A closet full of clothes can be such a pain in the neck. If you find that your closet is almost full to bursting with a variety of out of season clothes and rejected accessories from trends that were not meant to last, you are crying out for a fresh new start. Rejecting fast fashion and switching to a more sustainable and minimalist wardrobe is one of the best ways to start a more conscious new way of living. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
Starting out is always the hardest, and it can get overwhelming. When you are embarking on the world of minimalism, it will take some will power on your part because you are working to achieve the “less is more” principle. You are working on shopping for pieces that will last you a lifetime, and getting rid of pieces that will just last you for a season. Here is a guide on how to build your minimalist wardrobe:
1. Declutter your closet
The first step that you have to take in order to embark on your journey towards the minimalist lifestyle is often the hardest. You have to take stock of what you have and organize them into three different piles: donate, sell, and keep. When doing this, remember that you have to be realistic and let go of the clothes that you will not see yourself wearing within the next six months.
Also, let go of the clothes that have either become too small or too big for you. Your gently used clothes can be sold online, and you can still make a profit out of it. You can also resell them to your local clothing or apparel store if you don’t want to bother selling them on your own. The money that you make from selling your clothes can be used to purchase your new minimalist wardrobe.
For your donate pile, choose those clothes that are still in good condition and bring them to your local charity. It’s always best to start slow when you are starting out lest you be overwhelmed. It’s a process, and you will get there.
2. Discover your own personal style
Vogue says that in order to feel confident in whatever you wear, you must have your own sense of style and own it. A minimalist wardrobe entails not following the trends that will be gone after a year. Instead, think of a style that you are comfortable with and that you will stick with. Your own personal style is what makes you unique, and people should not judge you for it. If you have a hard time choosing your personal style, check out Pinterest for some ideas or create a mood board for your outfits.
3. Check out Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are a great way to score unique and timeless pieces without spending a bundle. Who knows what vintage treasures you may find while scouring through those racks? You might even score a designer find or two during one of your thrift store excursions. Just make sure you give your vintage finds a good run on the rinse cycle and dryer before you wear them out in public.
4. Splurge only for the big-ticket items
One of the highlights of having a minimalist wardrobe is that you can invest in big-ticket items, such as a pair of high-end denim jeans, a white cashmere sweater, and leather boots. While it is true that you can score cheap finds, think of the rule of quality versus quantity. A pair of high-end designer jeans will last you for years, compared to your throwaway pairs. You will be saving more money in the long run when you save and budget for that one high-end item.
5. Treat your clothes to some TLC
Since you are going to have a minimalist closet, it is important that you treat them with the utmost care. This means choosing detergent that is not harsh in chemicals, handwash your delicates especially those made of lace and silk, treat your gowns and suits to a dry cleaner and fill your closets with wooden hangers because these will snag your clothes less. Caring for your garments will ensure that you will not accidentally damage them and will ensure that you will wear your clothing for many years to come.
Having a minimalist wardrobe is a journey towards consciousness. It is a learning experience where you discover more about yourself and what you can do without. Like every learning process, you have many experiences, the good and the bad. Take these lessons, and allow them to make you into someone better.
