When less is always more

Why stop at fashion when minimalism in all walks of life is equally cool

LONDON:

Minimalist fashion sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Like you’ve ascended to a higher plane of wardrobe brilliance. But let’s be real: it’s mostly about not tripping over your own clothes and pretending you’re too sophisticated for the hot pink leggings and embroidered kurta combos.

What minimalist fashion (or fashion minimalism depending on the mood you’re in) really is, is the art of looking effortlessly chic without the hassle of, you know, actual effort. It’s all about clean lines, neutral colours, and being able to actually see what you own in your closet.

Enter the “clean girl” aesthetic, the latest trend where looking like you rolled out of bed flawlessly involves an artfully sleeked back hairdo and just the right amount of dewy skin. Revolutionary, right? It’s about owning fewer pieces that scream sophistication and whisper, “I don’t have to try hard to look this good.”

As someone who recently made the jump from the “dopamine dressing” aesthetic (which is basically the mindset that “anything goes” and the more colour the better), I can confirm that it was the right choice. I used to be all about bold colours and prints designed to lift spirits. But after a while looking in the mirror becomes visually overstimulating and so I did a complete one-eighty to become a minimalist.

How to achieve the minimalist look

Channel your inner Marie Kondo. Pull everything out and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is “What was I thinking?” — it goes. Donate, sell, or burn that cheetah-print top you swore you’d wear to a party that never happened. It’s time for a wardrobe exorcism.

The next step is defining your colour palette. Black, white, brown, grey, beige, and navy. If Mattise would use it in a painting, ditch it. Think of it as the fashion version of only colouring within the lines. Your closet should look like a sophisticated greyscale movie, you get extra points if you opt for the monochromatic look. If you must, sprinkle in a bit of colour. Soft pastels are okay; neon green is not. If you’re wearing a matching grey set, pair it with a blue or yellow dupatta. The idea is to use colour as accents, not a crutch.

Invest in quality basics. It’s better if these are classic pieces. Spend your money on stuff that won’t fall apart after one wash. White tees, linen co-ords (like Mahira Khan prefers) and cigarette trousers that fit like a glove — these are your new best friends. Cotton, wool, silk. Think materials that sound expensive because they are. Trust me you’ll actually be saving money in the long run.

Moving on to accessories. Choose a few key ones that don’t scream for attention. Think of them as the supporting cast to your main wardrobe stars. A classic watch, a slim leather belt, a pair of stud earrings or a tennis bracelet — simple yet effective. Pair your new fit with a tote that can fit your life, or at least a small dog. As for shoes, if you’re rocking the desi shalwar-kurta look, then opt for plain-coloured sandals, otherwise white trainers are a classic.

I don’t know much about makeup, but I do know that the minimalist kind is in. People now prefer natural looks with lesser products and hassle-free processes. The everyday eyeliner craze? Gone. The over-lining lips like Kylie Jenner trend? Also dead. And if you want to achieve that no-makeup look using tons of makeup, go for it. It’s the end product that matters.

Why stop at fashion?

So, minimalism — it’s not just a fashion statement anymore; it’s a whole lifestyle upgrade. Imagine your life as a cluttered room filled with random junk you never use — except now you’re tossing out unnecessary commitments, toxic relationships, and maybe even that collection of novelty fridge magnets. Prioritise and only commit to things that make you happy or at least don’t make you want to scream into a pillow. Because minimalism is all about inner calm, use calendars and to-do lists. Apparently, being an adult means keeping track of things other than your Netflix queue.

There is also such a thing as digital minimalism. Clean out your inbox, unfollow meaningless Instagram accounts and delete apps you haven’t used since 2016. Your phone will thank you by not dying every three hours.

A minimalist home means regular decluttering. Ever seen a hoarder’s house? Don’t be that person. But it goes further than just having a clear space, it means focusing on minimalism from a design aspect as well. Forget cosy clutter — this is about sharp lines and neutral tones. Invest in a plain off-white sofa and pair it with pastel detailed cushions or a throw for those pops of colour. Because in minimalist decor, simplicity isn’t a choice; it’s a lifestyle commitment to proving that less really is enough (as long as you have a good hiding spot for the stuff you couldn’t bear to throw out). Pakistani actor Saba Qamar’s new home is a prime example. I have a feeling she’s a practicing minimalist.