July 11, 2023

How to Build a Wardrobe for Any Occasion in 8 Steps

Fashion, Clothes, CUTS, Minimalism

Clothes are meant to enhance your performance, whether you’re pitching a new client or finishing a workout. They can give you confidence, change how people see you, and impact how you move through your day. 

You have the power to create a high-quality wardrobe that makes the right impression where it counts. Follow these eight tips on how to build a wardrobe that’s functional, versatile, and doesn’t compromise on comfort or style.

1. Choose Versatile Pieces

Your starting point when building your new wardrobe should be staying away from single-purpose pieces. That navy blazer looks great for a night on the town. But what if you wore clothes that worked for both late-night drinks and your 9 a.m. meeting? When your wardrobe is full of versatile pieces, you get more use out of each item.

For example, the CUTS Crewneck T-shirt is made from our Pyca fabric, which keeps you comfortable if you’re hitting the trails but also looks sharp enough to wear while leading a meeting. The stylish cut elevates your wardrobe beyond a typical t-shirt, and you can easily layer it to look more refined in any situation.

2. Pick Pieces That Fit Your Lifestyle

The best way to find outfit ideas is to choose essential items that fit your day-to-day routine. Consider what circumstances you need to prepare for. If fall is rolling in, add a Sherpa jacket to your daily look. And if you work remotely, opt for comfortable, performance-focused pieces instead of a pair of jeans that cut into your waist while you’re on Zoom calls. 

Before you buy a piece, think about how it will support your routine. Go for pieces that help you move easily and comfortably throughout the day, like office-appropriate joggers. These pants will help you feel confident in the office, comfortable chilling on the couch, and relaxed yet sharp when meeting a friend for drinks.

3. Layer Different Pieces

When you start wardrobe-building, it’s key to keep layering in mind. This helps your clothes become even more versatile and functional year-round. 

Layering also creates a dimensional look that draws the eye to your best features — while using your staples for many situations. 

For example, you can’t go wrong with a classic t-shirt. And when you layer it with a pullover sweater, you can use it for multiple looks. 

Here’s how to create layers that look sophisticated and put together:

  • Pick a base layer: This is the foundation of the entire outfit. For men, you can start with a button-down polo in a neutral color that’s subtle but sophisticated. For women, consider starting with an Almost Friday Tee for a flattering and professional silhouette.
  • Add a top layer: Top layers add character to your base layer; they enhance an outfit with texture and personality. Throw on a denim jacket, bomber jacket, or fleece pullover to turn more heads.
  • Don’t forget outerwear: You wear outerwear while commuting to work or walking down the street to grab lunch. Outerwear includes items like Commuter Jackets for rain or an Aasgard Shirt Jacket for snow flurries.

Don’t let the weather discourage you from layering, either. It’s possible to layer your look even in the hot summer months. The key is choosing lightweight, breathable pieces that won’t weigh you down in the heat.

4. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

Even though you’re learning how to build a wardrobe, you don’t need a closet full of clothes. It’s easier to take a minimalist approach at first and start with a capsule wardrobe. Plus, a capsule wardrobe makes it easier to choose your outfit every morning. Capsule wardrobes usually include 25 to 50 pieces with a mixture of shirts, sweaters, jeans, pants, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. 

To build a capsule wardrobe, make sure you choose pieces that easily work with each other. You should be able to wear your favorite bomber with multiple sweaters and pants.

With a capsule wardrobe, you buy fewer pieces, but they’re thoughtfully curated in a way that allows you to use different combinations every day. Trust us, you won’t miss having a closet jam-packed with clothes you don’t wear.

5. Buy High-Quality Items
When you buy fewer, more versatile items, you can spend a bit more on each piece of clothing. This means it’s easier to invest in high-quality items that are well made and look sharp. Plus, when you avoid poorly made items, you won’t need to refresh your wardrobe as often.
6. Buy Timeless Styles

If you follow fast fashion, you’ll end up revamping your wardrobe every time styles change. Trendy prints might look great in GQ, but you don’t want to replace a pair of jeans after a few months of wear because a fashion trend ended

Wardrobe staples in timeless silhouettes will help you look good any day, any time. CUTS’ Tomboy Tee will never go out of style, and it can go with everything from jeans to denim jackets to pencil skirts.

7. Go for a Muted Color Palette

Muted color palettes are always classic and never go out of style. To keep your wardrobe trend-proof, opt for a set of more subtle colors. 

Plus, if everything in your wardrobe is part of the same color family, it’s way easier to mix and match. Choose a segment of the color wheel to find colors that go together — we guarantee they’ll always match. You’ll never have to worry about forcing brown and black pieces together again. 

While muted tones are best, you still have a variety of colors to choose from, so pick a palette you like the best. If most of your clothes are already some version of black, white, or gray, stick with that color family. You can also pick a color palette based on your skin tone.

8. Dress for Your Body Type

Everyone’s body is different, so what looks good on your coworkers may not hold true for your body shape. You’re learning how to build a wardrobe that helps you look good and feel good, so learn what works for your body type. 

For example, if you’re a man and your shoulders, hips, and waist are the same width, you have a rectangular body shape. To make your shoulders appear wider, you can wear layered looks with button-down shirts as the base layer to add more depth to your frame. Women with curves can rock a Cloud-Fleece pullover and sweatpants to make a statement.

Learn How to Build a Wardrobe With CUTS

You have a unique perspective: Show it through your personal style. 

Follow these tips to show the world you’re focused, relaxed, and polished — all at once: 

  • Build a versatile wardrobe
  • Pick lifestyle-minded pieces
  • Learn to layer
  • Create a capsule wardrobe
  • Buy high-quality pieces that last
  • Buy timeless styles
  • Choose muted colors
  • Dress for your body type

Ready to build a winning wardrobe? Check out Cuts Clothing’s latest collection to build a performance-based wardrobe that lasts.