Minimal? Yes, No, Maybe So.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Minimalism as a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.
Minimalism in fashion always attracted to me, basic colour palettes, simple designs and capsule wardrobes…they just seemed to be the epitome of sophisticated and “put together”. I was always amazed at people who had wardrobes that were less than 30 items or some other arbitrary number. It was intriguing but in a way off putting and intimidating…simplicity I could vibe with but sparseness…that I could not.
It may have been a remnant of having less not as a choice but as a reality…growing up there wasn’t much left for clothes other than the basics and true self-expression through clothing was not yet a luxury I could afford. It could also have been a symptom of my anxious mind..what do you mean you only have one!..what if something goes wrong…but extreme sparseness did not and still does not entice me.
The overall concept of minimalism however continued to entice me, even as I began to fill my closets with all the things my younger self could only imagine…I consumed minimalism content, I was forever trying to build capsule wardrobes, and I steadily purchased the “basics every woman needs” but somehow it never quite connected with me and I decided that I must then be a maximalist and while I very well may be, given my penchant for huge prints, fanciful details and patterns.
But while thinking and researching I stumbled upon this sentence, “…Minimalism is a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.” Deep right? But it really hits the nail on the head and I realize that it was this perspective of minimalism that continued to pull me in.
Clothes/fashion/style has always been important to me and as I grew older trying to focus on the why of that especially when faced with consumerism, capitalism and just the inner desire that I will never have enough has been difficult. But while I have come to terms with the fact that I will never have a 30 item wardrobe (boo hoo) I have come to a point where I am very intentional with building my wardrobe in a way that makes me feel happy and fulfilled. I love a little list so here goes :-
Define your style elements/pillars. Mine are sexy, elevated, funky, flirty, tomboy or something to that effect. Just a few words to describe your aesthetic(s). It helps when building out your personal style and your wardrobe. Trust me.
Basics are personal choices. This was a hard lesson for me to learn as I went through a phase where I stocked up on so many Gap V-Neck T-shirts only to realize that I am not really that type of t-shirt girl. Your basics should be those pieces that you reach for often because they make you feel your best. For some people that’s a white tshirt and jeans…for me it’s a black flowy skirt or an oversized sheer shirt. I like what I like.
Declutter often and do so decisively. As a collector (and an occasional hoarder) I try to go through my closets at least 4-6 times a year and because I am now pretty sure of my style elements , I am better at getting rid of things that no longer fit my body, my style or my life and things that no longer “spark joy”. (Thanks Marie Kondo)
Shop with intention. I no longer look towards getting the most for my money but getting the best for my money. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good deal and the thrill of getting a lot of items for a bargain but because quality is now more important to me I pay more attention to fabrics and construction and wearability because I want to ensure that my clothes are with me for a long time.
Don’t get caught up. As someone who love clothes and follows fashion, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to keep up with trends which are always and forever changing. Trends come and go and there’s no need to hop on every bandwagon especially if it doesn’t fit into your pillars.
Finally..do you and have fun! Style and how you express it is very personal and it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. Once you feel good, wear it..and try to avoid buying too many pieces and then saving them for “special occasions”. Every day is an occasion!
Love and Light,
Ultra