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“I have nothing to wear!” – the motto of the Western world, ironically muttered by the very same individuals who stand, stumped, before their bursting closets overflowing with countless clothes. Sound familiar? Many of us – particularly women – face the daily struggle of indecisiveness when picking our outfits; every morning we wrestle with our closets that offer too much, leaving us paralyzed by choice.
The Western worldโs unspoken rule to avoid repeatedly wearing the same outfits (as if the modern convenience of a washing machine doesn’t quite make that socially acceptable) is something many of us subconsciously feel pressured by. The solution? Itโs simple: building a minimalist closet. Embracing a simpler, intentional collection of fewer clothes can turn “I have nothing to wear” into a thing of the past, making every morning a walk in a park.
In this blog, you will find everything you need to know to build your minimalist wardrobe. The benefits of minimalism are undeniable and go beyond just updating your clothes – the minimalist closet is a simple lifestyle change that brings lasting value to you and the planet.
What is a minimalist wardrobe?
A minimalist wardrobe is a system of organising your clothes. Itโs all about reducing the number of garments you own while ensuring every piece is versatile and functional enough to create a range of looks. Donโt be fooled, minimalist doesnโt mean simple, basic, or boring; with the right approach, minimalism means curated, purposeful, and stylish, with each item fitting seamlessly into multiple outfits, giving you a smaller collection that offers endless possibilities.
Personal benefits of a minimal wardrobe
When it comes to minimalist wardrobes, less really is more! Imagine freeing yourself from the daily time-consuming stress of sifting through endless options. Thatโs right, no more feeling overwhelmed by choice! Youโll save time, reduce decision fatigue, ensure your mornings are less stressful, and reclaim valuable closet space. Not only will you buy yourself time and organisation, but youโll also save money in the long term by buying fewer, high-quality items. There are no cons – only benefits!
Ethical and environmental benefits of a minimalist wardrobe
In todayโs world, as the climate crisis escalates, embracing a minimalist wardrobe has become more important than ever. By stepping away from fast fashion, youโre contributing to solutions for climate change, waste reduction, and environmental preservation. Yep, it really is that simple. The average person typically only wears 20 per cent of their apparel – so whatโs the harm in trying this simple wardrobe transformation?
The fast fashion industry capitalizes on consumer pressure to chase new trends, fueling a culture of overconsumption that perpetuates the dominance and environmental impact of fast fashion giants. But how did we get here? How did clothing evolve from serving practical purposes to becoming disposable fashion statements? The answer: the dangerous combination of ever-changing micro-trends, the relentless influence of social media, and the unspoken societal norm in Western culture that frowns upon repeating outfits. This has allowed the fast fashion industry to normalize the transformation of the traditional two seasons of apparel into as many as six. While brands like Zara exploit this dramatic expansion of seasons, ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein take it to extremes by introducing 1.3 million new styles within only 12 months’ time. In short, micro-trends exacerbate the unspoken rule of avoiding outfit repetition, tricking us into thinking we need to buy a new outfit every week. Now, this might sound extreme, but statistics ring true: we consume an estimated 80 billion pieces of clothing every year – thatโs approximately 220 million garments purchased every day, over 9.1 million every hour, around 153,000 every minute, and more than 2,500 every second!
And where do a load of these clothes go? Landfill, where they continue to produce greenhouse gas emissions. To put this into perspective, research shows textile production contributes more to climate change than the combined emissions of aeroplanes and the shipping industry all around the world. In other words, the fast-fashion industry is causing more irreversible harm to our planet than the effects of aviation and the global transportation of goods combined.
The minimalist wardrobe is a small yet powerful step that could help prevent the fast fashion industryโs emissions from increasing by an anticipated 50% by 2030.
Learn more about fast fashion and its environmental impact here.
Quality over quantity with a minimalist capsule wardrobe
Minimalist closets are also known as capsule wardrobes, like a time capsule filled with timeless, versatile apparel that provides countless styling options that last a lifetime.
When you start thinking of your wardrobe as a carefully selected capsule, it becomes clear that each item should be durable, versatile, and long-lasting. Investing in high-quality garments reduces the need for frequent replacements, ensuring your clothing endures through years of wear. In doing so, you also fortify yourself against fleeting micro-trends perpetuated by fast fashion and amplified by social media.
Slow fashion may seem more expensive at first glance, but consider it as a shift in mindset: investing in fewer, better pieces that stand the test of time saves you money in the long run and helps break the fast-fashion addiction of endless, wasteful hauls. Take a look at our guide to slow fashion to find out more.
One way to ensure your clothes are durable and long-lasting is by prioritising clothes made from natural fibres and organic materials, like linen, hemp, organic cotton and more! At Eco-Stylist, you can trust that all our brands use the highest quality, natural, eco-conscious materials that guarantee a lifetime of wear.
Want to know more about the benefits of natural fibres? Check out our guide here!
Shop Eco-Stylist today to build your minimalist wardrobe and buy stylish pieces that last!
