Capsule wardrobes (even though not common in Nigeria) have become yet another icon of effortlessness in an overly consumeristic culture. High-profile celebrities even like the concept because it frees their ‘fashion creative energy’ for more important decisions than what to wear every day.
What is a capsule or minimalist wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe can be a great way to develop your personal style, curate your closet, and save time. Most importantly it will save you money.
Downsizing your closet might sound appealing if you:
• Dislike having to shop every season • Wish you had less clothing to maintain • Want to spend less on clothing • Hate deciding what to wear every day
Building a capsule wardrobe saves both time and money in the long run, but it does require an initial investment. For instance, one of the first steps ‘fashion capsule experts’ suggest is removing anything in your closet that doesn’t fit, flatter, or you simply don’t like. What does that leave? If you do it right, not much! Unlike high-profile celebrities, not many of us can afford to go out and replace our entire wardrobe in one shot here in Nigeria, regardless of how much it will save long-term. Is it possible to build amazing fashion capsule wardrobes on a budget? If you consider the following tips, I think so.
TIP #1: CHOOSE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Many of us mark a successful shopping trip by how far we stretch our money, failing to take into account the quality of the clothing we’ve purchased. Instead of replacing three poorly-constructed items purchased for N30,000.00 Naira after a few months, it’s better to purchase one N30,000.00 Naira item that will last you much longer. How do you determine quality other than price? Try things on, read reviews, and test things out until you find a handful of brands you can count on for the right mix of quality and value.
TIP #2: DETERMINE YOUR SHOPPING AND DOWNSIZING STRATEGY
Seeing what you have and what you need will allow you to target your shopping. If you can only afford to purchase one new item a month, which are the highest priority? Take your time making decisions, because you’ll want each new piece to last a long time. It may take some patience and time, but it will be worth the effort.
TIP #3: PLAN OUT YOUR IDEAL WARDROBE
Like any financial endeavor, a successful capsule makeover starts with a plan — in this case, your ideal wardrobe. Make a list of 10-15 key items you’ll need for spring/fall or summer/winter, not counting accessories or activity-specific. Some prefer 33 items that mix and match into (4) 3- month mini capsules. Whichever plan you choose, here are a few things to consider:
• Follow your personal style: What you feel and look good in, your lifestyle needs, and the image you want to project. Think about your favorite clothes and what they have in common.
• Choose colors that will blend well with one another. Mostly neutrals tones (black, white, grey, ivory, brown/camel, navy) with a few pops of color will allow you to create the greatest number of outfits with the fewest pieces.
TIP #4: GO FOR TIMELESS, NOT TRENDY
Capsule wardrobes don’t mean ‘time capsule,’ and it doesn’t depend on trends either. You’ll notice that high-quality pieces tend to be classics — items that will always make you look awesome and fashionable, regardless of the current trends. If you want to ‘freshen’ your wardrobe, look through fashion magazines for ideas on how to create new looks with the classics you have.
Bonus: BE A SAVVY SHOPPER
While planning and saving for quality pieces, don’t forget to look for countless deals. Stay aware of what’s in our stores, do not wait for end-of-season sales. Don’t be afraid to mix in a few cheaper pieces with more expensive ones by shopping online on iKrest.com and our offline vintage stores, but again — prioritize quality.
Wish you all the best and don’t forget to check our store for that special piece.
Get clear on what matters by getting rid of everything that doesn’t Be More With Less
