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did you go minimalist?

Mel

So, I think I've hit a fashion stage where I'm going full-on minimalist. Pretty much only neutrals, classic and trendy shapes, classic accessories. No more patterns or statement pieces, no bright colors. The exceptions are some skirts and dresses which I wear to weddings, parties, etc. I don't stick to an absolute minimum of pieces but get rid of anything I haven't worn in a year. I am aiming for about 100 pieces in my year round closet, not including shoes.
I am loving this phase and the ease of purchasing in a limited palette but fear a full wardrobe change and then regretting it. Did any of you transition to minimalist and what are your pros and cons?
Also, my coloring is "Deep Autumn" which is not the best for neutrals since most neutrals sold in stores are in a cool tone or just ugly muddy colors. Any advice for where to shop a neutral dark autumn palette is appreciated.

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

Irina

Veteran

I went with minimal aesthetic almost 10 years ago when overhauling my wardrobe. I was replacing worn out items and polyester. I wanted a wardrobe of mix and match pieces, easy to combine together in an outfit . I ended up with a small wardrobe of a few colors that worked together. And yes, they were and remain neutral colors. Although in my case, they are those ugly muddy colors, color of dust being my favorite. LOL
my transition was seamless and felt natural to me, I've always been inclined to wear simple garments with a few details, just more now than before.

I would suggest to start slowly and check if this change is happening holistically to your overall style.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Not minimalist, because it wouldn't work for me, but Irina gives good advice. Go slow and see how it feels! If you're enjoying it, then carry on! If you get bored, then think about what the solution might be. Maybe it's not pattern or colour but texture that could make the difference. Or maybe it is a bit of colour in one season (but not the others). Or just one bright signature colour in an otherwise neutral palette.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Even the idea gives me anxiety, honestly. I wouldn't dare try.

I once tried to fit everything into capsules and my outfits became very boring and sad.

As for neutrals, I think it's a bit of a false idea. I'd go for "colors I like to wear with any other color", for example. One of the base colors for me is a pretty rust color. Not terribly easy to find, but if you limit yourself to 100 items (does that include shoes???) you won't need to be shopping much anyway!

I'm not an autumn, by the way, and while I know what colors flatter me - and I do own quite a few of those colors - I do not restrict myself to them if I prefer a color. Makeup is a different story. It's harder to make unflattering color stories work when they are literally on your face! haha. But I find that if I go for "true" neutrals - primary red, for example, which is right smack between yellow and blue, then it works with non-flattering clothing colors.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I’m definitely not and don’t want to be a minimalist. My wardrobe numbers are around 155, however 37 of these are shoes. So 118 clothing items, I guess it’s about a fifth as much again as what you are aiming for. What I am trying to do is wear everything at least 30 times and have a cost per wear under $5. I am doing pretty well on these goals through tracking and also not buying much- nothing so far in 2024.

Star

Veteran

I was always quite maximalist. A big wardrobe, bright colours, pattern heavy, etc. In my 50s I became drawn to neutrals and more classic pieces. I thought it had something to do with letting my dark hair go natural silver. Jewellery choices also became minimalist. The idea of a smaller wardrobe became inviting. So for the last few years I have mostly purchased only neutral coloured items. I have mostly practiced '1 in, 2 out' when I buy. I would never get rid of things I have not worn for a year. I fall in and out, and back in love with items. Now I have coloured my hair light copper and am already feeling a pull to more earthy tones and my bigger earrings. Who knows where this will go. I suggest if you have the space store the unworn items out of sight before ditching them for another year or so.

Dee

Veteran

I understand the allure of a minimalist wardrobe, because it seems to provide a sense of control over things but its not something I’ve ever actually sought out really. I crave variety and I fear I’d become bored with only neutrals and no other colours or patterns to break things up. I agree with the others who suggest going slowly or storing some items that don’t suit your minimalist ideal right now and see how you feel about everything in a few months time.

