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f you’re interested in building a stunning fall wardrobe with a limited budget, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to spend a fortune to look gorgeous throughout this season. A few smart style strategies and a good dose of creativity are all you need to keep up with fashion trends this fall. Here, we tell you how to tap into the power of your old wardrobe items, shop for seasonal pieces, pair the new with the old, and ultimately put your best fashion foot forward this season without draining your bank account.
Why build a capsule wardrobe this fall?
Simply put, a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched in different ways. During the start of the fall season (or any season for that matter), you can bring together a small set of current clothing items and shop for some additional pieces to complete your wardrobe.
During this process, you get to pair the outfits that you already own (and love!) with a once-a-season shopping adventure. This helps plan out what you’d wear until winter knocks at your door so you don’t end up shopping throughout the season. This makes capsule wardrobes both sustainable and affordable.
Check out how to build a fall capsule wardrobe to slay hard this season…
#1. Evaluate your closet
Start by taking a trip through your entire wardrobe. Determine which items you’d like to keep and which items you’d like to give away. The audit must also allow you to understand which outfits are currently in style, and which items you’d actually wear. Once you have your wardrobe ready for the fall, it’s time to decide the additions to make. Ask yourself, “What other items do I need that will seamlessly pair with what I already have?” Remember, the goal of a capsule wardrobe is to craft styles and looks that are timeless, versatile, and of course gorgeous.
A great tip to bring it all together is to set a color palette for your seasonal wardrobe. This can guide you in terms of what to buy and maintain cohesiveness throughout your seasonal outfits. Some great fall color ideas include autumnal reds and oranges, warm neutrals, and earthy greens.
#2. Start with the basics
To create a great foundation for your fall fashion, start with basics such as fitting jeans, neutral boots, and a white button-down shirt. Don’t forget that little black dress and because it’s fall, don’t hesitate to pick a gorgeous dress in fall hues. Make sure the basics you choose match your current wardrobe items so you can pair them easily. Pick only two to three shopping spots to ensure your shopping journey doesn’t overwhelm you.
If you have a specific budget, use 60 percent of it on staples. It can be tempting to pick every piece you set your eyes on. However, the goal here is not to pick temporarily trendy items that would quickly go out of style next fall. Opt for timeless pieces like a wool pencil skirt, and choose quality over quantity. When picking your basics, consider where you spend most of your time. For instance, if you work from home, your staples will include casual outfits. On the other hand, if you spend most of your time at work, you might want to go for professional suits or skirts.
#3. Emply some mix and magic
So, you have gorgeous clothing pieces you already own and you’re just getting back from a fulfilling shopping journey. What do you do next? You mix and match the old with the new and create entirely new outfits! For instance, if you have about 8-10 pieces, a smart mix-and-match strategy can help you create 12 to 15 great looks.
Remember though, you can only combine these pieces if you shop strategically. Make sure you focus on the versatility of your clothing items so you can create the illusion of more clothes and erase the price tags that come with them.
#4. Use the power of accessories
A great way to elevate your fall look is to incorporate trends in accessories. For instance, if plaid scarfs are trending this fall, purchase one and match it with blouses or coats in your wardrobe. You can also use a statement belt to elevate your look further. Here’s a tip: wrapping a leather belt around your long sweater can bring a stylish fall flair. Other accessory ideas include chunky necklaces, purses, booties, and hoop earrings.
#5. Don’t forget that cardigan/sweater
Cardigans and sweaters are a must-have for the fall season. They not only keep you warm but also help create a sophisticated look. Pick some basics like jeans and a white shirt and throw a neutral-colored cardigan/sweater over it. Next week, pick a different cardigan/sweater and accessories and wear them with the same pair of jeans and the white shirt, and voila, you have a whole new look!
#6. Go to a discount store
Looking for higher quality pieces without compromising your wallet? Head to a discount store that sells high-end pieces at minimal prices. If you’re an online shopper, you can find even better deals from online stores that offer quality clothing at deeply discounted prices.
#7. Shop at thrift stores
If you’re shopping on a budget this fall, don’t forget to consider thrift stores. Here, you can get key items at dirt-cheap prices. If you’re looking for a nice pair of jeans, for instance, you can find them for less than $10 at a thrift store instead of over $100 elsewhere.
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Fall fashion trends to go by this year
Don’t forget to take the latest fall trends into account when building your fall wardrobe. Some of the hottest styles to explore this season include:
- Red hot knits for a much-needed color pop
- Chic and luxurious cardigans paired with knee-length skirts
- The classic leather jacket
- Relaxed and chic trench coats paired with high boots
- Pleated maxi skirts – paired with pullovers or graphic tees – for a tailored and breezy silhouette.
- Funky sweaters with fun color pops or simple options in neutrals
- Knee-high boots, kitten heels, or sleek slingbacks for footwear
- Cinched blazers for a power look
- Denim on denim
- Luxurious capes for a sophisticated look and a cozy feel
Final thoughts
Now that you know the secret to building an evergreen fall wardrobe, it’s time to get to work. Start with pulling out your old clothing items and shortlist which ones you’re looking forward to wearing this season. Consider which trends are dominating this season, memorize your current wardrobe before you start your shopping adventure, and pick only those seasonal items that will align with your pre-existing wardrobe and of course the most recent fall trends. That’s it — a strategic, step-by-step process is all it takes to get your stylish fall looks ready.
Author bio:
Jonah Levine is the Creative Director of TheDressWarehouse.com. TheDressWarehouse.com was launched in 2018 as the go-to online source for amazing designer dresses at affordable prices. With 10 years of experience in the industry, Jonah works daily to scour the markets to find the hottest styles and negotiate the best prices for special occasion wear on the internet.
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