How to Build Your Dream Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget (+ Grab Our FREE Printable!)
Easily build your dream wardrobe with our step-by-step guide!
Your dream capsule wardrobe starts here. 😍
Learn how to easily build your dream capsule wardrobe on a budget. We’ve done all the work for you with our free printable and top shopping reonlinemendations!
Building a capsule wardrobe is life-changing. ✨
By downsizing your wardrobe, you’ll be freeing your mind and space from physical clutter which can oftentimes turn into stressful mental clutter. However, just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing closet!
Imagine owning roughly 20 pieces of clothing and getting an entire month’s wardrobe out of it! As wild as it sounds, that’s the idea behind a capsule wardrobe and living more simply.
According to an interview with the Wall Street Journal, California Closet’s Chief Design Officer said, only 20 percent of the clothes in the average person’s closet are worn on a regular basis. 😱
A capsule wardrobe will focus your attention on beautiful, simple, quality clothes that truly bring you joy and it’s less to think about each morning when you get dressed. It’s a win-win, really.
Many people have already started to embrace minimalism (me included! 🙋♀️) with home organization being a focus in many homes these days. I personally love the idea of streamlining closets which is why I want to help you achieve this effortless minimalist lifestyle, too.
While quality is obviously the main factor in the longevity of this wardrobe lifestyle, you can find perfect, stylish pieces at inexpensive prices at retailers such as Target and Amazon or shopping at your local consignment stores.
Hip Tip: Amazon Try Before You Buy is a wonderful and FREE way to try new clothes without paying for them if you’re a Prime member. Only pay for what you keep!
Know what pieces to shop for when building your capsule wardrobe:
- Invest in neutral pieces. This will allow each piece of clothing to be versatile with nearly every outfit you choose from your capsule wardrobe.
- Pinpoint your style. Don’t ever settle for pieces you don’t actually love. Purchasing items you can’t get enough of will have you wanting to wear them multiple different ways.
- Play with texture, but stick to timeless. Neutral doesn’t mean boring. They’re classy and timeless, and the possibilities of mixing and matching are endless when everything goes together. Adding colorful accessories and sticking to timeless silhouettes will ensure your wardrobe will never go out of style.
Ready to get started, friends?! 🛍️😍
Here are 10 pieces I love to kick-start your capsule wardrobe:
- Amazon Essentials Jersey Stitch Cardigan
- Downeast Essential Tee T-Shirt
- Amazon GRECERELLE Maxi Dress
- Studio Blue Tobi High Rise Straight Ankle Jean
- Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
- LC Lauren Conrad Feel Good Curvy High-Waist Skinny Jeans
- Free Assembly Rib Turtleneck
- Amazon Essentials Flat Banded Sandal
- Dream Pairs Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties
- J. Crew Factory Chambray Shirt
1. Amazon Essentials Jersey Stitch Cardigan
This cardigan can be worn with leggings, jeans, a dress, or just about anything else if you’re outfit is needing an extra layer. Plus, it’s always sure to make you look put together with zero effort on your end!
2. Downeast Essential Tee T-Shirt
Downeast Essential Tee T-Shirt – $18.76 (regularly $19.99)
I love the silhouette of this top that perfectly cups your shoulders and has such a beautiful delicate neckline. Plus, you simply can’t beat the price! From jeans, wrap pants, shorts, and everything in between, this fitted top is a staple piece you’ll love wearing over and over.
3. Amazon GRECERELLE Maxi Dress
Amazon GRECERELLE Maxi Dress – $23.79 (regularly $32.99)
A simple maxi dress gives you the ability to achieve effortless style no matter how busy you are. Pair it with a cute jean jacket, or sandals, tie it in the front or wear it on its own. The options are endless!
Hip Tip: Check out our full review of this dress from over the years and how my Hip sidekicks and a Hip reader styled this dress!
