Does opening up your closet feel like a party where everyone you see is someone that you like? Having a minimalist wardrobe can save you loads of time and stress when trying to decide what to wear to that friend’s birthday party. There are a variety of minimalist wardrobe essentials that you can customize depending on your style.
Whether you’re looking to decrease the daily headaches of getting choice overload from having too much clothes, despise laundry days and are looking to minimize them, or simply want to start a new simple and organized lifestyle, here are 15 minimalist essentials to give you an idea of what you need to downsize on or invest in. Be sure to customize any of these to your own unique style!
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1. Basic Tees
One of the most versatile wardrobe essentials is the basic tee. The 4 main colors that are the most functional to a downsized wardrobe are black, white, gray, and navy. You can change up the styles from short sleeve to long sleeve and from crew neck to v-neck for more fashion styling versatility!
2. A Coat
A delicious trench coat is essential during chilly days. Choosing a neutral color such as black, white, gray, or nude that goes with everything is best for layering and will complete any outfit. Oh, and did I mention that they keep you from getting frostbite in the winter.
3. Bras
A good fitting nude colored bra with removable straps can do the job of 30 bras. It’s great under basic t-shirts, sleeveless dresses, and difficult sheer tops. A sports bra is also useful for whenever you workout or are just lounging around the house.
4. A Blazer
A blazer instantly pulls an entire look together and is perfect for when you need to get dressed up for a special occasion or have a job interview.
The ways that you can style a blazer are endless. Pairing it with a dress, pencil skirt, or trousers will have you looking spiffy for that interview in no time! You can also dress it down by pairing it with boyfriend jeans or shorts and a basic t-shirt for a more casual everyday look. It can also function as a coat keeping you warm during the cooler weather!
5. A Pair Of Boots
A sturdy pair of boots can also be very essential for the cooler fall and winter weather and during the rainy spring season. They are also perfect for when you need to get down and dirty such as going to a farm or any dirt-filled place.
Styling boots can be really simple since they go with just about anything. You can style them with dresses or skirts for a sweet and flirty date night look or style them with jeans and a leather jacket for a more casual everyday look.
6. A Cute Simple Dress
This one is optional, but owning a simple neutral-colored dress is great for any special occasion, it does not have to be the usual little black dress, as long as it’s versatile, it shall do. Dresses are easy to throw on in the summer or for a special event where you need to look put together on a whim. They are lightweight, comfortable, and don’t give you wedgies. Dress up with flats or heels and a blazer or dress down with a denim jacket and sneakers or flat sandals.
7. A Black Leather Jacket
Anyone can pull of a leather jacket, YES, even you! A black genuine leather jacket is another of those items that can last you a lifetime if maintained correctly and is a great lifetime investment towards your wardrobe. If you aren’t a fan of genuine leather, faux leather will do just fine too! Leather jackets give any old casual outfit a big fashion boost instantly. Style it with dresses and skirts or t-shirts and jeans.
8. A Pair Of Flat Sandals
Flat Sandals are the go to’s for beating the heat. They’re great for going swimming at the beach or pool and even function to avoid contracting foot fungus at the next hotel that you will be staying at during your next vacation.
Sandals can also be very versatile in the way you style them. Dress them up with cute dresses and skirts or dress them down with denim jeans, shorts, and a blouse for a casual look.
9. A Pair Of Sneakers
I think we can all agree that having a good pair of comfortable sneakers is a must-have in any wardrobe. Sneakers are great for traveling and going anywhere where you have to be on your feet for a longer period of time. These babies are your gym shoes, your hiking shoes, your fashion statement shoes, your “gotta make a quick grocery run” shoes. Ok, I think you get the point.
10. A Pair Of Flats or Heels
A nice pair of heels or flats are perfect for when you need to look business-casual or professional. These are the pair that you will gravitate towards for a date, a girls’ night out, a job interview, or a special occasion to look nice and classy.
11. A Pair Of Jeans
Owning a pair of well-fitting jeans that feel good and make your bum look even better is almost hypnotizing. The 2 colors that are essential and can be paired with almost any top are dark wash blue jeans and black jeans. Investing in true high-quality denim jeans will be sure to last you many years to come!
12. A Denim Jacket or Cardigan
Denim jackets are another of those must haves to any closet, minimalist or not. They are perfect for layering onto dresses to tone down a look and make it casual. Denim jackets go with literally anything!
13. A Pair Of Leggings
Leggings will be your BFF when doing any sort of hardcore physical activity such as working out, doing goat yoga, or going on a long hike. They are also great to lounge around in at home while watching Netflix.
14. A Pair Of Shorts
Beat the summer heat with a pair of blue or black denim shorts. These will go with any of your basic tees and can be dressed up or down with boots or sneakers.
15. Accessories
Accessories are what will really shine through and show the world who you are as a person because this is what shows your own unique style. Adding accessories to a plain outfit such as a plain white t-shirt and jeans can turn it from blah to BAM!
Accessories include:
- Jewelry- Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and watches
- Bags, backpacks, and purses
- Caps, beanies, and hats
- Belts
- Sunglasses
- Scarves