Summary

The article outlines a strategy for creating a minimalist capsule wardrobe for women, focusing on versatile pieces, accessories, and the importance of personal go-tos.

Abstract

The article discusses the concept of a minimalist fashion approach for women, emphasizing the creation of a capsule wardrobe that can be adapted for various occasions using a limited number of key pieces. It begins with a personal story about the necessity of having appropriate attire for life events, leading to the introduction of a versatile little black dress as a foundational item. The author suggests selecting special occasion outfits that can be repurposed for other events, such as business meetings or dinners. Accessories are highlighted as crucial for transforming outfits without requiring additional clothing items, taking up less space and offering durability. The article also stresses the significance of a well-chosen coat and comfortable, stylish shoes for colder climates, recommending a structural, non-black coat and pointed-toe Oxford ankle boots. The author advises keeping only "go-to" items in one's wardrobe, advocating for a personalized approach to minimalism that goes beyond categorical decluttering methods like Marie Kondo's.

Opinions

The author believes that a capsule wardrobe should start with pieces for special occasions, as these are the least flexible and most necessary items.
Versatility is key; the author favors items like a little black dress that can be worn in multiple settings.
Accessories are seen as essential for their ability to diversify outfits while occupying minimal space.
A statement coat in a color other than black is recommended for making a subtle yet impactful impression.
Comfort is a priority in shoe selection, with pointy-toed shoes being a preferred choice for style and versatility.
The author's approach to minimalism is personal and practical, focusing on items that are actually worn and loved, rather than adhering to a strict categorization method.
The article suggests that one's style is subconsciously defined by their favorite items, implying that many other items in a wardrobe may be unnecessary variations.

Minimalist Fashion for Women is Easy

How to build a capsule wardrobe, starting with pieces we already own and special occasions.

A few years ago my friend suddenly passed away and I had no clothes for his memorial service. I sat on the floor, devastated. Before I arrived at the age of wedding season, my friend jumped a few steps ahead to the funeral season.

It was a powerful moment of “adulting”. Business, weddings, funerals, I now need clothes to celebrate the different life stages of people around me.

This is how I started building my all-encompassing capsule wardrobe, a little black dress, worn for the first time at my best friend’s funeral.

Clothes for special occasions

I’m sorry to start our journey to minimalist fashion with such a grim tale. I’m speaking the truth though.

Starting with special occasions is important because we can literally wear whatever we want outside of these situations. So these pieces are essential to our functioning in society.

Next, we consider how far we can stretch the use of these occasional pieces in our everyday life.

I built my capsule wardrobe with a little black dress (A.K.A. the ultimate LBD), which is modest, comfortable, and versatile. It can even be worn on both sides. I can see its versatility, business, dinners, whatever. I can even wear it with a pair of white trainers and run my errands.

Other special occasion outfits include:

wedding guests (I tend to choose navy, emerald or burgundy dresses so it’s good for business and other use as well)
Business suits (I tend to choose beige or graphite grey blazers and trousers as they complement most colours you both underneath)

So now you have an LBD, a wedding guest outfit, and a business outfit.

Next: accessories

The fashion world embraces mixed and matched pieces more than ever. With the above iconic pieces, we should use our creativity further and use accessories to spice out outfits up and down for different occasions.

We are still not talking about having any other clothing items, because accessories take up much less space and are much more durable.

Metals and gemstones also create sparkles and blink to your outfit, so even if you wedding guest dress is a plain burgundy dress, a pair of golden hoop earrings and loud clutch can change the vibe totally.

There are two general categorisations for accessories: elegant and bold. It’s an interplay of subject and supporting roles.

Small pearl pieces, brown leather handbags and diamond necklaces, for example, elevate an outfit in subtle ways.

Statement pieces such as big earrings, neon clutches and patterned scarfs draw the attention to themselves and set the tone of the look, not the clothes itself.

Also: Shoe and coat game

If you are from colder countries like me, then this game is ON! Most of the time, say a business lunch or a date, our shoes and coats help to form to the first impression.

Also, they are bulky items, so for a capsule wardrobe, we must select the right pieces.

The most essential coat in my opinion is a structural coat that’s NOT black. It’s really sad to have black coats, they remind me of the dead souls in Canary Wharf (Wall Street equivalent in London). My favourite coat is blush pink because it’s very subtle yet outstanding among most dark-toned outerwear.

It should fit well, and big enough that I can slip a down layer or a chunky jumper underneath. So this coat can serve from early autumn to deep winter days.

I won’t ask people who literally drive everywhere any advice on shoes. For city people who walk so much (and it’s a great thing), the first requirement of my shoes is comfort, from heels to boots, c-o-m-f-o-r-t.

We don’t always need high-heels to spice up an outfit, my top tip is to actually rely on shoes with pointy toes and perhaps some blink. I guess that’s why, like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, I also like Manolo Blahnik, but flats only, and I get a dupe one from Dune UK (not sponsored!). But if I have one choice, I will always go for pointed brogues/oxford ankle boots, because they are even more versatile.

To ace the shoe and coat game in a colder climate, this is what I need:

a blazer (for business, could be the one from the business suit above)
a mild coat (leather, trench, denim, take your pick)
warming layers (my favourite is Uniqo’s ultra-light down vest)
a statement coat
trainers for exercise and everyday use (I’m done separately them)
lace-up, pointed-toe, Oxford leather ankle boots: they are EXTREMELY versatile
hiking boots (if you walk a lot like me)

What now we get to other pieces

Yes, after so many steps, we get to this part. I have written in my other article about minimalism that you should keep only your go-tos, rather than like Marie Kondo’s method, categorise piece by piece. Click the link below if you want to know more.

Forget Marie Kondo, Here’s How I Successfully Downsized and Became a Minimalist Finally

4 easy tips to get it started for 2021!

medium.com

You might also notice that any non-go-tos are usually a variation of the go-tos. Like I have 10 striped tees and my favourite is the Muji one. So, unless you have a big revelation to change your style completely, you are already defined by your subconscious (OMG).

Decide your maximum number of items in your wardrobe, pick your go-tos, and if you still have some quota left, choose something that sparks joy!

You are done!