A minimal wardrobe doesn't necessarily mean downsizing your closet and getting rid of a huge number of clothes. Sure, essentially, part of it is just that. But, for me it's more about figuring out what fits with your personal style and strategically building on what you already have.
I've always factored in two things in my wardrobe -- comfort and wearability. Do I feel okay in what I wear and can this be worn for more than one occasion? Will the quality last? It's almost like I make sure that the clothes I choose to buy have a bit of the little black dress effect. They're interchangeable and can be dressed up and down.
Case in point, this is probably why I'm more drawn to simple styles that can be re-purposed. This is also probably why I absolutely love Seoul street fashion, the perfect mesh of trendsetting and simplicity.
Back to Basics
Do you ever look at an outfit made up of simple pieces and think, "Man, why didn't I think of that?" Well, if there's one thing you can learn from Seoul street fashion, it's that the people of Seoul have figured that less is more. It can be a huge mess trying to push through the endless trends, but the style mavens in Seoul know that nothing beats simplicity. Although you'll find some trendy bits here and there, they're worn effortlessly and pieced with classic trousers, plain white tees, or even modern twists of the LBD.
Men's Wear
I hate to make a generalization, but most guys I know have dressed particularly the same for all the years that I've known them.
Indeed, some guys may be more into fashion and their personal style than others. But, if you think about it, guys are pretty minimal in that they stick with what they know. (You can correct me if I'm wrong, because I probably am.) So, who better to look at for minimal inspiration than, well, dudes?!
Statement Pieces
Being minimal doesn't mean that you have to stick with the basics and stray away from all of the trends. You just need to be more selective about what trends to buy. For me, I like to stick with trends that reoccur every now and then. A good way to do this is to look to the past. Skim through old magazine images that you can find online. Or, what I like to do is look at old album covers of my favorite music artists. Eventually, you'll find statement pieces that can light up your entire wardrobe. These can be things like accessories, shoes, or even outerwear.
I'll definitely be taking cues from these styles. I think part of the idea of a minimal wardrobe, and lifestyle altogether, came from seeing my grandmother in the same timeless pieces while I was growing up. She had an aura about her and the way she carried herself in what she wore exuded class. When I'd see something in a store that gave me an impression, I would immediately think, "Oh, she'd wear this!" or "Oh no, she'd never like this!" Eventually, I would like to be able to think the same way about my own personal style and not just buy clothes because they're "what everyone needs to have in their closet."