Let's be honest here — we all want a gorgeous wardrobe without having to spend hundreds of dollars on new outfits every day. But there are a plethora of options out there and cutting through the noise to find affordable yet cute outfits is not easy.
We often end up with too many items on our hands and pretty much nothing to wear.
If you’re looking to breathe some life into your boring outfits, now’s the time to invest in a versatile wardrobe. Meaning that you get a set number of pieces to wear each season. And you mix and match those or pair them up with accessories to create multiple outfits for all occasions.
You end up saving time, money, and energy stressing out over what to wear. And you’re still able to flaunt killer looks that make you stand out. Let’s dive right into how you can build a versatile wardrobe and add oomph to all your looks!
Choose a neutral/matching color palette.
Easily the best way to add more versatility to your wardrobe is to stick to neutrals or matching colors. That’s because you can mix and match them with one another.
Say you have a tan t-shirt. You can pair it up with either a pair of black pants, white shorts, or even navy-blue leggings.
Conversely, if your wardrobe is only made up of heavily patterned outfits, you won’t be able to wear them with a lot of other items.
Maplestore is an example of how this trend of neutrality is present across various niches in fashion - their focus on brands like Stan Ray, and a rewind to classic ‘workwear’ style clothing is a clear demonstration of how people are seeing value in neutral streetwear fashion items.
Choose quality over quantity.
One advice that goes with pretty much everything in life - including your wardrobe - is to always prefer quality over quantity. Having three great pairs of shoes lasting for five to seven years is far better than a dozen that you wear for a season or two and give to charity.
But don’t get us wrong. Just because you own fewer pieces doesn’t mean that you can’t have variety. You just need to be intentional with your choices. Opt for items you absolutely love, not just because they look cute or are on sale.
The best part about having fewer items is that you can afford high-quality pieces. Yes, you'll spend more on a pair of shoes from Gucci than you would from Mango. But not only will it fit better, but it will also last for years.
So while you may spend more money upfront, you'll save more in the long run, allowing you to invest in other wardrobe items, increasing its versatility. Check out these 15 pieces of clothing every man should own.
Try everything on!
If you’re going to invest in only a few good pieces, then you’re probably going to wear them all the time. So they must fit well and you should feel comfortable in them.
Is a V-neck more your style? Or does a crew neck go better with your fashion sense?
Find what suits you best by trying on as many outfits as you can and then buy the best ones. We all have different body shapes, so finding something that makes you feel your best self and is comfortable at the same time is important.
Don’t throw away your old clothes just yet.
If you believe you can tweak that old floral shirt or your father's windbreaker jacket and make them stylish still, keep them. Take them out of your closet and alter them for present-day use.
Not only will you save cash, but you'll also end up with more outfits. Plus, a vintage fashion statement never goes out of style (here are some tips to create a timeless look).
Understand your style.
Yes, we get the allure of playing around with style when you’re still trying to figure out your preferences. But once you know your style, stick to it and build your wardrobe around it.
You can still mix things now and then. But if you want to build a versatile wardrobe, it’s best to focus on a few outfits and throw in the odd, whimsical detail for fun.
This will help you avoid any conflicting thoughts every time you’re heading out. And you can mix and match the majority of your wardrobe — nothing will look out of place!
Accessorize everything.
One of the easiest things you could do to add versatility to your wardrobe is accessorizing your outfits. You can remake a look over and over again. And you can layer various accessories or use one statement piece that could totally revamp your outfit.
Here are a few things you could use to accessorize your outfits.
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Jewelry & Sunglasses
You can turn your outfits into something more boho by wearing hoop earrings or textured rings. And coupled with a stylish pair of sunglasses, you can make any simple outfit stand out in the crowd. If you’re looking for a new hobby, here are some interesting DIY jewelry ideas.
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Hair Accessories & Hats
Adding headbands or clips to your hairstyle can make it the focal point of your outfit and add a stylish flair to it. Similarly, you can opt for sun hats and beanies to stylize and enhance almost all your outfits.
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Belts & Scarves
You don't have to settle for heavy, boring jackets to keep you warm during the winter. Adding a colorful scarf (there are at least 20 ways to wear one) or a cute pair of gloves can make a huge difference. Similarly, a casual sundress or a pair of jeans can take on a whole new meaning with a cute belt wrapped around it.
And that’s it, fellas!
So the next time you’re battling with the idea of spending your money on that expensive neon perforated jacket, ask yourself:
How often will you wear it? Does it suit your style? Will it go well with your current wardrobe? Will it last long? Do you see yourself wearing it beyond a season?
If you answer “yes” to all those questions, then the jacket is probably a good investment when trying to build a versatile wardrobe.