Joy

Veteran

I also understand the choice of a small wardrobe as I have maxed out my closet space, but find myself reaching for old unworn pieces to try in new ways. I do not keep anything that does not fit or is not comfortable. I stay with certain colors. My closet is grouped by color then by item type. Things are easy to find that way. I need to pay more attention to spring outfits and decide on colors to wear then. It is a long season here, but spring colors are not me. I go lighter and wear pastels. Yesterday I wore lavender. I usually never wear that color. But it is a stretch. I wore faded denim joggers on the bottom. They are winter jeans and warm, but it was snowing outside and cold. Coat and hat weather. Not spring at all. Today I will try lots of denim. I think it will work with snow on the ground, My wardrobe is driven by boots this week. A lot of snow is supposed to melt this coming week. Right now we can not drive out of our neighborhood. Under the snow is a thick layer of ice. Maybe next week.

Joy

Veteran

I may, for the first time use a holding area for things that don’t fit but I expect they will in the future. I have lost a lot of weight but expect to gain it back with a change of meds. Many things are falling off and I need a smaller size (especially pants and skirts).

unfrumped

Veteran

I’m not a wardrobe minimalist by any means currently, but admit to doing a lot of READING ( and YouTube) of minimalist approaches to wardrobe, house, lifestyle.

I do know I am doing more to edit,, for space, maintenance ( Dana K. White’s “ clutter threshold”). she is not minimalist,but good for editing/ reducing). I find I can use true minimalist advice as inspiration for my own goals without feeling like I’m failing to be a “ real” minimalist.

Patterns haven’t been working for me as well lately either. I have a sugar eye for plaids & tend to keep buying, but then find—after tags are cut!— I don’t like how they work in outfits. Of maybe it’s that many of my plaid shirts are more “outdoorsy” than I want to look at times, & so are not versatile. Other prints have also become more distracting. But not color—so I’m not gravitating to classic neutrals, but to more versatile solids, tonal looks, columns of color.

The minimalist type of concept that is resonating most is simply (!) being aware that if I’m not wearing, choosing, using certain items at least fairly often,or have very clear “occasion” uses, I don’t have to keep them.

Mel

Irina- dust we are and to dust we shall return!

Dana- yes, I'm thinking too of taking it slow. Maybe keep my colorful pieces that still fit me. I'm afraid of getting rid of clothes that fit me and then regretting it. I've done that before.

Jenava- I'm somewhat obsessed with dark olive green. I also love dark brown but it's hard to find things in that color that have a modern cut. I don't include shoes in my capsule- I'm kind of a natural minimalist already when it comes to shoes.

Jenni NZ- wow, you are super disciplined! I admire you. I think of cost per wear, too, although mine is a bit wonky because I thrift most of my wardrobe. So if I buy a jacket for $100 and wear it 10 times, I'm okay with that, because I have other clothes items which I bought for $10 and have worn 100 times.

Star, Dee- yes I think I'll hang on a bit. I also have love affairs with my clothes and I get bored so I'm a little scared the change might be too drastic.

Joy- I think one of my big motivations for going minimalist is I'm moving soon and will have a small closet in my new house. Also I'm moving from a cold climate to a warm one and that hugely impacts my wardrobe. Right now half my shoes are winter boots but I won't need those in my new climate. So it's a practical consideration too.

unfrumped- I'm a real sucker for patterns and statement pieces that catch my eye. I think I try to dress myself like an art museum sometimes. But those are the pieces I quickly get bored of and switch out for new ones. I've noticed though that I tend to keep floral items and use them more often.

I really appreciate all this advice, everyone. I'm really trying to get to a point where I can keep items in my closet for as long as possible and not create constant turnover, but still wondering what those pieces are. If I look at my closet, my longest-lived pieces are neutral-colored items. But do I want a closet of neutrals? Not 100% sure....

unfrumped

Veteran

Mel, your observations may be that it works well for you to have really good core essentials in neutrals, even “ investment “ items, but allow a few fun prints and/or colors as seasonal or yearly refresh items, less expensive maybe but without being simply throw-away.

You might also figure out your best “ nearly neutral” color that works with most of your other neutrals, and just keep one eye out for good quality solid- colored items in that color.

