In many ways, the “less is more” concept never worked for me. I’ve always been partial to having more. More friends, more dresses, more drinks, more eyeliner, more work. I never buy one song off the album, I just buy the whole album. Even with something as simple as taking notes in school: I always wrote more than necessary because I was sure that having more notes meant that I would receive higher marks on exams.
Recently, I’ve come to realize that my philosophy is flawed. Cutting through the things I don’t need takes time and energy, two resources that unfortunately aren’t infinite. And in terms of my wardrobe (because clearly that’s where my mind goes first 
), unnecessary items take up space… a precious resource to urban dwellers like myself.
Since this realization, I’ve been working on paring down. Everything. My morning makeup routine, my notes, my stacks of magazines and various knicknacks in my apartment. If I haven’t used it since I’ve moved in, it’s out. With regard to my closet, my new goal isn’t to have it all. Rather, it’s to have a curated selection of pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease. Ideally, I’d like to be able to shut my eyes, reach into my closet and choose two random pieces that will look great together because of the thought and foresight I put into the purchases. What do you all think? What is your wardrobe philosophy?
With that, I leave you with my new favorite simple black dress and a minimal makeup look – a baby step toward my new goal. Cheers!
Dress: American Apparel / Earrings: I made them! / Shoes: W3 for Just Fab
Welcome to my wardrobe philosophy (and quite possibly one of the reasons we could be very great friends lol!) I like to keep it simple. I think there is a very chic style of minimalism that is hard to achieve actually. You need the perfect shoes with a simple dress – perhaps just one perfect bag to make enough of an impact but not be showy. But I think you could very well wear your Lascivious waistcoat over this dress too
http://www.styleonthecouch.com
Thanks for your comment, Sarah. Yep – we have similar styles and similar philosophies, I love that!
I’ve found that getting rid of some pieces I love but never wear is more difficult than I anticipated, if that makes any sense. I agree, putting the pieces of an ensemble together is simple once they’re in your closet, but scouting out the perfect wardrobe additions can be difficult. That said, it’s one of my favorite parts of fashion! I love me a sartorial challenge.
Thanks for the waistcoat tip, too! I’m going to wear them together next time. xo
This has been my focus the past year or so. I’ve all but banned H&M, Zara, and the like. I want quality pieces that will last a few years, not disposable items.
Agreed! Although, I must say I have had great luck with Zara dresses lasting a while. I have a dress from 2008 that I still wear to work all the time! Thanks for checking in, Lindsay
You look absolutely beautiful in your black dress. I’m extremely organised in my wardrobe philosophy. If I’m out shopping I will see two items and think “they’ll go really well together” and purchase them both, when instead I should be thinking “that’ll go really well with this which I have at home”. As a result of my poorly organised philosophy I now have so many clothes I could fill Narnia. I’m perfectly aware that I need to change my purchasing habits and think how an item could go with what I already have but I usually can’t seem to help myself, and I’m sure I’m no the only one. But you’ve inspired me to try the minimalist approach, I’m sure there have to be plenty items of clothing that I don’t wear which I could get rid of.