Building a Capsule Wardrobe on a Student Budget
Written by Lola Schectman
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that prioritizes versatility and timelessness over trends. Typically, it consists of about 20–30 pieces that can be combined to create numerous outfits. Capsule wardrobes can help simplify your life by reducing the need for a cluttered closet and ensuring that you always have something to wear. To elevate your capsule wardrobe, follow the easy 5 steps below.
Step 1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe and Define Your Style
Building a capsule wardrobe starts with identifying what you already own and deciding your style preference. Start by decluttering your wardrobe. Pick out the clothes that you love, wear often, and feel comfortable in. Sort your clothes into three piles: keep, maybe, and donate/sell. As hard as it may be to get rid of clothes you once loved, the goal is to only keep pieces that you genuinely like and feel confident in. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you must define your style.
When thinking ahead to your capsule wardrobe, consider your lifestyle. Do you have a job? Do you workout often? What do you like to wear when going out? Consider your preferred aesthetic, whether it be minimalist, vintage, etc, and create a vision board to keep track of styles you are drawn to. Over time, you’ll notice recurring themes, colors, and styles that will form the basis of your capsule.
Step 2. Choose Essential, Timeless Pieces
With your personal style in mind, consider the essential pieces that will form your capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe typically contains basic pieces that are easy to mix and match for multiple different occasions. Here are some key categories to consider:
Tops: Neutral t-shirts, a classic white button-down, and one or two statement tops. These can be dressed up or down.
Bottoms: A few pairs of different colored jeans, dress paints, and a skirt that works for formal and casual occasions.
Outerwear: A cozy sweater, light and warm jackets, and a blazer are great choices. These can add layers and suit the colder months.
Footwear: Comfortable sneakers are essential on campus. A versatile pair of boots and a dress option like slingback heels or sandals are perfect for fancy occasions.
Accessories: Accessories can instantly elevate any outfit. Add a bag, jewelry; including a few minimal and statement pieces, and a scarf or hat.
Step 3. Shopping on a Student Budget
There are many different ways to maximize a capsule wardrobe on a budget. First, shop budget friendly brands. Brands such as H&M, Zara and Old Navy can provide you with stylish options without breaking your bank. Try to shop these stores during sales or using discounts that can help you save significantly. Online resale platforms such as Depop, and Poshmark allow you to search for specific brands, styles and sizes. These platforms can be particularly helpful in searching for unique, high-end clothing at a lower price. Additionally, thrift stores are great places to find quality pieces at a fraction of the retail price.
4. Create Outfits that Maximize Versatility
A well created capsule wardrobe can offer you endless outfit possibilities. To maximize the versatility of your wardrobe, mix and match pieces. Each piece in your wardrobe should be easy to pair with others. For example, a white button down shirt can be paired with jeans for a casual look, dressed up with a skirt for a night out, or paired with a blazer for work. Additionally, experiment with layers and accessories. This can instantly transform an outfit. Accessories like belts and jewelry can add more personality to your outfits.
5. Take Care of your Wardrobe
Taking care of your clothes will help extend their lifespan. Here are a few clothing care tips to maximize your capsule wardrobe:
Wash your clothes following instructions.
Consider air drying clothes.
Use a steamer or iron to keep clothes wrinkle free.
Consider learning basic alteration skills.
Building a capsule wardrobe may seem scary, but with thoughtful planning and shopping, it is very achievable. By assessing your wardrobe, focusing on essential, timeless pieces, and shopping smartly, you can create a versatile collection that suits your style and lifestyle.
Edited by Hana Razvi, Olivia Daly, Katherine Rubinstein, Sophia Buckholtz, Elliot DePerry & Greta Felton
