10 Best Affordable Brands for Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
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Shopping for the latest fashion trends is a fun way to explore our personal style and experiment with different looks. However, constantly stocking our closets with trendy pieces can lead to overconsumption, textile waste and a constantly changing wardrobe full of out-of-season styles. By building a capsule wardrobe that suits your unique style, you’ll be more environmentally conscious while looking equally as stylish in fewer, versatile pieces. You can still partake in trends with a capsule wardrobe, but curating the right balance of trendy and timeless pieces will help you maximize your closet.
If you’re just beginning to build your capsule or looking to refresh your seasonal wardrobe, you might not want to splurge right away on too many expensive essentials. While choosing quality pieces is important when creating a long-lasting wardrobe, it’s not always feasible to invest in pricy items from luxury brands. Fortunately, there are several inexpensive brands that offer versatile wardrobe staples, and I’m sharing them with you all. Continue reading for the 10 best affordable brands for building your capsule wardrobe in 2024.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget
Curating a quality capsule wardrobe can be a challenge when you’re working with a small budget, but the following tips will help you put together a versatile, minimalist closet for less while shopping more sustainably.
1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe
Before considering the items you want to purchase, assess the items that you already own. Spend an afternoon reviewing each piece in your closet. Donate or recycle the items that you no longer need in your wardrobe. Here are a few questions to consider during the process:
Does this item fit me?
Is this item in good condition (no holes, piling, etc.)?
Do I enjoy wearing this item?
Is this item versatile? Will it go with other items in my wardrobe?
2. Plan Before Purchasing
After reviewing your current wardrobe, you can now identify which pieces you should add to your closet to fill in the gaps. Start by exploring Pinterest and your go-to fashion blogs for outfit inspiration. Make a Pinterest board with your favorite outfits that you’d love to wear. It’s best to search for everyday outfits if you’re just getting started, but you could also add some formal and evening looks to your board. Then make a list of every piece needed to create those outfits and remove from that list any items that you already own. You’ve now determined the items you need to build your dream wardrobe.
It can be tempting to buy everything on this list at once, but it’s better to start by budgeting for the pieces that appear most frequently on your board and slowly curate your wardrobe. For example, if a trench coat is featured in several outfits on your board, then you might start by purchasing or saving for this item. Shopping for everything at once can be stressful and expensive, so try to enjoy the process and you’ll appreciate your capsule wardrobe even more.
3. Look For Hidden Gems
Shopping affordable brands doesn’t always mean buying low-quality pieces. When browsing fast-fashion chains like H&M and Zara, you’re sure to find some poorly crafted items, but you can also find some high-quality pieces in the mix. If you’re looking for those hidden gems, I recommend first watching haul videos and reading reviews on the brand’s site. You’ll be able to get other customers’ opinions about a specific garment and whether it’s worth purchasing. Next, try to shop in-store instead of buying online. Not only will you be able to try on items, but you’ll be able to evaluate the quality of the garment including any stitching, buttons and other details that you can’t always see online. Lastly, many fast-fashion brands have premium collections with more sustainable, quality pieces at reasonable prices. Although these collections are usually more expensive, they’re a great place to buy long-lasting wardrobe staples without breaking the bank.
4. Start with Neutral Pieces
A neutral color palette will allow you to create more outfits with fewer pieces, so opt for pieces in neutral colors such as black, white, camel, beige, gray, etc. These colors not only look more elegant, but they’re easier to mix and match. You can’t go wrong with pieces in black, charcoal gray and other dark colors as they’ll usually conceal any stitching, buttons and other small details that might look lower in quality. It’s also best to avoid bright colors when shopping for affordable brands as they can make a garment appear especially cheap.
5. Shop Secondhand
Although buying from affordable brands is a great way to build your capsule wardrobe, you can also find budget-friendly pieces by shopping secondhand. You’re more likely to score higher quality items without overspending. Several of the staple pieces in my wardrobe are actually from outlet and secondhand sites like TheRealReal.
