Am I a Minimalist ?

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Sisi

Veteran

Hello dear Fabbers!

I would like to hear some YLF wisdom about a certain matter.

I often call myself a minimalist because if I compare the number of clothes I have to the numbers of clothes of most people I know, I seem the one who owns less.

A few years ago, fed up with the huge mess that was in my wardrobe, I decided to buy less and to make do with fewer clothes. I found out that I was much happier. To have some objective data I started a daily journal of the clothes I wear and these are the results:

I wear in average 40 items of clothing per season, with a total of roughly 80 items of clothing per year. The count includes only clothes and footwear, no outerwear and accessories.

What do you think? Am I a minimalist? Or am I just "moderate"?

9 years ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Sisi

Sally

Veteran

I thought a minimalist also referred to how much you wear as far as colors, accessories etc.
I probably have about the same number of clothes and find any more too stressful. It will be interesting to see what others say.

9 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

We had this discussion a few times already on the forum. Also about the term and how it's been used just one time too often as a buzzword. Or how it's almost seen as an achievement...

To me minimalism hasn't anything to do with numbers. It's about just having what you really need. That can be a wardrobe of ten pieces. Or maybe it's a wardrobe of 80 pieces. When I first came across minimalism the idea appealed to me and I would say I learned a lot reading up on the topic and implementing changes in my life. That said, I wouldn't call myself a minimalist. For me it's more about the idea of simple living or mindfulness.

ETA
I think a blog with good thoughts on this is http://the-nife.blogspot.de/?m=1. In comparison to many other "minimalist" blogs it's not angled to feed consumerism. I've linked to a few specific articles in this old thread:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....perfection

9 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Oh and Sally is right of course, the term can be used to describe an aesthetic as well. Makes it sometimes difficult to talk about things because people use it in a different way. I'm also a fan of a minimalist style btw, but it has absolutely nothing to do with the black and white architectural looks you see when you search for minimalist style on Pinterest. Also interior design - the thought of living in one of those modern square cold apartments gives me the creeps... Minimalism doesn't have to mean you subscribe to a certain aesthetic (although of course you can if you want).

9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I thought I would add that Minimalism extends to an entire philosophy of how to live ones life. Using only what one needs; making do with minimums, not pursuing material gain but instead pursuing experiences, relationships, and activities one enjoys in favor of making money and making career choices that would push one up the so called corporate ladder. It's about quality rather than quantity for some people. I also think it comes from the fact that it's impossible for people to continue exceeding the successes of their parents and peers. It just can't happen. There is a ceiling someplace so people need to learn to be content with what they have. Our society as a community has pushed that success equals more in the form of money and materialism. It's a reset.

9 years ago

Anonymous

Great question. Astrid provides so much wisdom on the subject. I call myself a minimalist because having less "clutter" around me soothes my soul and calms my heart. I have everything I need for the creature comforts. I just don't have a lot extraneous stuff. I feel you have to define this for yourself. If you feel you are a minimalist, you are a minimalist.

9 years ago

Liz

Veteran

I wear fewer items per season than you, and I wouldn't call myself a minimalist -- probably because the term isn't personally meaningful to me; I just don't think in those terms.

If it's a description that you want to start using, just be aware of what Staysfit mentioned, that some people use it to talk about an entire philosophy of life.

9 years ago

Traci

Veteran

Will holding the title of minimalist change anything for you? Maybe you could play a game with yourself and own the title for a week. Then spend another week rejecting the title for yourself. See how that shapes your decisions, if at all. See which you prefer living with.

Are you the most minimalist? No. Are you the least minimalist? No. I guess that puts your somewhere in the giant middle.

9 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

Thank you all for your comments (and links)!

Reading your answers I think that, yes, I can call myself a minimalist.

9 years ago

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