A curated style bundle is a collection of thoughtfully chosen clothing pieces designed to be worn together, taking the guesswork out of those “I have nothing to wear” mornings. Think of it as a mini capsule wardrobe, with pieces you can mix, match, and style in multiple ways.

Trust me when I say: you need style bundles in your life.

If you love style, have an eye for putting outfits together, and love thrifting, say no more. A style bundle can absolutely be created for personal use, but my favorite way to use them is as a gift.

Instead of gifting someone a sweater they’ll never wear because they aren’t sure how to style it, why not gift them an entire bundle of outfits? A few thoughtfully chosen pieces can turn into multiple looks, easier mornings, and – perhaps best of all – the confidence to wear what’s already in their closet.

Before You Start Your Style Bundle, Start Here  

Like most projects, it all starts with a little prep. Unlike most projects, this prep work is fun!

Creating a style bundle is all about getting to know the person behind the clothes. What do they love? What do they actually like to wear? What are their trouble spots? What pieces would make getting dressed easier and more exciting?

If the bundle is for yourself, take some time to reflect. If it’s a surprise for someone else, ask yourself those same questions about them. Grab a coffee, settle in, and have a little fun with it!

Start by asking:

• What is their lifestyle? Do they work from home? Have kids? Need career wear? Do they spend most of their day running errands, spending time outside, or traveling?
• What three words describe their style? Maybe they’re boho, classic, and chic, or cottagecore, vintage, and feminine. Some might say minimal, edgy, colorful, oversized, sporty, or outdoorsy.
• What colors do they love to wear? Think about the shades they gravitate toward. What colors dominate their closet right now?
• What do they feel is missing from their wardrobe? Do they want to add current trends or new colors? Maybe it’s the basics, workwear, or a few special outfits.

With the answers to these questions in mind, you’re ready to start your Pinterest board. Those three style words will especially guide you as you find inspiration and decide what belongs in your bundle.

Let’s Go Shopping

Now that you have all the information and inspiration you need, it’s time for the fun part: shopping! Before you head into the store, take one more scroll through your Pinterest board. Stay focused on your three style words and color palette and don’t get distracted by a great piece that doesn’t fit the vision. Believe me, I’ve done it!

I like to start with a couple of base pieces. In my experience, bottoms are typically the hardest to thrift, so I start there. Once you have a bottom or two, you can build the rest of the bundle around them.

There’s no set formula. A style bundle can be as simple as one bottom with multiple tops, or multiple bottoms with multiple tops. And don’t forget the accessories! Sometimes a simple swap of shoes and a scarf makes for a whole new outfit. I like to get as much variety as possible. The goal is to give the person options and show them just how many outfits they can create with a thoughtfully curated collection.

Don’t expect to find everything on your first trip. More than likely, it will take several…so enjoy the hunt! I suggest starting at your local Goodwill NCW, then taking advantage of a Goodwill Outlet if you have one nearby and finishing with those last specific pieces at another Goodwill location.

Keep your vision in mind but stay open to surprises. Have patience as you hunt, and trust that the right pieces will come together.

Final Touches

The final touches are what really take a gift like this over the top. Once you’ve found all your pieces, package your bundle beautifully and finish it off with a bow on top. One of my favorite tricks is to use a scarf as the bow. It makes the packaging feel special, and it gives the recipient one more accessory to wear and enjoy.

Want to make the gift even more special?

Create flat-lays showing different ways to style the pieces together. Include a photo of each outfit combination and tuck the images into the bundle. Not only does it add a personal touch, but it takes the guesswork out of getting dressed – the recipient can always refer back to the photos when they need outfit inspiration. Take your time with these details; it’s often the little things that make a gift feel special.