9 Tips To Build a Capsule Wardrobe On A Budget
Capsule wardrobes have been on our feeds for a few years now.
It refers to a collection of clothes that will not go out of style and can be worn for several years. In modern times like today, we have lost a bit of the idea behind it and have allowed fast fashion to take over. However, many of us have chosen to limit our spendings and built a wardrobe that works for all seasons.
Many are of the opinion that a capsule wardrobe will work only if you are on the wealthy side and can build a wardrobe with classic or iconic pieces that last forever. However, this is not the case. A capsule wardrobe can be created on a budget and it is a combination of clothes and accessories that you can use to create a wide selection of outfits.
It will help save time and will eliminate decision fatigue. If you are someone who wakes up every morning and spends an hour looking at their wardrobe, a capsule wardrobe will do wonders for you. It is a lot about having only what you need. It will save money, time, and effort. You will not have to rush to the store every time there is a sale and you will not end up stocking your wardrobe with items you rarely wear.
From summer to winter and day to night, an ideal capsule wardrobe will have you covered. The wardrobe also encourages you to think about how much your clothes are worth, irrespective of the price. If you find clothes that you enjoy wearing for practical reasons, the wardrobe will automatically become more valuable. Here are some things you should keep in mind when you build a capsule wardrobe on a budget.
1. Keep your lifestyle in mind
Some of the most expensive and fancy pieces in the wardrobe will be the ones you rarely wear. A lot of people do not have the chance to wear stilettos or a cocktail dress often, then why buy 10 of them? Before you head out shopping, keep your lifestyle in mind. What do you normally wear? If you like formal dresses, it is best to avoid filling your wardrobe with jeans and tops. Dressing up is great but if that is not something you indulge in often, you do not need to bother about having a lot of such pieces. Your wardrobe does not require to own too many “just in case” pieces that you may only need once in four years.
2. Choose how you would like to dress
Building a capsule wardrobe is a wonderful process. It is a chance for you to assess and understand your style and consider how comfortable and happy you feel with what you are wearing. You may have been putting on pieces that you do not really feel great in because you do not want to sift through the drawers and look for things that you like wearing more. It is best to understand your style and donate everything that does not suit you or bring you joy. Always look for comfort. If there is an item that does not feel good to you, try to get rid of it. There is always a second home you can find.
3. Stay away from fast fashion
You will come across a lot of fast fashion clothes when you start but you should not be concerned about the same. A capsule wardrobe will focus on quality and not quantity. Hence, you do not need to replace each piece with an expensive purchase. Focus on what you already own and then try to switch the piece. With time, you will be able to understand what the capsule wardrobe requires and you can tweak it to make it more functional. The best thing about a capsule wardrobe is that it is personal and suits your preferences.
4. Get rid of non-versatile pieces
There are some pieces you can wear throughout the year if you know how to put them together. You can consider layering during winters and simplifying if it gets hot. Think of a linen top. It is a basic summer style that you can also wear under a turtleneck for warmth. Try to put the pieces together according to the weather. When it comes to a capsule wardrobe, you do not need to get very serious about following the rules. However, you must wear proper outfits but you can always test yourself to look at the clothes in a unique manner and learn to have fun with what you have. A capsule wardrobe also means you do not need to go shopping whenever the weather changes. You have everything you need and you just need to style it right.
5. Coordinate the right colors
Many people believe that a capsule wardrobe is all about the neutrals but it is not set in stone. Neutrals are easy to pair and they are not specific to a season. However, if you are someone who likes a little bit of color, you can always go for it. Capsule wardrobe need not be neutral, but the things should match overall. Your wardrobe should look well curated and you should follow a consistent theme. If you invest in a few bright colors, you can buy some neutrals to go with it. Select pieces that can be easily matched with one another and you will be fine. You can also set out your wardrobe according to the season. Pick 2-4 pieces for the summer, a couple for winter, and a few for the Spring. This way, you have all you need throughout the year.
6. Transform your shopping habits
When you want to build a capsule wardrobe, you cannot be someone who always buys fast fashion items, you need to change this habit. Vintage and thrifted pieces are always better quality. Something purchased from the mainstream store will not be able to beat the quality you find at a vintage store. Try to control yourself in the sales season because this is a time that can push you to make impulsive purchases. When you see clothes that feel like a good deal, do not splurge on them if you do not need them.
7. Take care of the clothes
All of your clothes will last longer when you take care of them and treat them well. Your clothing deserves all the respect and when you have invested in vintage pieces, you need to take special care of them. Try to stay away from garments that need dry cleaning because it can be expensive and inconvenient. Whenever you wash clothes, you need to sort the darks and lights and always read the washing instructions on the garments. Remember to adjust the settings on the washing machine. It is tempting to push everything in one load but those additional minutes of sorting will pay off in the future. It is also recommended to learn to mend clothes. When you know how to sew up a hole, it will keep your clothes looking easy and fresh. You do not need to head to a tailor to mend the small hole in the shirt.
8. Set the budget
Lastly, you must set a budget for your wardrobe in mind. There is no need to spend all your money on the classic trench coat you believe you will wear for the next five years. There should always be a budget on how and where you want to spend your money. Before you head out shopping, set the budget and stick to it. This will also help control the number of items you buy. For convenience, you can make a list of the items you need. Maybe, 5 tops, 3 pairs of pants and 3 pairs of shoes. This way, you will only focus on what you need to stick to your budget. A capsule wardrobe can help save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Start building the perfect capsule wardrobe this week. You can always start by taking a good look at your wardrobe and identifying pieces you no longer need. It will take time to build a wardrobe so do not rush the process and do not feel overwhelmed about it. Look for the right companies you want to buy from. There are several sustainable companies you can support by purchasing from them. You can use social media to look for independent businesses that have great design and style.
Once you begin to look at clothes differently, you need to tell yourself to wear the clothes as many times as you can. Always take pride in them and change the standard clothing narrative existing in our culture today. Move away from the fast-fashion pieces and try to stick to your style and personality. Starting in your own closet is the first step towards building a capsule wardrobe. Declutter and organize before you start to shop.
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