CLEARING OUR MIND AND WARDROBE

In Azerbaijan, fashion is more than clothing. It is a way of expressing respect towards oneself, towards tradition, and towards others. We are used to the idea that people are "judged by appearance," and we often try to look impeccable even in everyday situations. But in an era of rising prices and rapidly changing trends, more and more people are wondering: is it really necessary to chase fashion when one can simply be stylish?

A thoughtful, Oriental approach

Begin with a revision. Our wardrobes, like our homes, tend to store memories: a dress kept "for a special occasion," a blouse bought "for when I lose weight," shoes "too good to throw away." But a wardrobe is not a museum. Try turning tidying into a small celebration: sort through your clothes and keep only what you truly wear and what reflects who you are today. Everything else can be given away—in Azerbaijan there is always someone who will make good use of it.

For a mild climate

A well-curated basic wardrobe is your best companion both in winter and summer. Our climate sets its own rules: in winter we want warmth and comfort without bulk, and in summer lightness and breathability. This is why the ideal basics for an Azerbaijani woman include linen or cotton shirts, straight trousers or jeans, a shirt dress, a cardigan or a neutral-toned jacket, and good-quality ballet flats or moccasins. These pieces are easy to combine, they do not fall out of fashion, and they give confidence without excess.

As for accents, this is where one can play. The Azerbaijani woman loves embellishment, and rightly so. A patterned scarf, stone-set rings, a pomegranate-coloured handbag: small details that give character even to the simplest outfits. Follow fashion, but do not copy it; adapt it. Let fashion be inspiration, not a directive.

Charm with meaning

Azerbaijani men have always been distinguished by a sense of dignity in dress—without showiness, yet with respect for form. Today, men’s fashion is also shifting towards simplicity, quality, and good tailoring. A white shirt, linen trousers, a dark polo, a light blazer… These are universal pieces that create the image of a confident, modern man.

Bringing a man’s wardrobe into order also begins with an honest revision. Remove what is outdated, ill-fitting, or waiting for a "special moment." Keep only what truly contributes to your look. From what remains, it is easy to assemble a solid male base wardrobe: one well-fitting white shirt and one light blue shirt, a pair of neutral T-shirts without prints, a jumper or thin sweater, a simple blazer or jacket, dark classic trousers, and one pair of quality jeans, all straight or slightly tapered, without frayed edges or distressed patches.

Jeans, in particular, become the anchor of a man’s wardrobe: appropriate with a white shirt, a polo, and even a blazer. The key is to choose a dense denim in deep blue or graphite shades and to pay attention to the fit.

The global trend towards the "clean look" suits our mentality perfectly: fewer logos, more character. What matters is not the quantity of clothing, but how it fits and the impression it creates. After all, true male style lies not in the wardrobe, but in posture, speech, and the ability to keep one’s word.

Mix patterns like a master

We grew up surrounded by carpets, where every detail is part of a unified harmony. Clothing can be approached the same way: solid colours with patterns, bright with calm, new with vintage. Try the capsule wardrobe method: 20–25 pieces that combine easily with one another. This is not only economising but also a discipline of taste.

Do not chase brands, look for quality. Brands long ago ceased to be a guarantee of elegance. In Baku’s markets and among local designers, you can find pieces made with soul featuring national motifs or natural fabrics ideally suited to our climate. Better one high-quality item than five random ones. Quality is the true luxury.

Fashion of the past

Look at old photographs of Baku women from the 1960s or 1980s, and you’ll notice how many of their favourite garments are back in style. Modern fashion is increasingly inspired by retro aesthetics, being an excellent reason to revive what you already own.

Wide trousers and high waists—almost like the ones our mothers wore in their youth—visually elongate the silhouette and flatter every figure. Belted dresses with gentle shoulder lines are feminine, comfortable, and versatile, perfect for a Baku summer.

Pearl jewellery, once an essential accessory for a well-dressed woman, has again become timeless everyday elegance.

Handbags in the 1990s style—small, structured, with minimalist hardware—are returning to trend.

As for denim, it is experiencing a revival in all forms: denim dresses, shirts, and even full denim looks. The key is to choose soft denim without excessive distressing.

Beige and cream tones once considered merely "practical" are now associated with refined minimalism. Sometimes, to look modern, you don’t need to buy anything new—you simply need to remember the old and present it differently.

Fashion as the music of mugham

Well-kept clothing is a sign of respect. A crisply ironed shirt, clean shoes, a repaired handbag say more about a person than anything newly bought. Our grandmothers knew this: neatness is part of inner dignity.

There is no need to chase fashion to remain in rhythm. True Azerbaijani elegance has never been about clothing alone, but about conduct, care, posture, and confidence. Let your style sound like mugham—recognisable, harmonious, and moving at its own pace.

We live in a time when abundance doesn’t guarantee taste and simplicity no longer equates to dullness. In Baku’s sea wind, its cold and heat, amidst city bustle and rural tranquillity, it becomes clear that style is not about quantity but about presence of soul.

Every woman and every man who choose awareness over haste, economy over impulsive purchases, and respect for the past over the pursuit of the next trend take a step not only towards personal harmony but also towards cultural maturity. Perhaps this is the essence of Azerbaijani elegance—not running after fashion, but walking alongside it.