Anonymous

I think I have a minimalist style but I’m not sure when or even why it began. I think about some of the clothes I wore in the 70s, 80s and 90s and I recall lots of colors and patterns! I am not sure when the transition to a neutral color palette and simple classic silhouettes happened but it was very gradual. I’ve been dressing this way for about 15 years now and definitely well before I started following fashion bloggers and even knowing what minimalism is. I do sometimes feel bored with my wardrobe but the ease of getting dressed outweighs any cons of dressing this way. I use scarves and jewelry to “color things up” or add some interest. I would say go slow and follow your heart and gut feelings about what makes you feel great!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am not a minimalist by any definition. That said, I think you should go with your own feelings rather than try to meet someone else's idea of minimalism. If you are not drawn to prints and bright colors don't buy or wear them - but no reason to restrict yourself in service to a predefined label.

Suntiger

DA and aspiring minimalist here!
I've been leaning into "dark" rather than "autumn" and mostly been wearing combos of black+brown+color (navy, olive, forest green, or burgundy) with gold or copper jewelry. I do wear Asian (Thai, Indonesian, and Indian) prints quite a bit.

Other DA sisters here are Keturah, Jenn, Brooklyn, and Zaeobi.

Check Kettlewell for shopping by season. Things do sell out quickly though, and for the most part it's very simple styles. Helpful when your colors aren't well represented in the shops though.

RobinF

Veteran

I have often considered going for more minimalism myself, but I am afraid I would get bored. I love neutrals but then crave color - in small amounts. I also am finding my prints much less appealing these days. About the only ones I reach for are stripes. I would agree about going slowly and carefully editing your existing wardrobe.

em

I am not sure what minimalism means. Does it refer to the Jennifer Anniston style, or does it refer to the number of items? I have a general uniform of clothing, but if I've said it once I'll say it again...I cannot go minimalism because I live in a 4 season climate with so many different functional requirements, it just isn't possible.

Sal

Veteran

I have about 100 pieces of clothing (including shoes and bags) in my closet IF you exclude sports gear and active wear. I am about 150 if I include these - across swimming and gym and hiking and cycling!!

Being in NZ my advice on retailers is not good. I have been drawn to pattern in the past but more recently have been drawn to plains - here are my patterned additions from 2022 to 2024.

I think in the dark autumn palette there are some stunning colours - lots of rich aubergines and chocolates and dark teals that can be mixed in with denims - lots of close to neutrals.....

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Bijou

Veteran

I would say go with your heart and what makes you feel great. When I turned 40, I thought it would be good to be sophisticated and dress in classic and neutral items. The problem was those clothes just did not feel like me. Finding YLF and giving myself permission to wear what I enjoy was liberating.

lyn67

Veteran

I can understand the wish to be a minimalist-so go with your guts! I always admired Clearyclaire (a former YLF member 10+ yrs ago) who only had 10 pieces in her wardrobe and did so well for more than a season--but lived in California(I think )...if somebody remembers.
I do have 8x mini seasons to dress for and I cannot do it with a minimal wardrobe. But maily dress for work, so am more a minimalist in my(neutral) colors and silhouettes somehow. The reason I keep my clothes forever (even unworn for years) is because I come back to them each season- and my aim is to achieve best comfort in the most flaterring way also in a somehow modern/curent approach- no matter the season, the weather, the event and my occasional weight fluctuations.

Runcarla

Veteran

I keep a modest closet. Almost everything I wear over the course of a year is in Finds and usually totals around 80-100 items (currently 89). Not included are fitness kit and sleepwear - so some would call me a minimalist. Though I do have a proportionately large selection of dark (black and navy) core items, I need colour and some pattern. I ‘curate’ my wardrobe by limiting the colours I use. Although there are a few exceptions, you won’t find too much outside the colours shown in the chart below.

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unfrumped

Veteran

I’ve got no cred as to defining or even interpreting minimalism, so can only describe it in ways I might apply it to myself.

