Apparently, most people only wear about 10% of the clothes they own. The rest fill our wardrobes, complicate our daily choices, and take up valuable space. Whilst the concept of minimalism is simple enough, creating a truly minimal wardrobe takes thought and intention. Here are five practical tips to help you build a wardrobe that works for you.
1. Start with Assessing Your Footwear
Shoes often become the hidden culprit of wardrobe excess. It’s easy to accumulate different pairs for every occasion, but a minimalist approach calls for versatile footwear that works across multiple settings.
Take inspiration from Victorian times, when women wore the same boots for everything from factory work to evening entertainment. Consider investing in a quality pair of ankle boots that work well with both skirts and trousers. Army-style or tactical boots can be surprisingly stylish whilst offering comfort and versatility – suitable for both work and countryside rambles.
2. Look to the Past
Historical wardrobes offer valuable lessons in minimalism. Clothes were expensive then, which naturally led to smaller collections. The wardrobes of the 1950s and 60s were compact by today’s standards, yet people generally dressed with more style and intention.
Men typically owned one pair of trousers rather than today’s array of tracksuit bottoms, jeans, chinos, and suit trousers. Women relied on a few day dresses that carried them from morning to evening. A well-chosen trouser suit in gaberdine, linen, or light wool can serve the same purpose today – wear it with boots during the day, switch to smart shoes for evening events.
3. Your Style Template: Forget Fashion
The key to maintaining a minimal wardrobe is being selective about new additions. Fashion’s cyclical nature means that virtually nothing is truly “out of fashion” anymore. The opportunity lies in developing your own distinctive look.
A minimalist wardrobe doesn’t mean a boring one – quite the opposite. By carefully selecting pieces that truly reflect your personality, you can create a wardrobe that’s both focused and full of character. Whether you’re drawn to bold prints, striking silhouettes, or unusual colour combinations, the key is to ensure each piece works within your chosen aesthetic.
Create a mood board and identify the themes that speak to you. Distil these down to one core concept that will guide your choices. Your theme might be “If David Bowie was a Scientist,” “Fascinating Cowgirl,” or “Tango in the Rain” – whatever captures your vision. Use platforms like Vinted to source pieces that align with your style. Before adding anything new, consider how it fits your template.
4. Outerwear Strategy
Coats and jackets can quickly overwhelm a wardrobe, but there are clever ways to manage outerwear. Focus on versatile pieces that adapt to different conditions.
Consider coats with detachable linings – a water-resistant outer shell in gaberdine or rubber-coated fabric paired with a removable fleece offers flexibility for varying weather. Another option is a lightweight duck down gilet or coat that works alone or layers under a raincoat. Natural duck down regulates temperature well, making it practical across seasons.
5. The Suitcase Test
Here’s a practical way to assess your wardrobe: Could you pack for a six-month trip across different climate zones using just one suitcase? This thought experiment helps identify true wardrobe essentials.
Think about what you’d pack for an extended journey that could start tomorrow. This perspective naturally eliminates unnecessary items and focuses your wardrobe on versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes.
Creating a minimalist wardrobe isn’t about restriction – it’s about intentionality and versatility. These tips can help you build a wardrobe that’s both manageable and enjoyable to wear. The goal is to own clothes that truly serve your lifestyle whilst reducing decision fatigue and clutter.
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