Soft Living Is Not a Luxury—It’s the New Normal (And Here’s How to Own It)

Soft Living Vol.1

There was a time when “soft life” felt like a hashtag reserved for the rich aunties of Instagram, champagne in hand, satin robe flowing, brunch in Ikoyi before noon. But lately, soft living has taken on a deeper meaning. It’s no longer about extravagance. It’s about intention. Choosing peace. Prioritizing joy. Creating space for beauty, even in the madness of Lagos traffic or the burnout of 9 to 5s.

Soft life isn’t a fantasy. It’s a form of self preservation.

So, if you’ve ever felt like rest is something you earn only after hustling yourself into the ground, this is your sign to flip the script. Here’s how to ease into the soft life era with grace, balance, and a little bit of glam.

 

1. Reclaim Your Morning

Soft life starts before the sun fully rises. And no, this doesn’t necessarily require a 5am wakeup. It’s about choosing rituals that feel good.

• Light a candle before you check your phone.
  Try: The Aura Lifestyle or Scentimental . These are two Nigerian candle brands that smell like elegance in a jar.

• Play your favorite Spotify playlist. Erykah Badu or Ayra Starr? Your call. Personally, Lagos Love Story by Ayra Starr has been living rent free on my morning playlist. There’s just something about hearing a love story bloom in the middle of Lagos traffic, noise, and general ‘wahala’ that reminds me to hold on to hope, right before stepping into the battlefield that is outside. Because honestly, surviving Lagos is a full time job in itself.
• Write three things you’re grateful for.
• Sip tea or coffee slowly (yes, slowly. No rushing here). FashionEvo loves: Herbal teas from The Health Place Africa or Kaldi Africa for ethically sourced African coffee.
  
  Give yourself a 15 minute pocket of peace before the chaos begins. Trust us, it shifts your entire day.

 

2. Romanticize the Everyday

Luxury isn’t always designer, it’s detail. It’s the way your room smells, how you plate your food, how your skin glows even on a random Tuesday.

• Use your “special” perfume for yourself, not just outings.
  
• Eat your indomie in your finest ceramic plate.
  
• Dress up for errands. A good kaftan and gloss can turn Shoprite into Selfridges (okay, almost). Kaftan recs: Dye Lab or Adara Lagos for that effortless yet elevated flair. 
  

  Dye lab signature bubu. Photo via @dye_lab on instagram

  

  Statement dress by Aga Culture using adire fabric from Adara Lagos. Photo via @adaradesigns_ on Instagram

  This isn’t being extra, it’s being intentional. And Nigerians? We’ve mastered doing the most, elegantly.

 

3. Filter Your Inputs Like Your Skin

You know how we’re now all about clean ingredients in skincare? Do the same with your content and conversations.

• Unfollow noise. Curate your Instagram like a mood board.
  
• Mute energy draining group chats (you know the ones).
  
• Protect your peace the way you protect your edges.

Create an environment (online and off) that feels like a soft cushion, not a hard bench at a wedding reception.

 

4. Say No (Without Explaining Yourself)

A soft life requires boundaries. That means saying no without spiraling into guilt.

• No to events you’re not mentally present for.
  
• No to tasks that can be delegated or rescheduled.
  
• No to people who only reach out when they need something.

You don’t owe everyone access to you. Saying “not right now” is a form of luxury too.

 

5. Indulge… Intentionally

Splurging can be satisfying when it’s intentional.

• Buy the bag (yes, that one) if you’ve wanted it for 6 months. Start with: Morin.O or Femi Handbags. Homegrown luxury that travels well.
  
  

  The Raisa Exotic from Morin.O. Photo via @morin.o on Instagram

  

  The Amara handbag from Femi Handbags. Photo via @femihandbags on Instagram
• Book that solo staycation. Even if it’s just 30 minutes from home. Or book a massage. Try: Oriki Spa or Apples & Oranges, two of Lagos’ best kept pampering secrets.
• Order the fancy dessert.
• Upgrade your bedding. 

Soft life doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to feel like ease.

 

Welcome the Era of Ease

The truth? You don’t need to have it all figured out to live softly. You just need to give yourself permission. To be cared for. To receive. To pause. To bloom at your own pace. Soft life isn’t passive, it’s powerful. Especially in a world that constantly demands hustle.

So here’s your reminder: The soft life is already yours. You just need to start living it. 

 

P.S. Every brand mentioned here is proudly Nigerian owned. While this list spotlights a select few, it only scratches the surface. There’s a wealth of local labels redefining softness, one piece at a time.