The 3-Color Closet System: Elegant Simplicity in Action
Welcome To The Chic Minimalist - Where Style Meets Simplicity
Last week, as I was enjoying my morning ritual (delicious coffee, crossword, and my current fave playlist), I reflected on how the smallest, most intentional practices add richness to our lives. These quiet moments of elegance aren't about impressing others—they're about honoring ourselves. That's exactly why I've created this space: to explore how we can infuse more style, simplicity, and self-care into our everyday lives.
The End Of Decision Fatigue
Many years ago, I made a radical change to my closet that transformed not only my wardrobe, but my mornings, my shopping habits, and surprisingly, my peace of mind. (Sadly my Ferrero Rocher addiction remained unaffected.)
I reduced my clothing collection to primarily three colors.
My chosen palette: black, navy, and white. Simple, classic, effortlessly chic. With occasional accent pieces in colors I love, like magenta or blush pink.
The results were immediate and profound:
Decision fatigue vanished. Every morning, I could assemble an outfit in minutes because everything coordinated. The psychological relief was worth more than any trendy item I'd given up. Plus - no tragic trail of rejected clothes!
Shopping became intentional. With clear parameters, I stopped impulse-buying items that looked good on the rack but never integrated into my existing wardrobe.
I began wearing my best pieces regularly. I stopped saving them for royalty who never visited (rude) and exclusive premieres I had no desire to attend (and was not invited to).
My space felt more beautiful. A closet of coordinated colors, with room to breathe between items, became a daily visual pleasure rather than a source of stress.
Most importantly, this wasn't about deprivation—it was about curation. I didn't have less; I had better. Quality over quantity. Elegance through simplicity.
In Chic Minimalism: 21 Rules for Mastering the Art of Less, I explore this principle of thoughtful reduction. What started with my closet eventually extended to every area of my life—and I've never looked back. The freedom of having less but better continues to bring me more joy than any shopping spree ever could. And at least as much joy as those infernal Ferrero Rochers.
What's one area of your life where paring down your options might bring you more ease and joy? Is it your closet, your schedule, your digital life? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
To elegance through simplicity,
Michele
P.S. Next week, I'll share the surprising way my morning routine transformed my relationship with time. (Hint: it involves crosswords and no email before coffee!)