Nguo Za Christmas!

Christmas is the time when a lot of Kenyans go out to stores and boutiques to look for clothes for the festive season better known as “Nguo Za Christmas.” We’ll subsequently refer to them as NZC so when you see that, you know what it means.

Most times, NZC often go from one person to another – as a gift. But you can use this opportunity to spoil yourself or just declutter your closet. Are you the type of person that spends a ton of time each morning taking off and wearing stuff because “you have nothing to wear?” Well you’re exactly the type of person whose life we’re looking to change.

Enter the capsule wardrobe. I know that for most people, when the word ‘capsule’ is mentioned, they immediately think “medicine.” This time, you couldn’t be further from the truth.

A capsule wardrobe is basically a reduced wardrobe that has been curated to fit your personal style. The pieces are selected with intention and all of them work well together. The point is to make it easier for you to get dressed in the morning, keep your wardrobe uncluttered, and make you feel better and more confident in what you’re wearing.

The pieces in this wardrobe are meant to be functional and appropriate for a variety of occasions, from casual daytime looks to the office to special occasions. It should also carry you pretty well throughout the year.

Without further ado, let’s get into the capsule!

Men:

2 Jackets (1 Blazer, 1 Casual)

8 Tops (A Mixture Of T-shirts, Polos And Button-ups)

2 Pants (1 Pair Of Chinos, 1 Pair Of Dark Wash Denim)

8 Pairs Of Underwear

8 Pairs Of Socks

1 Pair Of Boots

1 Pair Of Classic White Sneakers

We want multiples of items we shouldn’t wear twice in a row You know, the stuff that gets dirty quick, like shirts, underwear, and socks. One for each day, plus an extra.

Women:

Little Black Dress

Cardigan

Trenchcoat

4 Light Tops (One Of These Can Be Nicer)

2 Tank Tops Or Camisoles For Layering

1 Sweater In Neutral Color

1 Light Jacket

1 Skirt Or Pair Of Overalls (Whatever Quirky Bottom Piece You’re Into)

2 Pairs Of Jeans (Not Cheap Jeggings, But Real Denim Jeans)

1 Pair Black Leggings

Sandals

Pumps

Classic Bag

Scarf

1 Sundress

7 Pairs Of Socks

2 Pairs Of Shoes (One For Walking, One More Presentable)

1 Pair Of Pajamas

8 Pairs Of Underwear

3 Bras

1 Beanie Or Baseball Cap

We haven’t counted accessories. Accessories, like bags, watches, and sunglasses, are purely optional but offer an easy way to add an interesting element to your outfit without taking a lot of closet space.

Feel free to experiment, mix and match as fits your personality.

Switching to a capsule wardrobe doesn’t only improve your personal style. It also improves your self-confidence and is better for the environment. It’s better to buy good quality clothes that last longer as opposed to multiple impulse purchases that you won’t wear for very long. It’s also better for the environment, because you won’t have to throw away clothes that will end up polluting the environment.

So, having said that – go ye forth and capsule! And don’t worry about laundry days – there’s Toss Detergent for that!