"If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you may have stumbled upon the trending concept of “underconsumption.” Creators are showing off their spaces, from kitchen counters to medicine cabinets, and boasting about how little they own. It comes as a reprieve from the long stint of overconsumption we’ve been hit with post-pandemic, thanks to a rise in influencers making careers out of pushing products to the more than one billion users on TikTok alone.
While I’m excited to see underconsumption gaining popularity, it’s actually a mindset I’ve always lived by. For years, my Instagram bio has repped the slogan “minimalist wardrobe, maximalist style.” For me, what began as a career in sustainable fashion turned into a quest for nailing down the perfect wardrobe. (Or, almost perfect… more on that later.)
However, I wasn’t always this way; there was a time when I shopped exclusively fast fashion and would buy almost anything for the sheer sake of it being on sale. I would hoard whatever I could find: an old fabric scrap from sewing class, a stained shirt someone gave up on—you name it. I slowly learned that having “more” was actually hindering me. I was struggling to get dressed every day because my creativity was enfolded in a mass of decision fatigue from all of the—for lack of a better word—junk I had collected over the years. Around that same time, I learned the truth about the fashion industry and how much it negatively contributes to the environment. I had, put simply, had enough.
While the next logical step was building a capsule wardrobe, a wardrobe full of neutrals and basics didn’t really appeal to me. That’s really when I began to discover this idea that I didn’t need to completely lose my maximalist sense of style in order to make smarter decisions about my wardrobe. I could still keep a minimalist closet, full of the pieces that spoke to my individuality.
Today, I’m proud of the wardrobe I’ve created. It’s entirely me, and it didn’t come at a sacrifice. As someone who works in the fashion industry, it can be difficult not to want to sample new trends or keep up with other industry professionals every season, but I feel I have my wardrobe selection down to a T. Here are the five rules I live by to keep a minimalist wardrobe without sacrificing style.
1. Keep a Monthly Clothing Budget
Out of necessity, I created a clothing budget years ago. It started out as a very small number, but a number nonetheless. This number has slowly grown throughout the years (although it’s probably still significantly lower than expected). This is my #1 tip when it comes to building a wardrobe you really love.
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d still have a clothing budget. Much like a Pinterest board for outfit inspo, my budget gives me a clear vision of what I’d like to invest in each season. It pushes me to really think about what I’m purchasing rather than buying things I don’t need willy-nilly.
2. Invest in Pieces You Love
This may seem a bit cliché, but as simple as it is, it’s been one of the key pieces of advice I refer back to each time I get ready to make a purchase: If I don’t love something, I don’t buy it.
What I’ve found is that you don’t need to own a closet full of neutrals in order to find ultimate versatility; if you truly love something, you’ll wear it. What’s important is that each piece in your wardrobe supports your overall style vision, not that it’s a basic that can be paired with anything.
3. Create a Style Vision Board
Sourcing a minimalist closet can be a rather difficult feat. Whether you’ve tried a shopping fast, participated in a thrifting bender, or attempted to build a capsule wardrobe, you’ve probably felt some frustration along the way. And don’t get me wrong: I’ve been there, too.
Earlier this year, I helped my friend create a “style vision” for herself. A few weeks ago, while I was helping her pack for a trip after a frantic last-minute trip to the mall, we realized the trip to the mall wasn’t actually necessary at all; her style vision had driven her to buy pieces that she loved and worked for all occasions, vacation included. When you consistently shop for pieces that fit the way you want to dress—no last-minute shopping trips, final-sale items, or ill-fitting silhouettes included—you have pieces ready to go for day-to-day wear and special occasions alike. Create a vision board of the way you want to dress and stick to it. Chances are, you probably have a lot more hiding out in your closet than you think.
4. Wait It Out
With products now readily available at just the click of a button, it can be hard not to be swayed
to impulsively purchase. Word of advice: Wait it out. I’ve saved myself from hundreds of dollars of regrettable purchases throughout the years simply by delaying the swipe. And one more thing: When it comes to shopping in-person or at sales, avoid purchasing pieces right away. These are usually non-refundable and high-pressured situations that can result in purchasing things you’ll regret later. (Sample sales—I’m looking at you.)
While it can be easy to get carried away with the latest trends, I find that if I wait to purchase something, I end up losing my original sense of urgency. So ask yourself: Do I need it? Do I love it? Can I get by without it?
5. When in Doubt, Rent
The subject of clothing rentals has been unexpectedly controversial as brands like Nuuly and Rent the Runway have risen to popularity. Everyone in my life has already gotten my renting spiel at one point or another; I recently hit a financial milestone, and I have clothing rentals to thank. This isn’t dramatic: In the last two years, I’ve rented a value of more than $25,000 on Rent the Runway alone. I would say, “You do the math,” but I actually just did it.
With brands like Nuuly, you can pay as little as $98 a month in exchange for renting six items of clothing. (If you rent with Rent the Runway, you have access to bags and jewelry as well.) This has allowed me to stay on top of trends and stay within my monthly budget. Not only that—it’s inspired endless creativity when it comes to my styling. Some of my best looks have been completely rented, from head to toe. I’ve also scored some great pieces with tags still on for way cheaper than market value. Bonus: You save on dry-cleaning costs and storage headaches, too.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a New York City–based stylist and writer who specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. She is committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.