I think it’s possible to be minimalist across 4 seasons but not if defined by an arbitrary number of items, like 10 or 20. More the idea of “ one”, for outer items- sort of one winter coat, one handbag, but I certainly get the concept of outerwear and footwear for different temps. So still, it's more avoiding duplication in so many categories. NOT socks, underwear, T’s and similar basics , where it’s good minimalism to have efficient use of laundry resources. But, it would be a reduction in variety for variety’s sake.

Here’s actually how 4 seasons, which I have, supports a “ minimalist- adjacent “ wardrobe. If I had more like only one of each of a few “ levels” of clothing warmth/ fabric type, but loved each one and could wear it every time it was weather - suitable, including how things combined ( a longsleeved top with a lighter jacket to still be warm enough , , a T shirt with a leather jacket & maybe scarf in shoulder seasons so I could take the jacket off— I think I would have a lot of variety just by re-mixing.

Like Carla says, a strict color palette helps. But it doesn’t mean all neutrals or tiny pops of color. It includes colors that play well together and strategic use of color in items or seasons where you crave it most.

April

Veteran

Not a wardrobe minimalist, with two exceptions:
1. Jewelry (watch and wedding ring only, for years now)
2. At my apartment. I could from memory count how many pieces are there just by visualizing the closet rods and open shelves. But what lights things up for me is stealing a piece from my house closet every now and again.

For me this is more of an emotional thing. Never had enough clothes as a kid or in my first marriage. Now that I can afford better items and more variety, I do get anxious about going fully minimal by choice.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

To be clear:

Minimalism can refer to your wardrobe, or style. You can be a minimalist dresser, and/or have a minimalist wardrobe.

I am and have neither. I have a moderately sized wardrobe, and am a minimally maximal dresser.

Helena

Veteran

I would say I am minimal-ish ... And I hear you on wanting pieces that go the distance and not having lots of churn. My best suggestion is to observe what you wear already! You may find your 'minimal wardrobe' is already in your closet. If you gravitate to neutrals, weight your closet in that direction. BUT allowing yourself a few colourful/fun/patterned pieces that you don't feel pressured to wear a million times may actually help you keep a smaller closet ... A bit like allowing the odd donut while eating healthily can be more effective than trying to be super-strict and then giving up entirely

Irina, I am laughing at your colour of dust comment lmao ... This is the best description I've read in ages hahahah!!

unfrumped

Veteran

Irina, I also love your “ color of dust”. I tend to look better in slightly murky colors rather than brights. Definitely on the cool palette spectrum, but not “ icy” , so grays that are warmer, for example.

I used to have a top in a color I called “ vacuum cleaner lint”. It was great.

Sal

Veteran

Lots of wisdom here. I think understanding what YOU love is the key and trying to dress like someone else can be expensive and frustrating. What I love does evolve - not so much in silhouette but in colours.

I "mostly" know when I buy something if it will be a winner - I do make mistakes - but that excitement and feeling of having to have it. The pieces I get wrong are the essentials mostly - eg I want a pair of denim and these were the best of the lot.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I see that I've been summoned, lol. Yes, Kettlewell gives exact colours (search 'Deep & Warm' in their tonal directions), but I prefer Seasalt Cornwall's natural fibres. @Cat2 accurately described them as 'Boden's moody sister' lol.

As a DA, they do 'my' colours:
~ a dark chocolate brown as my deep neutral (no black in my main wardrobe for years now - haven't looked back!),
~ 'pseudo' neutrals plum (rich purple), petrol (dark teal), & tomato (a deep red-orange).
~ seasonal accents in saffron (warm yellow), moss (golden green), & deep coral.

7 colours might seem like too much, but I limit other areas to not overwhelm myself (e.g. I keep prints to scarves & dresses, not tops).

I wouldn't recommend having *only* 1 item in key categories, just to avoid laundry bottlenecks - like rotating at least 2 coats. Another example: I have 2 weeks' worth of undies just so I'm never without 'enough' pairs (YMMV though).

Also just wanted to reiterate the need for a holding zone. Not seeing it in your wardrobe is important (I use a suitcase lol). And yes, take it slowly - i.e. I didn't switch to dark brown overnight!