I wore only Target for a week, here are all the looks I created for $300

I overhauled my entire wardrobe on a budget... yes really - and the average cost per item was 33 bucks!

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When my TikTok feed became flooded with videos raving about Target being "in its slay era", I'll be honest, I was a little sceptical at first.

But curiosity got the best of me, and the next thing I knew I was in my local store, frantically grabbing every single thing I could and spending 1.5 hours in the changing rooms up until the point where a concerned shop assistant had to ask if I was okay.

I was okay. I was more than okay.

I was in shopping heaven. 

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Image: Supplied

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I hacked my way to a capsule wardrobe

I picked out pieces from the latest Preview collection, which is all about the tailored-suiting trend, and also the Lily Loves range, which is full of summer wardrobe staples like lightweight linen dresses and printed matching sets. 

As I was trying everything on, I thought, Target really is in its slay era. No, I lie, but I did think about how good the quality was. 

Everything was SO well made, from the material to the design, you'd be mistaken for thinking some of these clothes were from the likes of Witchery, Country Road or Dissh.

I began thinking, new year, new me, right? It's probably time for a wardrobe refresh. But with my wallet gently reminding me of my new year financial goals too, I had to set myself a limit. 

So with roughly $300 in mind, I set out on a mission to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe on a budget, that catered to work and everyday outfits. 

And I BLOODY DID IT! I hacked a capsule wardrobe. 

To say I'm smug is an understatement.

I got six different tops and three bottoms and if my maths doesn't fail me (I'm a journalist OKAY) then that's 18 potential outfit combinations.

18!!!

Also, more maths... because I got nine different pieces, each item came out to be an average of 33 bucks!

I was so happy with everything I bought that I decided to put myself (and by extension, my colleagues) through a Target-only fashion week. 

Monday through to Sunday I exclusively wore my new wardrobe, from the office to after-work dinners and weekend events. Here's every outfit I created. 

Note: I already had that black handbag, also from Target, and all the shoes are my own.

Image: Supplied

Monday

So day one also coincided with my team's first day back in the office, so this little personal brand refresh could not have come at a better time.

I decided to kick things off with a can't-go-wrong all-black outfit.

I paired the Black Midi Flare Slip Skirt ($40) with this Black Rib Racer Tank ($15) and Black Blazer Vest ($40) and chucked on my Adidas Sambas to dress it down a bit.

The midi skirt was just the right amount of flair, and I loved the elastic waistband, and the blazer vest was a great piece to throw on as it really pulls together any outfit. 

Tuesday

The Squiggle Resort Shirt ($35) and matching Squiggle Wide Leg Pants ($40) was a no-brainer for me when I saw it.

I don't know if something as statement as this is part of a classic capsule wardrobe, but who was I to turn this gorgeous set down?

With a bold print and relaxed cut, it was perfect for creating an effortless vibe, and yes, I rocked it to the office. But so my teammates didn't think it was 'wear your PJs to work day', I made sure to dress it up with some strappy black sandals, my trusty black handbag and some gold jewellery. 

You should have seen everyone's faces when I told them it was Target.

Let's just say, I might be matching in my matching set with some people next week.  

Image: Supplied

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Wednesday

Hump day in the office, and look, I was getting a little tired of, you know, working.

So while this outfit isn’t as chic as the others, it definitely did the job of getting me out the door looking somewhat presentable. 

That’s the thing with capsule wardrobes, you can pair basically any of the tops with the bottoms and they’ll go together, provided all your pieces are neutrals, which mine are. 

This V-Neck Cardigan ($35) and Tailored Grey Skirt was a winner combo and also ultra comfy. I love the cardigan-as-a-top look and  this grey skirt was just *chefs kiss.*

And before you say, 'It's too short for work' - I work with only women, and we don’t care about ~ god forbid ~ legs.

Image: Supplied

Thursday

"Lizzie McGuire, you are an outfit repeater!"

Well, not really. I changed the top! And added the vest! 

If you've seen that movie, you've probably been scared of ever committing that very normal fashion faux par, but thanks to, you guessed it, the capsule wardrobe - you'll never have to.

With a quick switcheroo of the top half, I had a completely new outfit for Thursday. 

This wasn't an office day, but I like to dress up a bit while WFH because I got waaay too comfortable during lockdown and found out that tracksuits actually don’t make you feel like a professional working adult with a real job - who would have thought?

Friday

Not to play favourites, but… Friday’s outfit was my favourite.

The Scoop Neck Waistcoat ($40) completes this all-grey tailored set, creating an outfit that I never wanted to take off. I liked that the thick straps meant you could wear a bra with it and not worry about the dreaded straps showing.

I also love that it’s slightly cropped, which adds a cheeky touch to an otherwise formal and tailored look. 

I wore this out to dinner with the girls and felt very ‘cool girl.’

Image: Supplied

Saturday

Wow, seeing Saturday and Sunday's outfits side by side really feels like polar opposites, but hey - she has range! 

Saturday's outfit was made a little sexier, thanks to this stunning High Neck Sheer Knit Top ($25) which shows *just* the right amount of skin. 

I've tried on tops like this from stores like Bayse and SIR and they were anywhere between $90-$130 and I couldn't justify that price for something that was quite literally see-through. 

Safe to say I was stoked at this find, which felt equally as luxurious and delicate but for a fraction of the price.

I'd recommend sizing down in this one so it sits snugly against your skin. 

Sunday

I went out for a fancy dinner with my family on Sunday night because we had some celebrating to do (I'M ENGAGED!)

I paired the cardigan from before with the black slip skirt, my black handbag and some patent kitten heels. 

My mum told me this made me look like a sexy librarian "in the best way possible", so make of that what you will. I was going for more of a 'I’m no longer a girlfriend, I’m a fiancé' look, but I’m happy with either, to be honest. 

And that sums up my week of outfits! Hopefully, you got some inspiration, or at the very least, were a little bit impressed.

Can you tell I was?!

Originally published as I wore only Target for a week, here are all the looks I created for $300