin/style/" rel="nofollow">https://pinterest.com/ridrin/style/</a></p> <p>Fern, this is completely awesome! I love this.</p> <p>Ruth, that's true about doing the laundry. I have to say it really doesn't bother me - I'm used to doing laundry on every weekend, we always did at home. Not because everybody had few clothes, but because all people together produced so big piles. It was always better to do it more often than later everything at once.</p> <p>Harmonica, thank you for the links! I'll have a look.</p> <p>Rachylou, it's good to have a ruthless brother at hand when you need one! Last time I was at home my mother asked me to help with the decluttering of my brother's room, because she knows I'm ruthless and can do it much better than her. Although sometimes that's not a good thing, I mean I still need something left to wear, right? </p> <p>Ornella, good of you to chime in. You definitely know your colors and wear them beautifully! I can relate to going a bit overboard with some things when you finally feel like you know what you want. Good tip about the bottoms and tops, it really makes sense. You said "I want to start seeing my clothes worn out then replaced, rather than forgotten or abandoned". I want that too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660336 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:58:14 +0000 fern 660336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy, I use the spreadsheet program from Open Office - it's meant to match microsoft Excel. You can fill the cells with color - it might be called "background fill".<br /> I first used it to make a list of everything in my wardrobe, then realized typing "green cardi" was not as useful to me as seeing little colored cells next to the list.<br /> As for minimalism, the list really helps me to see all three teal cardigans in a row and know I do not need another. And the "Vivienne chart" I posted above helps me see how few holes I have in my summer wardrobe - which is not super minimal, but certainly the most organized I have ever been. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660317 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:22:58 +0000 Ornella 660317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too am in the "Know Your Colors" camp, that was the beginning of my own style overhaul and still is the strongest criteria for filtering out what's worth space in my wardrobe, or not.<br /> Then come the fit, climate and lifestyle needs.</p> <p>I also want minimalist* wardrobe and have thought I had figured it all out before this move. In reality, everything worked well together and I did wear all of my clothes, even though there are of course always firm favorites - but, when faced with all the boxes of <em>stuff</em>, I realized that sometimes, somehow along the way got a bit carried away, probably because I was so happy I finally knew what I wanted wardrobe-wise, that I wanted quite a lot of it in a short space of time. And I had a bit more varied life/style needs, so everything really was in rotation.</p> <p>Fast forward to today - a month and a half of living on my wardrobe capsule which had been packed in my suitcase had showed me when I have the right capsule, I really can live on very, very few wardrobe pieces. And, when I'm happy with all the pieces and they all work together, there is no room for boredom.</p> <p>Just before I had to narrow down my wardrobe to fit in the suitcase, I came across a blog post somewhere which explained how a variety of bottoms works better to create different outfits, then more tops and fewer bottoms. E.g. 4 tops + 4 skirts or pants are better that 6 tops + 2 skirts or pants. That made perfect sense to me and I packed with that in mind. I still haven't worn all the possible variations of my tops and bottoms.</p> <p>Fewer items, but carefully chosen, have been heavenly in terms of laundry - I don't wash nowhere near as much as I used to and I still always have something to wear.</p> <p>I do, however, look forward to installing the cupboards in our apartment this weekend and will be happy to see some of my clothes released from the cardboard boxes, but I think I've reached the stage where I want to start seeing my clothes worn out then replaced, rather than forgotten or abandoned. My perception had been radically shifted.</p> <p>I'm not sure if this is of any help, but the subject is close to me at this moment in time :-)</p> <p>*ETA: My own (quick) definition of minimalist wardrobe is mainly about (1) the numbers - I want fewer pieces rather than more, and (2) the mix-and-match potential, i.e. no wardrobe divas that will require last minute panic shopping in order to be able to wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660294 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:43:11 +0000 rachylou 660294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel great sympathy. I dream about a minimalist wardrobe, for the ease and sake of my tiny *new* apartment.</p> <p>I struggle with boredom and being unable to pick what to get rid of. I have a ton of clothes and I absolutely used to wear everything, just not often because there was so much. When I moved to my new place, I picked a subset of items (based on color) and have just been wearing those. Now, my beloved things are actually wearing out (nooooo, stuff don't leave me!) and one of my closet doors is blocked by bins I've snuck back from storage (nooooo, stuff don't leave me!) .</p> <p>I'm contemplating listing needs, doing a pass through to pull items that can meet those needs, and then doing something like calling my brother to take everything else away without my looking at it again...</p> <p>Has to be my brother. He's ruthless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660245 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:06:46 +0000 harmonica 660245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of a minimalist wardrobe, but I think my go on it is to make it as minimal as my lifestle allows (I'm not there yet :-)) And hunting down the good classic items have been my strategy and I am amazed how I much and varied wear I can get out of a pencil, jeans, blazer etc. </p> <p>I actually think you are working on it just by considering the why's and how's. </p> <p>For inspiration on colours: <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/02/02/fashion-101-how-to-combine-colors/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....ne-colors/</a><br /> ...and wardrobe essentials: <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/04/11/academichic-essentials-s-2/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....tials-s-2/</a><br /> There are a lot of other really good inspiration there and if you are not familiar with the site, just browse around and see if there is an idea or two you can pick up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660209 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:45:30 +0000 Anonymous 