Minimalism is inevitable.

Minimalism feels nearly unavoidable. It’s as if our brains know the world is getting louder and louder, and so it knows we need less clutter somewhere else in our lives.

When I was younger, the more, the better. I followed those trends like I was paid a salary to do so. The Clair’s earring packs of 20 that got your ears so infected they felt like they might fall off were everything to me. Or, even better, any Miss Me Jean’s lovers out there? Oof, those were tough. My heart goes out to the girl who still wears them to her horse camp. (That was me.)

As I grew into adulthood, I noticed how much attention I began to pay to the voices outside my head. We look to people we don’t know to tell us the newest drama, and what everyone in New York will be wearing 6 months from now.

And for what? Who knows. All I know is that having too much around me physically makes me want to dig a hole and lay down for a while.

In the last year, I’ve downsized my wardrobe over half the size. Seriously, my clothes didn’t even fit in my closet last October. But there have been a few items I find myself desperate to keep.

As a preface, I am 1000% a quality-over-quantity person. If you’re here for cheap fashion ideas, wrong place. But best of luck. Xoxo.

1. Sachin & Babi Emile Dress

That Easy-Effortlessly-Wrinkled-White-Summer-Dress is a must. She’s chic, she’s beautiful, she’s picnic-vibes, or even date-night vibes. Must have.

2. A Bracelet Stack

A bracelet stack. Jewelry is one of those things people will buy endlessly and then forget to even wear. I’ve been victim to this disease too. But a bracelet stack you can leave on forever, amazing.

3. 501® '90S WOMEN'S SHORTS

Dad shorts. Mom shorts. Boyfriend jeans cut into shorts. Whatever you might refer to them as, having a classic pair of denim shorts feels like the best way to go. I have so many friends who hate buying shorts because they have to upsize or they’re unhappy with how most shorts fit them.

A tip: Go to a thrift store, look for some men’s Levi jeans, wrap that waist band around your neck, and if it perfectly connects, they’re a fit. Cut them and throw them in the dryer. They’re ready to be abused with wear.

4. Your Everyday Necklace

The one you can shower, swim, and sweat in. The one you would cry if you lost it. Engrave your favorite people’s initials (even if that means your own) and get to wearing that baby.

5. 2976 WOMEN'S SMOOTH LEATHER CHELSEA BOOTS

Truth is, I’m a vegetarian so my heart says no leather, but I do love a good Doc Marten. I currently own 3 pairs of them (vegan ones, thank you), and they are my favorite shoes in every season. They’re genuinely timeless, and always recognizable. I think I’m just always going to respect someone more when I first meet them if they’re in some Docs.