I started minimizing my wardrobe when I realized certain colors actually look really good on me (teal, olive, grey, red). So I only buy in a handful of colors. This helps in a few ways: 1) I always look put together 2) Everything matches in that color 3) When you have a set or two of neutrals, adding in three to five color pieces literally gives thousands of combinations, and finally 4) almost nobody notices that I have a minimal wardrobe. As a matter of fact, I get more compliments more than when I did spend a lot on my business wardrobe.
CaSondra Stinson Yes I kind of do the same, take some colours and make them yourown, I have green eyes and are probably warm and medium contrast. Unsaturated green are very underestimated.
Yes! Cutting down to a few colors that really look good on you is so nice mine is more pale pastel colors (beige, light blue, pale pink, mauve, olive) i own about 10 tops and a couple jeans. I can grab anything and it matches
I went back to my sewing , I only buy what I need and can’t make, and donate things I made and don’t like too much but really have a paired down min closest
While traversing some of my own personal trials and tribulations since 2006, I have gradually pared my life down to what I consider the essentials. I've only recently met you guys via Netflix last December, 2016 and feel grounded and affirmed. Thanks for putting your energies toward publicizing this philosophy. I am excited to continue my journey. Be well!
I began my minimalist wardrobe journey by purchasing just a few quality items in limited colors. Specifically, I have 3 pairs of jeans of various colors of blue and black, 3 long-sleeved black shirts, and two sport coats. These limitations allow me to travel minimally, have freed up an immense amount of space, I am presentable for any occasion I would attend.
My only addition would be something I have heard from someone. When you purge your closet throw away/donate everything that is (1) uncomfortable, (2) wrong size (3) wore down, (4) do not used as often. I find the first category the most important. Since I have 7-10 perfect sports clothes I picked with a lot of care, I had to come to terms with the fact that the ones I wear most often are the ones that are the comfiest.
Thank you so much for this great podcast! I have challenged myself with not buying any new clothes for a year and your message really inspired me (and my project!)
In response to the 1st caller, I relate strongly to what they say. I would say that my wardrobe was the 1st thing that I was minimalistic outcome even though it would appear that I have one of every type of outfit. I only buy clothes from the thrift store and I have a system where I pick out as many clothes as I enjoy, And then I can only take home 25% or less of the clothes that I've picked out. Sometimes I'll even set a monetary budget like $25. It forces me to make very intentional decisions about what I will really wear and what I will Really love. I love (all) of my clothes, and I try to regularly purge all clothing items that don't make me smile anymore. All my friends comment on how fashionable I am and I love that! That way I keep the rotation by donating clothes that I'm not interested in anymore. I have a core wardrobe of about 2 weeks worth of clothing and everything else is subject to be changed out for new things. Since my clothes are high quality AND cheap I can really love every piece in my large collection of clothes and depart with the things I want to replace with ease.
This is why I wish public schools still had uniforms. I know some do, but mine didn’t and it’s EXAUSTING trying to keep up with the Joneses! And kids are so mean and cruel. And as a kid you just want to fit in and be “cool”
when you have an uniform, the attention go to the accessories: expensive coats, phones, jewelry ...the mentality has to change, not the liberty of wearing what you want
@@blanchev6456 I spent most of my school going years in schools with uniforms, that included blazers and in some cases hats. Jewelry was just simple stud earrings, I loved it, it was so simple. My daughter is 6 and has been in a uniform since she was 2, there is no agony over what she is going to wear, it's definitely my preference.
I’m with you, Jessica! I hate the “keeping up” mentality. My daughter has a job and purchased some of-the-moment shoes, which I would never purchase for her. I hope other parents don’t think I did purchase them…
I totally agree with you. Saves you decision fatigue on what to wear in any case and makes lives easier. As a child who never had the newest or best stuff I really appreciated the school uniform
2 years ago we downsized from a 2000 sq ft home to an 800 sq ft one with only 2 closets in the whole house. I've learned to minimize my wardrobe, but after watching your documentary, I've paired down even more with the 333 project. Do you or your girlfriends try to also do the "1-in-1-out" rule? I've also downsized my three children's clothing so they have clothes for 1 week and a couple extra for spills/accidents. Thanks guys!!
As someone who loves clothes and learning how to pair colors that look really good together this was really fun to listen to. I've decluttered my closet in the past so I'm doing my best to make sure anything coming in either fills a purpose that isn't filled already by something else and can go with everything else.
These guys joke about doing karate in jeans, but one of my "tests" for pants in the fitting room is being able to do high kicks. If you can't do high kicks, squat, sit lotus position, bend over without a butt-window fold happening, or if the pants lack good pockets, you don't buy em.
I only buy from second hand shops but after I started to follow you guys, I've been more mindfull even when go to those places! What I like most in those places is to find one unique item that not everyone will have it. Thanks for everything! keep up with the great work :) p.s: come to Canada!
I have just discovered your podcasts and just love them - they are so meaningful and fun to listen to! I love the values behind minimalism, and how part of minimalism can look different for each person. I am binge listening to catch up! Thank you so much!
