14 Ways A Minimalist Wardrobe Changed My Life

A couple of years ago I tried a minimalist wardrobe for 21 days when I wore the same outfit for 21 days. Later, I developed a versatile wardrobe and dress code for myself as a result.

And this got me wondering – how has a minimalist wardrobe changed my life?

I know there are some basic things, which I’ll mention below.

But simplifying my wardrobe has also changed my life in more profound ways, and it’s time I gather these thoughts and share them with you.

With that, let’s jump in…

14 Ways A Minimalist Wardrobe Changed My Life

#1: Save Money

Now that I have a minimalist wardrobe and corresponding dress code, I no longer shop for clothing out of boredom.

I unsubscribed from most clothing retailer marketing emails, and this decision gave me so much peace of mind. My email inbox is quieter, and so is my mind.

I now enjoy NOT spending money on clothes unless I truly need something, and this makes me feel pride.

#2: Save Time

Similarly, I save a ton of time.

Most items in my wardrobe match each other, making getting dressed in the morning much easier.

#3: Feel More Confident

Now that I have a simple wardrobe and am committed to maintaining it, I only buy or keep clothes that I absolutely love. They have to fit perfectly, be comfortable, and I must enjoy how they look on my body.

“Enjoying how they look on my body” is slightly different from “flatter my figure”.

I want to feel great about my body and my clothes regardless of others’ opinions, hence the distinction.

#4: Enjoy Getting Dressed

I enjoy getting dressed in the morning. I know I get to put something on that feels good, looks good on video, and will serve me functionally throughout the day.

This is especially true now that I work full time from home.

No need to consider looking professional – only comfortable and (mostly) presentable 🙂

#5: More Flexible For Life & Body Changes

Another thing I appreciate about a simple wardrobe is that it feels more flexible as my body and my life change.

After recovering from severely restricted eating for the last few years, I am now working to address my nutritional needs. I’m not on a diet, but rather, focused on *adding* to what I eat each day.

The result has been that first of all, I feel much better and more satiated at each meal. Another result is that my body is getting smaller.

Because my wardrobe is simple, I can wait a long time before needing new clothes, and only need to replace an item once it doesn’t fit – not because I need clothing piece X to match with clothing piece Y in my favorite outfit.

#6: Easier To Travel

Oh my goodness. I cannot emphasize enough how much easier it is to travel with a simplified wardrobe. No more outfit planning for days or shopping before trips.

I throw in my clothes, functional shoes and fancy shoes, a jacket if it’s warm, and BOOM.

Done.

#7: Easier To Shop

I used to really struggle with shopping in the past. I’d walk into a trendy store like Forever 21 and feel completely lost. Not only that, but once I got older and got bigger, I straight up felt excluded at many “normal” stores.

Having a minimalist wardrobe changed all that.

Instead of letting trends dictate my closet, my own personal preference and dress code do.

This makes me feel incredibly independent and confident.

It also means I don’t stress over what to buy. I know the styles and colors that fit my dress code and rarely stray from my “rules”.

#8: Less Susceptible To Trends

As mentioned above:

Decision-making is made easier with a simple wardrobe because I no longer adjust for trends.

#9: Always Flattered

Because I choose styles that I enjoy, all of my clothing makes me feel great.

As long as I practice good self-care, my clothes continue to fit well.

And if they don’t, I buy more.

I am no longer willing to tolerate clothes that are so tight i feel restricted, or so loose they fall off.

#10: Simplified Laundry

Another biggie: no need to be picky about sorting clothes for laundry.

Most of the clothes my husband and I wear are simple and neutral, so we don’t separate white, dark, or colored clothes.

All in the cold wash they go.

And out perfectly fine they come.

#11: Easily Dress Up

Wearing a simple wardrobe based on neutrals makes it much easier to dress up.

Wear some nice jewelry and shoes with an all-black outfit? Check.

Put a tie on under a sweater with a collared shirt? Done.

This also lends itself to packing for trips easily, since many of my clothing items can be dressed up.

#12: Easily Dress Down

Similarly, it’s easy to dress down when you have a minimalist wardrobe.

Going on a hike? Throw on some tennis shoes and a pair of shorts.

Going biking? Wear the same sleeveless black top over some bike shorts and clip-less pedals.

Sometimes when I love an item enough, I’ll buy multiples of it – as in the case of a sleeveless tunic style top I have.

#13: More Confident In My Decisions In General

Having a minimalist wardrobe not only makes me feel good about how I dress but its influenced how I feel about making decisions for myself in general.

I feel more confident in what I think and how I feel.

I truly enjoy living intentionally.

#14: Each Piece Is Meaningful

Lastly (for now – might add on), each piece of clothing I have is meaningful.

As I sit here typing this, I’m wearing a super comfortable black Joy Lab sweater from Target, and a pair of black joggers from Academy. I feel cozy and cute, and can comfortably move around or go out.

And I know it sounds silly, but it’s meaningful to me.

Wearing clothing the way I do feels like self-care.

It calms my mind to remove a former complication from my life.

After dressing minimally for almost two years, I’m happy to say I think it will stick.

Ready To Simplify Your Wardrobe?

How do you dress, and how does it make you feel?

Comment below!

And if you’re ready to start your own minimalist wardrobe journey…

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4 Steps To Simple Style:
Want to create a capsule wardrobe?

Download the guide below…

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