A minimalist wardrobe holds simplicity at its core, containing a collection of staple pieces to be worn in rotation. It encourages individuals to purchase clothes mindfully, buying only what they need and will wear. Sorting through the clutter and making room for said items is one way to minimise chaos, alongside combating the detrimental effects of over buying - which isn’t beneficial for yourself, or for the environment
HOW TO CREATE A MINIMALIST WARDROBE
What is a minimalist wardrobe?
How many items should you have in a minimalist wardrobe?
The number will vary from person to person, but it’s recommended that between 25 and 50 pieces of clothing should make up a minimalist wardrobe. This will include refined collections of footwear, high-quality staple pieces - such as T-shirts, dresses, trousers, outerwear and knitwear - and accessories to help elevate an outfit
Step 1: spring clean your wardrobe
Spring cleaning your wardrobe will help to maximise available space, making way for new staples. Establish what you’d like to keep or part with, being as strict as you can with the selection process and organising items into piles. Consider how often you’ve worn individual pieces, and whether you’re likely to wear them in the future. Do they represent your current aesthetic, or hold sentimental value? If not, it may be time for a refresh. Good quality clothes you no longer want can be sold, gifted or donated to prevent them going to waste. Complete this process regularly to keep on top of your collection
Step 2: discover your aesthetic
Before adding new pieces to your wardrobe, consider your ideal aesthetic. For example, perhaps you’d like to try different colours and patterns. Pinterest is perfect for this, and creating a mood board will help with understanding how best to match items, alongside allowing you to discover alternative ways to wear staple pieces.
Step 3: invest in high-quality pieces
Curating a minimalist wardrobe is all about investing in high-quality items that are designed to last. This is vital for maintaining a sustainable lifestyle, and it will reduce costs in the long run. Think carefully before making purchases, considering which occasions you’ll wear them for, and whether they can be worn in a multitude of ways. Doing this will ensure that you’re getting the most out of your minimalist wardrobe.
Step 4: care for your clothes correctly
Alongside purchasing high-quality clothes, caring for them correctly will ensure their longevity. For example, delicates such as cashmere will last for decades when they’re washed and stored correctly. As a general rule, always check the label beforehand to establish how best to care for the fabric to avoid accidental damage.
For more advice on how to care for your cashmere, refer back to the complete Chinti & Parker guide.
Step 5: keep your wardrobe organised
Maintaining wardrobe organisation is key for effortless, minimalist style. This will make curating outfits much easier, and ridding your life of chaos - whether that be clothing-related or otherwise - will contribute to a clearer mind. Separate items by colour or design, placing them into piles before storing them back in your wardrobe. Remember that certain pieces, such as cashmere, will need to be folded rather than hung to prevent them losing their shape.
