Full Exposure: Lay Bare Your Wardrobe Without the Clutter
Make the most out of your wardrobe by keeping your fashion faves in full view throughout your space
There was a time when minimalism meant a pared-down aesthetic, as when the iconic modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe declared, “Less is more” with regards to architectural ornamentation. Today however, minimalism is fast becoming more of a lifestyle choice.
One of the most popular ideas of minimalism is paring down your wardrobe, either to a uniform (think Steve Jobs and his black turtleneck, or Mark Zuckerberg and his grey t-shirt and jeans) or to a capsule.
Once you’ve cut down your wardrobe, it’s easy – and logical – to hang the clothes out where you can see them. There are several principles behind this:
Once you’ve cut down your wardrobe, it’s easy – and logical – to hang the clothes out where you can see them. There are several principles behind this:
- Seeing all your clothes makes it easier to decide what to wear, and thus get ready in the morning.
- Seeing all your clothes reminds you of what you have and – hopefully – prevents you from shopping for more.
- Your clothes, especially your favourites – the one-time designer splurge, the dress that you got engaged in, the coat that you wore every winter when you were in university overseas – can become part of your decor. They’re mobile, changeable pieces that introduce colour, texture and character to your space.
Here are some styling items that will help you showcase your fashion faves or capsule wardrobe:
1. A good-looking rack
You’ll find Ikea’s Turbo clothes rack, $69, shown here, on many YouTube minimalist and capsule wardrobe videos. It’s clean-lined, stylish yet simple – exactly what minimalist capsule wardrobes aspire to.
1. A good-looking rack
You’ll find Ikea’s Turbo clothes rack, $69, shown here, on many YouTube minimalist and capsule wardrobe videos. It’s clean-lined, stylish yet simple – exactly what minimalist capsule wardrobes aspire to.
That single clothes rack can show off your industrial style preferences…
… or your rustic, romantic side.
2. Baskets or storage chests
Pack the seasonal stuff in a storage chest, and have at least two baskets on hand for sorting out clean clothes that don’t need to be hung on the rack.
Pack the seasonal stuff in a storage chest, and have at least two baskets on hand for sorting out clean clothes that don’t need to be hung on the rack.
3. A system of shelves, hanging rods, etc.
Knitwear shouldn’t be hung, so where do you store them? Skirts vary in length, and will need more space than shirts and blouses. If you have the space for it, organise yourself with:
Knitwear shouldn’t be hung, so where do you store them? Skirts vary in length, and will need more space than shirts and blouses. If you have the space for it, organise yourself with:
- 24-38 centimetre-deep shelves for knitwear and folded shirts
- At least 173 centimetre-high hanging space for coats and dresses
- 127 centimetre-high hanging space for pants and jeans
Just because you’re paring down your wardrobe to the essentials doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and creature comforts. Add a favourite fashion artwork on the wall, a bench to lay out your clothes on…
… and space for your favourite fashion consultant to hang out and critique your OOTD before you leave your room.
TELL US
Are you a closet minimalist or maximalist? Let us know what you think about the lifestyle trend of paring down to essentials.
MORE
Konmari, or Today’s Japanese Art of Decluttering
See wardrobe designs
Are you a closet minimalist or maximalist? Let us know what you think about the lifestyle trend of paring down to essentials.
MORE
Konmari, or Today’s Japanese Art of Decluttering
See wardrobe designs
See inside a Mies van der Rohe house