‘Invest in a capsule wardrobe to be trendy on a budget’

Fashion is about expressing yourself and feeling good in what you wear. By being resourceful and creative, you can build a fashionable wardrobe without spending a fortune. While a lot of people think that to be fashionable, one has to break the bank, this is a myth.

According to Aarushi Dawar, an alumna of Apeejay Stya University-School of Design & Visual Arts, a fashion stylist at Clicker Studios, it is not tough to be fashionable within a budget. “It is a myth that you need to spend a lot of money to look fashionable. Looking stylish within a budget is possible. You just have to know your style and be able to put your thoughts into looking fashionable,” Dawar said.

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“During summer, linen is a good option to invest in, whereas cotton and satin are also good options to look classy under a budget. One easy go-to outfit for an evening can be a nice black off-shoulder top with a good dressy skirt like a pleated skirt paired with neutral-coloured heels and matching accessories”

–Aarushi Dawar, an alumna of Apeejay Stya University-School of Design & Visual Arts, and a fashion stylist at Clicker Studios

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Strategies to be followed

1.  Invest in good quality fabrics, for the weather. During summer, linen is a good option to invest in, whereas cotton and satin are also good options to look classy under a budget. One should also invest in a capsule wardrobe, this is the best way to look classy and stay within your budget. If you have a capsule wardrobe then you can easily do a mix and match, add accessories and create a new look every day.

2. Capsule wardrobe includes all your basics — jeans/trousers, some nice tops, neutral-coloured T-shirts, skirts that can be mixed and matched for different occasions and your everyday footwear but in different styles. For example, nice sneakers, a good pair of flats and a basic neutral colour heel.

An affordable outfit for an evening party

“One easy go-to outfit for an evening can be a nice black off-shoulder top with a good dressy skirt like a pleated skirt paired with neutral-coloured heels and matching accessories. This creates a nice evening outfit. If you change the top to a basic white T-shirt with the same skirt and change the heels to nice sneakers, then you can easily wear that outfit to a brunch date maybe. That is how the capsule wardrobe works. Hence, invest in it,” Dawar asserted.

Tips to budget your wardrobe

Thrift and second-hand shopping: Visit thrift stores, flea markets, and online platforms that sell pre-owned clothing. You can find unique pieces at affordable prices.

Sale shopping: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts offered by both online and offline retailers. This is a great way to get fashionable items at reduced prices.

Mix and match: Instead of buying complete outfits, focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks. This allows you to maximise your wardrobe without spending too much.

Essentials: Invest in high-quality basic items like solid-coloured T-shirts, jeans, and skirts. These can be paired with different accessories and clothing items to create various outfits.

Accessorize: Accessories can instantly elevate your look. Invest in affordable accessories like statement jewelry, scarves, belts, and handbags to add style to your outfits.

Upcycling: Get creative and revamp your old clothes. You can customise them by adding patches, embroidery, or by distressing them. This gives your wardrobe a fresh and unique touch.

Renting outfits: Consider renting outfits for special occasions or events instead of buying new ones. There are rental services available that allow you to wear stylish outfits without spending a fortune.

Follow fashion influencers: Follow fashion bloggers, influencers, and social media accounts that provide tips and inspiration for affordable fashion. They often share budget-friendly styling ideas and highlight affordable brands.

Take care of your clothes: Properly maintain your clothes by following the care instructions. This helps them last longer, saving you money in the long run.