What is Minimalism?

Minimalism often evokes images of stark white rooms furnished with only the essentials. However, true minimalism transcends this simplistic notion. It’s about making deliberate, personalised choices rather than adhering to a bland, uniform aesthetic. This article delves into the essence of minimalism, offering practical tips and insights for integrating it into your everyday life.

What is minimalism?

So, what does minimalism mean? It’s a multifaceted concept — part movement, lifestyle, and philosophy. With abundant information available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or misled by misconceptions that equate minimalism with incessant purchasing or extreme decluttering. In reality, minimalism is fundamentally about prioritising. It involves a deep introspection to identify what truly matters in your life and then creating space for these priorities. It’s also about embracing the present, finding joy and meaning in the current moment rather than fixating on future possibilities.

Understanding the essence of minimalism

Embarking on a minimalist journey begins with identifying what truly matters in your life. This crucial first step involves reflecting on your core values and non-negotiable priorities. Ask yourself: Do you aspire to live sustainably, or is family time paramount? Remember, minimalism isn’t just about physical possessions; it’s also about evaluating your habits and mindset. Consider if habits like negative self-talk, gossiping, or judging others genuinely contribute to your happiness and deserve space in your life.

Emphasising quality over quantity

Once you’ve pinpointed your priorities, create room for them by reducing non-essentials. For instance, if family time is a priority, be fully present with your loved ones by limiting distractions like phones or TV. Regarding shopping, prioritise long-term value and meaningful purchases over fleeting trends and cheap items.

The personal nature of a minimalist lifestyle

Minimalism varies greatly from person to person, and there’s no singular way to practice it. Be cautious of notions that equate minimalism with empty spaces and a lack of belongings. Everyone’s concept of a stress-free home differs, influenced by cultural backgrounds, values, income, and personal challenges. For example, a shoehorn, seemingly trivial to some, can be indispensable for others with mobility issues.

Minimalism isn’t a universal standard; it’s a personal journey. It’s vital to tailor minimalism to fit your life rather than vice versa.

Is minimalism really sustainable or a marketing trap?

In theory, minimalism aligns with sustainability, focusing on the utility and value of purchases. However, it’s been co-opted by some brands to promote a false narrative of sustainability, particularly in fast fashion. Beware of such traps; remember, minimalism is more about feeling than appearance.

Distinguishing minimalism from zero-waste

While minimalism and zero-waste share common values, they are not the same. Minimalism encompasses a broader spectrum of personal priorities, whereas zero-waste specifically targets pollution reduction. However, both lifestyles advocate for reduced consumption and a focus on quality, making them complementary. If you want to learn more about the zero-waste movement, click here. If you want items to refine your minimalist lifestyle, check out Minimal in Antwerp-Berchem for kitchen, household, or bathroom supplies! 

Minimalism in fashion

The rise of minimalism in fashion can be traced back to the 2007 financial crisis, which shifted preferences towards simple, timelessly designed basics made of durable materials. This change, environmental concerns, and a push for sustainable practices like zero-waste and circular fashion have cemented minimalism’s place in contemporary society and catapulted minimalist, ethical clothing into the limelight. It is a potent tool for fostering a more sustainable world where we cherish our belongings and minimise waste.

Shaping a minimalistic lifestyle

Minimalism, at its core, celebrates values and sustainability. Regarding purchases, aligning with brands that reflect your values is crucial. Here’s a guide to embracing minimalism in various aspects of your life:

Fashion and personal style:

• Clothing rental and exchange: For those who love expressing themselves through style, consider renting clothes or swapping them with friends. This approach keeps your wardrobe updated and sustainable. Check out clothing rental services like LENA Fashion Library, Palanta Amsterdam Dressr and Kleiderei’s branches in German. For a touch of luxury, Iconic Wardrobe offers rentals from sustainable brands.
• Sustainable styling: Discover your true style with sustainable stylists. Book a session with Ethical Fashion Stylist Ashna Chatta or schedule an appointment with Thaís Britta in Antwerp. For a self-guided approach, explore courses and personalised sessions from B.Right.
• Simple elegance: Minimalist underwear means timeless style and uncomplicated comfort. Ideal for anyone who appreciates beauty in simplicity! Say goodbye to superfluous embellishment and hello to the pure, refined essence of minimalism in your most personal garments. Merz b. Schwanen creates exquisite, undyed, sustainable underwear and basics using traditional manufacturing processes that date back over a century.
• Reinvent your beloved items: Interested in giving your cherished but worn possessions a new lease on life? Sekundär Schick offers engaging workshops, events and the option to join its celebrated Upcycling Club, transforming your old treasures into something uniquely stylish.

Simplifying morning routines:

• Capsule wardrobe: Simplify your mornings with a capsule wardrobe, focusing on versatile, minimalist, ethical clothing that mixes and matches easily. Add personal flair with colourful blazers or bold prints like a striking polka-dot blouse. Remember to keep what you love and responsibly rehome what you don’t. Reinvest in high-quality, sustainable basics as needed. 
• Get inspired by labels like ​‘common era’ from Rotterdam, that highly values transparency and more sustainable production to make clothing that makes you feel good. Common era’s collection consists of comfortable jumpers, (T-)shirts, and blouses for men and women, as well as a unisex range in minimalist yet bold colours. According to its website, as many recycled materials as possible are used in the production process of common era’s garments. That’s something you can easily check: for each item that you shop, you get a list of what materials have been used in its production. Not only that, you can also check the whole product journey of common era’s garments via a tracking tool that tells you what steps were involved in the supply chain and where everything was executed.
• To fully tap into a minimalist wardrobe, everyday handbags and accessories created with high-quality materials and more circular practices in mind are a great addition to your outfit. La Femme Qui Rit, for example, is Femke Mostert’s contemporary handbag label that transforms old leather furniture into practical, everyday handbags, as well as business gifts, notebooks, or personalised company bags. But La femme Qui Rit’s story doesn’t end there: with her side project Bridal Kimono she upcycles wedding dresses into elegant Kimonos. That way you get a ​‘forever wedding dress’ that you can endlessly enjoy instead of one that collects dust in your closet after it has been worn just once on your wedding day.

Home and Cleaning:

• Sustainable Cleaning: Start by using up existing cleaning supplies, then shift to more sustainable options. Upcycle where you can (like turning an old shirt into a cleaning cloth), and explore eco-friendly products from brands like Humdakin and Yokuu.
• DIY Approaches: Add a personal touch with DIY cleaning solutions. Attend workshops by Anne Drake or dive into her books for inspiration and practical tips.

By adopting these practices, you can seamlessly weave minimalism into your daily life, aligning your actions with your values for a more mindful, sustainable lifestyle.