Minimalist May
How needing less clothes can make you feel empowered.
Let’s take plenty old, something new, lots of thrifted and an item or two in blue!
I changed up that rhyme a little bit, because, no, I’m not about to be wed. Actually, I quite fancy the idea of being free from consumerism. That’s what slow living (and fashion) is all about, and, given we’re all about that here, I thought this topic would make a good post.
Having had a foot problem for most of this year to date, I was forced pretty much to work with one pair of trousers during winter (for going out). Those trousers were the only item I had that would look okay(ish) with my walking sandals, and that could also be utilised during the cooler months due to their heavier weight. The natural coloured sandals didn’t work that well with dark coloured skinny jeans it has to be said!
Moving on, this summer season so far, I’ve only bought two new items. A fabulous crotchet top from Reiss and a white linen shirt from Rohan. The shirt was a purchased on a gift voucher I’d been given for Christmas.
This form of minimalism is quite an extreme example you understand, and I’m not setting any hard and fast rules for myself here. I’ve heard of people implement the ‘rule of 5’ for new items, and I’m still wondering what a good target for myself might be. In the meantime, what I did become curious about, was to see how much I could do with less items, and more importantly, to monitor how I felt as a result of that process.
So, I had what I called a ‘Minimalist May’ and here I picked out some of my favourite outfits that I came up with. They all revolve around that little rhyme you just read at the top there!
While I did make purchases from charity shops (not all in the same month!), it was nothing excessive, and certainly not in terms of cost - as you’ll see.
The Looks
LOOK 1
This vintage blazer I purchased this month from the charity shop for £8.50. For me, a lot of things are all about the fit – the fit has to be impeccable and it can be, if you shop smart. A good fit isn’t always about the label, however. This item is tailored beautifully and really, if you’re aiming for a cohesive overall look, you can’t go wrong with good tailoring. This is a very good vintage piece, by a respected brand (Aquascutum), it’s 100% wool and UK made and is worth every penny of the cost. I’ve paired it with last seasons boots and jeans, my go to bag, and a very old shawl.
LOOK 2
I find it very difficult to source basic white shirts I’m happy with. One’s that actually suit me and are just the right length and material, etc. This is one of those good finds (although you can’t see much of it)! Again, it’s charity shop, purchased this month for £6 and it’s by the Oxford Shirt Co. I can’t fault it, and it adds a good bit of classy structure to any outfit. Here, I’m utilising it under this fabulous crochet top - my new item, which adds a play of texture into the look.
One of the things I love to do, is to try out an inexpensive item in the style I have in mind, to see how much I reach for it, how useful and versatile it’s going to be, and if it suits. This M&S leather croc belt is one of those items. Good pieces can rock in at £100 but this was just £15.
I know now from lots of months in use already, that I’d get extensive wear out of a higher investment item and can therefore shop with confidence if I see something more lux that catches my eye.
LOOK 3
I’m wearing another great charity shop shirt here. This one is very fitted so it’s great for tighter fitting tops like this beautiful 100% merino wool tank – again just £10 from the charity shop. I’m utilising the same linen/cotton trousers here, too, and an old Chanel scarf. I’m wearing the navy blue suede belt that I find myself constantly reaching for.
LOOK 4
Here, I’m utilising the new crotchet top again, this time to create a slightly different silhouette. So, we’ve gone for skinny jeans (£4 from the charity shop) and I’m making use of my Oxford Shirt Co. top as it’s a bit longer than the Zara shirt and it’s just what I need to work with this particular look.
LOOK 5
The waistcoat here was another pre-loved find at just £3. It’s allowed me to experiment and conclude that, yes, this is a look worth investing in. This piece is great for the warmer months because it’s not lined and is just a very lightweight cotton. Adding the blazer and the £1 Jaeger silk scarf just pulls the whole look together.
Mindset - What I Learned
Mental wellbeing is always a priority. Here’s what I discovered about my own mindset – so far, after homing in on this little challenge.
I feel Liberated.
Yes, I’ve experienced an unexpected feeling of ‘lightness.’ To a degree, I feel like I’m heading towards freedom from consumerism and influence, the kind of independence that leaves me in a peaceful headspace and free from feelings of overwhelm.
I have Clarity.
I feel clearer about how much I need. 95% of the time, I work from home, therefore, I don’t have a great deal of pressure in finding something to wear on a day to day basis. I go out occasionally but not excessively – I’m no high-flyer, but I do like a good lunch and a glass of something bubbly!
I’ve found Focus.
I have a renewed sense of focus and feel clearer about my fashion goals and the type of consumer I aspire to be. Trying things out around a minimal number of items has helped me to see where things can be improved and what might make a worthwhile investment, going forward.
I’m inclined to believe in the theory that on rotation we do only wear about 20% of what we actually own, and Minimalist May was indeed a useful exercise for me.
I’m not saying don’t buy anything, and I’m not saying that I won’t be buying anything come later seasons either, but what I am trying to do is shop more mindfully. It’s an approach I’ve found to be more successful when it comes to pulling together a workable wardrobe. One I’ll actually use – shoes I can walk in and garments, in good condition, that fit well. Forget the fantasy dressing up box!
Mass Consumerism
Mass consumerism is a real strain on the planet and I also think it just builds this false sense of need. It can be expensive and wasteful, even if you shop second hand, given most people go on line (and while it’s cheaper trust me it’s not the cheapest). Generally, it brings no sense of conclusion, just a quick hit of dopamine which as we know, is fleeting, leaving you always wanting more.
I’ve done my fair share of consuming in the past, so I totally get it. The saving grace is that I’m still using a lot of those old items today, because they were good quality timeless items in the first place.
So, all in all, never feel you need to constantly be purchasing stuff, instead, get the creativity juices flowing and start to see your existing things in a new light.
Re-jiggle some old rhymes if you have to!