The 30 pieces of a Minimalist’s Wardrobe

July 5th, 2010 by everydayminimalist

Full disclaimer: I probably have quadruple what I am listing, because I love variety too much to cut back to something like 30 pieces.

And this is after cutting back my wardrobe by 50%.

So just imagine what I had in there before that I didn’t use, want or need!

Still if I had to only bring 30 pieces, this is what I’d imagine would be the barest of bare minimum for me.

The List of 30 items of my Bare Minimum Wardrobe

  • 2 pairs of Trouser Jeans or work pants
  • 2 pairs of jeans
  • 1 Casual Blazer
  • 3 Work Sweaters
  • 1 Ultimate Soft Cushy Sweater
  • 2 Camisoles/Tank Tops
  • 3 Work Tops
  • 2 T-shirts
  • 2 sets of Sweatpants or Leggings — only to wear at home!
  • 1 suit with a matching skirt and pant option
  • 2 Skirts
  • 2 Casual-ish Dresses
  • 1 Formal Dress
  • 1 Light Jacket
  • 1 Winter Jacket
  • 1 Leather Jacket
  • 1 “Other” Option — Anything I choose

Still, if I was an ultimate, hardcore minimalist, it might look something like this:

THE 15-ITEM SUPER LIGHT & MINIMALIST WARDROBE

(This is a goal that I will never ever reach unless forced into, kicking and screaming the whole way)

  • 2 pairs of pants
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 sweater — can double as a light jacket
  • 2 work tops
  • 2 casual t-shirts (one needed for laundry day)
  • 1 skirt
  • 1 dress
  • 1 formal dress
  • 2 pairs of sweatpants or leggings (one needed for laundry day)
  • 1 winter jacket

No suit, or leather jacket included. I don’t wear suits to work… so I’m safe there.

Posted in Minimalism | 64 comments

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  • http://www.clearlyminimalistlife.com/ Clarise Chichizola

    I am completely in love with your site! And this article has been particularly helpful. I am going to be pairing down my wardrobe this weekend and blogging about the process and would love to link to your site!

  • Putu Sita

    Your taste and your lifestyle sound a lot like me! I am so happy I kind of find my twins! I live and from Asia, and I think I have little less that yours, but, It’s not important. I am happy with what I have and happy know a girl like you have minimalism lifestyle! :)

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  • realme07

    I am almost at this stage and it has taken years – we all just cant down size the wardrobe (at least in our own heads) all at once. For a few years I took the idea for every item bought of the same type I had to get rid 3 items out of my wardrobe eg 1 t-shirt in- 3 t-shirts out…. that worked with shoes too! After a while I found that I didnt really buy anything that I didnt need but still the wardrobe was not empty enough for me so then I thought NOW girl you have to wear things out so that you can throw them away … So then I took a year off from any… I mean any personal purchasing!….. It was tough at times I have to admit but it gave me the final shove that I needed to really rethink why I still had items in my wardrobe and why wasnt I wearing them – was it the neckline or fabric – too big – too small. During this time I looked at items and remodeled cloths with nips and tucks here and there to get items worn – even if it was only until the end of my year! I got through till 14mths when I needed to buy make-up and new knickers…. Now though I truly look at my wardrobe and can count most things I am about to do the ultimate sacrifice and down size my actual wardrobe and drawer space…. It can be done… I am living proof even at 50. 

  • Corinnanairn

    Great list… but what about work-out clothes and shoes?

  • Rclausey

    What’s your advice for a stay at home mom?  I can live with a lot less and would like to simplify my wardrobe for quality not quantity.  I want t shirts that can be washed 100 times and still be soft and smooth.
    Thanks!

    • fatshionista

       I’d get rid of two of the work-appropriate tops, one pair of dress pants and one of the skirts and substitute in stuff that’s going to work for you for going between home and errands. The key here is that you’re having more casual downtime, but still need one or two outfits for when you will need to be dressed up. You may only need a suit once every few years, but it something you should always own.

  • Taraleap

    Where are two of the work shirts from(Purple and Red)? And also the black and white dress?
    You really have the best style!!!

