Definitive Minimalist Fashion FAQ

By Alex Assoune Apr 01, 2024

Minimalism is everywhere and becoming so much more than a trend. It has amazing benefits for your wallet, your peace of mind, and the planet. If you are new to minimalism, especially in fashion, you may have a lot of questions.

Here are some answers to the minimalist fashion frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help you create a simpler wardrobe. Following a minimalist approach to fashion is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and the environment.

Keeping it simple and going back to basics is the motto of minimalist fashion. But fear not. Minimalist fashion doesn't have to be boring. With a limited selection of cuts, shapes, colors, and silhouettes, you can create plenty of outfits by mixing and matching.

I love simple fashion aesthetics. They are great for the Earth and easy on the eyes. I started my minimalist fashion journey back in 2016 when I got interested in slow fashion.
You can read my story in my other article on how I became a slow fashion advocate for good.
To avoid the pitfalls of minimalist fashion, I share here answers to many questions that might be helpful to you. Feel free to come back to it when you need inspiration or guidance along your fashion journey.

Trust me, it's amazing to declutter your wardrobe. Focusing on the essentials and what you truly need is very beneficial to live more mindfully.

You earn more time, more space, and more money for the things you love. And you have an easier time getting dressed in the morning. Just concentrate on timeless classic pieces that don't go out of style easily.

It's a lot easier if you already know your clothing style. You can keep your look original and minimal. Owning less is also a great way to be more fulfilled and follow your purpose.

Here is the definitive minimalist fashion FAQ.

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How to start with minimalist fashion?

Now is a great time to start a minimalist wardrobe. Here are a few things you can do to simplify your closet.

Focus on wardrobe staples. The more basic, simple and timeless clothes you own, the better. These are the most versatile pieces of clothing to style easily. Know your fashion style and get rid of the rest.

Get rid of what you don't need. Forget the extras. You won't wear them that often in the future. Focus on the essentials. Just keep the clothes you love to wear that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Put simplicity first. Only keep clothes that you can easily mix and match anytime. Try out straight silhouettes and box cuts. They are ideal to start with. You can keep a few bright colors if you want to.

Can I be a minimalist with changing weather?

Yes. It doesn't matter how many clothes you have. It's different for everybody. It depends on your lifestyle, the size of your closet, and the weather.

If you understand the impact of your purchasing decisions, you are fine. Don't spend too much time asking yourself how many pieces of clothing you should own.

To be more minimalist with clothes, focus on what you need and your style essentials. It's ok if you need more sweaters, coats, jackets, hats, gloves, or scarves because of the weather.

With extreme weather changes, you have to accommodate your wardrobe. Just make sure to get rid of what is superfluous.
Read up my article on how many pieces of clothing does a woman need for more guidance on this topic.

What's the origin of minimalist fashion?

Minimalism aims to achieve simplicity by stripping everything down and going back to the essentials. It's an art movement that began in the 1950s and used simple shapes, forms, and patterns.

Minimalist fashion doesn't mean shapeless, lifeless, or dull. Cream, grey, black, white, and taupe aren't the only colors of minimalism.

Minimalist fashion focuses on avoiding extras, superfluous designs, and ornamentation. It's the practice of improving looks and outfits by removing what is unneeded.

It's a great way to feel lighter and at peace, yet chic and fashionable without following the latest trends.

How do I help my social circle?

It's hard to move against the current, especially when people close to you tie you down. It can get stressful and difficult to manage when your spouse, partner, friends, or family don't understand what you are doing.

Most people don't see how minimalism is a good thing. Some even refuse to get rid of old and unwanted items. If you are getting into minimalist fashion, it may be frustrating for you.

The best way to improve your social circle is to lead by example. Try to minimize toxic relationships as much as possible and ignore the complaints.

Just show that you care, that you are grateful and compassionate. Take a step back and focus on yourself more. When your partner, friends, or family want help from you, they will ask you.

Show them the many benefits of minimalist fashion. Demonstrate how decluttering your closet has improved your life. It's important to stay honest and respectful when you do.

How do I stop caring about other people's opinions?

Focus on what makes you happy. People will say things they often don't mean. Don't take it personally. Just pursue your quest of living simply.

It's a good feeling to declutter your life. Get rid of what you don't need and negative thoughts as well.

Don't let other people's opinions guide your life. Have trust in yourself and your gut. Live up to who you are and follow an authentic life.

You don’t have to explain yourself every time. Enjoy your life and your relationships with friends and family regardless of your differences.

