One of the cornerstones of a minimalist wardrobe is to add pieces that you love, but ones that are versatile too. You want to be able to put together a simple outfit, one that’s appropriate for a number of different occasions, depending on what you add to it.
Even if you’re not striving to have a small wardrobe, being conscientious about the clothing you add, and focusing on versatility, is the best way to avoid ever having to say “I have nothing to wear”.
Focusing on certain bases and building outfits around them is a great way to experiment with the idea of a uniform if that’s something you’ve ever been curious about. A uniform can be really helpful in reducing decision fatigue…
Decision fatigue is a psychological phenomenon surrounding a person’s ability or capacity to make decisions. It is also called ego depletion. The theory surrounding decision fatigue is that a human’s ability to make decisions can get worse after making many decisions, as their brain will be more fatigued.
Medical New Today
Anything that reduces the amount of decisions that we have to make in a day is a good thing. Getting dressed seems like such a simple thing but how much time have you spent trying to find the right outfit. And what about when you end up choosing something that you don’t feel good in? You waste more time worrying about it. You may even start thinking you need to buy more clothes…more decisions and even more time wasted.
That’s why I think it’s important to have a simple outfit formula in your wardrobe that you can rely on when you already have a day full of decisions. Leave the creativity for days when you don’t have a lot on your plate, or the weekend.
For this post, I chose items that I thought most people would own as a base, ones that could be dressed up or down…plain pants and a matching tank top. I chose to use some olive green pieces that I’ve sewn up recently. But any monochromatic outfit would work well.
I kept the accessories pared down to my everyday watch and a pair of simple Soko earrings (similar).
I chose 5 common scenarios that we might have to dress for: a downtown stroll, a trip to the farmer’s market, a business meeting, date night and weekend brunch.
Downtown Stroll
Imagine that it’s a hot summer day and you’ve decided to head downtown for a frozen treat and some window browsing. Perhaps you plan to pop into a few of your favorite antique shops to see what’s new.
Ok, I’ve just described my absolute favorite outing 🙂
You want to feel light and carefree. You’re wearing a chic simple outfit and you don’t want to be bogged down with a heavy purse. So you take just the bare necessities in a cute little belt bag that can be worn across the body or around the waist, leaving you totally unencumbered to eat ice cream and search through the racks.
// Stay Stitch Pattern Co. Lola Tank, size 4, made with Oak Fabrics Bamboo Rib Knit in Pine Melagne
// Anna Allen Clothing Pomona Pants, size 6, made with Joann’s Olive Denim
// Cuyana mini circle belt bag, xs/s
// Sonoma Jeans Company sandals, secondhand
Farmers Market
It’s a sunny Saturday morning and you’re about to head to the farmer’s market to restock your fresh veggie supply. You’re wearing a simple outfit that’s casual and comfy but you want to add a little something extra.
You’ve just recently discovered a love of vests (it can’t be just me) and what could be more perfect for this outing than one with flowers?!?
You add your comfiest sandals and grab your jute plant bag to hold all of your delicious finds.
// vintage Orvis vest
// Birkenstock Salina sandals
// Jute Plant Bag Leeza Bag
Business Meeting
It’s Monday morning and you have a business meeting with a new brand that you’ve been dying to work with. You want to feel confident, but cool. Also, did I mention it’s Monday morning…we don’t have time for fussy outfits!
Naturally, you reach for a simple outfit that you feel great in and you add your silk blazer and clogs (no stilettos because it’s 2021 and comfort is key).
Time to go and land that deal!
// vintage silk blazer
// Swedish Hasbeens classic clog, secondhand
// Botkier handbag
Date Night
After a year of date night’s in the basement, you’re finally ready to head back out into the world of fine dining. You’ve made a reservation at your favorite restaurant and you’ll be grabbing some drinks with friends after.
You want to wear your favorite simple outfit but you want to dress it up a bit. You’re going for a soft, romantic vibe so you decide to add a sheer dress over top. To up the dressy vibe, you add matching slingback shoes and a metallic mini bag that can be converted from a wristlet to a crossbody. Who knows where the night will take you and if there’s dancing involved, it’s nice to not worry about your handbag, am I right??
// McCall’s M7969 dress, size m, made with organza silk from Stone Mountain & Daughter Fabrics
// Loeffler Randall slingbacks, secondhand
// Coach mini bag
Weekend Brunch
It’s Sunday and you’re getting together with your friends for brunch. You haven’t seen them in forever and you want your outfit to convey the joy that you’re feeling at being able to see them.
To up the cheerfulness of your simple outfit, you throw on your cotton jacket and then add your most colorful handbag and shoes.
And even though you’re vaccinated, you still wear a mask in public that you’ll keep on until you’re seated at your table 🙂
// vintage Orvis patchwork jacket, size 10
// Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag, secondhand
// Ron White sandals, secondhand
I hope you liked how I styled one simple outfit for 5 different occasions. Check out these posts for more ways to style wardrobe staples.
Which outfit was your favorite?
Do you have a similar simple outfit in your wardrobe that you can style multiple ways?
Until next time,
