Today, I’m going to tell you the story of a skirt–in particular, the gray tulle number in the photo above. It doesn’t look like it has any business being in a minimalist wardrobe, does it? I didn’t think so, either.
So why do I own it? Well, when I recently had new author photos taken, my photographer suggested we do some fun, ballet-style shots to convey the idea of living lightly and gracefully (as per my new book). I loved the idea, but had nothing of the sort in my wardrobe–so I dutifully found an appropriate skirt with two-day shipping, and received it just in time for the shoot. As it turned out, we ran out of time and never even got around to it.
The next day, I was packing up the untouched skirt to return, when my daughter came into the room. When she saw what I was doing, she nearly burst into tears: “You can’t send that back, Mommy, that’s the prettiest thing you have!” She then ran to her room and put on one of her own ballet skirts, insisted I put on mine, and then led me through an impromptu “dance class” where we pirouetted, sashayed, and arabesqued through the house. :)
So to justify keeping it in my wardrobe, I resolved to wear it at Every. Possible. Opportunity. I wore it for Thanksgiving dinner, to Christmas parties, and appropriately enough, to see the Nutcracker ballet. Perhaps less appropriately, I’ve worn it grocery shopping and to the post office. I’ve worn it while cooking, doing the laundry, and sitting at my kitchen table writing. And, of course, to do more dancing with my daughter (much to her delight and mine).
I’m writing about this because many people think minimalism is too sober, too serious, too austere. But really, it doesn’t have to be. It can be graceful and pretty and fun and whimsical. You can make minimalism fit your personality, rather than conform to some strict or idealistic standard. You can own items that may on the surface seem impractical, but make life a little more magical or otherwise bring you joy.
Do you have a “not-so-minimalist” item in your wardrobe or household, that you keep for joy alone? I’d love to hear your stories!
By the way, I’ve been sharing these peeks into my minimalist life (home, wardrobe, etc.) over on Instagram, so follow me there to see more.
{My new book, Lightly, comes out this Tuesday, February 26! Available for preorder now from: Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, Hudson, Indiebound, Target, Walmart, 800-CEO-Read, or HMH.}
I LOVE that you do this!
There is always space for a floaty, pretty thing that makes one happy, especially if it also makes our child happy.
I have a feather-y lampshade in my bedroom – it is completely impractical but it looks so romantic, and soft and peaceful. (I actually feel my heart beat slow when I look at it.)
Bring on the whimsy – we’ve made space for it!
Karen (Scotland)
Yes! The thought of your feather-y lampshade makes me smile. :)
No matter how minimalist you are, everyone needs something fun and whimsical that makes them happy. Whether it is a beautiful skirt, a piece of art, a vibrant chair, or a unique piece of jewelry, we all need something that represents our fun side!
So true! Minimalism does NOT have to be boring. :)
I have a lightsaber skirt that is the only patterned skirt I own. Generally I stick with simplicity, but I couldn’t resist and I wear it out on dates and just for fun lots!
That skirt is gorgeous, glad you kept it!
Love this, your skirt sounds awesome!
I love your skirt. You look like a princess!
Aww, you’re so sweet, thank you!
I have and use four beautiful , antique china tea cups and saucers f ( all are a different pattern ) when I have tea with my granddaughters, and always when I have a solo cup of tea. It simply skyrockets the pleasure of a cup of tea.
Love your skirt, and love it’s story.
I’m a semi-minimalist, but i own TEN different cotton nightgowns. Yes! I choose the color and pattern depending on the time of year, the sheets on the bed, my mood, my plans for the weekend, or whatever else springs to mind. I do not have the “joy of one” when it comes to nightgowns, and I don’t beat myself up over my obsession, either.
I LOVE that. Self care. ❤️
Reading this made me smile. It’s a nice skirt. I’m glad it makes you happy.
As Karen from Scotland mentioned above, we minimalists have made space in our lives for whimsy, beauty, and fun. It’s when my schedule is too packed (or when my house was too packed) that I have/had no space for new things or experiences, or for serendipity. Minimalism makes room for all of it, so you can find what brings you joy! Your skirt is very pretty, adds joy to your life (and your daughter’s), and it’s not just hanging in your closet gathering dust. It’s quite minimalist.
I think the skirt’s fantastic! Am I the only one, though, who suspects that Plumblossom herself might think minimalism is too sober, too serious, too austere? Her emotional response to MM returning the skirt suggests strongly that she feels Mom needs a bit more whimsy and fun in her wardrobe (life?)…
I’ve been on a hunt for a skirt like that for years! Where did you get it?!
So enchanting! Your skirt…and its unfolding story. I love that by having precious, cherished few things, there’s always space for truly welcoming something that delights me. This is true whether it is “practical”…or “just” brings me joy.
