I was planning to write a deep, philosophical post on minimalism this week…but to be honest, I just wasn’t in a pensive mood. I am once again “between homes,” and the burden of dragging around my possessions between various hotels and sublets has inspired musings of a more practical nature.
I’m going to stay on the topic of wardrobe this week, as it constitutes the bulk of my baggage at the moment. In particular, I’ve been fantasizing about items that would enable me to reduce my load even more. And foremost in my fantasies are ultra-versatile items that address all my needs in a single package.
Warning: anyone who took issue with my 10-item wardrobe may not want to read any further, as the fashion transgressions in this post will be coming fast and furious. ;-)
You see, I’m the type of person who gets excited about the sleek “uniforms” in science fiction movies — you know, those monochrome futuristic outfits that people in spaceships wear. Yes, the minimalist aesthetic appeals to me; but even more so, the idea of a world in which fashion for fashion’s sake is irrelevant.
So here’s my magical minimalist wish list. I always enjoy “designing” these items in my mind, so thought it might be fun to discuss them here.
1. Transformer shoe
My fantasy: While I spend most of my time in flats, certain occasions call for a heel. I wish someone would create a comfortable flat, onto which one could screw a heel when needed. Perhaps a male version would involve an interchangeable sole — flat for dress wear, rugged for casual wear.
Reality: I was surprised to find these Camileon heels in a Google search. They adjust from a 1 ½” to a 3 ¼” heel — not quite a flat, but close! I also discovered another type of interchangeable shoe, in which different tops are attached to one base for a variety of looks — check out these offerings from Mohop and OneSole. Not what I was looking for, but an interesting idea nonetheless.
2. All-season coat.
My fantasy: I would like a coat that works year round, for everything from shoveling snow to going to the opera. I prefer a slim, tailored silhouette (in ¾-length) rather than a ski-parka look. In my mind, I’m picturing a three-layer system: the middle one would be a nice coat in a fall/spring weight, the outer would be a wind-and-water resistant shell for inclement weather, and the inner would be a zip-out fleece for frigid days. Extra points if the nice middle layer reverses to a different color.
Reality: While there are plenty of coats with zip-out liners, most seem to be of the sporty or trench variety. What I want may very well be out there; I just haven’t found it yet!
3. Removable sleeves.
My fantasy: I’d like to be able to wear my favorite tops in both summer and winter by simply adding or removing the sleeves. If they can do it with pants, why not with shirts? Let’s throw dresses in there as well; I’d love to be able to pop some sleeves on my little black dress when it’s cold. (Apologies to any fashionistas who are having a coronary right now!)
Reality: The examples I’ve found for “removable sleeves” on the web include an oversized “big shirt,” a medieval pirate shirt, and a gothic punk t-shirt. Hmm. Well, at least we know it’s possible.
4. Climate control fabrics.
My fantasy: I’m also dreaming of smart fabrics that can heat and cool me as needed — another requirement in my quest for a seasonless wardrobe.
Reality: Interestingly enough, it seems this high-tech function is best performed by natural fabrics. My go-to hiking shirt is an Icebreaker merino wool tee, which has kept me comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. I’m glad the company is expanding its line beyond sports and exercise wear. Silk is a candidate as well, though cruelty to silkworms is a concern.
5. A uniform.
Okay, I’m throwing this one out here to get your opinions, as it certainly has minsumer appeal — after all, the fashion industry creates a tremendous amount of waste and is often linked to deplorable working conditions.
So (laundry concerns aside), what if you could have one perfectly-comfortable, perfectly-designed outfit that you could wear everyday — and nobody cared, or ridiculed you for it? I’m not talking scrubs, or military dress, or a UPS uniform, but something you looked fabulous and felt great in. Would you want that? Or do you find variety, and self-expression through clothing, too important to give up? Please let me know in the Comments!
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or subscribing to my RSS feed.}
I completely agree with you about the uniforms and the adaptability to a all season items. Besides all the sustainability aspects, it would also benefit the upbringing of future generations.
I do research on children marketing, and my last study was about brands of clothes and shoes and children really are basing their identities and self-esteems on which clothes and shoes they are wearing, being the top 3 Nike, Adidas and Zara, which are not the most sustainability concerned companies.
