How to Build a Timeless Wardrobe Without Overspending

Trends seem to spread across social media and fall in and out of style in a matter of weeks. Trying to keep up may put a strain on the environment and your bank account. Plus, for some, chasing the latest viral looks may take the fun out of cultivating your own personal style. 

You don’t want to find yourself having to take out personal loans to feed your love of fashion. Fortunately, you can curate a thoughtful personal wardrobe on a budget that will reflect your taste and look good for years to come. 

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Take Stock of What You Have

If you want to build a personal wardrobe without spending a fortune, your first stop should be your closet. Instead of going into debt to replace all your clothes, start with the great pieces you already have. 

Pull out your trusty, go-to pieces first, such as the pair of jeans that fit you perfectly, your light springtime jacket or the white button-down you wear for job interviews. 

Next, sort your remaining clothes into a pile to keep and a pile to give away. If you haven’t worn something in the last year, it may be time to let that garment go. You might even sell some items to bolster your new wardrobe fund.

Choose a Color Palette  

Ideally, many of the elements of your wardrobe should be interchangeable. That way, you can frequently change up your look without spending money. The palette you choose—and how strictly you adhere to it—depends on your personal style. 

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Some people recommend building your wardrobe around neutrals, like black, white, brown, gray and navy, because they rarely fall out of style. But your wardrobe is about what you like. If you prefer a bolder look, don’t shy away from color. You might choose several complementary main colors, a few accent colors and one or two neutrals. Or maybe you want to stick to all jewel tones or all pastels. Just think about how the colors you choose look together and how they make you feel. 

Keep in mind, the palette you choose isn’t a law—it’s just a guideline to provide some direction. 

Invest in Versatile Basics

Solid basics are the foundation of a timeless wardrobe. While you don’t have to break the bank, you shouldn’t skimp on articles of clothing that will likely get a lot of wear. It’s important to make sure they’re comfortable, well-fitting and made to last. You can buy your staples new or look for high-quality secondhand options. But before you spend money on an item, ask yourself the following questions. 

Does it Fit Your Lifestyle?

Some clothing items are fairly universal. Most people benefit from having a few button-downs, well-fitting pants or skirts and crisp t-shirts in their wardrobe. But other basics depend on your lifestyle. If you have a corporate job that takes you to the office every day, you might want to splurge on a nice blazer or comfortable dress shoes, for example. However, if you spend most of your day working outside, work boots or jeans may be more important.  

Is It Cleanable and Repairable?

You want your wardrobe to last. That means you shouldn’t have to throw away a shirt after spilling marinara sauce on it or toss your work bag because the strap breaks. Stay away from fast fashion that falls apart quickly. Instead, look for durable, repairable fibers like wool and organic cotton.   

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Is It Comfortable?

You may be able to put up with an itchy turtleneck for a few hours, but your everyday clothes should feel as good as they look. Try to find breathable materials that are soft to the touch. Fit matters, too. You should feel comfortable moving around in your basics, so they shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.  

Thrift for Statement Pieces 

Daring accessories can elevate any look. Look in thrift stores for one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personal style and complement your wardrobe. Consider keeping an eye open for the following versatile accessories: 

• Hats. Baseball caps, berets or beanies may help you dress down a more formal look or make a casual outfit look complete. 
• Watches. New watches are often expensive, but you might find a deal on a classy vintage watch at a secondhand store. 
• Jewelry. Look for necklaces, bracelets or even brooches that you can layer onto an outfit. 
• Belts. While belts serve a practical purpose, unique buckles can add an element of whimsy to basic jeans or trousers. 
• Sunglasses. You may find some classic or quirky frames at the thrift store to keep the sun out of your eyes all year long. If you wear prescription glasses, ask your optometrist if they can swap out the lenses.  

Curate Over Time 

You might feel tempted to do a complete clothing refresh all at once. But replacing your entire wardrobe is expensive, even if you shop secondhand and look for deals. It could take months, or even years, but it also means you have time to experiment with new looks and explore your personal style. 

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