Minimalism in a women's wardrobe - what does it mean? An interview with Dominika Karasińska | Ansin
Patrycja from ANSIN: Hi Dominika! To start, we would like to thank you very much for accepting our invitation to this interview. You are an expert in the field of wardrobe minimalism, so the first question: does minimalism ever get boring?
Dominika: Hi! Thank you for the invitation to this interview as well. I am extremely pleased about it. Oh no, no... I am not an expert, and my adventure with minimalism is a continuous process and learning experience. Does minimalism ever get boring? In the context of wardrobe minimalism and aesthetic minimalism, I will say honestly: absolutely not! I think there are plenty of people who, just like me, simply feel best in simple things and neutral colors. Often, a subtle detail that can add character can be an interesting cut or style. Simple and neutrally colored items are easier to combine with each other, resulting in a "new" outfit every day. Life is not about constantly surprising others, but about feeling good in your own skin and being dressed appropriately for the situation. For me, wardrobe minimalism does mean fewer things, but quantity is definitely compensated for by quality. For busy people, for moms, and anyone who wants to take the "what should I wear?" problem off their mind, minimalism is a great solution. It is definitely easier to pick an outfit from the closet in the morning, head out, and be sure that the clothing will give us confidence and not distract from what we want to convey to the world.
PzA: How do you create a well-composed wardrobe? Do you have any proven tips for our followers?
D: Actually, I could talk for hours about a wardrobe, its contents, and building a functional closet. There are also many guides, e-books, workshops, and courses available today. However, I would narrow this topic down to a few points that I consider most important:
• Let's be honest with ourselves! This is really where we need to start before we begin buying any clothes. Let's describe what our day looks like: do we take children to kindergarten, do we use public transport, do we walk long distances, do we work in an office, or perhaps travel more often by car, 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 what define our style. These don't necessarily have to be the things we love and sigh over. But the truth is brutal: these are the things we rely on. It is disastrous to create a wardrobe for our dream life. Of course, a foot will look more flattering in a heel than in a sneaker, but if we wear flat shoes 7 days a week, even buying those classic black pumps will end with them sitting in the closet and causing feelings of guilt. In such a situation, it is better to buy a decent, current version of sneakers or leather loafers. Analogously, if we can already see what we reach for most often, let's try to buy and refresh versions of those exact things. If our work requires an elegant outfit, let's invest in a wool blazer and a silk blouse. We will be able to combine them with everything, and the luxurious materials will make us feel fantastic! And the whole point is to feel great in the things we reach for and wear every day. It is as simple and as difficult as that.
• My advice, once we go shopping because we know what we want, would also be to create a few outfits in your head with a given item. Ultimately, if we don't have that kind of imagination, we put the purchased item on at home and pick out the rest. If we can easily create at least three outfits, the purchase will serve us for years. If it comes with difficulty, it is better to return the item and look for one that will work better. I strongly encourage this exercise because sometimes the cut of a seemingly simple item may not "work" for us, and it is better to look for something, for example, less tailored or with a different neckline. The devil is in the details.
• Let's stick to neutral colors. It is definitely easier to combine them with each other, and we will always, always look professional! If someone really likes colors, let them treat color as an accent to a neutral base. Let the color be on the lips or in an accessory like a belt. Besides, no one will notice that we are repeating and wearing the same things more often if they are in neutral colors rather than a bold color or a distinctive print.
That's probably all, although I still feel like I've forgotten something important.
Minimalist fashion - what is it about?
PzA: Is there something you absolutely cannot do without in your wardrobe that serves as a lifesaver for every occasion? Share your timeless pick with us.
D: My lifesaver is definitely black wool trousers. I've had them for over 8 years, and I can't count how many situations they've saved me in. They look great with white sneakers and a shirt or a t-shirt. They are invaluable at work. Throughout the winter, when I had to lead workshops, they were reliable while traveling; with heels and a delicate top, they are suitable for the evening; with leather and Converse, for a concert; with a blazer worn against the skin and heels, they would even work for a red carpet (I think I got carried away...). You see for yourselves - and I could go on forever.
PzA: In your approach to completing a wardrobe, you place great importance on the quality of materials. Do you have your favorites that work exceptionally well in your closet?
D: Yes, yes, and yes again! They are merino wool, cashmere, cotton, Tencel, silk, and linen. This process of replacing clothes with better compositions has been going on for some time. Unfortunately, natural materials are not the cheapest, but once we feel that quality on ourselves, we will absolutely never want to return to polyester or acrylic. I also encourage second-hand shopping when it comes to wool items. Nothing feels better than a cashmere sweater hunted down for a few pennies.
PzA: You had the opportunity to test our MISS INVISIBLE in NUDE color (available HERE). Did you immediately have an idea for outfits with it? Share your tips on how it can be worn.
D: I did, and I am thrilled with it. Beyond its purpose of providing warmth and hiding our sometimes visible underwear, combinations naturally came to my mind that can be boldly used at work. The combination of beige with black was the first thought, so I paired it with black trousers (I told you!) and a black blazer, along with black slides. In my opinion, the perfect transitional look. Then, based on contrast, I paired it with light colors: a white pencil skirt, a beige blazer, and nude sandals. A third idea is to swap the bottom for something a bit more autumnal, i.e., navy blue tailored trousers and nude ballerinas. The other two versions are more casual suggestions. With a satin black skirt and a leather moto jacket for a meeting with friends, and with white jeans and a parka for a family walk.
Miss Invisible from ANSIN:
PzA: Do you ever allow yourself a dose of madness and give in to trends or decide on a bold color or print in a new purchase?
D: Sure! I love fashion, and I am more likely to give in to trends regarding style or cut than color or print. I recently bought black trousers (yes, I know 😉), but slightly flared at the bottom. It's a bit of a return to my high school days, but we know perfectly well that fashion comes full circle. This way, I still know I will wear them; ultimately, they are black trousers, but I will have a sense of "freshness," of being current—let's put it bluntly—fashionable.
PzA: Your biggest fashion inspiration is…
D: My inspiration comes from all the people who, like me, value simplicity and neutral colors. I watch to see how something can be put together in yet another way. Of course, if we are thinking about big names, it is definitely Elin Kling or Instagram profiles like Anoukyve or Trinig.
PzA: Do you already have a ready shopping list for autumn? Do you plan your purchases in advance? Share what will be a hit for you this coming season.
D: A list in my head is always there. Naturally, I plan in advance, and I follow the principle of hunting for good deals on winter items during the summer season and vice versa. Currently, I am looking for that ideal cream turtleneck, something in the style of Celine. For me, the hit will be the trousers I already mentioned.
PzA: These are definitely choices worth remembering and using yourself in preparations for autumn. Thank you once again for the interview! We hope that this series of conversations on our blog is just the beginning. Be sure to let us know how you liked the first entry of this type, and also be sure to visit Dominika's Instagram profile (HERE). There is a lot of inspiration waiting for you there, as well as... a special surprise from ANSIN.
unique, solid, and substantive fashion knowledge
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receive a 5% discount code for your first purchase at ANSIN
Patrycja from ANSIN
