On Building a Minimal Wardrobe (By Necessity)
Hey guys! I don't know if this is a process somehow every girl goes through, but currently I'm in a prolonged phase of wearing the same things over and over again, specifically in black. It might be because of the office syndrome, where it's basically impossible not to repeat outfits (my ultimate pet peeve)...At this point, I've accepted that in fact, I don't have the budget to buy new clothes all the time. So I've resorted to buying items that fit a certain silhouette, and mix-and-match items like a carousel to achieve same-same-buy-different outfits on the daily.Does this mean I have a "minimal" wardrobe? Maybe. But it's definitely not as glam as those fashion bloggers make it out to be, and more by necessity than by choice. Hence, here's a step-by-step process of how I subconsciously achieved this.
Wearing: Zara jacket (that I've worn for two seasons now basically on a daily basis), Zara top, H&M pants, Zara shoes, GUESS watch, Rayban sunnies, hair by Hicology
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Figure out your signature silhouette
We all have our go-to looks. Mine is cropped tops or shorter tops (because of my short torso) and pants. After you have that decided, go for items that are safe. Buy them in different textures and colours - chiffon for warmer days and dress shirt material for formal occasions etc. These will be the backbone of your outfit carousel, just make sure they all kind of match each other.
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Pick a palette/tone
I used to LOVE colours and patterns, and if that's your thing - don't worry, you don't have to abandon ship yet. But you DO have to narrow it down to a mood/palette/tone. Be it earthy, monochrome or pink/denim/orange etc., keep your items in that same direction so everything can go with everything else. Mine is black, white, burgundy/wine and green.
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Choose your staples well
There are always items that you need to wear all the time. For winter, it's a good coat. This one that I bagged from Zara has been my go-to because of how versatile it is. It has a detachable faux-fur collar that can be for grander occasions, but for normal days, this goes with basically anything. I also recommend a good pair of solid skinny jeans in your choice of colour, and a top that isn't easily identifiable - meaning people won't really remember it if you wore it twice in a week.
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Let your accessories shine
Well then what will make your outfits stand out, you ask? The answer is, of course, accessories. Throw on a loud necklace, change up the shoes or use a different bag. These subtle changes can make the same clothes have a completely different feel. So add those to your carousel.
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Have "occasion" outfits prepared
I must admit there are times where you just need to dress up a little, and accessories won't do. Those times are your opportunities and quotas to buy a handful of cocktail dresses, big coats or pretty heels (I call them costume looks, like costume jewelry). This transitional category of clothes can help you build/migrate to a minimal wardrobe without having to throw away too much stuff or buy too much. Just gauge how often you'll actually wear these outfits, and shop accordingly.
There ya go, that's my take on how I slimmed down my wardrobe and found my guiding rules when I shop or look for new items. They also helped me feel less distracted by new trends or hot items that just don't fit into my wardrobe style. The ultimate ground rule though, is that your wardrobe, minimal or not, is mostly one style and feel. If you have a bit of this and a bit of that, it's hard to work out outfits that don't clash.Of course, these aren't laws, nor are they "rules". They're just my way of keeping my clothes at a manageable number while still not repeat outfits unless I have to. If you have the budget or untamable style that requires one each of everything, I salute and respect that too! :)P.S. Unspoken rule - buy at the best quality you can afford, be it fast fashion or not!
Photos by the amazing fellow fashion blogger Visala Wong - visit her blog at V for Visala
Let me know your thoughts! Till next time,xx