I feel stressed. Can I start minimalism?

Yes, you can. Minimalist fashion helps with stress tremendously. Simplifying your wardrobe puts things in perspective. It rewards you with more time to focus on your health and what matters to you.

Decluttering your life is one great way to take care of yourself. Get rid of the things you own that make you feel overwhelmed. It's time to put your own needs first. You deserve to feel great every day and become the best version of yourself.

Is minimalist fashion boring?

Minimalist clothing pieces are simple, timeless, and versatile but also stylish and beautiful. It's a misconception to believe that minimalism is boring, sterile, and empty.

Minimalism means caring for essential things and getting rid of the rest. It's about making room for what brings us the most joy.

No more distractions. No more noise. It's time to focus on what we love, find inner peace, and give our life meaning.

Only make room for what matters to you. The result will be more happiness, fulfillment, passion, and peace.

What do I do if I am on a budget?

Minimalism is great for your budget. If you struggle financially, it's a great time to start with minimalist fashion. List the clothes you need and get rid of the rest.

You can donate or sell the items you don't wear and receive extra cash. It's a great way to extend the life of your clothes, keep them from landfills, and help people that may need them more than you do.

Realize that getting out of debt don't happen overnight. It's a long process most of the time. You have to stay consistent and persist through adversity. Keep working at it and move toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
Follow my guide on how to sell unwanted clothes for great places to earn money with your closet.

How to decide to become a minimalist?

There are many amazing financial, emotional, spiritual, ethical, and environmental reasons to choose a minimalist lifestyle.

But is minimalist fashion right for you? If you like simplicity, chances are you will do well with minimalism.

If you like going back to basics, and if you value sustainability over price or style, minimalism is the right choice for you.

Minimalist fashion helps your budget and the planet. It encourages you to love your clothes again. Adopt a minimalist fashion style if you would like your clothing to have personality and longevity.
Follow my ultimate guide on the minimalist fashion trend if you are still unsure about minimalism.

Why minimalist fashion?

The overproduction and overconsumption of cheaply made clothing has a disastrous impact on the planet, the people, and the animals living on it.

The throwaway culture, instant gratification, and excessive consumerism create large amounts of noise, distraction, debt, pollution, waste, and carbon emissions.
To learn more about the drawbacks of fashion consumption, check out my article on the fashion industry catastrophic contribution to climate change.
Focus on what's important through minimalism. It not only helps the planet but also gives your life meaning. It brings joy and value to everyone willing to put simplicity first.

Minimalism lowers stress. It also helps your budget and get out of debt. It's easier to organize, clean, and maintain.

Minimalist fashion is so much more enjoyable. It creates more room for creativity and doing what you love.

How do I stop feeling guilty?

People make mistakes. It's completely normal. I know it doesn't feel great to spend so much time, space, and money on things that don't matter in the end.

We all have bought clothes we don't care about in the past. The best way to feel better about it is to go forward and move on. Don't judge yourself too harshly. Let it go.

Realize what you can do better and focus on making it come true. If you spent time and money accumulating stuff in the past, you now know that your energy is better spent somewhere else.

How do I find my fashion style?

Clothing is your second skin. It should make you feel more comfortable and confident at all times. It invites you on a journey of self-expression. And it's so much more than disposable commodities.

Find clothes that make you feel great about yourself. The best clothes for you are the ones that fit you perfectly, bring you joy, compliment you, and align with your values.

Leave room for experimentation and try out new things. Wear new shapes, colors, and silhouettes until you find what fits your lifestyle perfectly. Try to have fun and be more adventurous.

The minimalist fashion style may be the right choice for you. I recommend you try it out. It's a general feeling, vibe, or aesthetic that fills your wardrobe with a limited number of pieces.

Minimalism in fashion is about the desire and attitude of dressing intentionally and with purpose.
Read up my article on what the minimalist fashion style is to understand how to go back to essentials to achieve simplicity.

How to buy minimalist fashion?

Once you know more about minimalism and your fashion style, it's easier to shop for your closet essentials. Here are a few steps to make your shopping experience a success:

List in advance what you need to stay on course and avoid extras.
Make a mental note of the colors and materials you are looking for.
Prefer classic, timeless, and versatile pieces over trendiness and seasonality.
Buy less and higher quality to shop for better long-lasting clothes.
Do your research to learn how your clothes are being made.

Read up my list of the top 10 eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics to understand what kind of materials you should be looking for.
Some awesome places to buy minimalist fashion and protect the environment at the same time are:

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.