Updated August 2020
As we are constantly overwhelmed by more product choice, more advertising and more push to spend, it’s no surprise we’re looking to simplify and cut back on consumption. Enter ‘The Minimalists’ and Marie Kondo, installed to help us overhaul our lives, but what about our fashion choices? The average person has more than 120 pieces of clothing in their wardrobes, but 80% of these go unworn! That’s a lot of tags still on and money misspent. So, want to know the secret to more outfit options, less waste and more dollars saved? Build yourself a minimalist wardrobe.
What is a minimalist wardrobe?
A minimalist wardrobe or capsule wardrobe is made up of between 10-35 key essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to create versatile & trans-seasonal looks. Not only does a minimalist wardrobe remove distractions and provide clarity of choice, it also helps reduce our environmental impact too with less clothing ending up in landfill because well, we’re wearing them!
How to make and maintain a minimalist wardrobe?
When it comes to the modern man’s minimalist wardrobe, there are a few simple ingredients to getting it right. At the end of the day, no one wants a wardrobe made up of only plack and white so here are the simple ways you can create an effortless yet versatile minimalist wardrobe.
Go for timeless pieces
Be deliberate in your choices: choose only clothes that work together and can be used in a number of different looks. To master timelessness, avoid trend-based purchases and stick with the classics. Pieces should be bought based on quality of fabric and fit.
Examples: Crisp white tee, tapered pants, chinos, white sneakers, black bomber jacket.
Consider your colour choice
A simple and neutral colour scheme is key. It’s a bulletproof way of ensuring all pieces can work back together. Choose tones such as blacks, charcoals, greys, navys, khakis, beiges, creams and whites.
Choose sustainable fabrics
We need to be prioritising sustainability in our fashion choices. Considering fabrics produced without pesticides that have a low impact on the environment such as linen, hemp, wool and other plant-based, highly durable or recycled materials. Avoid dyed clothes and harmful fibres such as synthetics (polyester, nylon and acrylic), animal-derived materials (leather and fur) and conventional cotton (source Who What Wear). Generally, cheaper clothes are going to be more impactful. As we are looking to buy less and wear more, your garments will need to be built to last the long haul.
Accessorise to elevate your look
The trickiest part of creating a minimalist wardrobe is catering for all occasions, whilst keeping the number of garments to an absolute minimum. Ensure you’re mixing in a few pieces that enable you to elevate your look and dress up or down and think outside the box here, use accessories too. Think; a bold blazer, statement watch, printed shirt, a hat or eyewear. It’s not about fast fashion, but rather style – the two don’t always go hand in hand.
What are the essential pieces in a minimalist wardrobe?
Keeping your outlay minimal is the whole purpose of this process, so ensure that you’ve got a small but effective wardrobe. A wardrobe of around 25 pieces, not including socks, jocks and accessories is an ideal:
- 1 warm coat
- 2 lightweight jackets (1 bomber jacket or denim jacket and 1 blazer)
- 8 lightweight tops (a mixture of collared shirts, t-shirts and polos)
- 4 jumpers (consider knitwear and pullovers)
- 3 pairs of pants (1 pair of casual chinos, 1 pair of dress pants and 1 pair of jeans)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of boots (black or brown)
- 2 pairs of shoes (1 pair of sneakers and 1 pair of loafers or sandals)
- 1 suit
Minimalist wardrobe key takeaways
- Acquire timeless pieces
- Choose a neutral colour palette
- Look for quality fabrics
- Use accessories to elevate a look or add a pop of colour
Learn more about mens styling from our own ASI Graduate, Fernando who has gone on to master his niche as a suiting specialist and Personal Styling business owner The Mark of Style.
The Certificate of Fashion Styling is the ideal course for those looking to elevate their personal style or become a Personal Stylist, download your free Course Guide here.
