So you want to build a capsule wardrobe, but don’t know where to start?
Building a capsule wardrobe can seem extremely intimidating starting out, especially without a plan.
After all, how do you even know what to buy?
How do you find so many pieces that work together?
You’ve decided that the time has come for you to pull the trigger and really commit yourself to living a simpler life. Starting with your closet.
Hovering over the popular wardrobe guides in a blogger’s feed can be difficult to determine which one will suit you best.
Buying a good-quality bag is one thing, but when it comes to clothes, it can be a challenge to find something within your budget and practical for your lifestyle.
Your body type is different from another. Though every person in the world has a beautiful body, only a few know how to take advantage of them.
It becomes more difficult if you have varied body parts that need some attention, but it is not impossible.
The purpose of this article, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of interchangeable clothing that can be mixed and matched to create many outfits.
You should be able to create dozens of different outfits without buying any new clothes, which allows you to spend less time and money on your fashion.
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?
Capsule wardrobes gained popularity as a way to deal with the desire for variety in an ever-growing closet.
Your capsule wardrobe is an intentional selection of clothing items that are intended to work together.
The idea behind a capsule wardrobe is that you don’t have to spend hours shopping for new clothes every season.
You already have everything you need in your closet.
Your closet contains only items that are versatile and go together well.
It takes you less time to put together an outfit when you’re in a rush!
Capsule wardrobes aren’t just for fashion mavens—they’re also great for people who want to save money on clothes.
A capsule wardrobe promotes savvy spending habits and forces you to get rid of things that don’t serve a purpose in your life.
Why I Love Capsule Wardrobe
I love a capsule wardrobe because it’s exactly what it sounds like: a curated collection of clothes that you can mix and match to create different outfits.
I love the simplicity of a capsule wardrobe.
It’s flexible, so you don’t have to buy new clothes every season.
It’s simple, so you don’t have to spend all your time thinking about what you’re going to wear.
And it’s sustainable, so you don’t have to waste money on things you don’t need!
In addition, a capsule wardrobe is an easy way to save money on fashion without sacrificing style.
10 Steps In Building A Capsule Wardrobe On A Budget
Step 1: Define Your Budget
If you’re just starting out, it’s important to figure out how much money you want to spend on your capsule wardrobe.
This will help you determine the pieces that work best for your budget and lifestyle.
If possible, try to set aside a specific amount of money each month to spend on building your wardrobe.
If you don’t have a very specific number in mind, then it’s time to do some research.
You’ll want to look at what other people are spending on their clothing and accessories, as well as how much you spend on them currently.
Once you’ve got a good idea of how much money you can spend on clothes each month, make sure that number is realistic for both short-term and long-term goals.
Step 2: Determine Your Style
A capsule wardrobe should feature pieces that are versatile enough to be worn in multiple outfits while still being distinct.
For example, if you love wearing dresses, then you probably want to include at least one or two dresses in your capsule collection.
If you’re more comfortable wearing pants and skirts, then it’s better to focus on those types of items for your capsule wardrobe.
It’s also important to consider how much time you have available for getting ready in the morning.
If it takes too long for you to get dressed, then maybe it’s time to consider adding some new pieces that will make getting ready easier.
Step 3: Develop A Shopping Strategy
Think about the type of stores you like to shop in and how much money you want to spend on each item or category of items.
Consider whether or not you’d be willing to buy an item online instead of in-store, and whether or not this would affect your price range.
Create a list of stores where you can find the right items at the right price point.
Step 4: Create A List Of Essential Items
You’ll need to have a clear idea of what’s essential for your wardrobe, and what you can live without.
You need to make sure that everything on this list is versatile and can be worn in multiple ways.
The essentials list should include your work clothes, casual outfits, and formalwear.
If you’re not sure what pieces you need, ask yourself:
“What do I wear on a day-to-day basis?”
Step 5: Gather Wardrobe Pieces You Already Have
You don’t need to spend a dime on new clothes to build a capsule wardrobe—you can use what you already have!
Take some time to look through your closet, drawers, and any storage areas in your home where clothes might be lurking.
If there are pieces that have been hanging around for a while but aren’t necessarily your style anymore, consider donating them to charity or selling them online.
Step 6: Plan Outfits Around Your Closet Essentials
Once you have your closet essentials, it’s time to plan outfits around them.
We recommend doing this with a notebook and pen. That way, if you do get stuck, you can always look back and see what worked before.
