wear – Mind Beauty Simplicity

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I’ve condensed my wardrobe quite a bit these last few months. As someone who tries to live a more simple & clutter free life, I felt like a closet declutter was well overdue. Check out my 30 Items You Don’t Need in Your Wardrobe to get some decluttering inspiration. If you are familiar with Courtney Carver’s book & minimalist challenge, Project 333 – she talks about having less clothing to choose from will allow you to let go of decision fatigue & realize you don’t need tons of items to feel like you have plenty to wear. Today, I wanted to inspire you & share with you my own capsule wardrobe & the spring clothing essentials I recommend. Over the years, I’ve learned it’s important to have a strong collection of basics as they are the bones to your outfits. From there, you can add a few unique pieces to express your own style / personality. Without further ado, here is my spring capsule wardrobe for 2022…

You Might Also Like: I Tried Project 333 In a Pandemic & This Is How It Went

A Crisp White T-shirt

In the spring, I always like to make sure I have one new white t-shirt. Most of the time, I get either one or two seasons out of a white t-shirt, & need to replace it after that. Currently, I have two styles of white t-shirts- one basic crew neck ribbed t-shirt from the A New Day brand at Target & a longer white t-shirt from The Loft that has shorter sleeves that are in between a t-shirt & tank. It’s important to pick styles that work for your body type.

Other Neutral T-shirts to add variety…

I’m a huge fan of neutrals. Along with a crisp white t-shirt, I also have a black version of the A New Day brand, a grey t-shirt from J crew & a navy blue t-shirt from the Universal thread brand at Target. Most colored items are in a more muted / neutral color palette. Some other great options include – blush pink, olive green, beige, camel, or brown.

Variety of Styles & Textures

Within those tops, make sure you have a variety of styles & textures. As much as I love a basic t-shirt -I’ve learned having a few silk blouses, bodysuits & even light nits expand the verticality of an outfit. In the spring especially – the weather can be all of the place. So, some days, I’m still wearing sweaters or cardigans to keep warm. For example, in my specific capsule wardrobe, I have this mid length grey cardigan from The Loft that is light weight but can keep my shoulders & arms warm on those brisk days. I also LOVE having a white, black & grey bodysuit in my wardrobe because of the countless ways you can style these items. You can dress them up for a night out on the weekends & also pair it with a blazer for workdays. When I was decluttering my wardrobe, I noticed I want to add a few more button downs & flannels [ as I have none at the moment].

Pops of Florals

I recently added a floral long sleeve top from Loft to add a bit of spring vibes to my wardrobe. Although for the most part, I stick with neutrals & basics – I like having a few unique pieces here and there.

A Good Fitting Pair of Jeans

My favorite brand of jeans are the Topshop Jamie jeans. I have them in dark wash, light wash & black. I personally have gotten away from white jeans [ but if you enjoy that look – it’s also a great shade for the spring time].

Faux Leather

To add a bit of spice to your wardrobe, I recommend a pair of black faux leather pants or leggings. In my capsule wardrobe, I have a pair of black faux leather leggings from Abercrombie. They really turn a basic look more sexy & unique. I’ve worn them with heels & a silk blouse for date night & also with ankle boots & a sweater for a family dinner.

Mules, Sandals & Sneakers

I’ve been wanting to build my shoe collection this year. I think there are a few spring staples that would create a multitude of outfits. My Sam Edelman white sneakers have been my favorite for every season.

In the spring, they pair nicely with long maxi dresses, jeans & shorts. Some other great essentials are neutral mules & sandals. I have two pairs of Sam Edelman sandals in brown & black that I wear constantly in the spring time.

Maxi or Midi Dresses

I typically save shorter sundresses for the summer but in the spring, I love wearing maxi dresses or mid length dresses – especially if they are floral in pattern. I’ve considered trying the trend of wearing nits on top of my dresses. In my capsule wardrobe, I have a few maxi dresses – one white with blue flowers [ very Santorini esque style ] & this lavender one with yellow flowers I want to wear on Easter. As a minimalist, I still love experimenting with colors & patterns. And the longer length of these dresses still keep me warm during those more chilly days.

Bright Long Sleeves

Since spring can be a rather transitioning season with the weather. I love still wearing longer sleeved tops & knits in the spring. But to brighten up my look after a cold, long winter – I have added a pink sweater t-shirt from Zara & a coral sweater from the brand A New Day at Target. I also still love wearing my beige long sleeves that I wear in the fall in winter in the warmer months too.

Cardigans

These are essential during the spring because they are great layer pieces on top of t-shirts & tanks – especially in the evenings as it get’s colder. You can dress them up or even wear them around the house along with lounge / athleisure wear.

