When you’re beginning to build your capsule wardrobe, there’s no way you’re going to be able to splurge on every piece. Quality over quantity, but both can add up.
Of course, the best thing to do is capitalize off of the items you do have, but there are going to be wardrobe gaps to fill from time to time. It’s important to know what items are worth saving money on and when to seriously splurge.
This will help you save a little $$$ as you build your dream wardrobe; keep reading for some tips.
Save or Splurge?
Strategic shopping strategies to know where to save and when to splurge.
When to Save:
When building your wardrobe, there are three categories you can afford to save your money on. This includes trending pieces, athleticwear, and basics (socks, underwear, tees/tanks, etc.) This is for a few reasons. Trending pieces are not worth the money as they are projected to have a shorter lifespan in your wardrobe compared to your staple items; this is because you although you may feel aligned with the piece, it probably will not be with you in your next season of life. You can also save on athletic wear as you can be just as stylish (and comfortable) wearing more affordable options. These items are prone to be worn most often and exposed to the most wear & washes. Basics
When to Splurge:
As you build a capsule wardrobe, strategic variety is key to a multifunctional yet versatile space. Obviously, we want to focus on quality vs. quantity so the best time to splurge is when you are exploring different textures: denim, silk, cashmere, knit, etc. These materials, when made cheaply, are susceptible to easier wear; avoid this by investing in high-quality pieces to keep as long-term staple pieces. Since you can save on most basic items, I recommend focusing on layers in these materials (sweaters, jacket, cardigan, blouse) as that will help provide you more versatility. Another item to splurge on is everyday jewelry. Although I recommend saving on costume jewelry pieces for occasional use, investing in quality pieces you can wear daily is an effortless way to spice up an outfit.
Pro Tip:
Whether you’re saving or splurging, remember that you can save some $$$ on the backend by opting to thrift or rent different items. If you’re looking for a one-time only wear, definitely opt to rent. If you want to try a new style, borrow from a friend or take a look at a thrift store near you. Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and other resellers have great options (sometimes brand new) for amazing prices as well.