The great thing about having a set number of items is that it makes it easier to think of outfits in advance.
It will help keep you from spending too much money on new clothes or accessories that don’t fit in with your style goals.
Step 7: Shop With A Purpose And Plan Your Purchases
It’s important to have a good idea of what you’re looking for before you hit the stores.
It’s also crucial to make sure that you’re only buying items that fit into your wardrobe vision.
Be sure to research each item before buying it and make sure that it’s worth paying for the price.
Step 8: Avoid Unnecessary Purchases
The key to building a capsule wardrobe is to avoid unnecessary purchases.
It’s not always easy—especially when you’re trying to build your first capsule wardrobe.
There’s nothing wrong with buying new things for yourself.
What’s important is to remember that your wardrobe is a tool for you to use in your daily life.
So make sure that any new items you add are ones that will actually get used!
Step 9: Master The Art Of Layering With Accessories
Accessories are your secret weapon when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe on a budget.
With a few key pieces, you can add an entirely new look to your outfit without spending too much.
if you want to add some color to your look, pick up a brightly-colored scarf or necklace.
If you want to incorporate some texture and warmth into your look, try adding a hat or gloves.
If you want to dress up a plain tee and jeans combo, try adding a statement necklace or bracelet.
Accessories are one of the easiest ways to add style without spending money!
Step 10: Make Sure Everything Fits Perfectly
You may have spent a long time picking out the perfect pieces for your capsule wardrobe, but if they don’t fit you well, they’re not going to be worth much to you at all.
Take the time to make sure everything fits just right, and if something doesn’t, adjust it or sell it off so that you can get what does fit right.
If you have to do a little tailoring or hemming, that’s okay!
You can always learn how to sew or find someone who can help you out.
Just make sure that if there are any problems with the fit, you address them before wearing your new pieces in public.
Different Types Of Clothes To Consider For Your Capsule Wardrobe On A Budget
Shirts – Neutral Colored T-Shirt
A shirt is one of the most important pieces of clothing in your capsule wardrobe.
There are many different styles and colors that you can choose from, but you should keep it neutral with a simple design.
Neutral-colored shirts are easier to match with other items in your closet, making them more versatile and useful for different occasions.
Bottoms – A Pair Of Dark Wash Straight Leg Jeans
Dark wash straight-leg jeans are a classic item that is always in style and can be paired with almost anything.
They’re also reasonably priced and will last you for years, so this should be a staple piece in your wardrobe.
Bottoms – A Pair Of Black Dress Pants
You can wear black dress pants for work and for formal occasions, and they’ll be the basis for many of your outfits.
You can find them at any department store or online.
A pair of dark denim jeans. You don’t need to spend a lot on these.
Get a pair that fits well and looks good on you, and they’ll be fine!
Shoes – Solid Brown Ballet Flats
Brown ballet flats are versatile and can be worn with almost anything.
They can be worn with a variety of outfits and will fit with almost any color scheme.
They’re also comfortable and easy to walk in, so you can wear them for hours without feeling uncomfortable or needing to take a break.
Shoes – Classic Black Pumps
Nothing is more classic than a pair of black pumps.
These can be worn with practically any outfit, and they’ll give you a polished look that’s sure to impress.
They’re also comfortable enough to be worn all day long, so they’re perfect for work or play!
Outerwear – A Black Cardigan Sweater
A black cardigan sweater can be worn over dresses, with denim, with pants and skirts, or even on their own.
They’re great for layering and can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them with.
They’re also extremely versatile, so you’ll have no problem getting your money’s worth out of this piece!
Outerwear – A Camel Trench Coat
This cozy coat is a must-have for any lady’s wardrobe.
The camel color is neutral, so it will go with anything you pair it with.
You can wear this coat with something as bold as red pants and a white shirt, or you could pair it with something more subdued like black pants or denim.
The possibilities are endless, which makes camel an easy choice for outerwear in your capsule wardrobe.
Wanting To Create A Capsule Wardrobe But Tight On Budget?
We know what it’s like to want to create a capsule wardrobe but be tight on budget.
That’s why I created our Free Capsule Wardrobe Guide!
It’s packed with tips and tricks for building the perfect capsule wardrobe, and it’s absolutely free.
The guide is designed to help you build your wardrobe from scratch, or help you rebuild a current one.
You’ll learn how to create a list of items that work well together and find great deals on items you already love.
You will also learn how to pick out new items based on the colors in your existing closet.
So, what are you waiting for? Go check out the guide now!