Winner, are you looking to build a minimalist wardrobe that lets you look your best without breaking your budget?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I’m about to teach you how to build a minimalist wardrobe in the cheapest way possible.
And don’t worry, you won’t compromise on your look.
In fact, you can still look as fashionable as ever on your minimalist wardrobe. Instagram has minimalist wardrobe ideas that will inspire you.
Also check out Pinterest‘s countless minimal wardrobe ideas.
Why should you build a minimalist wardrobe?
- Because you want to look good.
And there’s no rule that says just because you don’t have a lot of money to splurge on new clothes, you can’t look good.
- But it’s more than just about money. It’s also about carving out a personal style that simplifies your life.
Now you no longer have to worry about the nitty-gritties of what you wear on a daily basis.
- Building a minimalist wardrobe lets you maximize a small living space.
And of course, less physical clutter just means less mental clutter. And who doesn’t want that?
Sold on the idea of building a minimalist wardrobe? I bet you are.
Well then, your question now might be: how do you build a minimalist wardrobe?
By using these:
20 tricks to build a minimalist wardrobe
Trick #1: Define your style
I can’t stress how important this is. The secret to dressing well on a budget in the first place is knowing your style. And then building your minimalist wardrobe around that style.
I love the classic feminine style.
Nothing flamboyant. Neutral colors. Minimal jewelry. A smart casual look that can have me pop into an office on a whim and not look out of place.
You get my point here, Winner, don’t you?
So, go on. What is your style? Define it.
Trick #2: Clear your closet
Has this ever happened to you? You don’t have all that many clothes? But sometimes you look into your closet and re-discover that one item that you completely forgot you owned?
Well, that’s happened to me more times than I can count.
Solution? Don’t build your minimalist wardrobe until you’ve cleared your closet. That way, when you start the process, no stone has been left unturned.
Trick #3: Make a list
I didn’t discover the power of lists until recently. And great news: you can make a list about ANYTHING!
Even now as you build a minimalist wardrobe, make lists of:
- what you already own.
- what you’d like to have in your closet.
- what you’ll be giving away.
Trick #4: Give stuff away
I always thought giving some of my stuff away was counter-productive to building my minimalist wardrobe.
Until I remembered that I own a bunch of hand-me downs. Which can only exist because someone had to give some of their stuff away (to me).
Besides, it will only cost you more to keep some pieces in your closet than to just give them away.
And of course, you’ll bless someone with that much needed item that to them, might be more of a necessity that a luxury.
Trick #5: Buy minimally and gradually
I always wanted to build a minimalist wardrobe. But couldn’t start on it for a long time because I thought that would entail buying a TON of stuff. Which of course, I didn’t have the money for.
But you know what? You can build a minimalist wardrobe without buying all that much stuff.
Trick #6: Find treasure in hand-me downs
I know some people who find the idea of wearing hand-me downs demeaning. (I don’t.)
I actually own a lot of hand-me downs from my sister. Perfectly good clothes that were either too small for her. Or she just decided to give them the way.
Trick #7: Repurpose every item
Think in a whole new way about every piece. What other way can you wear it that you’ve never tried before?
The idea behind a minimalist wardrobe after all, if to have only a few pieces that you’re going to be using as much and as often as possible. So make sure every item in your close lives up to that expectation.
Trick #8: Choose timeless pieces
Timeless pieces won’t go out of style next year, or even in twenty years. And you want to own more of these pieces.
Want to know some of the qualities of a timeless piece? – It’s of a neutral color. It has very little embellishments (as plain as possible.)
Trick #9: Choose versatile pieces
A versatile piece can be paired with as many other pieces as possible. Think of your black high-waisted jeans that you can wear with a tank top for a casual look, add a fitted blazer for a professional look, or a shimmery top for a night look.
Being able to pair your versatile piece with other pieces will create tons of outfits that expand your wardrobe.
Trick #10: Invest in neutral and pastel colors
I’ll tell you one thing about loud colors. They expire. Or go out of style. Plus they make you noticeable in a not so great kind of way.
But if you love color, then don’t worry. Because you can still safely add color to your wardrobe by choosing pastel colors. They’re elegant. Feminine. Classy. And timeless.
Trick #11: When in doubt, opt for black and white
If you’re just trying out your new style, and you’re not yet sure what colors will look good on you, then go for either black or white.
Or both. Just to give your wardrobe a bit of variety.
Everyone looks great in black. Just as they do in white. So you can never go wrong with these two.
