5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Build a Capsule Wardrobe in 2023
21st April 2023
Do you open your wardrobe and say “I’ve got nothing to wear?”, then end up impulse buying a new outfit for every occasion? That’s okay, you’re not the only one, but this can definitely start to add up and before long you might be feeling the impact on your pocket, never mind the environmental impact.
If you want to avoid the “nothing to wear” trap altogether, a capsule wardrobe could be just the answer you’re looking for.
What Exactly is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is bringing together a core selection of clothing and accessories that are complementary to one another, allowing the maximisation of the number of outfit choices produced within one particular wardrobe.
The idea of this is to own a timeless selection of versatile pieces appropriate for all occasions without the need for collecting excessive amounts of clothing.
Why is One Useful?
Reasons for constructing a capsule collection can vary, from limited space to an interest in buying clothing sustainably or even cutting costs. It’s also a great way to make sure you always look put-together, which has its own host of benefits.
With increased costs of living, people are cutting back their purchases across all areas of life, so it’s no surprise people want to spend less on clothing, and typically this makes cheap fast fashion the easier sounding option and one that some people will turn to.
Capsule wardrobes were popularised by influencers who were opposed to fast fashion and there are tons of YouTube videos showing you exactly how to craft one. It’s because of this it’s usually considered a luxury, or a trend. But it doesn’t have to be an expensive luxury.
Here, we’ve come up with 5 tips to add to your capsule wardrobe checklist, which could save you a lot of money in the long run if you snap up the right deals on the right pieces.
Buy pre-loved
Second-hand shopping is a really good way of finding good quality items on a tight budget. The online marketplace is huge; with the likes of Depop, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace at your disposal, the need to pay full price is no longer a necessity anymore.
Buying second-hand items online also allows haggling on price, giving you more leverage when you’re on a budget as often people are looking to make space in their wardrobes and will happily compromise to do so.
Charity shops are also a good option to enhance your wardrobe. Regularly checking out your local charity shops can be a good starting point to find good quality wardrobe staples and hidden gems if you’re willing to be vigilant.
Some popular brands partner with charities to donate out-of-season clothing. For example, the British Red Cross have a partnership with Zara and H&M, meaning if you’re lucky enough you could find brand-new items on the hanger for just a fraction of the price.
Hire exactly what you need
One option that is rising in popularity on social media is to hire pieces of clothing from. Companies that allows you to hire garments, that might have an extortionate retail price, for a fraction of the cost.
Although this mean’s whatever you choose won’t have a permanent pride of place in your wardrobe, it’s a great way to get those extra special outfits that you might need for a for a special occasion.
Check out sites such at Hirestreet and By Rotation where you’ll be able to hire clothes rather than purchasing them.
Dont forget to check for discount codes
Often online sites have promotional codes which can reduce the cost of the items you’re looking for. It’s always handy to search around for codes with a quick Google, even 10% can reduce the retail price vastly.
Shop the sales and outlet stores
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