Thanks for your posts! Your book has been an inspiration for me and a wonderful starting point!
Luisa – Lisbon – Portugal
Ditch the heels.Flats are fine for all social events and better for the spine.Heels make women look uncomfortable with their bodies (social conditioning)Feminity is internal.Shoe problem solved.Free and happy walking.
Amen to that, brother!!!
I like your philosophy on flats, but my informal poll of every guy I know revealed a small heel was preferable to flats (maybe I should have asked short guys?). And some of them just hated flats (unless they were flip-flops) – it was a strangely passionate hatred that I wasn’t expecting. But they weren’t asking for stripper heels, just a little extra height was satisfactory :P Since I’m only 5’4, I like wearing shoes that give me an extra inch or inch and a half, but I don’t like anything beyond 2.5 inches. That’s when it starts getting uncomfortable and I feel dumb when I walk! Apparently women in heels imitate chimps in heat. Since I read that I get weird mental images whenever I see massively high heels…
Oh wow, me too.
but you absolutely must see this Francine for a 3-way coat – it’s inspired
http://www.oprah.com/style/A-Trenchcoat-You-Can-Wear-3-Ways-Spring-Jackets
it may not fulfil your requirements, however, I adore trenches of all incarnations and it looked quite clever to me.
Wow, I also love those minimalist clothing in science fiction movies. Any particular favorite?
If the “uniform” meets both criteria – comfortable AND looks fabulous on me – then I’m totally UP for it!
Ever since last week’s 10-item wardrobe post I’ve been culling my closet (slow and steady), transforming it from minimal to more minimal, and seeing this post pushes me even further. I was particularly excited to see #1, the transformable shoe, because I’ve had that idea in my head for a while now! Last fall I was in Miami visiting a friend and we were joking about making such a thing a reality… we even drew a little design. I live in flats, but a handful of times each year I have to get dressed up and this always involves heels… it would be great to be able to just snap them on to my comfortable flats (especially since wearing heels always seems to coincide with travelling, and heels are a pain in the a** to pack ;)).
I’m also really curious to try out #5. I did 6 items or less last fall and found the lack of choice positively liberating. Though, if I were to choose a uniform, I’d probably go all black: black pants for winter, black skirt for summer, black turtleneck for winter and black tank top for summer. Boring maybe, but versatile and easy to manage.
sara
I have to admit I don’t think I could just have a “uniform” year round but I do sort of have one seasonally: skirt/top w/sandals in summer and skirt/sweater/boots in winter since I live in a place with four seasons. I think I could deal with flats for dressy occasions but I don’t have too many of those (dressy occasions). And I need a winter coat and also a lighter one for in-between seasons. Right now I’m working on paring down my wardrobe to a key color (black) with some basic tops. But I have too many shoes, mostly summer sandals. This summer I hope to whittle this down a lot.
Hope your in-between-homes situation resolves itself soon!
Great post – I would love the coat you describe, but am making do with a heavy winter coat, a knee-length soft shell that can dress up or down, and a short, casual jacket for outdoor activities.
I also wish I could get away with wearing the same thing every day, year-round, but my challenge is the weather. Bitter, cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers in New England mean I can’t get away with that! BUT I read a great tip in a French book called “L’Art de la Simplicité” by Dominique Loreau that suggested buying clothing items you can wear eight months out of the year, so that’s what I aim for.
Thanks so much for the inspiration!
I LOVE the idea of a uniform – and I think it’s interesting that many “fashionistas” are associated with uniforms – doesn’t Giorgio Armani wear navy dress slacks and a navy T-shirt most of the time? I wore a uniform to high school, and I loved it – while I didn’t look “fabulous,” I was comfortable, and it was one fewer decision I had to make each morning.
Since I am over 60, I’ve had time to define my wardrobe. I wear Theirry Rabotin shoes for EVERY occasion. I own a black trench from Brooks Brothers that is single-breasted. lined in bemberg and sashes with buttons…and black wool garbardine pants that are lined with bemberg so they breathe. These with white classic shirts from Brooks, I’m set for anything. I own multiples of the shirts and pants. That is my wardrobe. The only color is from assorted Hermes scarves. How’s that for a Minimalist Wardrobe!
