One of the biggest misconceptions about the minimalist movement is that you need to live with less everything. Including clothing. But, what if there was a way for a minimalist who loves clothes to still enjoy their minimalist lifestyle without sacrificing their style? Well, there is. There are 5 really awesome ways actually.

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The benefits of a smaller wardrobe

If you are in the habit of always buying new clothing, the idea of having a smaller wardrobe can feel scary and limiting, but it doesn’t have to. There are actually a ton of helpful benefits to a smaller wardrobe:

• Get ready faster
• You love everything in your closet
• No buyer’s remorse
• Packing a suitcase is a breeze
• More space
• Less stress

Chances are, there are already items in your closet that you like better than the rest. What being intentional about your wardrobe does is help create a closet filled with only items that you like the best!

Slim down strategies

There are several different smart ways to start your minimalist wardrobe. Here are some of the top popular methods:

Project 333

Keep your closet to only 33 items for 3 months! This doesn’t include pajamas or workout clothes. Learn more.

Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is similar to Project 333. The main difference is a lot of people choose to do a capsule wardrobe with the changing seasons. When the winter months hit, store all of your summer clothes away in a bin until you’ll need them again and vis versa.

Just downsize

If you feel up to it, and you know the items that you wear the most, make the leap and downsize your closet! You can even make some money in the process. Apps like Poshmark are crazy simple to use and you instantly reach a wider audience of people interested in buying your gently used clothing.

Konmari Method

If you haven’t read Marie Kondo’s, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up I highly recommend it. Or, you could just watch her new Netflix series!

Hanger challenge

The hanger challenge is probably the most simple method for figuring out what to keep and what to get rid of. First of all start with all of your hangers flipped backward. When you wear an item and hang it back up in your closet, flip the hanger the right way. After a few months, you’ll be able to see the items that you are not wearing because their hangers will still be in the first position.

Whatever method you pick to create your minimalist wardrobe, there are going to be a few things to keep in mind.

Related posts you’ll love:

• His and Hers KonMari Closet Makeover Before and After
• A KonMari Suitcase Packing Strategy
• One Pack Travel Packing for the Whole Family
• 10 Ways to Style Jeans and a Tank Top

The weather factor

With certain minimalist capsule wardrobes, like the 333 challenge, you may bump into a few weather-related problems. For example, if you live in a state where climate changes rather quickly and unpredictably, it might be difficult to find the proper clothing when you only have 33 items to choose from.

This is why it’s important to be flexible. It helps to have affordable, classic minimalist outfit staples on hand at all times.

Capsule wardrobes as a safety net

A great benefit of the capsule wardrobe is that nothing is permanent. If you are feeling anxious about completely clearing out your closet, then the capsule wardrobe is the way to go.

Even though you get to keep more clothing, once you open your stored items you may find there are things you no longer need.

Having a capsule wardrobe can be a great way of “testing clothes.” When they have been stored away for 3 months or so you may find that you have completely forgotten about them. If so, it makes it that much easier to get rid of them for good.

Set a goal

The best way to manage your style when you are a minimalist who loves clothes is to set some clear goals or intentions. Maybe you are determined to cut your wardrobe completely in half. Maybe it’s time to let go of your “skinny jeans” that keep making you feel bad about yourself.

Once you know your goals for what you don’t want in your closet, set some goals for what you do want. Do you want only clothes that you absolutely love? Are you determined to change the way you shop?

Whatever your goals might be, be intentional when you start putting the final touches on your wardrobe.

Sell or donate?

This is probably one of the biggest struggles people face when decluttering their wardrobe. Should you take the time to try and sell things or should you donate them right away?

I loved something I heard The Minimalists say on their podcasts once about how even if you sell an item you’re not making money. When you purchased that item, you made the choice to sacrifice money. You never actually planned on making money when buying an item.

My best advice would be to take any high-quality or designer items and try to sell them at a thrift store or on Poshmark. Whatever items are not taken, donate them and don’t give it a second thought.

Keep it simple

Once you have your minimalist wardrobe in place, it’s just a matter of keeping it simple. Don’t put anything in your closet that doesn’t bring you joy. If you try something on in the fitting room and you’re not sure about it, then just put it back!

The organizing process may take a while to figure out exactly what works for you, but no matter what, don’t over-think it. That would be completely defeating the whole purpose!

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