660209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go back and forth with the idea of a minimalist wardrobe. It sounds so good in theory, but in reality it's royally annoying in terms of how often you have to do laundry in order to have something clean to wear. I like having what I consider to be a moderately sized wardrobe, though I do want to focus more on quality than on quantity. I have found it helpful to stick to a certain color palette so my clothing is easy to coordinate and I don't have any closet orphans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660203 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:41:47 +0000 Vildy 660203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh wow Fern, what did you use to produce that chart? I'm visual, too. I'm forever pulling things out of the closet and putting them on clothing racks to work with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660127 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:57:21 +0000 fern 660127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is wonderful advice here already. I'm attaching my summer wardrobe chart. Heh. I'm analytical, I'm a visual thinker and i already had my wardrobe in excel, so I made this. It's sorted as tops on the top line, then toppers, bottoms, dresses then shoes, based on making sets of fours from the Vivienne files.<br /> I put away everything I wasn't wearing to simplify my summer wardrobe (heavier winter things and not so successful purchases), so I just have this stuff in my closet. I also wear tons of greens and blues, but it turns out the light-weight clothes do fall into a lighter color family. As do my summer shoes.<br /> I identified &amp; have started filling in a couple of holes (gray text). This wardrobe is casual, as is my life, but the few dressier items do work together to make a few dressy outfits.<br /> I don't know if this helps, for Astrid or anyone whose brain doesn't think this way, but it helped me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660073 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:56:57 +0000 Kate 660073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the color comment is spot on. I don't think you need to choose just 4 (or however many) colors, but I do think you need to find a color family where most of the items will go together. That being said, I refuse to wear my orange/red items with my green items, and have some other color combos that don't quite work within my almost entirely autumn palette, so if a couple things don't go together it's ok.</p> <p>I like Claire's idea of taking the things you don't wear and putting them in a holding space for a while. See what holes emerge, and what you end up bringing back into your wardrobe.</p> <p>I think that you can have a minimalist wardrobe without only wearing jeans. All of my pants are neutrals for me, but I can't wear the brown and green pairs with a number of items because they look too matchy! Of my 7 skirts, on is mustard yellow and another is a bright orangey-red. They work with a lot of my tops, but not all of them. </p> <p>I think that some parts of your style should be figured out before attempting to go minimal, but that doesn't mean everything needs to be the same. Rather, I think it allows you to have more variety with fewer items. I have a pair of wide-legged, high-waisted trousers that are very different from much of my wardrobe. But they work with most of my tops and many of my layering items, so they work. If I wear them as much as I wear all of my other pants, that one item substantially changes my "average" silhouette. </p> <p>Another idea is to start figuring out which of your clothes don't play well with others in your closet, and which you simply don't like to wear. Try on each top with ALL of your different bottoms and layers. Does one only work well with jean? Why? Does one only work with a couple of your skirts? Why? With a specific blazer on top? I've started putting items through this test after I buy them and before I cut the tags. I don't have a lot of space for tops that only work with pants or skirts, but not both, so I buy accordingly. </p> <p>Or imagine that you're moving somewhere for a couple months, with a similar climate and lifestyle, but you can only bring a suitcase or two. What wardrobe items could you bring with you to this new place? What would you leave at home for safe keeping, and what you you be happy to leave behind? Once I realized that I'll likely be spending some time abroad for my fieldwork, I was able to better focus my purchases and finally purge a couple of items out of my wardrobe. I don't remember how much more time you have in school, but you could also think about when you start whatever you want to do after uni, and which wardrobe items will help you get where you want to go and which ones will inevitably be left behind. Another way to do this is imagine you're going on a 1 week vacation in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Figure out what you would pack for each trip. Any items that won't make the cut for any of those vacations is not worth holding on to. Then make sure that the items that you would bring on 3 or even all 4 of those trips are truly wonderful. If not, start looking for absolutely marvelous replacements for these workhorses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/returning-to-the-idea-of-a-minimalist-wardrobe#post-660056 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:06:43 +0000 Anonymous 660056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Astrid I am in the same boat as you! All was going along so well and then I got crazy and wanted to try some trends and bright colors. I thought I needed more clothes for summer for the variety. And because they were so cheap, I bought many items just to try to see if they were *me*. Since I'm still very much in the learning phase, I purposed not to do a closet cull until the end of the season. </p> <p>Well, my closet was starting to go in all different directions. I had many pieces that only looked good with one thing, and I kept them as a "set", but I found I seldom wanted to wear them. The upcoming YLF swap in So.Cal. saved me from my resolution. It gave me permission to pull out some things to give away (and like you, I LOVE to de-clutter)! First I chose the required 10 clothing items, then a few more until finally my carry-on suitcase is stuffed with things to take to the swap! It's so cleansing! Now my wardrobe is more minimal and cohesive in colors and silhouette. There are only a few *wild card* items and the rest are basics and elements of love. </p> <p>I'm sorry I've run away with your thread but I am going somewhere with this! Have you considered taking the 40% (items you don't wear) and putting them in some sort of hidden storage to see how that makes you feel? You might find you have a few holes still, but they might be holes for your basics, not the more *renegade* items. I'll be interested to see what you discover. </p>