picture via kids clothing store bolo in japan
I once read in a newspaper magazine, that Scandinavian wardrobe minimalism was basically the consequence of small flats with little storage. Families were obliged to buy more thoughtfully. As a rule of thumb, 1 piece needed to show the potential to make at least 5 different outfits in order to be worth the buy. Disposing few clothing items resulted in more frequent washes, which required to rely on durable quality materials … and whilst colour was welcome, neutrals were more of the reality
Having lived for a few months in Norway I made a similar experience. We rented a furbished flat in an area with lots of young families. When entering the flat the small wardrobe struck me immediately. I was wondering how the family who lived there previously could have possibly done ?! One little cupboard for the clothing of three? Yes, there was some additional storage possibility in the attic to at least switch out summer and winter clothing … yet still … visiting a few other flats though, the scenery was very much the same
I already started a few years ago to clean up my wardrobe and I continue to do so. Lighter just feels easier. I have to admit that I like my wardrobe clean and organized. I want to make sure the pieces I own are actually worn regularly. I still have a box for seasonal stuff, but every year the content gets smaller because iIhave less seasonal specific clothing and more pieces that I find ways to wear all year long. I also have one box for clothing that I still like, but somehow do not wear anymore and for which I try to find a new owner. eventually there is a last box for pieces that truly need to go and that I usually bring to a collection point
In order to make sure the wardrobe remains small and efficient below a few recommendations to share. I would certainly agree that I have become a much more conscious buyer over the last years and much more strategic when it comes to my wardrobe. es every human being though, I have fallbacks where I do some totally emotional shopping, which I often regret after. Yet, those occasions get less and hopefully will reduce further. Work in progress, just human, I guess
My recommendations towards a more minimalist wardrobe:
1 rely on few but qualitative basics
Whereas probably the majority of people still believe that basics should be bought cheaply because they are nothing else than basics, I think the other way round. Basics are my bread and butter. I have them included every day in my outfits, probably they even make my outfit. why would I possibly buy cheap or bad quality for my most substantial items, those items I wear and wash most? The same thinking actually goes for my baby’s wardrobe !!
2 buy multi-functional pieces
Increasingly I learned to look for clothing that I can wear on multiple occasions. Pieces that I can dress up and down. That are to be worn for casual, sporty and dress-up occasions. As my modern everyday life is very fluid, I need my clothing to run smoothly from one activity to the other without having to change that much and the same is true for kids, too
3 layer cleverly and creatively
Having worked in the sportswear fashion industry for a very long time, layering has always come natural and handy to me … a light seasonal jacket becomes a sweater during winter with a coat on top. The white shirt under a cardigan in winter becomes my jacket for summer evenings etc. Making the most out of every piece should be the goal for everyone and allows a great lot of creativity for styling
4 create a signature style
If you create your own style for you and your kid, you will see how eventually less and less you fall into the fashion trap simply because most things become irrelevant. By keeping up a certain style you become pickier and more thoughtful when making your choice. at the same time, hopefully, you keep true to your style, which means the clothes have more relevance over time or can be handed over from one kid to another
5 stick to one colour theme
Building a color scheme helped me tremendously over the years to make my wardrobe more efficient - understanding which colours I like, and which suit me well. Accepting that although I might like another color, buying it, I would not have enough pieces to go with. The washing machine will thank you for following this logic, too, because it usually means fully loaded machines
Always keen on learning more, please share your experiences and recommendations with me
jenn (jenn@raquette.eu)