How to Build a Wardrobe You’ll Actually Wear Every Day
There was definitely an era of my life (okay maybe a few eras) where I used to open my closet and feel totally overwhelmed. So. Many. Clothes. But still nothing to wear! I kept grabbing the same five things over and over and feeling bored and wasteful.
If that sounds familiar, then today’s post is for you!
It took me a while, but I finally figured out how to build a wardrobe that actually works for me. Not just for girls night out or date nights. But outfits that work for my everyday. School drop-off, grocery runs, working from home, casual dinners. You know, real life stuff.
Here’s how I did it (and you can too!):
Start with What You Already Wear
Throw every fashion rule you've heard out the window. The best place to start is your laundry basket. Look at what you actually wear every week. That’s your style.
For me, it was graphic tees, skorts, sweatpants, wide leg jeans, a few oversized sweatshirts, and comfy footwear. Once I noticed the pattern, I stopped buying clothes I thought I "should" wear and focused on what I truly liked.
If you haven’t worn something in months, it’s probably not your vibe anymore. And that’s totally fine.
Pick a Few Colors You Love
Keeping your wardrobe in a simple color palette makes getting dressed way easier. I like to stick to mostly neutrals with pops of color here and there (typically I go for shades of red and blue). But if you want more of a neutral palette then black, beige, olive green, and denim are perfect. That way, almost everything matches.
You don’t need to wear all beige or only neutrals if that’s not your thing. Just pick 2 to 3 main colors that you love and feel good in. Add basics in black, white, or gray to fill in the gaps.
When your clothes all go together, it takes way less time to figure out an outfit. Plus, you don’t end up with that one random bright pink top that doesn’t go with anything else.
Make Sure Everything Works Three Ways
This is my golden rule now: if I can’t wear it three different ways, I don’t buy it.
Let’s say I’m looking at a cute tank top. I ask myself, can I wear it with jeans and sneakers? With a maxi skirt and sandals? Layered under a cardigan? If yes, it’s a keeper. If not, it goes back on the rack.
This one rule has saved me from buying so many things I only wear once. It’s also helped me mix and match better with what I already own.
Add Layers That Feel Like You
You don’t need a closet full of blazers if you’re never going to wear them. I tried that and felt so stiff every time I put one on.
Instead, stock up on layers that work with your life. I love oversized button-ups, denim shirts and lightweight cardigans. They pull an outfit together without trying too hard.
Layering also helps with seasonal shifts. A basic tank dress can work for spring, summer, and fall with the right layer on top.
Stop Saving Outfits for Later
This one took me the longest to learn. I used to save all my favorite outfits for the "right time." A brunch that never happened. A date night that got canceled. A vacation that kept getting pushed back. (Thanks a lot 2020!)
Now, I just wear the cute stuff. Life is short!
That fun floral dress? I’ll throw on sneakers and a denim jacket and wear it to Target. A cozy sweater I love? I’ll wear it around the house with leggings.
Clothes don’t have to be fancy to be special. If something makes you feel good, wear it now. Not someday.
Know Your Go-To Outfit Formulas
Once I figured out my outfit formulas, getting dressed became so much easier. Here are a few of mine:
Graphic tee + high-waisted jeans + sneakers
Tank top + joggers + oversized button-up
Maxi dress + denim jacket + sandals
Biker shorts + big sweatshirt + slides
When you know your formulas, you can mix and match without thinking too hard. It also helps when you’re shopping. You can ask yourself, does this fit into one of my go-to combos?
Want more outfit formula ideas? Check out my top 9 outfit formulas that never fail!
Invest in Basics First
Trendy stuff is fun, but basics are what you actually wear on repeat. Think good jeans, plain tanks, comfy tees, leggings, and layering pieces.
If your basics are solid, the rest of your closet just works better. You don’t need ten trendy tops if you don’t have a pair of jeans you love to wear them with.
I like to spend a little more on the basics I reach for all the time. Then I add in affordable trend pieces to keep things fresh.
Rent the Trendy Stuff
My biggest tip (especially if you love trends or have an active social life) is to rent trendier pieces. Using Nuuly, Rent the Runway or FashionPass are great ways to keep your closet simplified, fresh and ensure you don't buy something and only wear it once. Totally acceptable when you rent and this way it's not taking up closet space.
Don’t Overthink It
This one’s important. Don’t get stuck thinking you need a perfect capsule wardrobe or a Pinterest-worthy closet. You don’t.
You just need a few outfits that make you feel cute and comfortable. That’s it.
Give yourself permission to dress for your real life. That might mean a lot of leggings and sneakers. Or lots of cozy knits. Or jeans and tees on repeat. That’s okay.
When your wardrobe feels like you, getting dressed is easier. And honestly, way more fun.
Loved these style tips and want to save them to reference later on? Be sure to save one of the images below to your Pinterest!