What are some trends you are excited to wear this spring season? And what are some essentials you have or want in your wardrobe?

Follow me on Twitter to keep up with my posts & intentional living tips.

-B

I try to declutter my closet & dresser on a seasonal basis & sometimes monthly if I’m feeling extra spicy. Even though I have a relatively small collection to begin with, I believe a routine refresh is always in order. As I change & grow as an individual, so does my style. A few months ago, I posted about how I downsized my wardrobe in half & donated around five large trash bags full of clothing pieces, shoes & accessories. To read about that decluttering session, click here. Of course, the cycle of getting new items in & letting old ones out never truly stops, so I’m back with another decluttering post. I was actually requested on Twitter to talk about the things you truly don’t need in your closet to begin with & how I’ve managed to cull a capsule wardrobe in the first place. So, let’s get into the tips. Here Are Things You Don’t Need In Your Wardrobe:

Items That Are Worn Out, Damaged or Stained

I’m guilty of holding onto items for far too long. As I’m writing this, I’m thinking about this worn out white t-shirt with a hole in the armpit that I wore (just around the house) the other day. I get it. Sometimes you need a few frumpy items. But you really deserve better than this. Even I know I should probably recycle that armpit holed t-shirt before I wear it out in public. Any clothing pieces that are extremely worn out (like from being over washed), stretched out or damaged in some way or another need to leave the collection. Find crisp & clean replacements so you can feel the most put together. When you look good, you feel good.

2. Those Free Event T-shirts You Were So Excited To Get

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to an event or concert (especially in college) where I would come home with a free advertisement t-shirt & feel like I won the jackpot. Do you really need that bright red t-shirt with the AT&T logo on the back? Probably not. But again, I’ve been guilty of holding onto these types of items so I would have a proper cleaning day or painting shirt. If it’s truly necessary, leave it to only one & get rid of the rest.

3. Dresses You Wore Once & Won’t Wear Again

I try to purchase event attire that is timeless & can be worn multiple times. But there are still moments where there’s a dress or even a top that was made to be seen once & only once. Those types of items can be donated or even given to a friend. And if you are looking for other alternatives for large events, you can always rent dresses & suits online.

4. Uncomfortable Shoes & Clothing

Whether it’s an itchy sweater, ill fitting shoes or a bra that won’t stay up; there is no reason to have these pieces take up real-estate. I know these types of things would just sit in my drawers or remain hung up never been worn anyway. Get them out of here.

5. Clothing That Doesn’t Fit Your Body Type

Quit having the mindset of “oh I will fit into this one day” or “I’ll keep these just incase if I gain a bit back later.” Always just keep the pieces that work for you body type right now. Focus on the present moment instead of always worrying about the past or even the future. Why would you give space to items you won’t even wear? Keep the pieces that make you feel the most confident & get rid of the rest.

6. Colors That Don’t Suit Your Skin Undertone

For reference, I have red undertones in my skin. I look like I’m sunburnt or embarrassed even when I am not when I go makeup- less. I tend to stick with neutral shades such as white, grey & black & when I do venture to colors, I stick to Earth tones. The muted down shades compliment my skin tone & makes me feel more confident. There is no sense in owning the entire rainbow when not all the shades compliment you.

7. You Can Like It From A Far & Still Have It Not Work For You

I tend to like certain patterns or styles on other people, but when I try & mimic it on myself, I rarely like it in the same way. I’ve learned to enjoy the art of window shopping & liking things from afar but not needing it for myself. I’ve learned to be more practical with my spending choices.

8. Graphic or Juvenile T-shirts

I finally let go of my old Jurassic Park t-shirt along with a few others because I tend to get tired of logo shirts after a while. Not to say I’m too mature for them, but I did feel like I should focus on plain, solid color basics from now on. I get more use out of basics & no one has to refer me as the girl with the Kale sweatshirt as much.

9. Clothing Other People Gave You

Sometimes gifts are hits & other times they are complete misses. Don’t feel the guilt of needing to hold onto anything just because someone gave it to you. If you won’t wear it, it’s better off at a home with someone who will get use out if it then collecting dust on your hanger. Sometimes I’ll wear it once & test the waters before I completely give it away.

10. Items You Said You’d Get Altered But Never Did

And you probably never will. Most of the time, if I end up with a jacket without a zipper or a button missing, I just quickly donate it. Half the time I never remember to bring it to the cleaners. I either try to fix it myself right away or let it be someone else’s problem.

-B

Tag: wear

Spring Clothing Essentials: My Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2022