Figuring out what you actually wear and what type of occasions you have in your life is so important. I'm so happy that I've started to learn what my style is and that I can appreciate different looks without having to copy them anymore.
I agree about being able to see all your clothes. I never pack mine away for seasons or whatever. All my clothes are worn all year around anyway, just layered when it's cold.
This real hit home with me because I made the exact same mistakes, trying to copy other people's style while ignoring what truly worked best for me. That second tip about mixing & maxing clothes especially had me shaking my head in agreement. Great tips! Thanks.
Really love all of your tips. I have found that having this on display in my closet really helps me, too. Folding my husband's t-shirts gave me a new level of appreciation for that option as well, but I agree. It feels easier to put an outfit together on-the-go when I can quickly see what I have. I recently created a ten-item wardrobe and it has made such a difference in my mornings!
Great tips! I agree that we can appreciate a certain style or item of clothing without the need to bring it home. I'm in the process of honing in on my personal style and it's hard. So many things I adore when I go shopping but when I think about it, realize I would never wear.
I love your tips. We all have enough closet space to hang things, if we can think outside the box. People who simply own a wardrobe, can hang clothes that are in the current season. I live in a four season climate. For me I have two current seasons hung up and the future two seasons folded away. When the climate changes, I may take advantage of an end of season sale and replace anything that was heavily used, for future use. I follow a mostly 90% uniform wardrobe of blazer, loose fitting tees , button down shirts, skinny jeans and ankle pants. Much like what Emmanuelle Alt is known for wearing. The third tip resonated with me. I wish I could wear knee length skirts and dresses without hosiery. But I feel insecure about a big burn scar on my leg. So I wear midi skirt on special occasions, something Carolina Herrera would wear.
I don't have space to have display closet right now, but what helps me, is folding and looking through my wardrobe. I rarely if ever buy something I don't try. I am honest with myself. If it doesn't look right - I don't need it. I only buy stuff I know will look good on me without trying on. I like your tips in this one.
Melissa, thank you again! I am 65 year old and only over many years have realized and practiced the total sense and practicality of what you already know at your young age! Wish I had practiced this earlier but so glad I discovered your videos and will continue to get ideas about money and wardrobe from you!
These tips are so helpful!! Yes I have made that same mistake of buying clothes that aren't really my style just because I liked it...haha! Now I know to just buy what I will really wear!!
couldn't agree more, I think it's very difficult with'inspirational platforms' like instagram or tumblr where everyone is dangling their expensive clothing items or make-up trends in front of our eyes.. i sometimes would even try to recreate the exact same outfits of certain celebrities because i thought their style was so awesome.. it's just stupid if you think about it .. social media can be really toxic sometimes anyways, i'm so glad that i found your channel! very inspiring !
The tip where you mentioned wearing a jean jacket to make it so that you can wear fancy dresses more than once is awesome!! I can't wait to finally wear out some of those dresses !! :)
You are adorable and spot on with your advice. I just reduced my closet to 85 pieces (not counting work clothes, undies, and pjs). Baby steps. Keep sharing. Good stuff.
totally agree with all your tips. I've changed my wardrobe to be completely visual as well. I find that it make making outfits 10x easier but also keeps my wardrobe tidy. Since it's out in the open I can see the mess and it annoys the hell out of me so it makes me want to clean it, compared to a dresser where I can't see the messy tumbled clothes in the drawers.
Here is another tip for minimalism that was said by The Minimalist Sparrow on her channel. This tip got me to bring down my wardrobe drastically. Limit wardrobe colors. She wears, black, white and blue. I have salt and pepper hair like her. Now I only wear black, navy, grey, ski blue, lavender, and white. I launder two machines that are half empty, to prevent color bleeding.
I started wearing scarves and have at least 6 . They go with everything and create more looks with less clothing choices. I can give up more clothing as long as I have my scarves to dress things up.Love your videos.
I agree with having as much as you can visible, if I don't see something, I forget I have it and end up not wearing it. I also made a list of all my clothes and check them everytime I wear them to see which ones I'm wearing the most, If they got old too quickly or if I wore the item enough for it be worth the price. (I think it may be a little extreme for some people, but it really helps me) Your videos are always great and helpful :). I find myself waiting for them.
***** Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy the videos :) I like your idea.. sounds like a great tool for creating a wardrobe with pieces that you love and wear often.
HI there - Nice video. I realised while watching this that not only have i been idealizing and 'bringing ideas in' from others in relation to clothes, but also perhaps in life too. I don't need to do everything, be awesome in every way. just in my favourite way :)
Some fantastic tips & advise. I just fell of the wagon & bought make up which I'm not going 2 wear but just wanted. watching these videos just keeps me on track. Thanks. X
Great video. I have not folded my clothes in many years and this account, in part, to my ability to maintain a VERY small wardrobe. I have a minimalist wardrobe. I hang my PJ'S and workout clothes on door hooks, but everything else is hanging on hangers together in one space. The amount of clothes I have could probably fit in one medium to large suitcase. What you said about us wearing a few main pieces most of time is true. I have a black knit dress with short sleeves that goes to the office with cardigans, goes to dinner with friends, and weekend errands without the cardigan. Frankly, I went back to the Web site to order two more, but they no longer stock them! I agree with others who say that showing your wardrobe, closet would likely inspire others. I follow a woman named Coco, a minimalist, on YT. I cannot think of her specific channel at the moment, but perhaps you are familiar with her. She ALWAYS does show and tell of her minimalist time capsule clothing including her purses, closets, suitcase prep for travel, etc. A picture is worth a thousand words. So are videos!
yes ! Very true I had clothes packed under my bed in my cider chest that now I have every thing in front of me in my closet. I always go for the same item in clothing over and over again those are my favorite pieces .I got rid of alot that i just wasn't waering enough of.
I started thinking that way before I saw this video. There are so many styles I love and I buy, but then I don't think I pull them off well. Lately I've been going through my closet thinking, "this is really nice, but it just isn't my style." So that's when I decide to sell it. It's really hard to let things go still, even when I realize I don't wear them or that they don't fit in with the rest of my wardrobe. I want to try what you suggested in another video, putting all of my stuff into boxes to figure out what I actually use.
Melissa, You should read The Paradox of Choice. It's a very interested book that discusses the research of why it is detrimental to have too many choices. Seems to be right up your alley!
Because of my work, I basically wear tee shirts, sneakers, jeans, and sweatshirts all the time. Of course I can stillress it up if I'm motivated, but I do some Labour and wouldn't want to ruin my nicer clothes. This helped me a lot with wanting to get rid of more things I don't wear
Great videos and I'm inspired to be a minimalist! Glad I found your videos. I'm middle aged and look forward to it but my challenge is I've gained a lot of weight in the past year so I'm just trying to find clothes that fit. I keep trying to lose weight too, so I guess my question is do you have any suggestion? Thanks
mefrn62 Thank you. That's a great question. I think a lot of people (myself included) have struggled in creating a wardrobe full of outfits that work well and are flattering. A great site to check out is: into-mind.com. She's got tons of articles on how to create a new look, a new wardrobe, and keep it simple at the same time.
I have trouble defining my style so for my first capsule I let criteria be my guide. Ex- breastfeeding friendly, no short skirts since I have a toddler and I'm always bending over to play, cotton, etc. it's not easy for me but it's necessary.
thanks Melissa, another great video, I have an app i purchased a week ago that I love - its called Stylebook (5 bucks )and with it you take photos of all of your clothes. You can crop the photos and edit them, make outfits, make packing list for vacations and outfits for your vacation too. It sounds like a huge hassle taking the photos but it was only for one afternoon and I was done. If you enter what you wear daily, it will show you how much an article of clothing was per wear. For someone who is a bit of a list maker like me, it works. Also when you go shopping and you're tempted you have your whole wardrobe on your phone so no risk of duplicates. Making outfits with my clothes is fun when I am just sitting around having a coffee and I can do all of that with just my phone.
I find Pinterest boards are a great way to build images of clothing I like. When you review it later you can see the common thread so know what you really like & tailor your wardrobe that way. Stops buying things you don't really like as much. Do you use Pinterest?