My mom loved clothes, she had 3 (three) closets full of them. She sewed her own, even. I was never interested in them. I liked gray, navy, and black. I still do. I worked in an office and made a chart (this was the 1970's). I had 4 pairs of slacks, 6 shirts, and 4 cardigans. I added red, jade green, and a pair of tan slacks to the mix. I had costume jewelry for fun. I retired in 2002. Tina
I always find gently used stuff or even new with tags for excellent low prices on eBay and it really keeps me honest so I don't have to spend 50$ on one shirt. It has allowed me to pay off my debt faster. I have been trying to even buy from ethical companies second hand. I plan to buy some things from Everlane when I pay off all my debt and have some extra money to do so. Thank you for the inspiration!
What Kathleen, the writing teacher, is talking about is the Socratic Method in case anyone is wondering :) Another version of this is Backwards Classroom Design where the students learn topics at home and then comprehend those topics through activities and homework in class.
you guys are the best! been following you since the beginning of the minimalists website. Thanks for all you do, you are a huge part of the minimalist revolution. I loved the documentary, great job! Hope to catch you guys next time you come to Ontario, Canada.
It would be really interesting to get a woman’s perspective on this topic (no offence intended!) I say this purely due to biology. I have 50-60 items including shoes and coats. While all my clothing is interchangeable, practical and comfy, my mood fluctuates throughout the month and one day I might love a certain top but the next day I really don’t want to wear it, I want to wear a super comfy and relaxed outfit. Where as other days I may wear something which highlights my features and makes me feel really good. It’s very mood dependent! So getting rid of an item because I don’t want to wear it wouldn’t work for me. I imagine a lot of other women struggle with this. I’d love to gain some insight on how to effectively minimise my wardrobe regarding these points
I really dont think biology has anything to do with it. I have about 20 shirts. These range for 4 seasons. 2 shorts. 2 pants. 1 winter coat. 1 rain coat. 1 pair of boots. 1 pair of sneakers. 1 pair of flip flops. Jewelry consists of my engagement ring and a chain.
I am the same way! But how I work around that for me may differ from how it will work for you. For exame, as a nurse I wear scrubs daily 5 days a week. By the time I get home, it is late, I shower and wear lounge wear basically until bed. I found that instead of spending tons of money on all these different scrubs and prints, I feel best and secure in just an all black scrub top. Depending on my Mood for the day is how I determine what color bottoms I wear. Some days Im feeling pinks or springy feminine colors. Other days that Im feeling bloated, on my cycle, or just not in the chipper of moods, I wear dark bottoms. All my scrubs are the same brand, style and size. So I get to still choose what I want based on mood. But dont have to think too hard on it at all. Black top and my mood decides the color bottoms. Still same outfit, style and fit. If you want to not have to pair down so much in clothes, let it be...50 to 60 items all together isnt too bad. Maybe focus on minimalism in other areas instead and allow more freedom with clothes.
Great words guys!! I've adapted a 'mom uniform' of yoga pants and a high quality sweatshirt. It's simple and I have 1-2 options for business casual and formal. It is fantastic!
I just paid full price for something so comfy, that I know I will enjoy wearing it. I could have paid a much lower price on something that would be a fill-in for times when I am not prepared. In other words, it would have been another excuse to put off doing laundry. It is not about how much I have, but why do I think I need (want) it, and how much will I use it. Thanks for all of the encouragement, fellas.
I kept saying I haven't shopped in a long time, but then I realized I fell for the Instagram commercial posts where I purchased workout clothes from a certain brand last November. I do truly enjoy wearing it and it makes me feel confident. Other than that, I haven't shopped for clothes. I love it. I need to truly challenge myself, though and try the 333 challenge.
I always have a pair of flip flops that live in my suitcase. There’s always occasion to use them even if you’re going to the Arctic circle (showering, pool, spa, sauna)
I Love TomBihn bags, I have the Synapse 19 and it's amazing, perfect for traveling and their company mission statement is really incredible. Love the podcasts guys, always so informative and personal. :)
I only looked in second hand shop in person and they didn't always have what I was looking, based on your recommendation I searched on an online second hand shop and found what I was looking for , thank you.
My Irish Setter work boots by Red Wing are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. Not cheap, but so well made and comfortable. I haven't had good luck with smart wool socks; they are so cute but they get holes so easily. Sad 'cause they are so awesome-looking.
Smart Wool socks definitely get holes very easily. I've been disappointed with them, especially for the price, because of that. I want to try Darn Tough socks. They're supposed to have great durability and replacement guarantees.
For odors, a good soak in white vinegar and baking soda should deodorize them, and a couple drops of tea tree oil, then oxygen cleaner like oxyclean or a similar product can work too.
Good concept as well!!! Like that one book "spark joy" ....i love that book. definitely recommend! also, "goodbye, things"....another good book. both are japanese authors!!
My issue with letting go of my clothes is due to health issues before cancer was size 14 now 2 years later with treatments & medication messing with your body now a 16 plus omg the struggles to get back is hard I have let go of some but I do have my favourite still that will hopefully fit me again 🤞🏻 one day just dreaming
ThredUP is a great way to sell clothing from your closet. They send you a "clean out" bag and will pay you for clothes they know will sell and others remain in consignment and what is left is donated for you.
I LOVE window shopping. i LOVE a good bargain. I do tend to purge my closet almost every month. Thanks to youtube guru's clothing hauls. Being a girl, that loves blogging about OOTD... no repeats! lol especially on instagram. xD Girlfriends pay attention to what you wear. And when you have outfits for work, leisure time, workout clothes. winter clothes, summer/hot day clothing. I have stopped purchasing winter clothes. Texas is all year round HOT. >.