Just getting rid of wearing heels altogether and it resolves many issues. I never have worn them in my life and don’t own any dress shoes period. The world won’t end if people wear casual shoes or sneakers all the time. I have a lot of very nice clothes and wear my black sneakers with them all the time. I really don’t need any other shoe, which makes life easy. If I travel, I’m wearing my shoes, so it’s less items to carry with me.
Love the uniform idea in something stylish and fun or dressed up with accessories. Maybe different colors to give some variety. I’m struggling a bit with figuring out how to minimize my wardrobe. I will figure it out though. There’s got to be a way to still be unique and creative while owning little without resorting to scarves, which don’t work for me.
I’ve always wanted one of those coveralls that the group Devo wore, but I don’t look great in yellow ;D
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a uniform, especially if it’s tip-top quality. Valentine’s description of her wardrobe sounds like my own ideal.
Lose the heels. Two pairs of flats. Shiny ones are dressier.
You’re moving from that wonderful apartment????
I have spent my life in uniforms. I was a Catholic school girl and now am a nurse wearing hospital provided scrubs. The idea of uniforms makes me ambivalent at best. What I do want is attractive, well made, comfortable clothing. My wardrobe is undergoing a whittling down to just these items. I supposed the word classic describes it best,
Excellent article! It reminded me of this article I saw in the NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/05/business/05uniform.html?_r=1 (sorry if it doesn’t work, I’m new to this). It’s called “Power of Apparel: A Look That Conveys a Message”, published on March 4, 2011.
What I got out of it is that your 5th idea – the uniform – definitely could work. The article isn’t about minimalism, but it does list some examples of people who use “uniforms” – like Steve Jobs’ black turtleneck and jeans.
:)
Very interesting! Along the same lines, I think I’ve read that fashion designers like Donna Karan and Coco Chanel also wore their own versions of a “uniform.”
The idea of a uniform sounds intriging. Since I work from home and have very few occasions for dressing up, I typically wear jeans and a turtleneck sweater during the winter and jeans/capris and a colored tee in the summer. I still have way too many clothes from my corporate days, but have done one major purge and ready to do another. There are still so many things I don’t wear!
As far as shoes goes, I am not like most women. I go for comfort and have a brown leather flat I wear thru the winter and brown leather sandals for the summer. I do have a pair of brown boots (more dressy) and black heels. In the past I have spcied it up a bit by purchasing cheap brightly colored flip flops, but I will probably limit that this year.
Do consider as far as long-to-short sleeves goes, layering always works well!
Bernice
Moms need a timeout too!
My totally black Persian cat wears the same thing everyday and I think he is absolutley gorgeous. His name is Bandit because he stole my heart. So, why can’t we wear the same great thing everyday if our pets do and we love them looking the same every day. I broke my foot 5 years ago and now can’t wear heels unless I have a small 1 inch heel and will be seated 95% of the time. I think the medical profession looks more professional wearing a uniform rather than street clothes, however, I once visited Disney World and it was raining…looking down from the monorail I saw a sea of yellow ponchos sold by the vendors…it was kind of surreal seeing everyone looking exactly the same and I must add…a little frightening.
Definitely not a fashionista here. I love the thought of an attractive, comfortable uniform. How many people truly notice what others around them are wearing unless the outfit really stands out in a good or horrible way. Valentine’s wardrobe sounds wonderful to me. I’ll be working on my own uniform in the months and years ahead. The 33-item challenge has been freeing, so I can only imagine how a uniform would be even more so.
I have the Mohops! I love them, and it’s kept me from buying more dress shoes. Plus they are great to bike in since the sole is stiff. A very cool shoe.
The waste and impact of the clothing industry bothers me a lot. That’s actually probably why I *don’t* have a minimalist wardrobe. I never purge anything and I make my clothes last. When my mom died I kept about half of her clothes that fit and flatter me so I won’t need any clothes for quite some time.
I truly wish I wore a uniform for work – a stylish one at that. I took a vacation to Japan a couple of years ago and I loved all the smart uniforms that were prevalent there. I took the shinkassen high-speed train from Tokyo to Kyoto and the attendants wore the most gorgeous, smart suits, complete with hats and gloves. I noticed police officers, and even garbage men donned clean, tailored uniforms.