I am new to the minimalist lifestyle. How do you launder your clothes or do you re-ware clothes that have not been washed? It seems that the wear and tear would make some clothes look worn. Thank You for your contributions to TH-cam.
I love your tips, but I would prefer to see examples of what your talking about versus simply watching you sitting and talking. I am a more visual person and was hoping to see the way a minimalist closet or wardrobe looks than hear about it.
Figuring out what you actually wear and what type of occasions you have in your life is so important. I'm so happy that I've started to learn what my style is and that I can appreciate different looks without having to copy them anymore.
I agree about being able to see all your clothes. I never pack mine away for seasons or whatever. All my clothes are worn all year around anyway, just layered when it's cold.
Kas Sommers me too
Thank you Melissa : ) The jacket + unworn dresses just created a ton of new outfits for me!
This real hit home with me because I made the exact same mistakes, trying to copy other people's style while ignoring what truly worked best for me.
That second tip about mixing & maxing clothes especially had me shaking my head in agreement.
Great tips! Thanks.
Really love all of your tips. I have found that having this on display in my closet really helps me, too. Folding my husband's t-shirts gave me a new level of appreciation for that option as well, but I agree. It feels easier to put an outfit together on-the-go when I can quickly see what I have. I recently created a ten-item wardrobe and it has made such a difference in my mornings!
Great tips! I agree that we can appreciate a certain style or item of clothing without the need to bring it home. I'm in the process of honing in on my personal style and it's hard. So many things I adore when I go shopping but when I think about it, realize I would never wear.
I love your tips. We all have enough closet space to hang things, if we can think outside the box. People who simply own a wardrobe, can hang clothes that are in the current season. I live in a four season climate. For me I have two current seasons hung up and the future two seasons folded away. When the climate changes, I may take advantage of an end of season sale and replace anything that was heavily used, for future use. I follow a mostly 90% uniform wardrobe of blazer, loose fitting tees , button down shirts, skinny jeans and ankle pants. Much like what Emmanuelle Alt is known for wearing.
The third tip resonated with me. I wish I could wear knee length skirts and dresses without hosiery. But I feel insecure about a big burn scar on my leg. So I wear midi skirt on special occasions, something Carolina Herrera would wear.
M Rogers Thank you. I love Emmanuelle Alt's style as well :)
I don't have space to have display closet right now, but what helps me, is folding and looking through my wardrobe. I rarely if ever buy something I don't try. I am honest with myself. If it doesn't look right - I don't need it. I only buy stuff I know will look good on me without trying on. I like your tips in this one.
+Kava Thank you!
Melissa, thank you again! I am 65 year old and only over many years have realized and practiced the total sense and practicality of what you already know at your young age! Wish I had practiced this earlier but so glad I discovered your videos and will continue to get ideas about money and wardrobe from you!
These tips are so helpful!! Yes I have made that same mistake of buying clothes that aren't really my style just because I liked it...haha! Now I know to just buy what I will really wear!!
couldn't agree more, I think it's very difficult with'inspirational platforms' like instagram or tumblr where everyone is dangling their expensive clothing items or make-up trends in front of our eyes.. i sometimes would even try to recreate the exact same outfits of certain celebrities because i thought their style was so awesome.. it's just stupid if you think about it .. social media can be really toxic sometimes
anyways, i'm so glad that i found your channel! very inspiring !
Julia Anna Thanks! Yes, I totally agree...and I think a lot of people feel the same way.
The tip where you mentioned wearing a jean jacket to make it so that you can wear fancy dresses more than once is awesome!! I can't wait to finally wear out some of those dresses !! :)
+Shalini Sharma (ShalSparkles) It works great :) Enjoy! x
Ok, I have to say that this video is life changing! Thanks a lot.
José Medeiros I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
You are adorable and spot on with your advice. I just reduced my closet to 85 pieces (not counting work clothes, undies, and pjs). Baby steps. Keep sharing. Good stuff.