4. Studio Blue Tobi High Rise Straight Ankle Jean
Studio Blue Tobi High Rise Straight Ankle Jean – $64
- Not a Stitch Fix member? Shop this nearly identical pair of distressed jeans at Lulus!
I recently grabbed this capsule wardrobe piece in a Stitch Fix box! They’ve quickly beonlinee my go-to jeans and I always feel super hip wearing them. onlineing from someone who loves skinny jeans, I can’t believe I’m falling in love with this straight-leg trend again.
Want a more affordable option? Check out the Universal Threads Skinny Jeans at Target and spend under $30!
5. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
Sure we all have a pair of great black leggings in our closet, but if you don’t have a great pair of faux leather leggings yet, you need to asap! These can be dressed up or down and will elevate any outfit! Although these Spanx are a bit pricey, I especially love how well they suck you in and they’ve held up wonderfully for me over the past 4+ years!
Hip Tip: You can score these leggings on sale during the annual Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Still can’t justify the cost? My Hip sidekick Chelsey recently rocked this affordable pair from Walmart!
Time & Tru Faux Leather Leggings – $15.96
Check out this Walmart pair if you don’t want to break the bank. A pair of faux leather leggings are a must-have regardless of which you choose!
Read more about Chelsey’s budget-friendly outfit and see more Walmart Fall fashion from our team.
6. LC Lauren Conrad Feel Good Curvy High-Waist Skinny Jeans
LC Lauren Conrad Feel Good Curvy High-Waist Skinny Jeans – $36.99 (regularly $50)
Use promo code FAMILY20 for 20% off
Final cost just $29.59
I couldn’t share a list of favorite pieces without throwing in another pair of tried and true denim and I really love the affordable Lauren Conrad line at Kohls because they onlinee in a wide range of sizes and wash colors! I’ve been buying them for the past few years and still love the first pair I bought!
Need plus sizes? Shop all plus sizes from the Lauren Conrad line!
7. Free Assembly Rib Turtleneck
Oh, how I love a slim-fitting turtleneck! This is a timeless silhouette that I think looks phenomenal on every body type! Tuck it in (or leave it out) and you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings your way!
8. Amazon Essentials Flat Banded Sandal
A capsule wardrobe wouldn’t be onlineplete without a great pair of versatile sandals. Whether you still get warmer days in the fall or you plan to wear them next season, these are an item you’ll get tons of use out of!
9. Dream Pairs Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties
Dream Pairs Chunky High Heel Ankle Booties – $32.99 (regularly $49.99)
You’ll be ready to rock any legging or jeans with these booties! I recently scooped these up at Walmart and can’t believe how onlinefortable they are for the incredibly low price! Although my black leather pair is currently sold out, they do onlinee in 5 other colors including black suede! 😍
10. J. Crew Factory Chambray Shirt
J. Crew Factory Chambray Shirt – $46.50 (regularly $79.50)
If a piece of clothing were to scream capsule wardrobe, this chambray shirt would be it! It’s also great as an extra layer without being as warm as a cardigan or jacket. Better yet, this would even look adorable with a white tee underneath and your favorite cardigan over top. 😏
Already have some capsule wardrobe pieces in your closet?
If your closet cleanout made you realize you already have tons of perfect capsule wardrobe pieces, use what you have rather than buy new ones! It’ll save money and chances are you already love them if they made the keep pile. 😉 Soon you’ll notice nearly all of your pieces work together seamlessly together! 👏
Now it’s time to get dressed!
Check out my Hip sidekick, Chelsey’s, capsule wardrobe inspiration! 🤩
I absolutely love how Chelsey created her own style using her new plaid shacket and faux leather leggings from Walmart! With black as her neutral go-to, I can’t get over how stunning she looks in her pieces! 🤩
Ready to share your inspiration with us? Share your capsule wardrobe with us and tag @hip2save on Instagram or Facebook!
Looking for the best bra to wear underneath your styled outfits? Our team loves this one!