I’m with Mike on the shoe thing, as a guy I like seeing women wearing flats rather than heels. To me it says she’s more secure in herself and doesn’t feel the need to ‘show off’ by wearing heels. Don’t flame me for that, it’s just how I’ve always seen heels. Then again I was raised by a single mom who tended to be barefoot or in birkenstocks…so my view may be skewed just a bit!
As for wardrobe, being a guy seems to help there. I have 3 pairs of work pants, 1 pair of work shoes, and 4 shirts that are acceptable. Working for a financial management company means I have to appear “presentable” everyday, despite being the IT monkey.
i’ve worn some variation of jeans and a black shirt for the past 13 or so years. save for weddings and funerals and a couple other occasions. it’s easy, comfortable and i like it. i must point out that i live in a very warm climate and i’m a SAHM, so it’s easy for me to pretty much always wear what i want. i wouldn’t even chage it if i had lots more money, i’d just buy nicer, more expensive jeans and black shirts! LOL
I’m an urban girl who also loves to go hiking, so I also love the Icebreaker and Smart Wool brands, since the majority of their items look just as at home in the city as on the trail.
Also, have you seen the coats on http://www.scottevest.com that double as carry-on luggage?
Check out Travelsmith for versatile clothing.
http://www.travelsmith.com/
I know someone who has a warm hoodie that has has built-in mitts and neck-warmer (they fold into the hoodie, then you can fold them out and stay warm without spaces between everything.) I think he bought it in Vancouver, but it might also be available on the internet.
That might be a good layer in your 3-layer coat…
hmm…maybe you need to start a clothing company that makes all these wonderful ideas!
i go back and forth – some weeks I create a “uniform” that i wear for several days, and feel great in, and other weeks I need to mix it up a lot more. I am intrigued by the “333” project that I learned about on janet’s blog: thegardenerscottage.blogspot.com.
i buy most of my clothes at thrift stores – which i like for environmental reasons, but it’s way too easy to overshop and wind up with too much. if i bring something home, i have to put something else in my donate bag.
All Season Coat: Think in layers perhaps? A moisture wicking shirt, then a light long sleeve, then a fleece, cover that with a decent rain jacket. Add or remove layers depending on exterior or interior temperature.
This is more of a system then an all in once coat.
Climate Control fabrics: Again, going back to the layers idea.
A uniform: I am shocked that this seems like a novel idea. Look out onto the streets, how many people do you see rocking jeans, and a T Shirt? If its cold, they probably have a hoodie on. Doesn’t get more simple than that.
Have you ever thought of putting either a button down shirt or just a cute long sleve shirt underneath of your little black dress? Kind of making it look like a pinafor? I have a LBD that is sleeveless and in the winter I wear it with a long sleeve shirt under and tights.
Love your blog, I do like fashion, but your 10 item wardrobe inspired me and my fiance to cut down a lot of our clothes. We now share a dresser and a closet instead of each having a dresser.
The other thing you can do with a LBD is wear a cute sweater or tunic top over it and let it be the skirt.
Oh, and as far as my dream wardrobe item, it would be a pair of vegan harness/biker boots (like the Frye ones) that had the same support as my Danish work clogs and also some sort of magical traction so that I could wear them hiking…thus replacing my three bulkiest pairs of shoes with only one. Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?
Have you seen this website?
http://www.theuniformproject.com/year1/
She wore one dress with a huge variety of accessories/shoes throughout the year. Very creative but too many accessories for me (not minimalist at all and too pricey) and definitely for younger women (I’m in my 60s). However, the concept has potential. I just haven’t sat down and thought through how it might work for me.
Completely loved this article and the 10 Item Wardrobe as well. I could go for that last uniform you described, but would like it in three colors. That would still be a lot less than I have now, although I am not the clothes horse I used to be. :o)
Over the past month or so, I have created a “uniform” of (clean, well fitting) jeans and (nice) t-shirts with cardigans for my work week, substituting a flannel or hoodie for the weekend, and a skirt with tights for special events. I know this is still less-than-minimal (more than minimal? ha ha), but it is a huge change for me.
