Minimalist Styling With “Uniforms”

One way to build and style a minimalist wardrobe fashionably is by sticking to a few “uniforms” that truly flatter you.  When I say “uniforms” I mean stylish basics that you can always go to instead of looking at a bunch of disjointed clothing items when you open your closet door.  This makes getting dressed so much easier and will save you time as well.

I talk about the importance of designing a color palette in Chic Minimalism For Your Wardrobe to weed out clothing that never matches, and to guarantee workable clothing separates that seamlessly pair together well.  Taking this concept of styling to the next level begins with establishing a few uniforms for different occasions that may also be somewhat seasonal by changing shoes, adding tights, or even a sweater or coat.

Using these 12 different clothing items, here are five examples of uniforms that I love.

Tunic

Leggings/Cigarette Pants

T-Shirt

Lightweight Sweater

Jeans

Dress

Blouse

Wide Leg Pants

Pencil Skirt

Jacket

Boots

Flats

Outfit #1–Tunic, Leggings/Cigarette Pants, Boots, Jacket

Loose fitting tunics with slim pants or leggings can be truly casual and comfy, yet with a great boot, jacket and accessory or two, you looked thoughtfully pulled together.

(image by altamiraNYC)

Outfit #2–T-Shirt, Jeans, Flats

The traditional t-shirt and jeans don’t have to be boring.  The organic line Edun brings simplicity and art together in the most beautiful way.  Looser fitting tees with slim line jeans tend to look chic and effortless.

(image by edun.com)

Outfit #3–Dress, Boots

Gaia Conceptions has been a favorite organic clothing line of mine for quite sometime.  I love the look of the perfect dress with boots.  Add tights and a sweater to this look for the fall.

(image by gaiaconceptions.etsy.com)

Outfit #4–Lightweight Sweater, Wide Leg Pants, Flats

Here is a chic and simple silhouette this time with a slim fitting top with wide leg pants.  This uniform is truly timeless and elegant.

(image by victoriassecret.com)

Outfit #5–Blouse, Pencil Skirt, Boots

Boots make this look fun!  I’ve always favored how they instantly change the feel of any outfit.  This same blouse and skirt would look very classic in heels or flats.

(image by jcrew.com)

The idea of the uniform is for easy mindless dressing.  Actually it isn’t completely mindless since you have to do the work in the beginning.  Although it is a way to really figure out what combination of separates makes you feel glamorous.  Then you’ll never have to say “I have nothing to wear” again.

(top image by D Sharon Pruitt)