On Minimalism
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

On Minimalism

Why buying my fourth white t-shirt makes sense.

25
On Minimalism

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49642
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31620
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955210
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180417
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments