So Fresh, So Clean

Photographed by Letao Chen

In terms of style, I’m more of a maximalist and I often find myself expressing my individuality through bold colors, crazy silhouettes, and loud patterns. From a pair of assless chaps to a pair of bedazzled boots, every item in my closet is there to accentuate my crazy personality! Recently, however, my mornings have become more difficult due to the increasing amount of clothes that I own. I keep packing my wardrobe with trend-based items and it has become more difficult to put an outfit together because I’m always questioning if it’s still trending or figuring out what goes with what. I just don’t have the time to labor over what to wear anymore. So I decided to delve into minimalism.

The key to pinpointing minimalist style is by keeping it simple. It’s the art of removing all the bells while still maintaining a stylish look and focusing on things like fabrics and textures. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to fill your closet up to be considered “fashionable.”

Minimalist fashion icons like Kanye West and Victoria Beckham are walking examples of “less is more.” Kanye West made the idea of wearing neutral colors stylish after the debut of his second fashion show during New York Fashion week under the brand Yeezy. This collection featured a series of dusty, drapey, military-inspired pieces that were stunning! Victoria, on the other hand, is famous for her simple yet chic looks. You can always catch her in an ensemble of refined silhouettes, neutral colors, and a pair of heels that can literally cut a b*tch.

The explosive popularity of minimalism fashion from designers such as Oak + Fort, Acne Studios, Helmut Lang, A.P.C and Mijeong has permeated every corner of the fashion industry. From Paris fashion week to the red carpet of the infamous Met Gala, minimalist fashion has gone mainstream.

Brands like Everlane and COS are ushering in a slew of toned-down palettes and classics in its most chic form. Think plain white tees and selvage denim, a monochromatic look with a pop of color, cashmere sweaters, ankle-length trousers, and simple wool coats. This style is all about using materials and pieces that are capable of making a statement on its own.

So, if the idea of adding minimalist accessories and clothing to your wardrobe sounds like a breath of fresh air then here are a list of five curated steps to help you pull off this chic look.  

Step 1: Declutter! Empty out that closet of yours and separate your clothes in 2 piles—the yes pile and the no pile. Discard items that no longer fit, make you feel confident, items that are worn down and anything that doesn’t match your current style. Then take your no pile and donate them. (Don’t throw them away! You’ll be contributing to massive landfills.)

Step 2: Evaluate! Take a look at the existing clothes in your closet and bookmark the looks that you find on Instagram or Pinterest. Take mental notes of what colors, fabrics and silhouettes that make you feel sexy, confident and comfortable. Once you zero in on your style, focus on that look and make sure that you keep it consistent. 

Step 3: Expression! The typical color schemes in a minimalist closet include white, black, and gray but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to eliminate colors from your wardrobe. If you’re into vibrant colors and fun patterns then you should incorporate those items into your wardrobe. However, just have to make sure that you can style it with the rest of the clothes. For example, If you make the decision to rock a vibrant red T-shirt then you should pair it with a neutral pair of white trousers. 

Step 4: Essentials! These articles of clothing are vital to your wardrobe: Three blazers, two pairs of jeans, four sweaters, one coat, three T-shirts, three tank tops, two pairs of trousers, Three pairs of shoes, two button-downs, three bags and three dresses. Every piece in your closet should coordinate with one another so that you can combine all of your looks together to create endless looks.

Step 5: Invest! Repeat after me, “quality over quantity!” Invest in pieces that will last you for years to come and stay away from trends! Trends die! 

With a minimalist style, you’ll be saving yourself time, money, and space in your closet. In addition to that, you’ll also gain a fresh sense of clarity and contentment in your life. So what are you waiting for? Open up that closet of yours and get started!