Making the Most Out of a Little - Building (or Rebuilding) Your Wardrobe on a Budget

We all do it. We see a top, pair of shoes or a skirt that calls our name. If it’s in a store, we look at it a hundred times. We try it on. No, it doesn’t go with anything in your closet. And it’s unlike anything else you own. If it’s on a website, we keep returning to the site to take one more look.

It’s so pretty!

I love it!

I want it!

There are times when those impulse purchases happen, and that’s okay.

I have some great news!

You can counter those random purchases with solid choices to build or rebuild your wardrobe with the essential pieces that showcase who you are with your own style.

How do you do this (and on a budget)?

Step 1: Define your style

While you can have a more professional look for your career, your casual style can still look and feel good while representing your style and not cramp your budget.

For example, my taste is simple. I like a solid shirt and bottom, occasionally with some embellishments like stripes or a light floral pattern. However, I can barely resist when I see a polka dot dress or skirt. 

The essentials are a shirt, skirt and pant style you like for your professional life.

Ideally, those pieces can transfer into your home life too. Let’s dive into making this work for you.

Step 2: Select your Essentials

These are the main pieces to build your wardrobe around. Like the white essential top. I don’t buy into the no white after labour day, especially with a top. Classic remains classics all year round.

Next, select your essential bottom. Depending on your profession, this could be the essential pant.

Or maybe it’s your favourite pair of jeans. Leggings have become much more than workout clothes and are often a part of daily life (myself included!)

Step 3: Transition from Professional to Casual

Say you’ve got a video conference call with your boss in the morning and have the afternoon off to hang out with your best friend watching movies.

With your white top, pair it with a colourful tank top, a simple necklace and a nice pair of earrings and you’ve got a professional look that’s easy to put together.  

Now when it’s movie time, take the necklace off, unbutton the top and tie it at your waist. Pull your back into a ponytail, grab the popcorn, pick your movie and relax with your friend! 

Since the video conference call only showed the top half of you, you can already be in your favourite leggings!

Bonus tip: always wear pants on a video call - you just never know if you’re going to have to stand up! If the doorbell rings and you can’t (or forget) to turn the camera off, there could be a free show for everyone in the video call!

Step 4: Mix and Match for Maximizing Options

The key to a great wardrobe is options! When you have a few essential pieces, they are interchangeable for multiple occasions and looks. 

The Essential White Top pairs with skirts, pants, leggings or jeans. 

The Essential Pant pairs with virtually any top. 

Add and remove accessories like jewelry, a scarf, jacket or a sweater to change your look with barely any effort!

Step 5: Have fun! 

Typically your essential pieces will be simple, solid colours to give you the most flexibility for mixing and matching. Have fun too! Like with the peek-a-boo shirt - it has a solid black version, along with a variety of prints. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment too! Swap colours, accessories and enjoy the process. If you’re feeling really confident in your wardrobe, close your eyes and pick something completely random. As long as it’s appropriate for the occasion, this can lead to some unexpected and fun outfits!

Have fun building or rebuilding your wardrobe!