10 Best Affordable Brands for Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
1. Uniqlo
Uniqlo is one of my go-to brands for high-quality basics at affordable prices. Known for their commitment to functionality and minimalist design, Uniqlo offers a wide range of timeless pieces for your capsule wardrobe. Whether it’s classic denim or well-fitted shirts, they have some incredible wardrobe basics for various styles and preferences. Personally, I swear by Uniqlo's basic white tees—they nail the perfect weight, cut, and, importantly, price point!
2. H&M
For wardrobe basics that combine affordability and style, you can’t go wrong at H&M. Their selection of budget-friendly pieces is perfect for building your classic wardrobe without breaking the bank. I’m always adding tailored blazers, quality denim, and classic tanks to my shopping cart. You can also find several trendier pieces to incorporate into a seasonal capsule. Don’t miss out on their Premium Selection for high-quality wardrobe essentials at affordable prices.
3. Mango
Among both trendy and timeless pieces, you can find several high-quality staples to build your wardrobe at Mango. Whether it’s tailored blazers or versatile knitwear, Mango's collection embodies timeless style without compromising on quality.
For classic items at low price points, check out their Essential Prices section. You’ll find affordable staples like button-down shirts under $35, basic sweaters under $40 and wide-leg trousers under $50. Mango’s on-trend pieces at reasonable prices make them an excellent place to shop when building a capsule wardrobe without breaking the bank.
4. Everlane
Everlane offers timeless essentials with full transparency in pricing and production. Their collection includes high-quality tees, elegant sweaters, and versatile outerwear—all at accessible prices. Everlane's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices further adds value to their affordable yet stylish pieces, making them an ideal choice for a well-rounded capsule wardrobe. I’m always shopping on Everlane when I need to stock up on style essentials.
5. Dynamite
Dynamite is another affordable brand offering effortless style. From leather pants to essential tops and casual outerwear, their mix of trendy yet timeless pieces caters to modern tastes without compromising on quality. With a range of versatile basics suitable for everyday wear, Dynamite’s pieces are perfect to incorporate into a capsule wardrobe on a budget.
6. Abercrombie & Fitch
After their recent rebrand, Abercrombie & Fitch has become one of the best brands to shop for affordable, refined basics. From seamless bodysuits to wool coats and classic denim, you’ll find everything you need to stock your closet with quality pieces without overspending. Fans of Reformation and the brand’s feminine, romantic style will definitely want to browse Abercrombie’s selection.
7. Banana Republic
Banana Republic can be expensive, but you can find some of the best budget-friendly pieces during their sales. They strike a balance between classic style and modern trends, offering versatile yet contemporary classics that are ideal for workwear and every day. Versatile blouses, sophisticated outerwear, and well-fitted trousers are just a few of my favorite pieces to shop. With a focus on enduring style, Banana Republic delivers affordable essentials that you can wear season after season. Check out Banana Republic Factory for even more affordable style essentials.
8. Quince
Longtime readers of my blog know that Quince is one of my favorite brands for affordable everyday staples. Their high-quality basics are offered at a much lower price than leading luxury brands, so you can add core pieces to your wardrobe affordably. From luxurious cashmere sweaters to timeless silk shirts, Quince focuses on sustainable practices without compromising on craftsmanship. Don’t miss out on their famous $50 cashmere sweaters, one of my most beloved items from the brand.
9. GAP
GAP is synonymous with versatile basics and classic essentials at accessible prices. Their range of well-fitted jeans, timeless tees, and comfortable knitwear are the foundations for a functional capsule wardrobe. GAP's affordable pieces and established heritage make them an essential brand for building a versatile wardrobe on a budget.
10. Oak + Fort
For classic pieces that exude everyday luxury, look no further than Oak + Fort. They offer a range of timeless essentials to update your wardrobe at a reasonable price. From elegant trench coats to easy trousers and cozy knitwear, their selection is full of versatile staples. Their collection features clean lines, neutral tones, and versatile silhouettes, offering pieces that effortlessly mix and match. I’m personally obsessed with their jewelry line for affordable, everyday pieces.
What are your favorite affordable brands to shop? How do you build your capsule wardrobe on a budget? Let me know in the comments below.