Been recently adding more glasses choices to my wardrobe.
Something so necessary for some can add a lot to an outfit or a day when you have the ability to change how you look with just one thing.
I now have three glasses. Now if one breaks on me (as I always do) I dont have to scramble to replace the broken pair.
When my grandsons were small, I wore a pewter necklace with 10 different animal charms on it. When I would point to each animal, the kids would make the appropriate sound. They would laugh and so would I. Now that the kids are big, I lent it to someone with little ones. We need adorable things in our lives. Minimal doesn’t mean unpleasant. It means just enough. We visited friends with 4 times as much stuff as we have. Huge walk in closets full of clothes and enough bath soap for five years. That’s excessive.
I went through my art supplies. I haven’t used my water colors in years. I passed them on to a friend. Same with two pads of water color paper. I kept just enough art paper for a year. People have me piles of scrapbooking supplies. Again, I gave most of it to the library for kids projects. Greeting cards went to a friend who volunteers at a nursing home. I have one clear plastic shoe box (second hand) for each supply. Ribbon, yarn, buttons, paper scraps, and jewelry making supplies are each in a module. My friend who quilts has filled two bedrooms and wants to put an addition on her home for her stash.
I’ve an Ankara peplum blazer that I wear anytime I’m doing formal debates (5-7 times a year) It’s not quite office appropriate but it’s still my favourite piece of clothing because it’s so brightly patterned.
That is a beautiful skirt. It suits you, too.
Minimalism does not have to be austerity. I helped my daughter get rid of two more bags of old clothes. Then I filled a box with mismatched china and glass ware. I still have some pictures on the walls. There are a few house plants and a cat living here. There are no piles of old towels, old newspapers, or clothing with the labels attached.
Who makes up these rules? I suspect there are a lot of “minimalists” who became so and chose a drab boring wardrobe because of indecisiveness and insecurity. Or some type of yearning to be monk-like. Yes, I have 15 pants/skirts. they take up exactly 10 x 10 x 10 inches folded in squares. in a huge empty walk in closet. TWO are magenta and Kelly green. I live in Florida – deal with it LOL. Also cracks me up these people with pristine jobs who can get away with wearing the same 5 pants to some prim and proper indoor AC office sitting at a desk or working from home. I’m a Dog WALKER. Involves lots of rain, mud, and bodily fluids. So NO, my work garments are not included in the 15 pants so add on another 5. Pretty sure my clients wouldn’t appreciate the excuse of “Oh but I’m a Minimalist” when dragging in a ton of mud into their homes from the previous job! Life is not that serious at all time to always look like you’re attending a funeral or “dressing a part”. People searching for identities have difficulties with logical choices and independent thinking.
I give away at least two big bags full of clothes, dishes, and/or art supplies each week.There is always more stuff. People give me plastic storage containers, yarn, buttons, jewelry, and wall paper samples. I keep only what I think I will use soon. I buy maybe one of two new pieces of clothing each year. The rest of my clothes are given to me or bought second hand.
I have gift cards for at least three stores. I am wearing clothes I was given. I just recycled a big bag of old papers my DH had hidden in a drawer. I have dumpster dived since 1972. I never take upholstered furniture. I wash things with bleach. I have gotten bookcases, plant stands, house plants, pictures, art supplies and clothes. I am teaching a class on making beautiful decorations using origami because there is so much paper around. I have pine cones I collected and baked in the oven to sanitize. I cut up old ripped clothes for ribbon. My biggest expense is travel. We have never been to Hawaii so that is our winter trip.My next project is felting old torn, stained sweaters and making flowers.
Your skirt is absolutely gorgeous! I am attempting to start a minimalist wardrobe as well. I tell my readers about your blog on my page! It’s a gem on the internet!
Oi. Parabéns Francine jay pelo seu trabalho incrível…Esta peça de roupa apenas confirma o ser humano humilde que você é…Que otimo que a familia esteja com você nessa jornada..Você me inspirou muito com seu livro Menos é Mais..Parabéns SÓ GRATIDÃO!!! …(BRASIL!)
I wear my zebra earrings, or my giraffe earrings, or my seahorses earrings. Some times, I wear a Star Wars shirt, or a Princess Bride shirt. Life is fun.
In my opinion minimalism is not a strict standard of living a life of austerity, just as you said! But to have the exact things I love to see and love to use. You can have only a few things, which are lavish and fancy, luxurious and enviable, home with a big space, wonderful clothes, and still be having a minimal amount of stuff.
In my perception, minimalism for me is to limit the amount of things to the minimum, not the quality :)
I love this! You are getting so much joy from that skirt (and your daughter too!). Thanks for sharing this inspiring story.