  • Bella

    I agree, 30 piece is good and for some people enough. But to day that you make 65K at the of 20 I CAN NOT believe it. No one makes that much at that age without a college degree. Sorry, can not take that

    • Bella

      Actually from what you are saying, it looks like you were younger than 20 when you were making 65k/year.

      Maybe you can tell us what job you have.

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com The Everyday Minimalist

      I have a college degree, I didn’t start making 65k at 20, I did it after college, and you’re being a rude troll.

      (Yes, I did read your other comment that insinuated I was a prostitute)

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  • Holly Fish

    where do i find the red “comfy sweater”??

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com The Everyday Minimalist

      I posted it on Polyvore once, but I can’t find it any more. I’m pretty sure I got it off american eagle or areopostale.

    • Guest

      Just bought one at Marshall’s.

      • http://www.everydayminimalist.com The Everyday Minimalist

        I usually go around to stores, touching all the sweaters until I find one :) It’s hard to tell you where exactly to buy one, because the seasons change so quickly in fashion.

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  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_4EP7AEYNGNWUZWNMMYNH2S2SDM Barry Maish

    Hello,
    Great collection of clothes. All dresses are very beautiful. I also try to live a minimalist. I can find things and really wear them. Very nice post.
    pant suits

  • Lauren

    I know I am a little late commenting on this post, but I just discovered your blog and I love it!  I also love the three tops you have pictured under “Three Work Appropriate Tops”.  Could you tell me where you found these? 

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com The Everyday Minimalist

      Lauren, I am not sure if the pieces are being sold any more, but you can
      check out my Polyvore sets. I’ve reused a number of those tops in my other
      creations/collections.

      http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=330710

  • Tealdaisy

    I would love to see what a minimalist wardrobe would be for a college student with a part time job that dresses in casual.

    • Anonymous

      I’d say the above is about the same. I’d just remove the suits, although
      once you graduate from college, you might need them for interviews.

  • http://www.allofusrevolution.com Kristin

    I love this. It's what I found when typing in, "minimalist clothing!"

    I'm a designer, and my partner and I have designed a truly minimal women's clothing line – it's about 14 pieces, and everything is versatile and/or reversible. The idea is that you can combine the pieces to create well over 100 looks, for all seasons. And it's all going to be made with organic, fair trade cotton, and recycled materials.

    Hope this is of help to anyone looking for minimalist clothing!

  • Pingback: My “dream” Minimalist Wardrobe |

  • looloo

    Wonderful, awesome!!!!!!! I have been looking for something like this for so long. Being able to picture what those items can/should be and look like is a huge help. I really identify with the styles you selected because the clothes look great on anyone and can get you anywhere, work, church, parties, etc. looking stylish!!! Thanks sooooo much!!!!!!

  • Jess

    Brilliant! Such an awesome photo – exactly what i needed to see to start the process of creating a wardrobe that works and isn't filled to the brim of stuff! many thanks

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com evrydaymnmalist

      Thanks! That would be my BARE minimum but I of course, have more than that.

  • k-9

    I love this! I have lost 35 pounds and want to lose another 35. I am currently wearing the smaller pieces from my original wardrobe, but I will need to replace them soon (I hope). This gives me a framework to work from.

    I find that I get the most wear and satisfaction from my very simple pieces, but I have an enormous scarf collection and quite a few showy necklaces. Solid, dark color pieces, based on black and gray, with some shots of jewel tones in the base layer tops, because those are the colors that flatter me…..

    I live in South Carolina, but these choices seem fine for here, too–I'd just choose ultra-light weight sweaters and a very lightweight coat.

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com evrydaymnmalist

      I should note that my framework doesn\’t apply to me. Hoo boy I have way more than 30 pieces. But this would be my base wardrobe :)

  • Sheila

    I'm guessing that you live in the Northern US, since the wardrobe includes so many sweaters, coats, and excludes shorts.

    If I was adapting this for the subtropical climate of North Florida, I'd trade out a coat, two sweaters, and the wildcard piece for a bathing suit, cover up, and two pairs of shorts.

    Looks great otherwise!!

