In three weeks, Lagos will come alive with the events, parties and activities that signal the start of the much-anticipated Detty December season. And if you live in Nigeria or are part of the diaspora community that makes the annual trip home for the festivities, you already know that making the most of the season takes a fair bit of planning. From securing tickets to your favourite concerts and sorting out accommodation to mapping out your social calendar, there is plenty to think about. But if fashion and beauty are a big part of how you enjoy the season, getting your wardrobe in order deserves a spot on that list, too.
Beyond sorting out your concert tickets and travel plans, how do you put together a stylish Detty December wardrobe that works for everything? The secret lies in two things: intentionality and a realistic budget. Thankfully, the end-of-year shopping season offers plenty of chances to shop smart, from Black Friday sales to general pre-Christmas discounts. Taking advantage of these offers now can help you get ahead of your festive shopping without putting unnecessary pressure on your budget or leaving everything until the last minute.
But shopping smart goes beyond finding a good deal. Being intentional means staying true to your personal style, choosing pieces you genuinely love and prioritising outfits that are comfortable, versatile and suited to the activities on your calendar. Once you have those two essentials figured out, you can start exploring the other details that make festive-season fashion and beauty rotations a little easier, from the pieces worth investing in to the styling considerations that help you get more out of what you already own.
Not quite sure where to start? We’ve put together a guide to help you curate a stylish Detty December wardrobe:
Plan Your Outfits Around Activities Or Events
Before adding anything new to your shopping cart, start by taking stock of your Detty December plans. Are concerts, dinner dates, beach raves, weddings or brunches taking up most of your calendar? Each occasion comes with its own dress code and styling possibilities, so having a sense of where you’ll be spending your time can help you build a wardrobe that works for your schedule. It also gives you a clearer idea of the pieces worth investing in. You might find that you need a few statement dresses and co-ords for your evening outings, versatile two-pieces for daytime plans or a good selection of jeans and chic tops for more relaxed gatherings.
Revisit Your Saved Folders And Pins On Instagram Or Pinterest
You know those looks you’ve saved on Instagram or Pinterest, whether from your favourite celebrities, influencers or even stylish friends? Now is the time to revisit them. Beyond giving you a little fashion inspiration, these folders are a great place to rediscover outfit combinations, colour pairings and styling details that caught your eye in the first place. The trick is to draw inspiration without losing your personal style.
Don’t Be Afraid To Repeat Outfits
Detty December shouldn’t always equal showing up in an entirely new outfit every time you step out. Rewearing your staple or favourite pieces is a smart way to get more value out of your wardrobe while keeping your spending in check. The trick is to experiment with how you style them. Switch up your accessories, shoes, bags, hairstyles or layering to give familiar pieces a fresh feel.
Shop Smart With Seasonal Sales
Black Friday and pre-Christmas discounts are around the corner so save your shopping for seasonal sales. But make sure you take a good look at your plans and have a shopping list to identify the pieces you genuinely need, then look out for what’s available. Prioritise versatile wardrobe additions that can work across different occasions and complement clothes you already own.