How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe: The first steps of building your minimalist closet
Before moving onto the timeless essentials of a minimalist closet, thereโs one vital first step: a thorough closet turnout! We get it, this is much easier said than done. Reluctantly parting from that shirt youโve never worn, but will โdefinitely needโ someday, or saying goodbye to the jacket you once loved so much it felt like a second skin, can be surprisingly tough. But letting go of what no longer serves you is essential to creating a streamlined, purposeful wardrobe.
Letโs break down the steps to help you conquer the closet clean-out and set up your wardrobe for minimalist success.
Step One: Free your current wardrobe from all garments
Yes, all of it! It’s time to declutter. Take every piece of clothing, accessory and sneakers out of your wardrobe and lay it on your floor, bed, or anywhere really. Seeing everything at once gives you a fresh perspective and makes the sorting process a whole lot easier.
Step Two: Piles, piles, and more piles
Once youโre face-to-face with the mound of your clothes collection, start dividing it into three piles:
- Frequent Wear: Items you reach for regularly.
- Occasional Wear: Pieces you wear once in a while.
- Never Wear: Items you rarely (or never) wear.
Be brutal, strict, and honest! For the โNever Wearโ pile of clothes, pick out a few pieces you truly canโt part with and move them to the โOccasional Wearโ pile. As for the rest, itโs time to say goodbye. Whether you donate these clothes to charity, sell them on Vinted, or gift them to a friend, please aim to find them new homes instead of throwing them away and sending them to the landfill. For 6 sustainable ways to get rid of old clothes see our guide.
Or perhaps, you could even consider getting your garments refurbished or tailored! Many people forget their love for certain garments because they no longer fit – so hereโs your reminder: tailoring is much cheaper than buying new clothes!
In this process, itโs important to work out your individual style outside of the latest trends or you might find yourself unhappy with your selection in a matter of months, perhaps even weeks. With this in mind, also consider what clothes make you happy and give you a sense of comfort. Later evaluation of your โFrequent Wearโ and โOccasional Wearโ piles will help you figure out whether or not your selection process has been by trends rather than your individual style.
Now itโs time to sift through the โOccasional Wearโ pile. Move any items you feel excited to wear to the โFrequent Wearโ pile. For the rest, set them aside in a hidden space for later evaluation. If you donโt miss or need them over the next few weeks, or even months, youโll know itโs time to part ways.
Step Three: Identify your color palette
But what if youโre unsure what your style is? A great initial step to figuring this out is to take a good look at your โFrequent Wearโ pile and assess the colours you naturally gravitate toward. Having an idea of your favourite colours can help guide you on the colours and tones to keep an eye out for when building your closet. If youโre unsure, stick with neutrals which are versatile and easy to pair.
Step Four: Wardrobe tips for your first capsule wardrobe
Itโs clear that later evaluation is essential to ensuring your minimalist wardrobe exhibits its timeless, โless is moreโ quality. An easy evaluation trick: place all your hangers facing one direction. Once you wear an item, turn the hanger the other way. By the end of the month, it will become clear which clothes you havenโt touched, making it easier to decide if theyโre worth keeping.
12 Pieces to Build Your Minimalist Closet
Now that you have the foundations of a capsule wardrobe, itโs time to elevate it with a few timeless essentials that will keep your closet functional and stylish for the long term. Scroll down for inspiration from the Eco-Stylist editors on must-have pieces that will make your minimalist wardrobe complete.
1) Vintage Inspired Jeans
Investing in a vintage-inspired pair of jeans is a great way to ensure your denim piece is a timeless addition to your minimalist wardrobe. Look for wide-leg styles. Wide-leg jeans are forever versatile, combining comfort with style and working seamlessly for both casual days and dressier evenings, especially when accessorised with the right belt!
At Eco-Stylist, youโll find a wide range of jeans from sustainable brands, including Nudie Jeans, which offers beautiful vintage-inspired wide-leg jeans – perfect for your capsule closet!
Shop: Holly Western Pants 70’s Blue
2) The Classic Tee
The ultimate minimalist wardrobe staple: a well-chosen t-shirt! A simple, block-colored tee can pair effortlessly with just about everything, while also serving as the perfect layering base, for example, with a shirt for added dimension. To keep things stylish and polished, opt for a boxy crewneck tee with a tailored fit, like offered by Mate the Label. Pair with your vintage-inspired jeans and, Bobโs your uncle, youโve already got a classic outfit thatโs both timeless and effortlessly cool.
Shop: Organic Cotton Classic Tee
3) Shirt for Sophistication
Finding the right shirt will take you seamlessly from work to the weekend and from dinner to beach cover-ups. One shirt can transform an entire look with just a few styling tweaks. Opting for an oversized fit with wide cuffs, as Frank and Oak offer, will bring an elegant quality to your outfit, as well as maximum styling options. Button the shirt all the way up for a refined streetwear look; or leave a few buttons undone, leaving space for a necklace, for a classier feel. You can even wear a shirt completely unbuttoned for a relaxed, jacket-like layer. The possibilities are endless!
Shop: The Wide Sleeve Poplin Shirt in White
4) The Hip-Length Knit
A well-chosen knit is a must-have in any capsule wardrobe, providing warmth, comfort, and an extra layer of style. Look for a knit with plenty of room for underlayers, but be conscious to avoid an overly baggy look. A boxy-fit sweater, like those from prAna, works well here. Opting for a hip-length knit enables even more dimension when paired with a shirt, exposing the shirtโs hem beneath for added depth and a chic layered effect.
