3 Rules of a Minimalist Wardrobe That You Won't Regret

So, obviously, the only way to have a REAL minimalist wardrobe is to stick to the basics- black, white, or gray teeshirts only- colors are too risky. In fact, it’s best if you don’t try to express yourself through your clothing at all…

Actually, the opposite is true when it comes to creating a minimalist wardrobe that you won’t regret. There are really only 3 rules to making this all snap into place like magic, and luckily, they work for anyone and everyone because I’m not a fashionista. 

I don’t even own a belt. 

I had to dig this necklace I’m wearing out of the bottom of my jewelry jar because I so rarely wear jewelry aside from my wedding ring and Fitbit.

I envy people with the gumption to invest energy into their wardrobes. I love watching Christina Mychas with her classy downtown vibe, and a part of me yearns whenever I see Erin Sanderson absolutely KILLING it on Instagram with her rocker-chick vibe- hah. I wish. 

And while I hate it when people give up and fall into the classic “mom sweats” category of attire after having kids, and I certainly don’t aspire to that, I can’t deny that I’m a simple dresser. 

And I say all of this because, whether you’re like me or hot rocker Erin, if you want to keep a manageable essential wardrobe with no regrets, knowing yourself is kind of a foundation point for implementing the 3 rules we’re going to talk about today.

Especially since the first rule is Core style. 

Core Style

I reach for comfort and ease over dressing up-all the time. In fact, I’ve built my style around it so that I DON’T end up with unflattering outfits in every impromptu photo. The thing is, your wardrobe can be any style and still be minimalist and essential to you.

I'm not saying to never try new things- I 100% went out and bought a leather jacket after watching Erin rock one on her profile- and I wore it too…for a year or 2. Eventually, I sank back into my tried and true core style of what I like to call “elegant comfort”.  

And core style doesn’t just apply to the things everyone else sees. I think one of the most satisfying clothing purchases I’ve made has been a comfortable, wireless bra that fits my body perfectly and can be worn with 98% of my clothes. There are a few that I have to go strapless with. 

When you’re following this rule of sticking to your core style (at least with 95% of your clothing purchases), you’ll find that you’re happy to wait a little longer to buy the right piece rather than a quick and on-sale substitute even if you have to pay full price. The regret typically comes from the choice, even more than the cost. 

Because wasted money is wasted money.

This is true of any age. In fact, when I’m 70, I hope I look like this woman.

If you're not sure what your personal style is, start by looking at the pieces you already own and love. Notice any patterns? You may have a thing for vintage denim or a weakness for cashmere sweaters. Use these insights as the building blocks of your wardrobe. 

Colors

If you look at my wardrobe, you’ll probably notice a color theme. It’s not even by design; it’s because I rely on the clothes that I’m naturally drawn to. And ever since I was a kid, I’ve been drawn to mild, neutral tones, with grey being my #1 magnet, for sure. 

It’s not a minimalist thing. It’s just a me thing. Sometimes, I’ll be thrifting, and when I go to try things on, I realize that I have like 5 different versions of basically the same soft gray sweater. Happens all the time. 

Your favorite colors to wear don’t have to coincide with your favorite colors. Just because you love purple doesn’t mean you’re going to like the way you look in it. I’ve found that to be the case with me and certain shades of blush or lavender. I LOVE the colors, and they would look gorgeous on someone else. But because of my pale, pink skin…they make me look completely washed out. 

You can’t even notice the shirt because it just blends in with me. I wear black sometimes, but you’ll notice I only own a couple of black pieces because it makes my skin look a bit stark or bright. 

But you may have a lovely caramel skin tone that flourishes in pinks and florals that I could never pull off. I’ve seen photos of people with dark, ebony skin tones that looked absolutely stunning in stark white or royal blues. If I wore the same thing, I might feel like I was glowing. 

Yes, it’ll make the minimalist aspect of your wardrobe flow better if you have some sort of a cohesive palette, but even more importantly, the palette needs to compliment you if you’re hoping to decrease turnover and regret. And a cohesive palette doesn’t always mean matchy-matchy. For example, earth tones like olive green, burnt orange, and mustard yellow can sometimes add warmth to a wardrobe without clashing.

Cuts

The last rule is to choose flattering cuts for your body type. This is the biggest factor for me. The way something fits on you- even if it’s the right size and color- can make or break how you feel about yourself in it. 

I’ve always had a very long neck and upper torso. I can get away with open-mouthed necklines, off-the-shoulders, and loose fits tend to look more elegant on me than they might if my proportions were different.

But I have never and will never be able to get away with a tube top or anything strapless. I almost look naked, or at the very least, look like I’m doing something very wrong. 

I could wear crop tops, but only with very high-waisted pants because I’ve had 3 children and no surgery, so I have the stomach of someone who has had 3 children. With every phase of my life, it’s the cuts of clothing that have had to adjust more than anything. 

Get to know your body's unique shape and what styles complement it best. This could mean opting for high-waisted pants if you're tall and want to accentuate your legs or choosing A-line dresses to highlight your waist. Remember, the goal is to feel good in what you're wearing. If you're constantly adjusting your clothes or feeling self-conscious, it's not the right fit for your wardrobe.