Create a Low-Cost Capsule Wardrobe

Wear everywhere jeans

My favorite “wear everywhere” jeans are the high-rise jeggings from American Eagle. I get a nice dark wash so that I can dress them up with nice sandals and a blouse if necessary, but man are they super comfy. They’re the only jeans I’ve bought for the past 5 years! The pair I have now is actually two sizes too big, but I bought a $6 belt from Ross and plain to wear them till the next big sale where I can get them for under $50. (They usually have great back to school denim deals, so be on the lookout in August!)

The “on-repeat” gray tee

So yours doesn’t necessarily have to be gray, but once you find a tshirt that can be worn to both the gym and a business meeting, you’ve got to hang on to it! I have one I got from H&M for under $10 last spring and I wear it at least twice a week. I’ll pair it with cotton shorts when I’m just lounging around or dress it up with my jeggings and fun jewelry.

Slip on sneakers

I bought cheetah print “vans” style sneakers this past fall from Old Navy. (One of my favorite places to get those low-cost capsule wardrobe items!) Surprisingly, they go with so much! I think that a good, low-cost capsule wardrobe should definitely have a pair of casual shoes. Something that doesn’t have a heel, but isn’t opened toed and too flashy.

A dress to make you a total Lizzie McGuire outfit repeater

I’m a total dress lover. It’s the one thing that I’ll occasionally step out of my capsule wardrobe for and spend a little fun money on. (Remember this boho date night dress?) However, when I buy a dress, I have to imagine at least 3 different ways I can wear it and 3 different places I can wear it. I stand in the dressing room and make a list in my head before I can buy it!

**A pair of workout leggings for the gym… or pretending you went to the gym**

I get my leggings from the outlet mall (at either Adidas or Nike) because I know they’ll last me for years and I can justify it with how often I workout. The prices are much better, too! If you don’t have an outlet near you, consider going to Old Navy and shopping their workout section! I once had a pair of leggings from there that were DARLING and only cost $16. I wore them to the gym, to Chipotle, and even to bed when it was chilly!

A “matches every outfit” bag

I always get complimented on my Kate Spade and Tory Burch bags and I feel compelled to tell you that they each have been lovely gifts from loved ones! I’m so so grateful for those bags, but when I don’t carry those, I love to grab a “faux designer” bag from Forever 21 or Charming Charlie! The price tag doesn’t matter, you just need a catch all for restaurant mints and 6 lip balms.

Now here’s where you add your own flair, because each of us has a different and unique style!

I definitely love to be comfortable, so I when I do a shopping spree once every couple years, I like to add comfy pullovers, cardigans, and simple dainty jewelry to my closet. You might be a bit more ambitious and colorful and want fun scarfs and bright statement jewelry or maybe your one true vice is shoes and you love to treat yourself to fun flats.

I hope you enjoyed this little style guide of creating the perfect inexpensive capsule wardrobe. Here’s to laying around in the same pair of leggings all week and spending our hard earned cash on an iced latte because it’s just perfect for Instagram!