Five Benefits of adopting a minimalist wardrobe
Introduction — Five Benefits of adopting a minimalist wardrobe
The minimalism trend is a design and lifestyle movement that gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It is characterised by simplicity, functionality, and the idea that “less is more.” You can apply minimalism to various aspects of life, including art, design, architecture, fashion, and even lifestyle choices.
I have been a minimalist for over five years and applied it to all areas of my life, including my wardrobe. I have gone from a large, overfilled closet to a minimalist one containing timeless, dark, neutral-coloured clothes.
Embracing a minimalist wardrobe has offered several advantages, both practical and psychological. Gone are the days of stressing over what to wear before bed and how to afford the latest swanky blazer I didn’t need.
The article below outlines five benefits of adopting a minimalist wardrobe.
What is a minimalist wardrobe?
There are two broad concepts of a minimalist wardrobe. One is a personal uniform, the other a Capsule Wardrobe.
A personal uniform, in short, is a go-to set of clothing, like a uniform you wear daily in and out — for example, a dark blue Jeans and a black T-shirt with trainers.
A capsule wardrobe, on the other hand, is a little more flexible. Here, you have a small number of timeless staples in neutral colours that you can combine to create multiple outfits — for example, black jeans, a blazer, dress shoes, trainers, and a white T-shirt.
Caroline Joy of Unfancy, an early adopter of the capsule wardrobe, describes it like this:
“[A capsule wardrobe is] a practice of editing your wardrobe down to your favourite clothes (clothes that fit your lifestyle + body right now), remixing them regularly, and shopping less often and more intentionally.”
Five key benefits of a minimalist wardrobe
1) Saves Time
A minimalist wardrobe simplifies your daily routine by reducing the time it takes to choose an outfit. You can dress quickly and efficiently with fewer choices and a more organised closet. Long gone are the days when you must think whether X goes with Y as you can combine all your clothes with each other.
2. Reduces Decision Fatigue
Having fewer clothing options reduces decision fatigue, giving you more mental energy for important tasks and daily decisions. Who cares what you wear as long as it’s clean and appropriate for the occasion? No one can remember that you wore an identical white blouse several days in a row. Politicians and entrepreneurs like Barack Obama or Steve Jobs all do it.
3. Saves Money
Investing in high-quality, versatile pieces for a minimalist wardrobe can initially be more expensive, but it often saves money in the long run. You’ll buy fewer items, and those items are more likely to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. You also won’t go to the shops as often and thus be less tempted to buy things in other stores, such as books or stationery.
Before buying new clothing, ask yourself whether the item truly adds value to your wardrobe. Consider whether it fits your style, complements your existing attire, and is versatile enough for multiple occasions.
4. Less Clutter
A minimalist wardrobe reduces clutter in your living space, making your closet more organised and visually appealing. It’s easier to find what you need and maintain a tidy environment.
Go through your clothing regularly and declutter items you no longer need. Donate or sell items that are still in good condition. This keeps your wardrobe fresh and manageable.
You could also implement the one-in, one-out rule. When you buy a new clothing item, remove an old one from your wardrobe. This helps maintain a manageable number of clothing items.
5. Promotes Sustainability
Owning less clothing reduces your overall consumption, positively impacting the environment. It reduces the demand for fast fashion, which often has negative environmental and ethical consequences.
Minimalism encourages you to invest in high-quality, timeless pieces less likely to go out of style. This results in a wardrobe with a higher overall quality of clothing.
Conclusion – Five Benefits of adopting a minimalist wardrobe
In summary, a minimalist wardrobe can bring numerous practical and emotional benefits, from simplifying your daily routine and reducing clutter to saving money and supporting a more sustainable and intentional lifestyle. It encourages you to focus on quality, authenticity, and personal style, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and mindful approach to clothing and fashion.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,