7 Steps to a Minimalist Wardrobe

Sometimes it's easy to become overwhelmed by clothes. If you dread opening the closet every morning and are interested in a minimal capsule wardrobe, here are 7 easy tips to get you started.

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Recent videos:

That Person is More Important Than Your Phone

10 Scientific Studies that Will Encourage You to Own Less

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Most popular videos:

10 Ways Minimalism Will Help You Be Less Busy

10 Signs You Own Too Much Stuff

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You can read more tips in my newest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life:

Read hundreds of articles on decluttering and owning less on the Becoming Minimalist blog.

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[eileenclaussen]

I have been retired for almost two years now - when I look in my closet I see LOTS of items that need to be removed. I recently saw a quote that spoke directly to me and how I should pare down. It goes "Instead of asking what if I need this some day, ask, what is someone else, today, needs it more." Such an eye opener. Thanks for your posts!

[simply.clutterfree]

I have about one laundry load of everyday clothes and minimizing the clothing in our home has been a game changer. No more laundry mountain! 👕👗👚

[AnnDeneeLivingSimply]

My wardrobe is built in 3s. 3 skirts, 3 slacks, 3 shorts, 3 striped tops for everyday, 3 tops for going out, 3 sweaters, 3 sundresses, all blue and white, and Kelly green. 1 pr runners, 1 pr sandals, 1 pr ballet flats.

Simple and easy.

[sylmanyeki]

Hi Joshua! I’m a minimalist and ironically work in retail! Seeing people fill their carts with clothes and stuff is my motivation for being a minimalist. This weekend was 20% for employees. I didn’t buy anything and of course people thought I was weird! Minimalism is a passion of mine

[LeMErin]

I recently started working in an office atmosphere again after working from home for nearly two years (and losing 50+ lbs). I knew I would need to get a few new business casual pieces, but I didn’t want to spend much. I ended up buying five tops- one for Monday, one for Tuesday, etc. All of the tops can go with jeans, black pants, or a black skirt. I basically wear the same outfit each Monday, each Tuesday, etc. I have two dresses that I mix in when I feel like it just to keep it from being so repetitive. I like all of the pieces I chose and getting ready in the morning has never been easier!!

[tuesdayswithed]

Sometimes it's hard because I think of how hard I worked and how expensive the item was; however, when I think of someone who is less fortunate than I am I imagine the smile on their face when they receive it. Now I live with the one in one out strategy and it's wonderful. Take care and God Bless.

[juliemarshall]

"Support the spread of owning less." I like that. Thank you, Joshua. ❤

[nwatson]

Joshua, I started watching your videos a month ago and I can say that I am on my minimalist journey. I just sold some of my belongings and donated and threw away others. I used to SHOP til I DROP but now I only shop for food, medicine, cleaning supplies and toiletries. I have very few clothes now!

[kathycooper]

Love wearing flannel shirts. Dumped the cheap ones, invested in 4 LLBean ones in petite and and have been wearing all winter now for 5 years.
Quality over quantity.

[andrewbrendan]

I'm reminded of Isabella Rossellini who went for years and was known for always wearing a black blazer, white t-shirt, white socks along with black loafers from the mens's section of the shoe store. In her book "Some of Me" Ms. Rossellini said she got the idea from being at a party in the home of her employer and on the way to the bathroom she saw in his open closet that he had many slight variations (ie: lightweight material for summer; different kinds of material) of what was really just one outfit. --- I'm close to that myself with just a few pieces of clothing and I wear what used to be called "Sunday go to meeting clothes": for church I wear one of two white shirts and the same black pants.

[susan]

Great tips Joshua. As I decluttered my wardrobe like an onion, I took out all the mismatched hangers as my inventory went down. I gave my closet a good clean and fresh paint, and now have all white hangers. Making it pretty helped me want to keep everything simple and well organized. I have a shoe rack that fits only 9 pair (all seasons) and that’s all I have. I pared my jewelry WAY down too. Now it is so easy peasy to be dressed, feeling good and on my way for whatever adventures the day brings.

[jayathome]

I have lost a significant amount of weight and was happy to donate clothes that are now too large! The donation center told me that they do not get good quality plus size clothing, so they were glad to get the items I brought. Now I am trying to be much more thoughtful and minimal about my new wardrobe and what comes into it :)

[elaineh]

Thank you for the gentle nudge of removing clothes I don't wear. Removing an item a day now.

[monicawallace]

I paired down quite a bit. I’m now in a phase of wearing everything I kept that isn’t my daily go to . At the end of the day I decide if it’s a keep or pass item. My other rule is, I have to love it, no being on the fence about it. No questions of how it looks on me, is it starting to look worn, will I fit it if I loose 5 more pounds….all of those mean they get passed on. Absolutely have to love it. If I’m on the fence at all then it gets passed on. I do intend to replace a couple pairs of jeans with a higher quality, more comfortable pair. There are about 5 more items to wear and decide on and then a bag of bathing suits (going to pick 2) and I think I will have reached my long time goal of a minimalist wardrobe. Thanks for all your great content!

[Saaaa]

Well done. I’ve never regretted paring my wardrobe down to a more manageable amount of inventory!

[kennethbailey]

What an Absolute Blessing You have been for me in my life these several Years. Your Teaching Methods Speak to my Learning Style and Your Personality Speaks to my soul. I dont tell You often enough. THANK YOU !

[giennefarcais]

I have 20 black velvet hangers and 10 wooden pants hangers, and that's all I need. Actually, 5 of the 10 pants hangers are going to be going away. Nothing else is going in the closet. People really don't pay attention to what you're wearing. They remember what you said, or how you made them laugh, not whether you had the latest trend on. As for getting rid of things, look for "Dress for Success" groups in your area - you can donate business clothing to them so people who can't afford a suit or nice pants and a blazer can get to an interview and get a job. MUCH better than being stuffed in a closet doing no one any good.

[Newbill]

It’s a helpful concise list. I’ve made some online sale purchases from a designer brand in the last few days, but the clothes fit well and they’re high quality. I’ve developed my own minimalist classic wardrobe style. I’ll admit as an older man I have a different sense of the importance of appearance and clothing than younger people. It’s what I like and I honestly don’t care if people think my wardrobe seems overly formal.

In my opinion taking some pride in your appearance is a good thing - but that’s an individual choice. Unfortunately, the suits and jackets, after repeated up and down alterations just no longer fit. I’m having a hard time giving those up. There will be a few replacements but probably just two suits, a black one for funerals, and either a grey or royal blue suit, and a few sport coats, no more than four.

[vienicestyles]

I’ve noticed that since I’ve stopped buying trendy clothing that my wardrobe is no longer growing. I have one closet full of clothes instead of two. 👩🏽

[gwenellison]

Another tip for tracking what you wear to help minimize is flipping all of your hangers backwards and then turning them the right way once an item is worn. Makes it super easy to see what you don't wear over whatever given period of time you set.