+Denise Stewart Great work on your wardrobe! :)
totally agree with all your tips. I've changed my wardrobe to be completely visual as well. I find that it make making outfits 10x easier but also keeps my wardrobe tidy. Since it's out in the open I can see the mess and it annoys the hell out of me so it makes me want to clean it, compared to a dresser where I can't see the messy tumbled clothes in the drawers.
Kristine Joanne Totally! It makes things to much easier :)
Here is another tip for minimalism that was said by The Minimalist Sparrow on her channel. This tip got me to bring down my wardrobe drastically. Limit wardrobe colors. She wears, black, white and blue. I have salt and pepper hair like her. Now I only wear black, navy, grey, ski blue, lavender, and white. I launder two machines that are half empty, to prevent color bleeding.
I truly appreciate all of your minimalism tips and advices. I am going to incorporate all that you have shared. :D
The minimal lifestyle is so interesting!
Great advice! The examples in your second tip were really helpful for illustrating your point
I started wearing scarves and have at least 6 . They go with everything and create more looks with less clothing choices. I can give up more clothing as long as I have my scarves to dress things up.Love your videos.
I agree with having as much as you can visible, if I don't see something, I forget I have it and end up not wearing it. I also made a list of all my clothes and check them everytime I wear them to see which ones I'm wearing the most, If they got old too quickly or if I wore the item enough for it be worth the price. (I think it may be a little extreme for some people, but it really helps me)
Your videos are always great and helpful :). I find myself waiting for them.
***** Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy the videos :) I like your idea.. sounds like a great tool for creating a wardrobe with pieces that you love and wear often.
HI there - Nice video. I realised while watching this that not only have i been idealizing and 'bringing ideas in' from others in relation to clothes, but also perhaps in life too. I don't need to do everything, be awesome in every way. just in my favourite way :)
i agree with your first tip =) I'm a visual learner, and i always forget about things if they are put away
I wish I knew about tip #2 when I started a minimalist wardrobe too!! It definitely would have made outfit making easier!
"More mileage out of your clothing." I love that! it makes perfect sense ^_^
On point! Completely agree with you!! love your videos! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
marumariful Thank you! :)
Some fantastic tips & advise. I just fell of the wagon & bought make up which I'm not going 2 wear but just wanted. watching these videos just keeps me on track. Thanks. X
She's saying things it took me 30 years to figure out. She's so smart!
Brilliant. Funny how all that should be obvious, but I guess sometimes we really need to hear someone say it out loud. Thanks for the inspiration :)
Great video. I have not folded my clothes in many years and this account, in part, to my ability to maintain a VERY small wardrobe. I have a minimalist wardrobe. I hang my PJ'S and workout clothes on door hooks, but everything else is hanging on hangers together in one space. The amount of clothes I have could probably fit in one medium to large suitcase. What you said about us wearing a few main pieces most of time is true. I have a black knit dress with short sleeves that goes to the office with cardigans, goes to dinner with friends, and weekend errands without the cardigan. Frankly, I went back to the Web site to order two more, but they no longer stock them! I agree with others who say that showing your wardrobe, closet would likely inspire others. I follow a woman named Coco, a minimalist, on YT. I cannot think of her specific channel at the moment, but perhaps you are familiar with her. She ALWAYS does show and tell of her minimalist time capsule clothing including her purses, closets, suitcase prep for travel, etc. A picture is worth a thousand words. So are videos!
Lightbycoco is her channel. She does amazing g show and tell minimalist videos.Thanks again for the tips!
I have just donated A BUNCH OF CLOTHES and items that I don't need/wear/use anymore. It's a GREAT feeling! XD LOL! My room looks so empty now XD♥
THANK YOU for the great tips and advice. I like the idea about the missimg link pieces.
yes ! Very true I had clothes packed under my bed in my cider chest that now I have every thing in front of me in my closet. I always go for the same item in clothing over and over again those are my favorite pieces .I got rid of alot that i just wasn't waering enough of.
Love your channel, Melissa!
Kirsten Michelle Thanks, Kirsten! :)
Really great basic but insightful tips.