For as long as I can remember, I have felt inadequate about my clothing choices. Learning about minimalism has literally SET ME FREE from this self-criticism through realizing that I do not have to challenge myself by buying new things that don’t work for one reason or another and trying to force them into my daily life at the expense of emotional or physical comfort. I have realized that choosing a simple, basic wardrobe does not reflect failure at femininity! Simple and basic IS my style, though I never allowed myself to understand or believe that before.
I am so thrilled by my new way of dressing, and my husband is too. Not only do I take less time/hassle choosing outfits, but it seems that many men really do prefer a simply dressed woman, in spite of what advertising would like women to believe!
I love what you’ve said!
Totally agree with you too–for years I’ve tried to wear the “girly” stuff and it never worked for me. Now I’ve ditched the heels and skirts (and make up) that made me feel awkward and I have become more confident than ever.
I do have a few dresses I like for special occasions, but on a daily basis I prefer trousers and a light sweater.
Simple is confident, and shows that one has better things to do than follow fashion.
Wanted to chime in on #3 (removable sleeves). There are “armwarmers” that are sold to lengthen a sleeve (particularly for modest dressers). I’ve seen them in wrist-to-elbow and wrist to upper arm length, in a variety of colors. For instance, the ones here: http://www.al-muminat.com/long-egyptian-cotton-sleevesgauntlets-p-133.html
Also fingerless mitts that can be knitted longer to go farther up your arms. More of a fashion thing but warm.
I’m for anything that makes the question ‘Does this dress make me look fat?’ easier. :)
Love Jessie’s and Mike’s comments on flats. I’ve always worn and preferred flats and although I’m only 5 foot tall.
Regarding the idea of a uniform, I’ve been doing this myself for many years because it is a challenge for me to find clothes that fit. I weigh 90 pounds and have a very small frame so whenever I find clothes that fit, I buy them in several colors. I do sometimes get bored with the lack of variety, but I truly appreciate not having to make choices.
I would find it difficult to wear only one or two colors year round because color influences my moods. A bright and saturated color as well as black and white make me happy whereas a shades of beiges and browns make me sad. For me having a variety of color to choose from is more important than having a variety of styles.
how about a Indian sari?? I’ve always thought a sari would be perfect. You only need to select fabrics. They don’t require much closet space and look very graceful. There are no ‘”styles” with which to concern yourself and fit even if you gain or loose weight.
To Mike and Jesse! Yeah for you both! I hope that some lovely lady is released from high heels by your comments.
I do like basics and am working on my own set. I wore a uniform in different jobs for a number of years and have a “basic” set that I wear to work now. I am still searching for the perfect black skirt.
I am a knitter so I doubt my tops will ever be just one or two! I would like a basic natural fiber skirt that flatters a curvier figure and more towards boot length.
Last year I bought a beautiful silk scarf that was “cruelty free”. Somehow they’d figured out how to use the old cocoons after the moths leave. I don’t remember much more than that (and that it was from a cottage industry in a 3rd world country) but it’s something to watch for.
OK, I will be the first to admit I love fashion and a 30-piece wardrobe is the lowest limit I can go to, I sympathize with your quest for stuff that is more versatile. I have a dress code to follow at work and it frustrates me endlessly that I need to own stuff that I would only wear to work.
Having fewer items of clothing does take the guesswork out of getting dressed, and to be honest, if I could get away with wearing a fabulous jumpsuit and chucks 90% of the time, that’s exactly what I’d be wearing.
Francine, I love this blog so much. Tomorrow I have the Salvation Army coming to my place to pick up the excess clothing that I’ve accumulated over the years and I’ve just been putting so many clothes aside for someone who will actually wear it. Throughout my teenage years and my young adult life, I’ve struggled with trying to fit the mold of what I should wear and in that process, I just made myself feel uncomfortable. I need to follow along with Liina and just set myself free. I’ve always loved uniforms. Where I’m from (South America) we used to wear uniforms to go to school and it was just so easy and simple then. You were comfortable and were able to have fun. You’ve really given me so much to think about. The comments here too have been so wonderful to read.
