From the trendy KonMari Method—a philosophy on decluttering your life promoted in the bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up—and the buzzy new documentary True Cost , which examines the impact of fashion on people and the planet, to the pared-down aesthetic of fashion’s hot-right-now direct-to-consumer labels, we’ve got minimalism on the brain. To that end, we’ve fallen in love with Berlin-based blogger Anuschka Rees and her site, Into Mind. Her stripped-down, straightforward, almost mathematical approach to style has us totally inspired. Case in point: We instantly bookmarked her wardrobe diagnostics flow chart, which aims to help readers identify why they feel like they have nothing to wear. Here, a few common complaints and how to read them, according to Rees. For the full version, be sure to check out her site.
Problem: You Have No Idea What's In Your Closet
Solution: "Get a better idea of what you actually own by giving your wardrobe a thorough detox." Rees recommends going through every item in your closet and getting rid of (i.e. store, sell, donate, trash) anything you don't think you'll wear in the near future.
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
Problem: Your Wardrobe No Longer Matches Your Style
Solution: "Redefine your style concept, introduce new elements and get rid of anything in your closet that is tainting your new vision of style." If you can't seem to find the time for such an overhaul, Rees recommends setting aside 30 minutes a day to focus on different elements of your closet.
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
Problem: You Don't Even Know What Your Style Is
Solution: "You need to discover and build up your own style from scratch. A mood board is always a good start." Rees also advises taking time to develop a signature color palette.
Photo: Vanessa Jackman
Problem: Your Wardrobe Doesn't Match Your Life
Solution: "Identify which activities are underrepresented in your closet and focus on expending those areas." Rees gives the example of the woman who owns 30 bikinis when she only spends 7 days a year near the water. (Guilty.)
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
Problem: Your Shopping Strategy Is Too Reactive
Solution: "Identify your key style goals, create a plan and set a realistic budget. Leave some room for spontaneous purchases so that you can still enjoy the occasional splurge." Rees only requests that you think of at least three ways to wear something before you buy it.
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
Problem: Your Wardrobe Lacks Structure
Solution: "Add flexibility to your wardrobe by building up a solid foundation of basics." To know which basics you need and will love, Rees recommends focusing on your favorite proportion combinations.
Photo: Adam Katz Sinding
