With fashion trends that come and go more quickly than ever, it may feel difficult to stay stylish without constantly revamping your closet. Microtrends pop up all the time in the fashion world with the help of social media. Global connectedness has sped up the rate at which styles move through the trend cycle. 

It’s simply not ethically and financially responsible to “keep up” with these trends through fast fashion or excessive purchasing. Instead, you can build a capsule wardrobe that allows you to save money and always stay in style.

Definition of a Capsule Wardrobe — And Its Benefits

A capsule wardrobe is a sustainable and stylish clothing solution. It is comprised of staple pieces that you can mix and match for different outfits. It should take you through various occasions and across seasons with ease. The clothing should be adaptable and durable so you can, ideally, keep each item for a long time. 

Capsule wardrobes embrace minimalism, putting the emphasis on long-lasting, flexible style instead of fleetingly trendy clothing items. This isn’t to say, however, that you can’t have a capsule wardrobe and also be trendy. Rather, the clothing pieces should serve as the basis of your outfits, allowing you to build on top of them with smaller investment pieces like accessories.

Make Strategic Fashion Choices

There are strategic ways to stay trendy without spending excessively. It’s possible to achieve both style and financial stability regardless of your budget. When looking for pieces for your capsule wardrobe, try: 

• Setting a budget and sticking to it;
• Shopping at vintage charity shops; 
• Checking for sales and discounts;
• Searching pre-owned items online; 
• Comparison shopping across fashion retailers. 

If done correctly, your capsule wardrobe shouldn’t put you in debt. On the contrary, it should save you money. Even though you’re looking for high-quality items that may have a higher price tag, you can get those secondhand to style vintage outfits. You can even get newer items on sale during holidays and special discount days at retailers. Plus, they are the basis of all of your outfits, so you aren’t spending money on pieces that you aren’t wearing constantly. 

Just remember that, with capsule wardrobes, less is more. You aren’t out to pick big-ticket items that only go with current trends. For example, you would buy a solid pair of versatile denim jeans instead of the season’s latest take on gauchos. Of course, if it’s something you really want, you can get it — but having the foundation of your wardrobe will make it easier to save money and spend only when you truly want to buy into a trend. 

Invest in High-Quality Pieces

The elements of a capsule wardrobe are all built around a colour palette — typically neutral — and include: 

• Socks and underwear; 
• Tops;
• Bottoms; 
• Shoes; 
• Outerwear.

All of these pieces are chosen specifically to coordinate with each other. If you have all of these elements but they are low-quality items, you will have to replace them after wearing them so often. Instead of spending less in the beginning, invest in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time and allow for re-wear after re-wear. 

Think Long-Term

There’s something very entrepreneurial about investing in high-quality wardrobe pieces. You can think of the extended value of those items and formulate a plan to sell them down the line. You could start an Etsy or eBay business with your capsule wardrobe pieces — or even pieces that you see on discount and know would be good for other wardrobes out there. 

This is not only a smart financial move, but it’s also a contribution to the sustainable fashion movement. You’re allowing items to be worn over and over by multiple people — rather than adding to the piles upon piles of fast fashion waste in landfills. You’re saving money in the long run and helping the environment, all while looking fashionable.

Growing With Your Wardrobe

You will inevitably have to remove and add pieces from your capsule wardrobe throughout the years. Even high-quality items can become ripped or stained. They may no longer fit you the way you want, or you could have a change of heart for the neutral tones and decide to go bolder with colour. Whatever the case, know that you have the choice to upgrade your wardrobe. 

Capsule clothing isn’t about minimising what you can do with your clothes. It’s about opening up the possibility to create different, unique looks using key pieces. Allow yourself to purchase special occasion pieces and fun accessories when you’re looking to shake up your style. 

This can be anything from a wedding dress to statement earrings. Go forth with your capsule wardrobe and flair for creativity, and you will remain responsible, comfortable, and stylish through the years. 

Thank you for reading.

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