I was stripping my closet of too-tight jeans and the sweater my aunt got me three Christmases ago when it hit me: the freedom I would have if I embraced my wardrobe basics and accepted some empty shelves. Not only would less bring me more in terms of outfit combinations, but less would leave me with more to spend and put towards my future experiences.
Minimalism has become known as a millennial fad pertaining to any design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect, as defined by Wikipedia. Applicable to nearly all aspects of life, this concept's ultimate goal is to emphasize human engagement and experience.
Using The Least To Create The Most.
I became enthralled by the idea of a purely neutral and, frankly, boring closet, and motivated to redefine wardrobe "classics" for myself. I found that fewer options led me to fewer distractions as I readied myself for the day.
Less stuff resulted in less pressure and more doing rather than thinking.
Less stuff resulted in less spending, more space, and more focus.
What Does This Mean For Me?
I've purchased four plain white tees in the last month. With each new shirt, I phase out an old one, targeting what I wear least often or what doesn't fit the category of "basic." Even after I accumulate enough pieces, the phasing out continues. The intention is to build a foundational set of "basic" or "classic" or "simple" pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways, despite its seemingly monotonous nature.
What may sound uninteresting to one is thrilling for me: we are our own canvases! Starting with a blank piece—a white tee, for instance—allows for a non-stressful process of finishing a look that is inevitably simple and sharp.
Why Should The College Student Choose Minimalism?
- The savings— at a time in our lives when less is, in fact, less, spending less on materials will leave us with more to put towards experiences. Why buy more clothes, electronics, etc. and miss that concert or trip with friends? Which do you think will have the maximum effect?
- The relief— you can't go wrong with a classic. This goes for more than just your wardrobe. Eliminating things that aren't essential can heighten our focus on task(s) at hand, making us more productive overall, and less stressed.
- The space— a decluttered living space can influence a decluttered mind. Less stuff means less clutter and less searching for things. We can dedicate our time to more fulfilling engagements, and there are more possibilities for what those engagements may be. Also, simple is sleek.
I started with my closet. For you, it may be your kitchen, your office, even the apps on your phone. Regardless, less is liberating. Start small, commit to the process, and live simple.
