A lot of people are talking about minimalist clothing style these days. But exactly what is minimalist clothing style? Minimalist fashion is all about paring down your wardrobe to the essentials. As Maya Angelou said, “We need much less than we think we need.” That means we do not need more than a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.
While a minimalist wardrobe may seem like a challenge at first, it can actually be quite freeing. With fewer clothes to choose from, you’ll save time getting ready in the morning and you’ll have more money to invest in quality pieces that will last you for years. If you’re interested in trying out the minimalist fashion trend, here are a few tips to get you started.
What is minimalist clothing style?
Most people think of minimalism as a style of music or art, but it can also be applied to fashion. Minimalist clothing is all about streamlining your wardrobe and only keeping the essentials. This doesn’t mean you have to wear boring, plain clothes – in fact, minimalist fashion can be quite stylish and chic. The key is to focus on quality over quantity and to invest in timeless pieces that will never go out of style.
Minimalist wardrobe
This kind of wardrobe might include items such as a well-fitted blazer, a versatile little black dress, a pair of dark wash jeans, and a cashmere sweater. These are all staple pieces that can be mixed and matched to create endless outfit possibilities. You can dress them up for a night out or keep them casual for daytime errands. The best part about having fewer clothes is that you really get to know each piece and appreciate it more.
Minimalist lifestyle
If you are interested in trying out a change in lifestyle, start by decluttering your closet and getting rid of anything you haven’t worn in the past year. Then build up your wardrobe slowly with quality basics that will last you for years to come.
The history of minimalist clothing style
The history of minimalist clothing style can be traced back to the early 20th century. The look was popularized by fashion icons such as Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn, who embraced a more pared-down aesthetic. In recent years, the trend has been championed by celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Meghan Markle.
Minimalist fashion is all about streamlined silhouettes, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. The look is often associated with modern design movements like Bauhaus and De Stijl. Key pieces in a minimalist wardrobe might include a white shirt, black pants, a trench coat, and simple accessories.
While the origins of the style are rooted in Europe, minimalist fashion has gained global appeal in recent years. In Japan, for example, there is a growing movement known as mottainai which promotes sustainable living through minimalism. This philosophy extends to fashion, with many Japanese brands creating beautifully crafted garments with a long lifespan.
The different types of minimalist clothing styles
There are various types of minimalist clothing styles. Some people prefer a more simplistic look, while others go for a more modern aesthetic. Below are some of the most popular minimalist clothing styles:
Capsule wardrobe
This kind of style is all about having a small number of high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This type of wardrobe is perfect for people who travel often or who have a busy lifestyle.
Monochromatic Style
The uniqueness of this style is, that it focuses on wearing one color from head to toe. It can create a very sleek and sophisticated look, especially when done in black or white.
Minimalist Sportswear
People who want to be comfortable and stylish at the same time, this style is perfect for them. This look typically consists of athleisure wear such as leggings, joggers, and sneakers.
Understated Elegance
This particular style is perfect for those who want to look put-together without being too flashy. This look typically consists of classic pieces like tailored trousers, button-down shirts, and dress shoes.
Scandi-chic
This style is inspired by the minimalistic fashion of Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark. This look is all about keeping things simple and clean, with a focus on muted colors and quality fabrics.
How to achieve a minimalist clothing style?
Achieving a minimalist clothing style is all about streamlining your wardrobe to focus on versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.
Purge your Closet
To get started, start by sweeping out your closet of any items that are outdated, no longer fit, or you simply don’t wear. Donate them to a charity shop or a second hand clothing store to make you feel even better.
Build a Basic Wardrobe
From there, gather all your key pieces like denim jeans, neutral-hued tops, and a few cardigans or jackets for layering to build up your own basic wardrobe.
Accessories and Statement Pieces
When it comes to accessories, choose timeless pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, such as a scarf or belt. And finally, invest in a few statement pieces—such as a great pair of heels or an elegant dress—that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
What are the benefits of dressing in a minimalist style?
Assuming you mean benefits of a capsule wardrobe or minimalism in general:
Fewer Choices means Less Stress
You don’t have to spend time agonizing over what to wear when you have fewer clothes. This also leads to less stressing over going to shopping malls and spending sums of money on trivial clothes
More time and money
You save time because you know what you have and where it is. You save money because you only buy what you need and wear everything until it’s worn out.
Increased confidence
When you know your style and stick to it, your confidence will increase. People will start to recognize and respect your personal brand.
Less laundry
Since you have fewer clothes, you do laundry less often. This saves water and energy (good for the environment) and keeps your clothes looking newer for longer
Packing for travel becomes easier
When everything goes with everything else, packing light for work trips or vacations is a breeze.
Conclusion
A minimalist clothing style is one that focuses on simplicity and functionality. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with choices, a minimalist wardrobe can be a refreshing way to simplify your life. By paring down your wardrobe to only the essentials, you can save time and money, and focus on what truly matters to you. Also by limiting your wardrobe, it can help in limiting the impacts of fashion industry on environment. Slowly and gradually a gap between supply and demand would be widened. If you’re interested in trying out a minimalist wardrobe, start by decluttering your closet and getting rid of any clothes that you don’t wear or that don’t serve a purpose. Then, build up your capsule wardrobe with key pieces that you love and that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks.
