Favorite Clothes of a Minimalist - The Minimalists (2024)

“Look at all those fancy clothes,
but these gonna keep us warm just like those.”

—Jack Johnson

What does a minimalist wear? I’m surprised I get this question as often as I do—as if people expect to see me walking around in a loincloth—but, given the many misconceptions surrounding minimalism, it’s a valid question.

Simply, a minimalist wears their favorite clothes every day. Most days I wear jeans, a teeshirt, and a pair of boots. Or, when I feel like it, I wear a crisp white button-up shirt, jeans, a blazer, colorful socks, and a clean pair of dress shoes. (I avoid logos because I refuse to be a walking billboard.)

I don’t have many clothes now, and I still go to the Goodwill a few times a month to donate an item or two (if I’m not wearing it anymore, it gets donated), but I thoroughly enjoy the clothes I own.

I don’t, however, give sentimental meaning to my clothes. If all my clothes burned in a house fire tomorrow, it wouldn’t be a big deal to me.

“What about those shoes you’re in today?
They’ll do no good on the bridges you burnt along the way.”

—Jack Johnson

Read this essay and 150 others in our new book, Essential.

Favorite Clothes of a Minimalist - The Minimalists (2024)

FAQs

What clothes should a minimalist have? ›

Look for pieces that can be dressed up or down, and classic colors. Consider investing in timeless pieces that can be worn in multiple ways. Choose neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched. This will help to create a more cohesive look and make it easier to create different outfits.

What does minimalist mean in clothing? ›

The minimalist concept means simplicity, functionality and elegance where emphasized for a style that is characterized by neutral colors, clean lines and minimal embellishments and timeless silhouettes. The concept also strips back the unnecessary, leaving only the things that can provide with real value and joy.

How to dress classy minimalist? ›

Focus on Your Wardrobe Essentials

Her minimalist style must-haves? "A statement coat or trench, an everyday dress, loose knitwear, tailored trousers, high-waisted jeans, a tailored blazer, and elevated basics to layer with—such as knits, tees, and tanks.”

What is the minimalist look? ›

Minimalist Design

It's characterised by simplicity, clean lines, and a monochromatic palette with colour used as an accent. It usually combines an open floor plan, lots of light, and functional furniture, and it focuses on the shape, colour and texture of just a handful of essential elements.

What does it mean to dress like a minimalist? ›

Minimalism is about stripping back the unnecessary, leaving only the things that provide you with real value and joy. Minimalist fashion means having a minimal amount of clothes in your wardrobe that feel right for you and bring joy.

What is the smallest capsule wardrobe? ›

Create your ideal capsule wardrobe

You would pack three or four neutral bottoms (slacks, skirts, jeans), a few neutral jackets or sweaters that coordinate in different ways with your bottoms, and a selection of more colorful shirts, blouses, scarves, etc make everything go together.

What is a minimalist chic? ›

Minimalist chic sticks to the classic staples, but dazzles them up with a simple accessory or a twist on the original look. An example of this would be an oversized tuxedo dress, flair trousers, or an architectural statement earring.

How to shop for minimalist clothes? ›

Buy only your favorite colors.

A minimalist wardrobe generally requires a chosen palette of colors so that pieces mix and match with ease. Look in your closet and choose the three or four colors you like and wear happily. Remove the pieces that don't match.

How to decorate as a minimalist? ›

When talking about a western minimalist style as we know it today, interiors with this aesthetic will often include:
  1. Simple lines.
  2. Monochromatic or neutral color palettes.
  3. Limited furniture.
  4. Limited decorative objects.
  5. Storage solutions that keep the space uncluttered.
  6. Open floor plans.
  7. Natural light.
Jan 31, 2023

What is the fashion trend in 2024 for minimalism? ›

Slow Fashion & Minimalism

In 2024, we're slowing things down and embracing minimalism. Slow fashion encourages investing in timeless, durable pieces designed to last, while minimalism promotes a mindful approach to dressing. It's all about quality over quantity and making thoughtful choices.

How to become minimalist clothes? ›

How to Create a Minimalist Wardrobe and Closet
  1. Admit that you own too much clothing. ...
  2. Wear fewer colors. ...
  3. Embrace the idea of one. ...
  4. Donate, sell, recycle, discard. ...
  5. Donate, sell, discard some more. ...
  6. Impose an arbitrary moratorium on shopping. ...
  7. Set a monthly spending limit. ...
  8. Purchase quality over quantity.
Jun 10, 2024

What is a minimalist makeup look? ›

“It's the soft transition and blending in neutral or skin colored shades along side the soft placement of shadows and highlights that creates an enhanced natural look.” To achieve that effortlessness, you're going to want cosmetics that can be blended to an undetectable finish—but it's less about wearing less makeup ...

What are the 3 characteristics of minimalism? ›

So, while the minimalist doctrine is evolving to address our modern needs, its three most important qualities—functionality, simplicity and honesty—can continue to guide minimalist practices in our own homes.

What is minimalist jewelry? ›

So What is Minimalist Jewelry? Essentially minimalist jewelry is delicate, unfussy jewelry designs that can be worn to subtly enhance an outfit or overall look. Minimalist jewelry can be worn by people who have a super simple and clean fashion style but also people that want to wear bold, big, and bright patterns.

What does every minimalist need? ›

Minimalist Essentials: Emergency Items
  • First Aid Kit. Create your own or buy one online. ...
  • Fire Extinguisher. Check these monthly to ensure the gauge reads “full” and hasn't expired.
  • Water Purifier. ...
  • Food. ...
  • Emergency Car Kit. ...
  • All-in-One Cooking Appliance. ...
  • Large Slow Cooker. ...
  • Extra Place Settings.
Jul 28, 2023

What are the basic wardrobe essentials? ›

From hardworking button-down shirts to timeless sunglasses, these are the basics you need to make the most of your wardrobe.
  • The white T-shirt. ...
  • The straight-leg jeans. ...
  • The everything bag. ...
  • The crew socks. ...
  • The black leggings. ...
  • The just-right blazer. ...
  • The ballet flats. ...
  • The tank top.
Apr 16, 2024

How do you make a minimalist style? ›

If you're looking to incorporate minimalist style into your daily wardrobe, here are some tips to get started:
  1. Declutter your closet. ...
  2. Set your personal style. ...
  3. Shop sustainably. ...
  4. Stick to a color palette. ...
  5. Invest in quality over quantity. ...
  6. Mix and match. ...
  7. Embrace simplicity.
May 9, 2023

How many shoes should I own minimalistically? ›

Five pairs of shoes is the perfect amount for my current lifestyle because I have an appropriate choice to wear for anything on my agenda. I don't miss having more than one pair of each style or options for activities that haven't been on my calendar in years, like ballet class.

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