There’s a kind of euphoria that develops when building a collection. A watch collection, shoe collection, and in my case -- makeup collection. As a consumer, it’s very easy (and normal) to fall into the cycle of purchasing more and more of the same products because having a wide variety of options to choose from, whether it be sweaters, jeans, shoes, or even home décor items, is a gratifying feeling. But it can weigh you down as well and generate some unhealthy spending habits!
This year, give the minimalist life a test drive. For me, personally, this transition is still in the making, but I’ve said enough goodbyes to a lot of paraphernalia to be able to preach about this.
You can save a lot of money in the long run, and if done right, can even make your wardrobe/living space/overall style seem more refined and elegant.
Here are some of my tips on how to rock simplicity.
This year, give the minimalist life a test drive. For me, personally, this transition is still in the making, but I’ve said enough goodbyes to a lot of paraphernalia to be able to preach about this.
You can save a lot of money in the long run, and if done right, can even make your wardrobe/living space/overall style seem more refined and elegant.
Here are some of my tips on how to rock simplicity.
1. Back to the Basics
Keep some of your most staple pieces. These things should be timeless items that are also versatile, in both their function and design. For example, if not already, I encourage you to have a couple of (blouse, t-shirt, etc.) in your wardrobe. These basic (and sometimes plain) pieces will never go out of style, so don’t feel bad about investing a bit of money into these items. This mechanism can be applied to not only organizing your closet, but other things as well, such as your interior decorating. In terms of colour schemes, you can never go wrong with white, ivory, grey, brown, or black - they scream basic, but in a good way, of course.
2. Throw in a Statement
To prevent your minimalist style from looking monotonous or bleak, I suggest having a couple of statement pieces to enrich your simple look. Not too many though -- maybe one (two at most) items to add a bit of pizzazz to the whole shebang. They are typically pieces that enrich the finished product, but are interchangeable, not vital (i.e. for home deco- artwork, succulents, rugs).
A limitation to basic, simple pieces is that your personality can be lost in the process of styling them. So showcase your character! Subtle dissonance is good. A pop of colour and hell, maybe even a touch of bling, can do wonders for you. Always remember: less is more!
3. Be Your Own Trendsetter
Those who are “woke” in a fashion sense probably like keeping up with seasonal/annual trends. I think that’s great! But my attitude towards fashion/beauty trends is to take what you will from it. If you follow every new trend religiously and cater your wardrobe to fit them all, Mission Minimalist will be an epic fail. You can stay trendy and still stick to a simple style by incorporating the core of those new trends into your basic look. For example, the Pantone colours for 2016 are Rose Quartz and Serenity (a cool blue). Throw trendy into the simple mix by embellishing a monochrome look with statement item in rose or blue hues. The point is, you can set your own trend. If you like what’s in this season, customize them to fit into your minimalist style. Don’t feel confined to basics, but don’t feel confined to what you see in runway shows either.
My mother has always stressed “Less is more” -- a bit too much for my liking, but I never really considered it until recent years. Minimalism is a lifestyle that many people covet, but also find difficult to transition into. 2016 is only beginning, so you still have time to consider downsizing whatever collection of things you have way too much of. It can be tricky at first; I’m not too good at saying goodbyes either, but it’s so worth it!
Happy new year, everyone.
My mother has always stressed “Less is more” -- a bit too much for my liking, but I never really considered it until recent years. Minimalism is a lifestyle that many people covet, but also find difficult to transition into. 2016 is only beginning, so you still have time to consider downsizing whatever collection of things you have way too much of. It can be tricky at first; I’m not too good at saying goodbyes either, but it’s so worth it!
Happy new year, everyone.
Heidi Choi