Trick #12: Invest in monochromatic outfits
If the idea of buying monochromatic outfits sounds a bit too intimidating for your budget, you’re not alone.
I dreaded those kinds of outfit for that same reason.
Until I learned the secret that makes monochromatic outfits look expensive: it’s just that uniformity of color. Even if the pieces themselves are cheap.
So, there you go, Winner.
Going monochromatic doesn’t have to break your bank.
Trick #13: Avoid logos
I can think of only a handful of things that ruin a minimalist wardrobe more than logos.
Even if you deem your logo fancy, like ‘Chanel’ or ‘Levi’ or whatever, ja big bold logo on a piece of clothing is just tacky.
Simply because it’s someone’s name, or brand, for goodness’ sake! So why wear it so proudly like it’s your own?
I say if you won’t wear your own name in big bold letters on your clothes, then don’t wear ANY name.
That’s right. Just a plain piece of clothing.
The plainness helps your outfit look more timeless.
Plus, it opens up room for a wide variety of accessories.
Trick #14: Avoid large prints
Animal prints (I’ve never seen one done tastefully) should not make it into your minimalist wardrobe.
And no cartoons please!
They just make your outfits look gaudy. And juvenile. And tacky. And less closed to accessories.
Think about it. It’s harder to take you seriously if you’re wearing a shirt that has a large picture of a grinning cat (in sunglasses) on the front.
Floral prints are different in that they can done tastefully.
So, here’s where you have to use your discernment.
Trick #15: Avoid anything tight
Even if you think you have the figure for it, too tight can come off as you trying too hard. And of course, cheap.
Have you ever seen a piece of clothing stretched so tight that it becomes see-through? I know I have.
Winner, don’t get me wrong. If you love tight clothes, that’s ok.
But can you please leave just a little bit of room for breathing?
Trick #16: Avoid sheer fabric
If your shirt is so sheer that you can tell the color of the bra you’re wearing underneath, then it’s not for you.
There’s something about sheer that just cheapens your look.
Some say sheer can be done tastefully. But I’m yet to jump on that bandwagon.
In the meantime, I’ll stick to opaque clothes.
Trick #17: Avoid anything that shows off too much skin
How many times can you wear a crop top with those low-cut jeans before everyone around you gets tired of you?
Or even, how many occasions and places can you reasonably wear a crop top to? (Not many, to be honest.)
So, even if you love crop tops, don’t buy too many of them.
Also, if you have to wear a crop top, wear it with a flowy bottom. Preferably high-waisted as well. Yes, something more conservative.
Trick # 18: Know how to mix and match
Mixing and matching colors is effortlessly easy, even pastels.
And that’s because pastel colors, just like neutral colors, complement one another.
If you have any other colors in your closet, be smart about color blocking, so you don’t appear gaudy.
Trick #19: Cultivate joy in repeating outfits
That some people never repeat outfits is a notion I’ll never understand. It just screams ‘CONSUMERISM’!
Not to mention, it’s an unrealistic expectation if you’re working with a tight budget.
Winner, it’s OK to repeat outfits. Because if you plan your wardrobe carefully, you’ll be able to mix and match everything and create tons of outfits that won’t make you feel like you’re repeating one outfit too many times anyway.
Trick #20: Take good care of your clothes
Your minimalist wardrobe won’t serve you if you constantly have to replace the items in it.
Sure, you’ll naturally lose some items to wear and tear. But if you prioritize quality over quantity, that will be once in a very long time.
So what do you do the rest of the time? You take care of the clothes you do have by:
- learning the proper way to wash them,
- repairing whatever needs to be repaired,
- storing them properly,
- etc.
Final thoughts
You can build a minimalist wardrobe that lets you look your best without spending all that much money. Building a capsule wardrobe also helps you carve out a personal style that simplifies your life. Not to mention, a minimalist wardrobe saves you both mental and physical space.
I hope the tricks in this post will help you build your own minimalist wardrobe.
Please remember to share your thoughts with us by commenting.
- What do you think of these tricks?
- Which tricks do you agree with the most? Why?
- Do you disagree with any tricks on this? Which one(s)? And why?
- Do you have any more tricks to add to this post?
Winner, by sharing your feedback, you can inspire another Winner out there to also build a minimalist wardrobe so they can fit their best looks into their tight budget.
Last but not least, remember that it’s your journey. So, there’s no rush. No right or wrong. Only progress.
Also, remember that in everything you do, you’re a Winner. And in everything that happens, your life is always a win!