I started thinking that way before I saw this video. There are so many styles I love and I buy, but then I don't think I pull them off well. Lately I've been going through my closet thinking, "this is really nice, but it just isn't my style." So that's when I decide to sell it. It's really hard to let things go still, even when I realize I don't wear them or that they don't fit in with the rest of my wardrobe. I want to try what you suggested in another video, putting all of my stuff into boxes to figure out what I actually use.
Thank you so much for these tips! You videos are always so motivating :)
+Sarah S (illestwifey) yeah
Great hacks! Thanks!!
Melissa,
You should read The Paradox of Choice. It's a very interested book that discusses the research of why it is detrimental to have too many choices. Seems to be right up your alley!
Mackenzie Kerby Thanks for the recommendation - I just watched his TED talk... very interesting!
Because of my work, I basically wear tee shirts, sneakers, jeans, and sweatshirts all the time. Of course I can stillress it up if I'm motivated, but I do some Labour and wouldn't want to ruin my nicer clothes. This helped me a lot with wanting to get rid of more things I don't wear
i love your channel. you have given me inspiration to work on becoming a minimalist:)
Amy Hoang Thanks! That's great :) Best of luck on your journey :)
this is SUCH a great video! really good advice 👌
Loved it!
+Selena Torres Thanks :)
These are really great tips!
Great videos and I'm inspired to be a minimalist! Glad I found your videos. I'm middle aged and look forward to it but my challenge is I've gained a lot of weight in the past year so I'm just trying to find clothes that fit. I keep trying to lose weight too, so I guess my question is do you have any suggestion? Thanks
mefrn62 Thank you. That's a great question. I think a lot of people (myself included) have struggled in creating a wardrobe full of outfits that work well and are flattering. A great site to check out is: into-mind.com. She's got tons of articles on how to create a new look, a new wardrobe, and keep it simple at the same time.
Yayyy
Love your videos
Wonderful tips! hi from Italy!
+Transylvania Girl Thank you
I have trouble defining my style so for my first capsule I let criteria be my guide. Ex- breastfeeding friendly, no short skirts since I have a toddler and I'm always bending over to play, cotton, etc. it's not easy for me but it's necessary.
Great tips..
Quality stuff as always from you!
My Minimalist Baby Thanks! :)
So true :)
Great video!
+trixi1608 Thank you :)
thanks Melissa, another great video, I have an app i purchased a week ago that I love - its called Stylebook (5 bucks )and with it you take photos of all of your clothes. You can crop the photos and edit them, make outfits, make packing list for vacations and outfits for your vacation too. It sounds like a huge hassle taking the photos but it was only for one afternoon and I was done. If you enter what you wear daily, it will show you how much an article of clothing was per wear. For someone who is a bit of a list maker like me, it works. Also when you go shopping and you're tempted you have your whole wardrobe on your phone so no risk of duplicates. Making outfits with my clothes is fun when I am just sitting around having a coffee and I can do all of that with just my phone.
deedee lebowski Wow...sounds like a really cool App. thanks for letting me know about it :)
Will pass this along to my daughter, who is also thrifty and fashionable but has too many clothes!!!!
I find Pinterest boards are a great way to build images of clothing I like. When you review it later you can see the common thread so know what you really like & tailor your wardrobe that way. Stops buying things you don't really like as much. Do you use Pinterest?
May I ask, how many pairs of shoes do you have?
I found your channel today. You're so beautiful!!!!!!!!!
Now I have to "binge watch" your videos. hhaha :)
Thanks for all the information and tips.
Nicoletta Whoo Aww...thanks so much! :) Have a great day! :) x
very smart girl! ;)
I am new to the minimalist lifestyle. How do you launder your clothes or do you re-ware clothes that have not been washed? It seems that the wear and tear would make some clothes look worn. Thank You for your contributions to TH-cam.
1000% evry word
Where were you and your ideas when I was 25?!
My problem is I like all style and I ware them all. I am getting too old for mini skirt so stop buying those, I will miss them.
I love your tips, but I would prefer to see examples of what your talking about versus simply watching you sitting and talking. I am a more visual person and was hoping to see the way a minimalist closet or wardrobe looks than hear about it.