Survive pay-cuts with a capsule wardrobe

Unemployment and pay cuts have increased since the pandemic struck the world, forcing many of us to go through moments of crisis.

You probably cannot afford to buy fancy shoes and clothes at the moment because there are rents and bills to be paid.

So, how does one survive the "I have nothing to wear" conundrum in the post-pandemic period? A capsule wardrobe can be your saviour.

According to the idea of a capsule wardrobe, you only buy pieces that you will reach for more often and feel more comfortable in.

That may be a simple white kurti that goes with multiple salwars and scarves. It can also be that cotton saree you can wear for the entire day and do your job with ease.

So, if you want to build a capsule wardrobe, there are a few key points to be followed.  

Select items that go well together and can work for multiple occasions

Take an item from your closet and pair it with your other clothes. Does it go well with a healthy number of the complementing pieces you own? Take into consideration your lifestyle and the places you generally visit. Then, imagine yourself wearing that dress in those places. If it checks most of the boxes, keep it.

Focus on neutral colours

Colours such as black, white, brown and grey work well for most occasions. You can mix and match these pieces with other bright or subtle ones as much as you want.

Go for quality over quantity

Opt for a pair of good quality leather shoes rather than multiple pair of cheaper ones. It might cost you a bit more, but it will also sustain for longer. And as we have to wash our clothes and shoes more often now due to the pandemic, make sure that items you buy can sustain the harshness of fabric detergents.

Mix and match, have fun

The main idea of a capsule wardrobe is creating a plethora of outfits with the help of few items. This is sustainable and also frees you from worrying about what to wear the next day.

Accessories

Choose sturdy, good quality shoes over sparkly, pencil heels for regular wear. There is not harm in wearing heels on occasions, but usually your back and feet need to be comfortable.

If you are someone who carries her entire world in a bag, invest in some leather totes. White or light-coloured bags can be a bit tricky to keep clean.

If you prefer small studs and pendants, so be it. If you are more into dangling earrings and hoops, that is fine too. A black, rose-gold or silver one can be worn with any outfit.

Building a capsule wardrobe does not mean you have to toss out your existing clothes. Shuffle through your closet to see which clothing items you reach out for more. Then, try to create outfits with them.

The next time you go to buy a new dress, ask yourself these questions:

Does this outfit work for my daily activities?

A pretty dress with fringes and frills may catch your interest but consider your daily activities and analyse if it suits your everyday life.

Does it match with the remaining pieces in my closet?

When you are standing at the store and looking at the dress, think whether you can create an array of different outfits with it. How many times do you think you will wear it? If your answers satisfy you, go ahead and buy it. But if not, put it back on the rack and walk away.

Do the pieces work with the weather I live in?

Heavier pieces, regardless of their chic look, seldom work for warmer climates. Do not impulsively buy a jacket just because it looks good on you. Think if you really need something like that for winter.

Do keep in mind

Men can also create capsule wardrobes with basic shirts, pants, t-shirts and shoes. Adding accents and traditional pieces to the wardrobe will help them to mix and match.

Amid a global economic mess, it is absolutely normal for people to start downsizing and cost cutting. So, do not feel bad if you cannot go shopping at the moment because even Carrie Bradshaw is probably repenting her shoe-decisions right now.