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com evrydaymnmalist

      I actually live in Canada ;)

      It\’s worse!!!

      I also find the summers here very hot, but I hate wearing shorts. I\’m not a shorts girl, more of a skirts or dresses person. :)

  • Katie

    I just counted all my tops, bottoms, dresses, sweaters and jackets and I have exactly 60 pieces. Not as bad as I thought… but that is not including, of course, the shoes (14 pairs including old shoes for yardwork), underwear, a few pajamas pieces (I sleep in knickers and a t-shirt from the pile of 60 most of the time), swimsuits, active-wear, and things like my ski clothes and windbreaker. I love everyhting I have and though I don't always have an occasion to wear my nude strappy heels, they are perfect for those twice/year functions and I'm struggling to pair down more… should I? I wonder how much room it would take up if I had to box it up to move…

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      NO! Do not pare down more if you don’t have to :) Do a test with your suitcases to see if you can move with one or two (me, it’s 3 and 2 carryons), and see how it goes

  • Frederik

    I'm a guy and I'm working on a minimum wardrobe. I want it to be like my grocery shopping: only have a few things that suffice to cook/eat all meals.

    I just moved to Canada and could of course only bring part of my clothes, which I can now actually oversee (neat!). This is the ideal time to figure out a minimalist wardrobe!

    It's hard to say what exactly it's going to look like, but my first attempt will be something like this:

    – Work wardrobe: to be pared down to 2 suits, 5 shirts (*), 1 matching coat
    – 'Night out' wardrobe: 2 sweaters, some matching T-shirts and existing 'suit' shirts
    – Everyday wardrobe:
    - Pants: 2x jeans, 1x light Summer pants, 1x shorts. Here I'm already where I want to be.
    - Shirts: 3x casual, existing 'suit' shirts when dressing for a night out
    - T-shirts: 7x white (*) plus (?) a few in black to match with a particular sweater
    - Sweaters: 2 for everyday, 2 that I want to keep just for nights out
    - 1 light coat for all seasons (in cold weather, wear sweater below)
    - Gym outfit: 1x additional shorts & a few T-shirts

    (*) to be doubled when I switch from weekly to 2-weekly washing

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      Wait until my post coming up :)

      • Frederik

        Yeah, I saw your announcement. Looking forward to that! :-)

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  • http://intensedebate.com/profiles/filthygorgeous1 filthygorgeous1

    p.s. Where can I find that great grey cardigan sweater/blazer – the middle of your 'three work-appropriate sweaters?
    Thanks,
    Rowan

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      That is from American Eagle :) But you can find a while bunch of them everywhere — Gap and so on.

  • Rowan

    Hi FB-
    Thank you for this excellent article. I have been searching for a list like this for a long time and kept getting bogged down trying to create my own. I just minimized my wardrobe by doubling your guidelines for (most) of the items listed here. I put the rest in a box or two to be donated in a few months if unused. Here are my initial observations: one, I had way too many tops/t-shirts and the like, which is probably quite common. Second, it felt very difficult to decide what to keep in categories where I had many ok (quality, cut, style) options, i.e. Work blouses- I felt safer keeping everything but had to let the axe fall. Third, I live in CO and don’t have nearly enough sweaters! Finally, I have a plan to upgrade my wardrobe to better and brighter things. Thanks again.
    Rowan

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      Any time! :)

      Note: I really don’t own only 30 items. I own much more than 30.

  • anon

    umm….

    3 t-shirts, socks, & underpants; 1 shoes; 1 pants/shorts; 1 jacket; 1 raincoat; thermal underwear

    that's 19 objects, and my backpack's nearly full.

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      Well I’m not a man. :)

      I am not like BF, who can wear 5 shirts and 2 pants every week to work. I crave variety, so 30 pieces is my minimum.

      • anon

        Ah, yes, I guess there's the gender thing…. actually what I meant was that even at on-the-road-for-six-months level of sartorial minimalism, one has a suprisingly large number of items. If one has more than a single outfit, I can't see how thirty would ever be enough! (And *I'm* a man!)

