If you have ever experienced the frustration of standing in front of a packed closet and feeling like you have nothing to wear, it may be time to give your wardrobe a facelift. Upgrading your entire wardrobe may seem overwhelming or like something that requires a lot of time and money. In truth, though, it is possible to build a functional and fashionable wardrobe without breaking the bank or spending hours upon hours shopping for new apparel.

The fashion world is filled with garments in various colors, styles and patterns to suit any taste. And products are available at virtually every price point. Once you have a solid understanding of your style and what resources you have at your disposal, building a new wardrobe is a fun and rewarding experience that will help you beat those “I have nothing to wear” blues.

From stocking up on basics like bulk wholesale t-shirts to staying on top of the latest trends, here are some suggestions for how to build a functional and fashionable wardrobe.

Empty Your Closet

When you are trying to build a functional wardrobe, having a closet packed with clothes that you don’t like or wear won’t work. Take everything out of your closet and sell, donate or trash anything you don’t wear regularly. Ditch the worn-out, stained, ill-fitting and unflattering garments you have been hanging onto for way too long to make room for new pieces you’ll love.

Keep the pieces you regularly wear, especially versatile ones that work in more than one outfit. Anything that you feel confident and comfortable in is worth keeping (as long as it is in good condition).

Get Back to Basics

Basic pieces are the foundation of a functional wardrobe. They include t-shirts, stylish trousers, jeans and fashion-forward shoes that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.

Even if you need to shop for basics, buying from a wholesaler is an excellent way to stock up on staples without spending a fortune. Things like wholesale baseball hats, hoodies and t-shirts are much more affordable than their retail counterparts. Plus, you can customize wholesale clothes and accessories to make them fit your wardrobe flawlessly.

Choose Neutrals

Wearing bright colors and eye-popping prints is an excellent way to turn heads and show your personal style. Trendy patterns and colors tend to go out of style quickly, though. Plus, they are not particularly versatile and likely only work with one or two outfits in your closet. When it comes to building a functional and fashionable wardrobe – especially one that will remain fashionable for years to come – neutral colors are the way to go.

When shopping for wardrobe staples like tees, sweaters, pants, shirts, bags and shoes, look for timeless colors like white, black, gray, brown, navy, camel and cream. Your entire wardrobe doesn’t need to consist of neutrals (unless you’re building a capsule wardrobe), but having a good selection means you will have pieces to pair with the brights and prints you just cannot resist.

Shop for Statement Pieces Wisely

Neutrals and basics are must-haves when building functional wardrobes. That does not mean, though, that you can’t indulge in a few statement pieces that show off your personal style. The key is to be smart about it.

Instead of buying whatever catches your eye, think about how it will work with the rest of your wardrobe. If you spot a skirt or top that you love but realize you do not own a single thing that it will work with, it might be best to move on to something else. Consider where you will wear it, too. Sometimes, garments that look great in-store or online turn out to be not-so-great in terms of real-world wear. If your life revolves around work and taking the kids to soccer practice, that fuzzy hot pink crop top you adore will likely end up shoved in the back of your closet rather than being worn.

Pay Attention to Fit

Whether it’s a neutral wardrobe essential or a statement piece, pay close attention to the fit. No matter how beautiful and stylish something is, it will not look right on you if it doesn’t fit properly and look right on your body. Every item in your new wardrobe should fit and look great. If it doesn’t, it is not going to work as part of a functional wardrobe.

Find Pieces for Every Occasion

Ideally, your wardrobe should contain options that are suitable for every occasion. While it will mainly include garments appropriate for regular daily wear, you should also make sure you have something that will work for special events. Whether it’s a wedding, job interview, funeral, business luncheon or trip to the beach, having appropriate attire on hand saves you time and money.

Remember to keep your lifestyle in mind, though, and choose pieces for various occasions that will work for you. It is always a good idea to have some dressy clothes on hand for special occasions. But if you always wear sneakers, towering stilettos probably are not a good option to keep on hand for “just in case.” Instead, opt for pieces that suit your everyday lifestyle and preferences.

Have Fun with It

Building a new wardrobe should be an enjoyable experience. If you feel anxious or stressed out, take a step back and ask yourself what is making the process difficult. Remind yourself, too, that you do not need to put together a complete wardrobe in a single shopping trip.

Once you have the basics worked out, start looking for the unique pieces that will make you look and feel great. If you are having trouble finding your personal style, try on different looks to see what you like best. Have fun, and look at the process as an opportunity to reinvent yourself rather than a chore. With patience and a keen eye, you can build a functional and fashionable wardrobe that will serve you well!