Minimalism in a woman's wardrobe - what does it mean? Interview with Dominika Karasińska | Ansin
Patrycja from ANSIN: Hi Dominika! First of all, we'd like to thank you for accepting our interview invitation. You're an expert on minimalism in wardrobes, so my first question is: does minimalism ever get boring?
Dominika: Hi! Thank you for inviting me to this interview. I'm incredibly pleased. Oh no, no... I'm no expert, and my journey with minimalism is a constant process and learning. Does minimalism ever get boring? In the context of wardrobe minimalism and aesthetic minimalism, I can honestly say, absolutely not! I think there are plenty of people who, like me, simply feel best in simple things and neutral colors. An interesting cut or style can often add a touch of character. Simple, neutral-colored items pair more easily with each other , creating a "new" outfit every day. Life isn't about constantly surprising, but about feeling good in your own skin and dressing appropriately for the occasion. For me, minimalism in a wardrobe is about fewer things, but quantity is definitely compensated by quality. For busy people, moms, and anyone who wants to take the worry of "what should I wear" off their minds, minimalism is a great solution. It's definitely easier to choose an outfit from the closet in the morning, go out and be sure that the clothes will give us confidence and won't distract from what we want to tell the world.
PzA: How do you create a well-composed wardrobe? Do you have any tried-and-true tips for our followers?
D: Honestly, I could talk for hours about wardrobes, their contents, and building a functional wardrobe. There are also many guides, e-books, workshops, and courses available these days. However, I would boil this topic down to a few, in my opinion, most important points:
Let's be honest with ourselves! This is where we really need to start before we start buying any clothes. Let's describe what our day looks like: do we take the kids to preschool, use public transportation, walk long distances, work in an office, or perhaps travel by car more often, etc. For the first few days, let's also see what we reach for most often. The things we reach for and that work for us are the ones that define our style. They don't necessarily have to be the things we love and long for. But the brutal truth is, these are the things we rely on. It's fatal to create a wardrobe for our dream life. Of course, a heel will look better than a pair of sneakers, but if we wear flats seven days a week, even buying those classic black stilettos will end up sitting in the closet and causing guilt. In such a situation, it's better to buy a decent, modern version of sneakers or leather loafers. Similarly, once we see what we reach for most often, let's try to buy and update versions of those items. If our job requires elegant attire, let's invest in a wool jacket and silk blouse. We'll be able to pair them with anything, and the luxurious materials will make us feel amazing! And the point is to feel great in the things we reach for and wear every day. It's as simple and as difficult as that.
• My advice, when you go shopping because you know what you want, would be to create a few outfits in your head with a given item . Ultimately, if you don't have that kind of imagination, you can put on the item you bought at home and choose the rest. If you can easily create at least three outfits, your purchase will last for years. If it's difficult, it's better to return the item and find something that works better. I strongly encourage this exercise, because sometimes the cut of a seemingly simple item can be off, and it's better to look for something with a looser waist or a different neckline, for example. The devil is in the details.
• Stick to neutral colors. They're definitely easier to combine, and you'll always look professional! If you're a fan of color, consider it an accent to a neutral base. Wear it on your lips or as a belt. Besides, no one will notice that you're wearing the same things over and over again in neutral colors than in a bold color or bold print.
I guess that's it, although I still feel like I forgot something important.
Minimalism in fashion - what is it?
PzA: Is there something you absolutely can't live without in your wardrobe and that's a lifesaver for every occasion? Share your timeless style with us.
D: My lifeline is definitely black wool trousers. I've had them for over eight years now, and I can't count how many times they've saved me. They look great with white sneakers and a shirt or T-shirt. They're invaluable at work. They were reliable for traveling during the winter when I had to teach workshops. With heels and a delicate top, they're perfect for an evening out, with leather and Converse, they're perfect for a concert, and with a bare-chested jacket and stilettos, they're even suitable for the red carpet (I think I got carried away...). You see, I could go on and on.
PzA: When it comes to your wardrobe, you place a lot of importance on the quality of materials. Do you have any favorites that work particularly well in your wardrobe?
D: Yes, yes, and yes again! These include merino wool, cashmere, cotton, Tencel, silk, and linen. This process of replacing clothes with better fabrics has been going on for some time. Unfortunately, natural materials aren't the cheapest, but once you experience the quality, you'll absolutely never want to go back to polyester or acrylic. I also encourage you to shop secondhand when it comes to woolen items. Nothing brings more joy than finding a cashmere sweater for just a few zlotys.
PzA: You had the opportunity to test our MISS INVISIBLE in NUDE (available HERE ). Did you immediately have an idea for a style with it? Share your tips for wearing it.
D: I had it and I'm delighted with it. Besides its purpose of providing warmth and concealing our sometimes visible underwear, I naturally came up with combinations that could easily be worn at work. The beige and black combination was my first thought, so I paired it with black trousers (I told you!), a black blazer, and black flip-flops. In my opinion, the perfect transitional look. Then, for contrast, I paired it with light colors: a white pencil skirt, a beige blazer, and nude sandals. The third idea was to swap the bottoms for a slightly more autumnal look: navy blue suit trousers and nude ballet flats. The other two versions are more casual. With a satin black skirt and a leather biker jacket for a meeting with friends, and with white jeans and a parka for a family outing.
Miss Invisible by ANSIN:
PzA: Do you ever allow yourself a dose of madness and follow trends or opt for a bold color or print in a new purchase?
D: Sure! I love fashion, and I'm more likely to follow trends in terms of style or cut than color or print. I recently bought black pants (yes, I know 😉), but they're slightly flared at the hem. It's a bit of a throwback to my high school days, but we all know that fashion comes full circle. This way, I know I'll still wear them. After all, they're black pants, but I'll feel "fresh," current, and let's be honest—trendy.
PzA: Your biggest fashion inspiration is…
D: My inspiration comes from everyone who, like me, appreciates simplicity and neutral colors. I also look for ways to combine things in other ways. Of course, if we're thinking about big names, it's definitely Elin Kling or Instagram profiles like Anoukyve and Trinig.
PzA: Do you have a shopping list ready for fall? Do you plan your purchases in advance? Tell us what will be a hit for you this coming season.
D: I always have a list in my head. Of course, I plan ahead and make a rule of hunting for good deals on winter items during the summer season and vice versa. I'm currently looking for that perfect cream turtleneck, something like Celine. The pants I mentioned above will be a hit for me.
PzA: These are definitely choices worth remembering and incorporating into your fall preparations. Thank you again for the interview! We hope this series of conversations on our blog is just the beginning. Be sure to let us know how you liked this first post of its kind, and be sure to visit Dominika's Instagram profile ( HERE ). You'll find plenty of inspiration there, plus... a special surprise from ANSIN.
unique, solid and substantive fashion knowledge
have access to pre-sales, drops and promotions
receive a 5% code for your first purchase at ANSIN
Patricia from ANSIN