        By the way, "I crave variety" and "I'm a minimalist" — do these not clash a little?! :-)

        • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

          Ah my apologies :)

          From my experience being on the road (literally living out of a hotel) for months to a year or so, I bring just about that amount of clothing (actually, less now because I can store seasonal clothing and I don’t have to pack it along with me). So it’s possible. Just not.. enjoyable. If I go on a project for a while, I bring at least a carryon and a backpack. Not just a backpack…

          Bah. I know I’m a contradictory minimalist. :) Let’s put it this way, I don’t like furniture, decoration and extra stuff to carry in that respect.. but I love my clothes. Think of them as my collection. :) I always struggle with this part, but I’ve just decided to accept and love it.

  • http://www.simplicityandstrength.com Maggie

    I love this! I have been struggling with reducing my clothing and this guideline is really helpful. Thank you! :)

  • Laurel

    Awesome! It makes me want to go analyze my wardrobe–I just bought some suit separates, including two identical skirts (I honestly thought they were different in the store!). Oops! Maybe I will donate one… Love your blog!

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      Thank you :) (err.. maybe you can return that skirt and pick up pants instead? Or Bermuda shorts if you are business casual?)

  • Suzie

    Ha! The 15 piece wardrobe looks a lot like what I'm aiming for, although I am a long way off. And I miss having a nice pair of jeans….

    I would also have to include a pair of walking trousers, combats or whatever with a lot of pockets and very durable for those long hikes.

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      I think it depends on everyone’s lifestyle. I personally think that 30 is still nowhere the level I could reach realistically… but I’m giving it a shot.. sort of.

  • http://girlwithredballoon.blogspot.com Red

    Very nice! Personally, I would skip the dresses for two more pairs of pants. I'm just a pants kind of girl.

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      I’m definitely a dresses kind of girl. And skirts.

  • Zach

    Hmm, how about a woman's opinion on the minimalist man's bare minimum wardrobe?

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      That’s coming up :)

      • http://twitter.com/caudillc @caudillc

        i want that article too

        • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

          On the way!

  • Lis

    SHOES!! You didn't include shoes!!! What would you have in the wardrobe at MINIMUM? Oh, AND ACCESSORIES! (includes handbags!)

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/Steph Steph

    Do you wear dresses to work? I would need more work appropriate tops, I think. Unless maybe you'd pair the tanks or tshirts with the sweaters/jackets to create more outfits. I work in a lab, so it's pretty much slacks and close-toed shoes every day. I think I'd want more tops and more work slacks. Other than that, your recommendations look good! :) Cute clothes, by the way…are those actual things you have in your closet, or just online images?

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      I actually do wear dresses to work. I didn’t before, but this environment has slightly more women around, which makes me feel more comfortable in wearing a dress or a skirt.

      Not that guys in general creep me out, but being in the IT industry, you generally don’t want to bring MORE attention to yourself, being a woman…

      I don’t wear dresses often, but when it’s hot, I do. Wrap dresses, sheaths.. everything to the knee, no skimpy straps.

      I agree with more work appropriate tops if you don’t wear dresses to work. And these are all online images — goodness, I have more than 30 pieces, trust me. Think more like.. 200. :P

  • http://beautycharmandadventure.blogspot.com/ Cindy

    This is cool, I've been looking to pare down my wardrobe to as little as possible and I think this will help a lot… but I'm not convinced you could make 5 days of outfits with three work tops, unless you add in the sweaters which is kind of strange for the middle of summer.

    It would be really helpful/fun if you put together different outfits with these selections.

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      Well the trick would be to re-wear the items at the end of the week with a different bottom.

      3 work tops x 2 work pants = 6 combinations.

      And you can wear a dress to work as one. Or mix in the skirts if you’re comfortable doing so.

      Then in the winter, wear sweaters over the tank tops & match them with the pants for more combos.

  • Tyler

    seems like you'll be doing a lot of laundry…

    • http://www.everydayminimalist.com everydayminimalist

      If I had that wardrobe!!

      I have much more than 30 pieces. I own about 20 dresses by my count. Then count in pants, sweaters, … oy vey.