Life Lessons from My Mom on Building a Timeless Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
Growing up, my mom unknowingly taught me the power of a minimalist capsule wardrobe long before it became a trend. Every season, she would take us shopping, and while I wanted a closet full of clothes, she always stuck to a simple formula—just five blouses, five skirts, a new pair of shoes, and a coat for the cold. She’d often encourage me to pick out a few more pieces, but that was all she truly needed. To me, this seemed a bit too minimal, but now, years later, I understand why she embraced such simplicity in her wardrobe.
For my mom, having a minimalist wardrobe isn’t about following trends. It’s something she’s always preferred, and she’s never been interested in the latest fashion craze. She’s not the type to wear flashy designer brands, nor does she spend time flipping through fashion magazines. Yet, despite this, she always looks timeless, elegant, and effortlessly put together.
Through her example, I learned many valuable style lessons that have shaped my approach to fashion and influenced the creation of my own wardrobe. With Mother’s Day in mind, I want to share these lessons and celebrate the minimalist style my mom mastered.
The Importance of Getting Dressed Every Day
My mom’s approach to style was simple but impactful. No matter how busy or tired she was, she never left the house without being dressed, hair done, and makeup applied. She didn’t own “lounge clothes” or spend her days lounging in pajamas—unless, of course, she was too sick to get out of bed. As a mother of six, she still managed to take a few moments each morning to look her best. She always took pride in how she looked, and her minimalist wardrobe made getting dressed each day a breeze.
I’ve followed her example throughout my life, even after I had my own children, including infant triplets. Despite the chaos, I still took time to put myself together each day. Whether it’s spending just 20 minutes getting dressed or adding a little makeup, I’ve found that starting the day looking put together helps me feel better and more confident.
Knowing What Suits You
My mom’s style is built around understanding her body, colors, and silhouettes. She learned her best colors from the Color Me Beautiful system in the 80s, and she still sticks to those shades. Over time, she’s also learned which brands fit her well and which styles flatter her body type. This has made her wardrobe cohesive and easy to maintain.
Growing up, my mom also taught me to recognize my own colors and silhouettes. Once I understood what worked for me, shopping became a lot easier. Sticking to classic pieces that suit my body type and style has allowed me to curate a wardrobe that’s both stylish and easy to mix and match.
Buy What Works, Then Buy It Again
One of my mom’s favorite shopping strategies is to buy the perfect item in multiple colors. Whether it’s a great pair of slacks, a blouse that fits just right, or a pair of shoes that feel comfortable and stylish, she believes in buying it in every color that works. This philosophy has saved her countless hours of shopping, as she doesn’t need to go hunting for new items when she already has what she needs in multiple versions.
I’ve adopted this same mindset. When I find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly and suit my body, I don’t hesitate to buy them in every color. It’s the same with other wardrobe staples like button-down shirts and basic tees. When you find something that fits and feels great, why not stock up?
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
My mom is a classic dresser—she invests in timeless pieces that last for years. She doesn’t buy items simply because they’re on sale or to fill up her closet. She buys only what she loves and what fits her lifestyle. Because she avoids impulsive buys, she can wear her clothes year after year without worrying about them falling apart.
In contrast, I used to fall for the excitement of a good sale and ended up with a closet full of poorly made clothes that I didn’t truly love. These items often didn’t suit my body or style, and I’d have to replace them after just one season. But once I figured out my personal style and started investing in quality, I found that my wardrobe became more streamlined, and I was much happier with what I owned.
Too Much Is Never Good
As an adult, my mom’s wardrobe has remained tight and well-organized. Even when I was younger, her capsule wardrobe consisted of a few versatile pieces that were easy to mix and match. She taught me that a packed closet doesn’t lead to happiness—it just creates more clutter. While I might have more than five skirts and blouses, I’ve since learned the value of reducing my wardrobe to only what I truly wear and love. Every season, I reevaluate my clothing and get rid of anything that no longer serves me.
Basics Are Key
Much of my mom’s wardrobe is made up of simple, neutral basics. She adds a little color and variety in small doses, but the foundation of her style is rooted in timeless pieces. This minimal approach works well for her, and I’ve found that I feel best when I follow a similar strategy. Most of my own wardrobe consists of classic colors like black, white, and blue, with a few fun accessories to add interest. Minimalism doesn’t have to be boring; it can be sleek and elegant.
Don’t Be Afraid of Fun Shoes
My mom’s love for fashion includes a playful side, especially when it comes to shoes. She has an eye for finding “too cute shoes”—those that add a bit of sparkle or shine without feeling over the top. These shoes let her express her fun side without sacrificing elegance. It’s a reminder that even in a minimalist wardrobe, it’s okay to have a little fun with certain items that make you feel special.
I’ve taken this to heart by incorporating edgier pieces into my wardrobe. Whether it’s a statement jacket or a pair of bold shoes, I’ve learned to embrace those items that help me express my personality through fashion.
Embrace Your Uniform
My mom has a personal uniform she sticks to—a combination of straight skirts, slacks, button-up shirts, and flats. Her wardrobe is cohesive in style and color, which makes it easy for her to get dressed each day. She knows what works for her, and that’s what makes her wardrobe effortless. I’ve learned that having a “uniform” can simplify dressing and help you avoid the frustration of choosing an outfit every morning.
For me, my uniform consists of jeans, tees, and sweaters paired with flats or boots. When the weather cools down, I love adding jackets to my outfits. By sticking to what I know works, I’ve eliminated the stress of decision fatigue and built a wardrobe that feels both comfortable and stylish.
Splurge on the Right Pieces
Finally, my mom taught me that it’s okay to splurge on a few key items. Whether it’s a high-quality handbag or a beautifully crafted piece of outerwear, there are times when it’s worth investing in something special. The key is not to overdo it—don’t splurge on everything, but recognize when a piece is truly worth the price.
My mom’s black velvet blazer is a perfect example. She invested in it years ago, and it still remains a staple in her wardrobe. By buying fewer, high-quality items, she ensures that each piece stands the test of time.
Conclusion
While my wardrobe may have more than five blouses and skirts, I continually strive to follow the minimalist principles my mom has instilled in me. With a focus on quality, timeless pieces, and the occasional splurge, I’ve found that a well-curated wardrobe not only simplifies my life but also helps me feel more confident and put together every day. Thanks to my mom, I’ve learned that less truly is more when it comes to building a wardrobe that works for you.