Shop: Cades Cove Sweater
5) The Timeless Trench
A classic trench coat is forever elegant. Chic and practical, a trench elevates any outfit instantly and effortlessly. Its length and tailored cut is perfect for layering, while its sharp collar and sophisticated shape ensure a polished look every time. Check out Tentreeโs range of sustainable, eco-friendly trenches!
Shop: Relaxed Belted Midi-Length Trench Coat
6) Build with a Belt
Adding a belt is one small change with a big impact, enhancing your outfitโs structure, and pulling together the entire look with minimal effort. Going for a brown leather belt, as Nisolo offers, spruces your outfit with a vintage, classy feel, adding a splash of color and a sprinkle of detail in a seamless way.
Shop: Owen Belt
7) The Leather Tote Bag
A leather tote bag is stylish yet spacious, providing you with all the room you need, from your work laptop to your gym essentials. Leather offers durability with a sophisticated edge, making it a functional yet classy choice. A great way to ensure your outfits are effortlessly stylish is by coordinating your toteโs color with other accessories, like your belt or shoes. Reformation offers a range of brown totes, perfect for this pairing.
But when it comes to accessories, donโt feel restricted to neutrals! A colourful tote – letโs say, in a bold red – can add instant flair to even the simplest outfit, even if itโs as simple as a classic tee and wide-leg jean combo.
Shop: Small Vittoria Tote
8) Loafers that Last a Lifetime
News flash: loafers are having a major moment. But their appeal is far from new; theyโve been a staple since their invention in 1934. These shoes are the perfect blend of smart and stylish, making them a fantastic addition to your minimalist wardrobe. Loafers can go from the office to a night out, to a quick errand run, and even work as chic slippers (well, if comfy enough). Koio offers a great range of eco-friendly, durable loafers with a versatile and classic appeal.
Shop: Arezzo Chunky Loafer
9) The Denim Skirt
A casual midi skirt brings both comfort and style for every season of the year. Pair with a white tee for a relaxed, everyday look, or add a touch of class with a tucked-in shirt. The structured silhouette of a long denim skirt brings a professional feel to your outfit, while the denim material adds a hint of casual and cool. This balance makes a denim midi skirt perfect for almost any occasion, ensuring youโre never over-dressed or under-dressed. No matter the occasion, you will always feel confident with a midi denim skirt!
Shop: Denim Skirt Slim Fit made of Organic Cotton Mix
10) Strappy Black Midi Dress
It might seem difficult to find a dress that works all year round and is suitable for both casual days and evening outings. But you’ll be surprised, this is made easy with a black, cotton, strappy, a-line midi dress – Lucy and Yak offer the perfect one! The black colour provides a blank canvas, making it easy to pair with practically anything, while the midi length strikes a balance between casual and classy. The adjustable tie straps make it the perfect summer dress that can transition seamlessly into winter by layering with a tee or long-sleeve top underneath.
Shop: Faye – Midi Cotton Gauze Dress in Black
11) Tailored Trousers
Letโs be honest, tailored trousers are far more than office wear; theyโre comfortable, stylish, and can pair with practically everything! Think of them as an alternative to jeans that elevate your everyday look without sacrificing comfort. Stella McCartney offers beautifully crafted options, showing how chic and adaptable tailored trousers can be.
Shop: Pleated Low-Rise Trousers
12) A Neat Necklace
No minimalist wardrobe is complete without a simple, quality necklace to pull an outfit together. A necklace lends a polished feel to even the most basic outfit. Shop necklaces with Ten Thousand Villages to ensure the necklace you buy will withstand the years of time and, perhaps, even become a family heirloom.
Shop: Guiding Star Necklace
And there you have it – a complete guide on how to build a minimalist wardrobe. Minimalism is all about quality over quantity, and, at Eco-Stylist, we make it our business to help you with exactly that! Our wide selection of sustainable, high-quality pieces is designed to make your wardrobe timeless, stylish and long-lasting. And remember, by building your minimalist closet with Eco-Stylist, you can break free from the fast-fashion cycle of wasteful hauls. Itโs a choice that goes beyond saving you time and money in the long run but promotes a more mindful approach to fashion that could save our planet.
How to Build a Minimalist Closet โ The Easy Way!
Looking for an easier solution? With our personal shopping service we can help you build the capsule closet of your dreams! Just take a short style quiz and we’ll pick the clothes for you.
At Eco-Stylist, we are dedicated to connecting you with brands that prioritize style, durability and the health of our planet, ensuring that your apparel brings not only value to your life but a positive impact on the world. Say adios to overflowing, stressful fast-fashion garments and start building your minimalist wardrobe with Eco-Stylist today!
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Ella is a content writer at Eco-Stylist, where she combines her love for writing with her commitment to sustainable fashion. With an English degree from the University of Manchester, sheโs passionate about raising awareness about the concerns of fast fashion. She loves buying and selling vintage clothes, painting, and listening to Lily Allen.
