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Eight ways to start living on the minimalistic side of life

Fashion and Beauty
 Minimalism is not primarily about having less but rather about get rid of the excess (Courtesy)

If you are looking into the world of slow fashion and want to create a more sustainable and minimalistic closet, you are in the right place.

Minimalism is not primarily about having less but rather about get rid of the excess. Here are ways to start living on the minimalistic side of life.

Take stock

It's good to know what you have and what you don’t need. Write down what you like about your wardrobe and what you don’t like, and then write down what your goals are for your wardrobe.

Research

Piece together a vision board of what you liked when you were taking stock. Scour websites like Pinterest and magazines, vlogs and blogs.

Define your style

Remember that you are doing minimalism your way. Minimalism doesn’t mean that the colors have to also be neutral.

If you like bold colors and prints, then your wardrobe should definitely reflect it.  What fabrics and colors do you buy most often? What silhouettes make you feel the best? If you’re constantly saying, “I don’t have anything to wear,” ask yourself why. Is it because your clothes are weathered or do they not fit properly?

 Keep only the garments you love dearly and plan to wear often
Declutter

You don’t need to throw everything out. When deciding what to hang onto, think about how often you wear an item, and whether it complements the staple pieces you would want to add onto your minimal wardrobe.

Keep only the garments you love dearly and plan to wear often, even if they aren’t from conscious or ethical brands. 

Classic capsule

Start with: four pairs of shoes, two bags, two pairs of jeans, two pairs of trousers, two blazers, three dresses, two skirts, two T-shirts, three blouses, one button-down, two coats and three sweaters.

Then build, rearrange or substitute as needed. For instance, if you live in a warm climate all year round, you won’t need two coats. Subtract those items and add in a swimsuit and cover-up. The one rule you’ll want to stick by is that almost everything should coordinate.

 Remember, quality comes with a price tag (Courtesy)
Shopping

Remember quality comes with a price tag. This makes sense because the fabrics are long lasting and sustainable. If in Nairobi, try shopping secondhand. Markets like Gikomba, Toi, Mutindwa and Stage Mpya offer timeless pieces. Start small and save for expensive items such as coats, bags and shoes. Remember, you are paying for quality rather than quantity.

Seasonal dressing

Depending on where you live, you may need a varied wardrobe. However, don’t just buy for the season you're in, think about what you'll need for the rest of the year. It's also good to think about transitional items that can be worn throughout the year.

This is a process

Building a minimalist wardrobe is a journey and it will redefine how you think about shopping for clothes. This will be challenging but worthwhile. Be patient and gentle to yourself through this process as it will be full of learning curves and adapting to the new norm

Have you ever cried on public transport?

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