How To Build A Wardrobe On A Budget

Never underestimate the styling power of a layering piece like a chunky cardigan or a denim jacket. In addition to providing some much-needed warmth, adding a layer to your look can quickly upgrade it from casual to chic. For instance, you can instantly elevate your standard jeans and t-shirt ‘fit by throwing an interesting blazer on top. And don’t even get us started on the cool factor a leather jacket can bring to any old outfit.  

If you’ve ever stood in your closet and said “I have nothing to wear,” odds are, what you really meant was: “I don’t have a reliable button-down.” When you’ve got the classics on lock (i.e., a few flattering t-shirts and a crisp white button-down or two), getting dressed becomes a stress-free affair. Just grab your go-to top, some wide-leg pants, and your cutest pair of shoes. If you want to level it up even further, add some simple jewelry (like gold hoops or a chain necklace). 

On the topic of wide-leg pants, you might want to invest in some. Donning a nice pair of bottoms is an easy way to create an impactful look, and today we’re spoiled for choice with high-waisted jeans, flowy slacks, and fitted trousers to choose from. Tip: Aim to find a pair that complements the range of tops in your closet, from bodysuits to sweaters. 

Like icing on a cake, accessories provide the finishing touch that every outfit needs. They also offer the opportunity to express yourself in a way that most standard clothing items don’t. Whether it’s a charm bracelet with symbols that are meaningful to you or a handbag from a designer you’re obsessed with, it’s the little details that take an everyday outfit over the top.  

Here’s a creative exercise worth trying: Before buying your next pair of shoes, challenge yourself to think about all of the ways you could style them. A wise purchase—such as white sneakers, black booties, or nude pumps—will inspire dozens of outfit ideas. And luckily, there are plenty of affordable footwear brands that offer versatile options you can take from the office to happy hour or errands to date night. 

If one of your 2025 goals is to build a wardrobe on a budget, we have some final pieces of advice that can help make that happen:

1. Shop sales and clearance sections. One of the best strategies for shopping on a budget is to hold out for a good sale. Promotions often pop up around Memorial Day weekend and Black Friday, but you can also shop the clearance section of your favorite stores year-round. Keep an eye out for juicy discounts from brands you like. And if you need some suggestions for where to shop, Everlane, GAP, Quince, Banana Republic, and Free People are generally reliable.
2. Focus on quality over quantity. There’s no point in purchasing pieces you’ll wear once and never again—that’s what clothing rental services are for. Instead, invest in multitaskers that you’ll reach for day after day. The styles we mentioned above fall into this category, but check out our guide to building a capsule wardrobe if you’re looking for more.
3. Thrift or secondhand shop. There’s a thrill that comes from finding a treasured item amongst the racks of your local thrift store. Plus, it’s generally the most affordable way to shop and it’s way better for the environment to buy something secondhand. If you’re looking for a specific item (like a designer purse), try browsing sites like ThredUp or TheRealReal.
4. Invest in neutral colors. This is a big one that’s often overlooked. While it may be tempting to purchase a brightly colored sundress or a top with a zany pattern, your styling options are much more limited with statement pieces such as these. That’s not to say they don’t have their time and place—just that the majority of your closet should be full of neutrals (white, black, grey, tan, and denim). Neutral tones mix and match well, and having plenty to choose from will make it easy for you to pair pieces together in a pinch.