Creating a minimalist closet is a great way to simplify, not only your wardrobe, but your life. The minimalist closet is a collection of essential clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The goal is to have a wardrobe that is functional, stylish, and easy to maintain. The added challenge we gave ourselves is to create a transeasonal and minimalistic wardrobe with only 25 pieces for a full year.

Before you start throwing out all your clothes or, quite the opposite, start crying at the sheer thought of having to part with some of your favorite items, please consider whether this is really something for you. In an earlier article we listed 5 excellent reasons why a capsule wardrobe is a good idea, if you are not convinced yet read it here.

A minimal closet does not mean you are sacrificing your personality or style, if anything it will help you identify your personal style and create a wardrobe that truly reflects who you are. Two important tips to make this process go a little easier.

1. Identify your personal style and color palette, this will help you choose items that you (will) love and wear frequently.
2. Invest in good quality, you will be wearing these items on a regular bases and that will require frequent washing and or dry cleaning.
3. All items listed are quite general, by choosing the right cut, color, lenght or print you ensure your wardrobe will be as unique as you are.

THE BASICS are the foundation of any minimal closet. These items are timeless and can be worn year-round. Here are the five basics you should have in your capsule wardrobe:

1. White T- shirt:
   A white t-shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. It can be worn with jeans, skirts, or shorts.
2. Black Pants:
   Black pants are a classic piece that can be worn to the office or dressed down for a casual look.
3. Denim Jacket:
   A denim jacket is a staple in any wardrobe. It can be worn over dresses or with jeans for a casual look.
4. (Black) Blazer:

   A black blazer is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. It can be worn to the office or with jeans for a casual look.

5. Little (black) dress or tailored (black) suit:
   

   A timeless piece that can be dressed up or down. It can be worn to weddings, parties, or dressed down for a casual look.

Layering pieces are essential for a trans-seasonal capsule wardrobe. These items can be added or removed depending on the weather. Here are the five layering pieces you should have in your capsule wardrobe:

1. Sweater:
   A sweater is a must-have for the colder months. Choose a neutral color that can be worn with different outfits.
2. Cardigan:
   A cardigan is a versatile piece that can be worn over a t-shirt or blouse. It can be dressed up or down.
3. Scarf:
   A scarf is a great accessory that can add a pop of color to any outfit. It can also be used as a layering piece on colder days.
4. Trench Coat:
   A trench coat is a classic piece that can be worn over a dress or with jeans. It is perfect for those rainy days.
5. Leather Jacket:
   A leather jacket is a timeless piece that can be worn year-round. It can be dressed up or down and adds a touch of edge to any outfit.

Bottoms are essential for creating different outfit combinations. Here are the three types of bottoms you should have in your capsule wardrobe:

1. Jeans: Jeans are a must have basic that can be dressed up or down. Choose a style that fits well and flatters your body type.
2. Skirt or Culotte: A skirt or culotte is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. Choose a neutral color that can be worn with different tops.
3. Shorts: Shorts are perfect for the warmer months. We would recommend to choose a classic style that can be worn with different tops.

Tops like the other layering pieces metioned earlier will allow your personal style to shine

1. Blouse or Shirt: A blouse or shirt is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.
2. T-Shirt (colored/printed):
   A T-shirt is a comfortable piece that can be combined in countless ways.
3. Turtle neck:
   A (black) turtleneck is a stylish and versatile piece that can be worn on its own or layered under a blazer or jacket. It's a great option for cooler weather or more formal occasions

If you have done the math you will realize that we have now come to 16 items leaving us with 9 blank spots we naturally have a recommendation on how to fill up those blanks...

1. White sneakers:
   The perfect companion for many of the outfits you will be able to create with your new minimalist closet.
2. Chelsea boots:
   Versatility is key and chelsea boots give us options for days.
3. Loafers:
   Suitable all year round and available in a mutitude of styles
4. Chukka's:
   Perfect for casual to dress occaisions
5. Sandals or Slip on:
   For those wonderfull moments when the sun wins from the clouds.

The final spots we saved for accessories, an important style factor which is highly personal and let's your personality shine though like no other. But of course we can give you some pointer on how to fill up those spots

1. Daybag:
   A bag that will fullfill the daily needs of going to work, shopping and carrying the neccesities of life, could be a backpack, a tote, a shopper, a laptopbag?
2. City bag:
   For occaission when just the bare neccesities are needed, think of a crossbody, evening bag, bumbag.
3. Belt:
   Fit in anywhere from keeping your pants up, to a stylish addition to your outfit of choice.
4. Sunglasses:
   For those rough mornings after a night of fun and to stylishly protect your eyes from the sun.
   

We excluded some lifestyle choices from this list, for instance active wear or any items related to hobbies and activities that require special clothing, we see that as a seperate thing and should not take away any spots on the minimal closet list. Also not included for reasons we hope are obvious, underwear and socks. Other accessories like jewelry we also left up to your own discretion.

There you have it a trans seasonal minimal closet consisting of only 25 items. We have done our best to create a minimalist wardrobe that will create space in your life and mind, and is meant as helpfull guidance to simplify what can easily become a source of frustration. With the above 50 to 60 different outfits can be created and lets be honest with ourselves if you are not a fashion influencer do you really need more?