Capsule wardrobes have become yet another icon of simplicity in an overly consumeristic culture. High-profile executives even like the concept because it frees their ‘creative energy’ for more important decisions than what to wear every day. Downsizing your closet might sound appealing if you:
• Hate deciding what to wear every day • Dislike having to shop every season• Wish you had less clothing to maintain • Want to spend less on clothing
Building a capsule wardrobe saves both time and money in the long run, but it does require an initial investment. For instance, one of the first steps ‘capsule experts’ suggest is eliminating anything in your closet that doesn’t fit, flatter, or you simply don’t love. What does that leave? If you do it right, not much! Unlike high-profile executives, not many of us can afford to go out and replace our entire wardrobe in one shot, regardless of how much it will save long-term. Is it possible to build an amazing capsule wardrobe on a budget? If you consider the following tips, I think so.
Tip #1: Plan Out Your Ideal Wardrobe
Like any financial endeavor, a successful capsule makeover starts with a plan — in this case, your ideal wardrobe. Make a list of 10-15 key items you’ll need for spring/fall or summer/winter, not counting accessories or activity-specific. Some prefer 33 items that mix and match into (4) 3- month mini capsules. Whichever plan you choose, here are a few things to consider:
• Follow your personal style: What you feel and look good in, your lifestyle needs, and the image you want to project. Think about your favorite clothes and what they have in common.
• Choose colors that will blend well with one another. Mostly neutrals tones (black, white, grey, ivory, brown/camel, navy) with a few pops of color will allow you to create the greatest number of outfits with the fewest pieces.
Tip #2: Determine Your Shopping and Downsizing Strategy
Seeing what you have and what you need will allow you to target your shopping. If you can only afford to purchase one new item a month, which are the highest priority? Take your time making decisions, because you’ll want each new piece to last a long time. It may take some patience and time, but it will be worth the effort.
If you won’t be donating your old clothes, sell them through consignment, a yard sale, or trendy new apps like ThredUp, Twice, or Poshmark and channel the funds into your new wardrobe.
Tip #3: Choose Quality Over Quantity
Many of us mark a successful shopping trip by how far we stretch our money, failing to take into account the quality of the clothing we’ve purchased. Instead of replacing three poorly-constructed items purchased for $100 after a few months, it’s better to purchase one $100 item that will last you much longer. How do you determine quality other than price? Try things on, read reviews, and test things out until you find a handful of brands you can count on for the right mix of quality and value.
Tip #4: Go for Timeless, Not Trendy
Capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean ‘time capsule,’ and it doesn’t depend on trends either. You’ll notice that high-quality pieces tend to be classics — items that will always make you look chic and fashionable, regardless of the current trends. If you want to ‘freshen’ your wardrobe, look through fashion magazines for ideas on how to create new looks with the classics you have.
Tip #5: Be a Savvy Shopper
While budgeting and saving for quality pieces, don’t forget to look for great deals. Stay aware of what’s in the stores, but wait for end-of-season sales in June/July and December/January. Don’t be afraid to mix in a few cheaper pieces with more expensive ones by shopping consignment and vintage stores, but again — prioritize quality.
Tip #6: Take Care of Your Clothes
Paying more for your clothes will make you want to take better care of them. Always follow care instructions exactly, and when in doubt, hand wash and air dry. To avoid ironing disasters, replace it with a garment steamer.
This article was written by Jessica Sommerfield from MoneyNing and was licensed from NewsCred, Inc. Santander Bank does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained in this article does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Santander Bank does not make any claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in this article. Readers should consult their own attorneys or other tax advisors regarding any financial strategies mentioned in this article. These materials are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsement of Santander Bank.
