How to Build a Basic Wardrobe on a Budget
Versatility is key when it comes to building your basic wardrobe. No matter if you're looking for tops, bottoms, or shoes, choosing pieces that offer comfort while giving you confidence makes putting together outfits fun. By concentrating on a few simple, versatile pieces, you'll have a wardrobe that's easy to dress up or down throughout the year.
Focus on Tops That Offer Versatility
When putting together your wardrobe, start on top to find pieces that express your unique personality, all while giving you the versatility to mix and match with ease. Having clothing that you can wear a variety of ways saves you that extra cash you would have been spending on multiple outfits. Of course, you'll need a few season-specific pieces as well, but ultimately you'll be saving with a better budgeted wardrobe.
Add some sweaters to your wardrobe collection for a solid shirt you can rely on when the chilly weather hits. Cozy sweaters are easy to dress up or down, and they'll let you look elegant even if the weather outside is, well, frightful. Go for a cashmere sweater on special occasions or cotton for a comfy look that pairs with anything from pencil skirts for work to laid-back jeans for easy weekend days.
Of course, the weather will warm up eventually, and you'll want to have some basic shirts for summer as well. Cute T-shirts in solid colors are easy to wear casually or dress up with accessories like a statement necklace, so grab a few tees to keep in your rotation. And you know that button-down you love wearing in the fall? Just roll up the sleeves above your elbow and you have an effortless yet chic look ready for the warmer months.
Focus on pieces that work throughout the seasons for easy versatility when you're building your wardrobe on a budget. Layer light sweaters over dress shirts, or wear a summer shirt with a blazer to dress it up for a winter meeting or brunch date. One great piece to have in your rotation is a cardigan — you can wear it paired with other tops for a put-together look when it's cool out, and then just tuck it in your bag in the summer to fight off unexpected air conditioning.
Give Pants and Skirts New Life Throughout the Seasons
Once you've stocked up on tops that are easy to weave throughout your year-round wardrobe, it's time to focus on bottoms. Fortunately, a lot of pants and skirts are easy to style throughout the year when you know how to do it. High rise jeans are a sure bet. They're flattering on every body, and they look just as good with a tee tucked in for a barbecue as they do paired with a tailored blazer for a business-casual meeting or dinner out with someone you love.
Then add a skirt to your arsenal that's equally easy to match with your beloved tops in different seasons. That's right — a skirt isn't just a summertime staple. Whether you go for a breezy maxi or sophisticated pencil skirt (or anything in between), the right pairings transform your favorite skirt into something you can wear in any weather. Switch out sandals for tights and booties and your skirt just became the perfect anchor for your autumn looks.
Go For Shoes That Combine Style and Comfort
When it comes to shoes, choosing a few basic pairs that offer both style and comfort will give you the flexibility you need to pair with clothes for casual days and dressier occasions alike. A pair of sandals you can walk in can become your go-to shoes in the summer. Go with a strappy or metallic look for a little extra flair and you're ready for a summer trip spent exploring a new city as well as lazy days in your own backyard.
Likewise, a pair of cute boots or booties that are flat or have a low heel can pair with everything from skirts to dress pants to jeans in cooler weather. You won't need to pack a ton of bulky shoes if you're heading off on vacation, and you'll have a versatile pair of shoes for everyday use as well.
Accessorize the Basics as the Seasons Change
Every wardrobe needs a few season-specific pieces. Even if you live somewhere that's mostly hot or cold over the course of a year, you'll still want at least one or two pieces for colder or warmer weather in case you're traveling (or you encounter some unexpected weather!). You can use these extra pieces to complement the basic wardrobe you've now created.
Women's winter coats are key to any closet. Get one in a simple-to-style color like black and you'll easily pair it with anything you're wearing. A streamlined silhouette gives you warmth while keeping winter outfits a snap to style. You'll also want a bathing suit that makes you feel confident in your collection for warmer weather.
Go for clothing and accessories that bring you comfort and style simultaneously when picking your wardrobe essentials. You'll take the stress out of getting dressed each day, and you'll have fun mixing and matching to create budget friendly outfits that highlight your unique sense of style.