A wardrobe filled with clothes you mostly don’t wear is so 2020. With sustainable fashion on the rise, and an overall focus on being kinder to the environment while cutting back on impulse purchases, you might want to consider fashion subscription boxes.
Fashion subscription boxes are a fuss-free means of getting new pieces on the cheap, and with some of these boxes offering clothes on a rental basis, you’ll get a fresh wardrobe update monthly without hurting the wallet.
Looking to get started? We’ve rounded up the best fashion subscription boxes, from StyleTheory and HerVelvetVase to CURATEUR by Rachel Zoe, and what to expect in each of them. You might also want to consider getting a rewards credit card in Singapore to maximise cashback on your spending.
You’ll find this homegrown brand’s physical stores across Singapore — but MDS Collections is equally well-known for its monthly subscription clothing service, which was supposedly the first to be introduced in the country.
Price: From S$29.90/box
How it works: You’ll receive one credit a month. Each credit entitles you to pick one item from its online store. Additionally, there’s a loyalty points system, so you’re granted one point for every S$1 spent on an item. For instance, if you use your one credit to purchase a S$29.90 piece, you’ll be given 29 points. These points can eventually be used to redeem cash vouchers worth up to S$50.
Why we love it: With some 600 styles dropping monthly, you’ll likely be spoilt for choice; if nothing takes your fancy, however, these credits are stackable and don’t expire, so you can use them at a later time. And if you’ve changed your mind about a purchase, you’re free to return it — one credit will then be reissued to your account. Plus, there’s free shipping within Singapore; an additional S$3.99 flat fee applies for worldwide shipping.
Why we don’t: A minimum three-month subscription is required.
Best for: Students and young working adults
More info: https://www.mdscollections.com
HerVelvetVase is a Singapore-born label whose everyday pieces are perfect for women of all body shapes and sizes, whether hourglass or athletic. Its physical and online stores include basics and smart work outfits — think casual blouses, maxi dresses, tailored blazers and jumpsuits — and accessories, bags and shoes.
Price: From S$50/box
How it works: HerVelvetVase Moodbox runs on a one-month, three-month, or six-month subscription cycle across three tiers: Mini Me, Regular Me, and Super Me. Each box features handpicked clothing and/or jewellery, and a one-time exchange is allowed if you commit minimally to a three-month subscription. For a one-off S$50 moodbox, you’ll receive S$88 worth of items, making it quite the steal — and perfect for anyone who loves personalised surprises.
Why we love it: A one-time exchange is applicable on three-month subscriptions; six-month subscriptions are offered up to three exchanges.
Why we don’t: The limited exchanges may be an issue if the clothing or jewellery received aren’t a good fit. One-time mood boxes are not entitled to exchanges. Free postage for exchanges is included only for defective items; in other cases, you’ll have to bear the shipping cost yourself.
Best for: Anyone who loves customised surprises
More info: https://www.hervelvetvase.com/mood-box
From professional work pieces and cocktail dresses to relaxed, casual outfits, StyleTheory is an easy go-to, given it has an extensive selection of over 40,000 designer pieces and 2,200 designer bags for your picking. It’s a neat way of looking stylish with preloved pieces that are dry-cleaned and delivered for free within one working day of your order.
Price: From S$59/box
How it works: To get started, you’ll have to download the app and register — there’s no minimum commitment period, and for a S$59/month box, you’ll be allowed to choose up to three pieces. Once you’ve selected them, check out and look forward to receiving your pieces. These can be worn and kept for as long as you like; if they aren’t a fit or quite your style, you’re free to return and swap them for another three pieces per month. Take note, though: to cancel your monthly subscription, you’ll need to do it one week before your next billing date.
Why we love it: There are over 40,000 clothing styles and 2,200 designer bags to choose from – that’s any shopaholic’s heaven. Plus, the cost includes dry-cleaning, delivery and returns. You can keep the chosen items as long as you want, and select your next box when you’ve returned your items. Other services are available as well, such as purchasing preloved items, a bag consignment service, and a bag restoration service.
Why we don’t: With so many styles available, you could end up spending an excessive amount of time selecting items. Also sizes vary by the brand — this means you risk renting items that may not fit well.
Best for: Students and working adults
More info: https://www.styletheory.co/sg
(Read also “The Labels That Are Helping Us Build A Sustainable Wardrobe“)
This New York-based womenswear brand offers chic staples for the modern working woman — and that means quality, pressed shirts made from vegan silk, which is in itself unstainable so you won’t have to worry about accidental sauce splashes leaving a (literal) mark.
Price: From S$80/box
How it works: A box of one shirt is shipped seasonally – you can choose to have it delivered every three months (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) or six months. You’ll be given the option to choose any style of your choice up to two weeks prior to the shipping date.
Why we love it: There’s no minimum commitment period, so you’re able to cancel or pause your subscription at any point. Items can be refunded or exchanged, and you can opt to skip a season.
Why we don’t: A shipping fee of around S$33 applies for international orders, returns and exchanges for international orders — including those living in Singapore, making this a pricier alternative next to the other fashion subscription boxes featured here. If you don’t select a shirt, a stylist will select one — and you won’t be able to change this once the box is being prepared for shipment.
Best for: The modern working woman
More info: https://elizabethandclarke.com/plans
Here’s an easy way to borrow style cues from American fashion designer Rachel Zoe: through CURATEUR, a self-styled lifestyle membership programme formerly known as Box of Style.
Price: From S$116/box
How it works: Prior to shipping, you’ll be given the option to pick from one of two items — think hats or accessories — to complete a five-piece seasonal curation. While you can opt for the pay-per-season plan, it’s the annual membership plan that will offer the biggest discounts. For instance, a one-off, pay-per-season box will set you back S$135/box, whereas opting for the annual subscription costs S$464/four boxes, which works out to just S$116/box.
Why we love it: With over 200 reviewers on the official CURATEUR site, subscribers rave about the quality of the received items.
Why we don’t: The high cost of shipping: it’s dependent on international rates, duties and taxes, so keep this in mind prior to committing to the annual plan.
Best for: Anyone who wants variety and a taste of American fashion designer Rachel Zoe’s edits
More info: https://www.curateur.com/
This article is contributed by ValueChampion.