STYLE: How to be a minimalist

You’ve heard it said many times: less is more. But what does that even mean? Here goes:

Pick a neutral colour. It could be grey, black, navy, nude (or brown!) and make that the focal point of your look. Then add something interesting, maybe some texture like leather or a different kind of fabric.

Find colours which look great on you. White is hard to wear because of all the laundry involved, and black is too obvious. Go for a clean fabric and cut, so no print fabrics, logos or anything over-the-top. You want clothes that blend in, only in a more flattering way.

Practise minimalism during those moments when you are going through change in your life. When you are in transition and have not quite figured out which direction you want to take with your look.

Keeping your clothes clean, in good repair and well-fitting allows you to get away with a heavy rotation of your wardrobe. It will not be noticeable. Instead, you will acquire a style, a uniform worthy of praise, and even a signature look.

Once you have pared down your wardrobe, you will be able to see all the gaps in it, and spend your money a little more wisely next time you go shopping. You can’t just buy random stuff. You have to take into consideration your new minimalised closet and its essentials.

Pick silhouettes that work for you such as an A line, a pencil skirt, culottes, regular cut or cigarette pants, a slip dress that can be worn on its own and as a top tucked underneath.

It takes experiencing the clutter of a wardrobe accumulated over years to really appreciate the cleanliness of simplicity. Find your minimalist bliss!