How To Build A Basic Wardrobe On A Budget In 2023

Making your own basic wardrobe on a budget is easy when you know what to shop, and where to get it. Come find out how in 8 simple steps.

A basic wardrobe is the solution when your closet is full, yet you never seem to have anything to wear. This post is going to teach you how to build one, without the need for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Would you like to learn?

Was your answer a nervous but solid YES? To be honest, that’s fine. We have all been there. You just need to work on the foundation. No, no, no, your face looks absolutely gorgeous. I’m talking about something else. Your future basic wardrobe capsule.

Sure, everyone wants different things when it comes to fashion. It’s all up to your personal preference. However, the building blocks like a black turtleneck, white shirt, denim jacket, or the little black dress fit every body type and will make you look great without spending too much money or too much time.

Whatever you are doing, you need to have them at your fingertips. They are building blocks for a reason – with a great piece (read: classic piece) you can pull off a different look every six to seven hours. You don’t need to, but you totally can.

Unfortunately, some well-made pieces are costly, and their good quality means extra dollar signs, but it’s possible to build the perfect classic style on a budget – by knowing the best places, the best practices, and the best way to put them all together. Whether we are talking about special occasions or daily wear.

I agree with Coco Chanel – fashion changes, but style endures. Now, let me and my extensive guide help you out with that. I don’t want you to browse thousands of websites and lose half the day. I’ll help you find the wardrobe must-haves for every teenage girl and woman.

How To Build A Basic Wardrobe On A Budget In 2023:

1. Define your personal style

Step #1: Understand your style before you buy any more clothes. Knowing what you like and what *actually* looks good on you will help you put outfit ideas together and avoid impulse purchasing. I know it sounds like even Tom Cruise would find this mission impossible, but it’s pretty simple. 

First, think about your body shape and the clothing pieces that work for you. Then, think about which colors inspire you. Do you like patterns or more minimal designs?

What about accessories? Pinterest is a great source of personal style inspiration! If I were you, I would create a board called ‘capsule wardrobe’ and refer back to it as we go through the step-by-step guide. Just saying.

2. Assess your current clothing collection

Whether the glass is half full or half empty, we, humans, are creatures of nature. In other words, we tend to buy more of what we already own. Of course, if you wear a black leather jacket everywhere and want new black pants to go with it, that’s cool. 

The problem would be if your closet is full of pieces, yet you constantly feel like you have got nothing to wear – clearly, it’s not a minimalist basic wardrobe. I’m not saying you should throw away any trench coat in solid color. Just that you may need some time to reassess and most likely a clear out. This moves us to the next step…

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3. Get rid of pieces that aren’t versatile

The core closet essentials/capsule wardrobe basics/wardrobe essentials (call them what you want) are at the heart of this philosophy.  Again, look-at-me bright colors are cute but usually hot within a fashion season. 

In case you are striving for straightforward sophistication all the time, you will need high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time. As I don’t want to go into too many details, check out this blog post where I’ve done THE explaining on how you can clear and simplify your wardrobe classic situation.

4. Set the budget

As annoying as it can be, things cost money. Some closet staples can break the bank, but there are also many other options you can afford without worry. 

You don’t need to banish everything and spend thousands of $$$ on a tailored jacket. If possible, invest a bit and cross something off your shopping list, knowing it will be your best friend for a long time. Otherwise, simply set a budget and shop for clothing items within it. After all, we are still talking about owning fewer clothes, and not getting a new evening dress for every special event you attend this year.

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5. Identify your color palette

Choosing a color palette that resonates with you is important. Start working with what you already have. As we speak, go to your closet and write down all the different colors you own. 

First, pick your base colors – they don’t have to be neutral colors, just your most worn ones (try to stick between three and five). 

After that, pick your accent colors (the shades that contrast your base colors). Finally, select your coordinating colors, which are typically the leftover ones. The coordinating shades usually match perfectly both with your base and accent colors and add more versatility to the full look. And boom! You have the color scheme game mastered.

6. Add core staples

Surprising or not, functional forms have made their way back in recent collections. You? You need to stick to them. Constantly. These are your basic wardrobe essentials.

Of course, your wardrobe staples will depend on your own great style, but a pair of everyday pants (nothing better than the perfect pair of jeans), a white button-up shirt, and some classy ankle boots are a good starting point. I can go on and on, and on, AND on with the white sneakers, the cashmere sweater, and every other must-have wardrobe staple possible, but the ultimate capsule wardrobe checklist is right here. That’s where you can find your wardrobe basics checklist 2023.

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7. Shop smart

Some people say that you need to work hard and play hard. While this is 100% true when it comes to life, I don’t think you need to have a hard time when you are looking for leg- lengthening jeans, for example. Finding basics for wardrobe staples can be easier than you think.

Since second-hand stores are a big thing right now, it’s a really great idea to thrift more expensive essential pieces (trenches, coats, jackets, etc.) from places like Poshmark, Vinted and Depop. 

And if you are looking for smaller and simple things like a plain white tee or dark wash jeans, head to H&M and Mango.

Everlane and Reformation are other great alternatives for high quality in the long-lasting term. That’s the secret. You don’t need to shop often. You just need to shop smart.

8. Minimize to maximize

Of course, the minimalism road could take us in many different ways, but it’s simply (no pun intended, but pun intended) having exactly what you need and nothing more. 

Well, if someone wants to gift us a diamond-encrusted brooch or necklace, I don’t think we will give it back. Talking about our choices, though, they need to be conscious. When you have a minimized wardrobe, you will get the maximum effect. You can build on it with basic clothing. 

Plus, you will always save time, expenses, and hours standing in front of the mirror, wondering what exactly could have gone wrong with you and that pencil skirt.

I feel like I have already told you enough, but let me sum it up. Statement pieces and wind-swept dark jeans are OK. That bright denim shirt with little creases is fine too.

The easiest way though, the key to that so-much-coveted embellishment, called simplicity, is to go basic. Get the white tank, some ballet flats, a pair of skinny jeans, and a few dress shirts you can throw on as an outer layer. Utilize these basic wardrobe items.

Trust me, you will be anything but basic. You will be the momentum.

This post was all about basic wardrobe.

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