Embracing Minimalism and Personal Style When Living Abroad

Grab your favorite mug, and let's talk style, life abroad, and oh-so-many outfit decisions.

Ladies, time for honesty! Who else has stood in front of her closet, contemplating which pieces make the cut for their next adventure? How many shoes can actually fit in the suitcases, not to mention the tiny flat in Amsterdam? And what about the scarves, bags, sunglasses, and jackets...

Let us assure you, you're not alone. As we both changed a couple of different countries, cultures, styling, weather, and trends (awareness level is important here too, haha 🤣), we've collected our fair share of fashion-related stories.

Trust us; there are lessons, laughs, and some fashion faux pas that will surely make you smile. Let's face it, we're not the most fashion-forward individuals out there. Out-of-style, is usually our style. Hey, we got better in recent years, but still.

Photo by Liza Summer

A Fashionista's Dilemma: Coats, Socks, and Everything In-Between

Oh, the eternal struggle of choosing between those beautiful pieces of clothing and those that will actually keep you warm in winter.

Can we say that it's been a couple of winters we both are basically freezing?

Gal took a few weeks during her first Parisian winter to realize she was wearing the wrong socks (you know those tiny ones you can't see, but they leave a lot of skin out there to be cold!). And Maayan? Well, she starts each winter with a bold statement, 'I need a new warm coat', yet come Springtime - she's still on the hunt.

Transitioning Wardrobes Between Countries

Living in a new country comes with a handful of cultural adjustments, and clothing isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind.

It's tempting to think we can continue wearing the same items we did in another country, regardless of temperature changes, different cultures, and the practicalities of the new place (ever tried walking in city shoes in the countryside?!).

But the reality hits – changing countries often necessitates a wardrobe change too. Yet, a complete overhaul isn't eco-friendly or budget-friendly.

So, what's the solution? Be SMART! Find what works best for you.

Embracing Minimalism...

But what's minimalism, you ask?

Minimalism, is a lifestyle philosophy gaining momentum in various aspects of life, advocates for simplicity and purposeful living.

At its core, minimalism encourages individuals to focus on what truly adds value to their lives while shedding the excess. In the realm of fashion and style, minimalism transcends trends, emphasizing clean lines, neutral colors, and essential pieces that stand the test of time.

Stripping away the superfluous allows for a more intentional and sustainable approach to both personal style and the broader aspects of life, embracing a mindset that values quality over quantity.

According to Eve, a style coach who adopted a minimalist lifestyle a couple of years ago, and our Minimalist BFF, "Minimalism is more of a mindset than the aesthetic or the item itself".

The more we talked to her, the better we understood that it's not just about owning fewer items, but about owning what truly matters to you and aligns with your journey In the long term.

...And Your Own Personal Style Abroad

Additionally, Eve encourages unapologetic honesty about our style personalities. This way, you can have a wardrobe that resonates with who you are, and make you feel confident, no matter where you are in the world.

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Culture, Weather, Trends - Be You!

Here's a gem of wisdom we wish we'd discovered earlier – staying true to your personal style, even in a new environment, is essential. Whether you're a lover of vibrant colors and patterns or adore traditional pieces, don't be afraid to infuse your unique touch, even if everyone around you opts for a sea of black.

When you feel good in your clothes – it impacts your confidence, energy, and actions.

Defining Your Personal Wardrobe Quota

Now, let's discuss the million-dollar question – how many pieces do you actually need? Or how many jackets do you need when living in Europe?

We absolutely adore Eve's perspective on this: ask yourself 'How many are enough for you?'. If we take Gal, for instance, she firmly believes you can never have too many shoes, so her enough is pretty high, but for winter coats, she swears by just one. As for Maayan, she loves scarves, so she has a few of those, but only one swimsuit. You see, this is so personal!

"When we switch our focus from the perspective of how many items is minimalism, to what is enough for me; Then we make it suitable for us, regardless of what others might think or say" - Eve. Btw, if Eve's approach to fashion and styling resonates with you, you can explore more about her here >

Positive Responsibility and Fashion Choices

Lastly, we want to share a philosophy that guides us – the notion of positive responsibility in our life in general and more specifically, our life abroad.

We always think about our personal role in this life we're living. Our day to day, how we chose to live life, see things, where we live, with whom we spend our time, they all impact our world and life.

It is quite natural that it's also true when it comes to recognizing our impact on the world and making mindful choices. In a world of fast consumption, every little drop of change matters, and we wholeheartedly believe in it. 

We won't tell you what you should or shouldn't do, it's personal (like everything else we shared here) but we invite you to think about your positive impact in this world, from time to time.

This might encourage you to consider a few changes, or to make you feel good about your current lifestyle.

We know we take the time to think about this - and it changed a lot in our lives already, and will continue to do so in the future.