I would sign up immediately if there was no social stigma attached to wearing a uniform but I just can’t live with it in this environment. I’m too sensitive to other people’s opinion, sadly. I don’t know what my uniform would be, though… it’s an interesting thing to think about!
I lost 45 pounds over the past 2 years and really need clothes. I’ve been following your posts with delight. I’m working on centering all my new purchases around black (with accent colors) and trying to decide what my “uniform” will be.
Many thanks.
I agree with you! I would love to wear a flattering uniform every day and not have to think about what to wear in the morning. I also would really like to find the coat you describe. I looked on the REI website after your 10 items post, but it seems they don’t have it anymore. The closest I found is a raincoat. The shoes are a great idea, too! I love your blog and look forward to new posts.
Oh for a coat! I didn’t even do the 333 challenge because I can count to 33 just on jackets, mittens, scarves, and boots. Our weather is so variable and what works one day doesn’t work the next. I would love to find a more versatile piece of outerwear. If you find a coat that extends the seasons please do share.
yay for uniforms! when i started participating in Project 333, i decided i’d test out being a “dress girl”, and i’m fully converted. my days of getting ready have become so much easier – grab a dress, throw it on over a black tank and black tights (in the winter), tug on my knee-high boots, toss on my grey cardi over it all (again, in winter) and i’m off!
in the summer, i’ll just ditch the tights, and when it gets super hot i’ll probably wear flats instead of the boots, but otherwise, i’m good to go! no matter where we’re going, i look appropriate, and i’ve got 10 or so dresses in washer/dryer safe fabrics so i don’t have to worry about dry cleaning or even ironing in most cases!
and as an added bonus, i haven’t had to buy any maternity clothes now that i’m 14 weeks pregnant!
now, i just need to work on a few “uniform quality” knitted accessories, and i’m good to go for the next few years!
I would get bored wearing the exact same outfit every day, but I would do it while traveling. I also agree with you on the seasonless wardrobe, especially the coat. Not sure about removable sleeves though since those zippers looked uncomfortable. I’d rather just wear layers. I would add the requirement that clothing should be machine washable and no ironing needed.
I love your blog & read it often. I usually agree with much of what you write, but here, I must comment on the “materials” used to produce clothing.
I’m amazed that you refuse to wear silk because of the process involving the silkworms, yet have no qualms about wearing wool. Sheep are physically mutilated on a regular basis so that people can have more wool. Mulesing is the rule, not the exception, in the wool industry. Exploiting animals and supporting industries which profit from this abuse are not a part of my life. I am vegan & proud of it:) People who eat, wear, or use any animal products should at least know the process of how it got from animal to consumer. This is not a personal attack on anyone, but just a gentle nudge to be more aware of where things come from:)
Check out the links:
http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/mulesing.aspx
http://www.peta.org/issues/Animals-Used-for-Clothing/inside-the-wool-industry.aspx
http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/hidden-lives-of-sheep.aspx
Thank you so much for bringing awareness to this important issue!
Please see Icebreaker’s info on animal welfare:
http://www.icebreaker.com/site/philosophy/#/sustainability/animalwelfare/
“All our merino fibre is sourced from sheep that have not been mulesed, this includes the traditional surgical method and the clips method.”
As with everything, I think it’s a matter of doing due diligence on the companies one patronizes.
Fun! I used to love the old Star Trek uniforms… you know the really old Star Trek with William Shatner. The ladies always wore such “fun” uniforms and then they’d all land on some new world and I get to see all kinds of new uniforms.
Eh. I’m in. Maybe you should start the new uniform movement! Clothes don’t mean as much to me as they used to. I know my current uniform and it’s pretty basic. It involves a pair of pants, a t-shirt and a pair of birkenstocks. Day in. Day out. Cold days I throw on a cardigan over it all. Really cold days I add in a pair of socks and a hat. Done!
One outfit everyday is too extreme, I’d get bored after a few days. Three or four uniforms would be better,which is pretty much my wardrobe anyway.
I love the skirts here, but here is their jacket http://www.macabiskirt.com/the-new-3-in-1-macabi-convertible-jacket.
My black heels are going to the thrift shop tomorrow. Dansko’s or flats will do!