How to Build a Chic Capsule Wardrobe For Less than $100

Article by Maddison McKinley. The products featured in this article were sourced independently and chosen for the benefit of the reader. Daily Inspirato doesn’t financially benefit if you buy any of these products.

P.S. I recorded a podcast episode (a quick one, 10 mins!) about how to achieve a Summer 2021 Capsule Wardrobe!

A Capsule Wardrobe Is Your Answer to Looking Chic Post-COVID

The post-COVID world is here and vibes are UP.

With the resurgence of weddings, evenings on the town with friends, date nights, concerts, and birthday parties, it’s time to fuel that Clothing Confidence and rediscover our personal style in this post-pandemic world.

While COVID caused a boom in athleisure (which is likely here to stay), it doesn’t mean you should sport workout clothing out with friends in the coming months.

Sweatpants may have made sense when the world didn’t, but it’s time to wear things that make us feel confident again.

But what to wear? Maybe you’ve gained weight and your clothing isn’t fitting quite right, or your personal comfort preferences have changed due to COVID (“never show me a button on a pair of pants again”). Or maybe you’ve started a new job and will be going back into the office soon, but don’t have the business casual wear you’re searching for.

For these reasons, I recommend experimenting with a Capsule Wardrobe.

What is a Capsule Wardrobe? 

A Capsule Wardrobe is a trimmed-down closet containing a few core pieces (somewhere between 10 - 20), that all work together and are so classic most move effortlessly with you from season to season. The secret to a good Capsule Wardrobe is buying pieces that work with your other pieces and using accessories consistently (hats, jewelry, scarves, etc.). 

Capsule Wardrobes are small by definition, meaning you don’t have to spend a lot to create a solid wardrobe. Plus, if your clothing isn’t fitting and you need a transitional wardrobe until you get back to your pre-pandemic size, a small capsule is just the thing to float you there, while maintaining your personal style (and confidence). 

Capsule Wardrobes are also fun ways to try out a new style. Perhaps you’re wanting to redefine your personal style entirely? Try out a Capsule Wardrobe that borrows notes from that particular theme.

Can I have a Capsule Wardrobe within my wardrobe?

Yes! You can have many pieces in your closet, but a set number of them create a Capsule Wardrobe, say for work. I have a Work Capsule and a Day-to-Day Capsule, and the two tend to share pieces (e.g. SPANX leggings).

What is the point of a Capsule Wardrobe?

A Capsule Wardrobe makes your life easier by allowing you to see all of your pieces easily and not get overwhelmed by a huge closet. Capsule wardrobes allow you to get dressed more efficiently because you learn which combos work well for which occasions, taking some of the guesswork out of dressing! 

The “I Have Nothing to Wear” Saga

We’ve all said it before. We have nothing in our closets to wear. We’re sick of looking at the same things over and over again.

“If only I had an unlimited budget, I’d have the best style.”

 ^ Heard that one before? Repeat after me: money doesn’t buy style.

You don’t need an unlimited budget, you need a Capsule Wardrobe.

In today’s article, I’m showing you my rendition of a Capsule Wardrobe. I’ve thrifted 7 pieces, and used 2 pieces of clothing I already owned, to create 9 different looks (and I could have created more!). 

The 7 thrifted pieces are amazing and only cost me $70 total (that’s $10/item!). 

You don’t have to love the inside of a Goodwill to create a Capsule Wardrobe on a budget. Stores Target are carrying brands famous for their simplicity and versatility… just take this Universal Thread dress for example: 

An Example Capsule Wardrobe

What is the checklist for a Capsule Wardrobe?

Every Capsule Wardrobe consists of a few great pairs of shoes, core clothing basics, and many accessories. There isn’t a shoe and core basics Capsule Wardrobe checklist that will work for everyone because different factors like personal preference and weather will alter what each of us picks. An example checklist for a Capsule Wardrobe clothing basics could be: An open sweater, a baby doll dress, a sweater top, a leather jacket, a men’s tuxedo jacket, a white tuxedo shirt, a black button-down shirt, jean shorts, and thick leggings. For shoes, some good athletic/multi-use tennis shoes and a pair of leather booties will work with nearly every combination mentioned in the list of core clothing basics above.

How does weather impact my Capsule Wardrobe?

Depending on where you live, the seasonality of a region can dictate how many Capsule Wardrobes you have. If you live in the South, you may just need two Capsule Wardrobes (Summer and Winter). However, if you live in the Northeast, perhaps you’ll need 3 (Summer, Fall/Spring, and Winter).  

I bought 7 out of the 9 core pieces of the Capsule Wardrobe below for $70, all in one trip to Goodwill. The other two items I already owned, along with the shoes and accessories (notice, though, there are only 2 pairs of shoes!).

The Pieces

1. 1980s Black & White Sweater

2. Grey One Piece Workout Suit

3. Blue and White Baby Doll Dress

4. 1980s Cream Sweater

5. Leather Suede Jacket with Fringe

6. Men’s Tuxedo Jacket

7. Champion Grey Sweater

8. ALREADY HAD: Men’s White Tuxedo Shirt

9. ALREADY HAD: Mens’ Jeans (Made into shorts)

Men’s Section

If you haven’t ventured into the men’s section recently, I have to tell you: it’s where I buy some of my favorite pieces.

The white tux button-down? That’s straight from the Dillards men’s section.

The tux jacket? Men’s section in Goodwill.

The jorts? Men’s Levi’s, cut, by way of Goodwill.

Using What You Already Own

Accessories

While I may only be wearing 9 pieces of clothing interchangeably, the real MVP of these looks are the accessories.

The hats, the belts, the jewelry, scarves, the tights… the list goes on. Accessories make our looks feel fresh. Accessories maximize a look’s shelflife.

Hair & Makeup

Wearing your hair differently (up, down, in buns, etc.) is a really quick way to look completely different. Plus, you wouldn’t believe the impact a different lip color will have!

Unthinkable Combinations

If you showed me 9 different pieces of clothing and asked me to create 9 looks, I would have probably been able to come up with 3.

But when I told myself “each basic piece needs 3 looks”, I accepted the challenge.

I would have NEVER put a sweatshirt with a men’s tuxedo shirt, ever. Jorts and a men’s tuxedo jacket? No way. A short sleeved baby doll dress and WHAT?

I had to touch the pieces, try out different accessories, get into that play space that makes clothing fun. And it happens by doing it. By challenging ourselves.

More Capsule Wardrobe Examples