Winter Capsule Wardrobe Essentials To Keep You Warm and Stylish
Adding these 36 winter capsule wardrobe essentials to your wardrobe will save you money and time. And you’ll gain a closet full of fabulous stylish, winter outfits you will be able to put together in minutes!
It’s the time of year when the winter weather has officially arrived! Temps are dropping into the negatives and the snow has started falling. And that means, it’s time to pull out all of my winter wardrobe essentials!
SOURCES: classic wool coat | black turtleneck sweater | wide leg jeans | black leather belt | beanie | chelsea boot | huggie earrings | layering necklace |
You may remember me talking about capsule wardrobes earlier last year and then again for the fall season. I did a ton of research on this topic. And I have to tell you – I’ve been loving this capsule wardrobe concept!
Even though I know fashion isn’t a frequent topic here, I’ve had a ton of requests to share tips on putting together a fabulous winter wardrobe.
36 Winter Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
So that’s why today, I wanted to talk about what capsule wardrobe essentials you’ll need and love to wear for all those cold days in the new winter season!
What’s A Capsule Wardrobe?
If you are asking yourself right now, what is a capsule wardrobe? Great question – let me explain.
The simplest definition is that it’s a curated wardrobe made up of neutral color versatile pieces that you love to wear. So a winter capsule wardrobe will obviously be focusing more on the winter essentials or staples.
SOURCES: puffer coat | striped sweater | thermal leggings | calf sock | waterproof boot | hoop earrings | sunglasses |
Basically a capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched together in different ways to be dressed up, down, and anywhere in between.
It means your closet has less trendy pieces that will only be worn for one season and more high quality versatile pieces that stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come.
Now here’s the real beauty of creating capsule wardrobe. Once you master a starter capsule wardrobe, it can easily be curated and swapped from season to season. How cool is that?!
Think Quality Over Quantity
A capsule wardrobe reserves your hard-earned money for quality pieces that are going to get cost per wear and last you as long as you want them to.
So a super-trendy piece you’re going to wear one time and then never again doesn’t belong in your winter capsule wardrobe essentials.
SOURCES: half-zip sweater | square neck top | black jeans | puff crossbody bag | black leather belt | chelsea boot | huggie earrings | layering necklaces |
Instead, you want something that’s true to your personal style that you know you’ll probably reach for two-three years from now – or maybe even longer!
Shopping Tip: Prepare Ahead!
I suggest to wait for sales and then snag those good quality pieces at great prices. This will help you stay in your budget while still building up a quality winter wardrobe capsule.
Just so you know, your closet will contain fewer clothes than before, but you’ll feel like you have many, many more outfit options.
And that’s the true reward of the perfect capsule wardrobe!
How To Build Your Winter Capsule Wardrobe
So the first step is probably going to be hard work but it’s necessary. Go to your closet and take a good, hard look at what you already own.
And when I say this I mean, take every single piece out and touch it, look at it and then evaluate if it should go back in.
By the way, these next decluttering steps can apply just to a seasonal capsule wardrobe or to your whole wardrobe. The choice is yours.
As you evaluate each item, sort them into one of these four piles:
1 | I love it and would totally wear it tomorrow. These pieces fit your body, your lifestyle, and you would happily wear them everyday. Put these items back into your closet first.
2| Maybe. These pieces might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or you just can’t put your finger on why you don’t wear them any more. (If you haven’t reached for it more than once, the item belongs in this pile too).
Put all of these items in a box that’s easily accessible. If you find yourself reaching for an item out of the box, put it back in your closet rotation. But if you haven’t reached for it by the end of the season, donate it.
3| Nope. No way. Perhaps it doesn’t fit or you just decided you don’t like it, pack these items up and donate them.
4| Seasonal. No need to cram all your clothes into you closet. Move all of your seasonal pieces into a storage location that will be easy for you to swap out once the seasons have changed.
SOURCES: wool coat | notch-neck sweater | wide leg jean | bucket bag | calf sock | brown ankle boot | huggie earrings |
So now it’s time to look at what’s left in your closet and evaluate your personal style.
What holes in your wardrobe do you need to shop for? (If you don’t know – I’m going to show you my favorite winter capsule wardrobe essentials!)
Maybe you’re all set on sweaters but need some new boots or coats for winter. Now that you have a clearer vision of what you’ll be able to pair with those new items, you’ll make a better choice when it comes to shopping for them!
Start With Neutral Basic Pieces Perfect For Winter
If you started building you capsule wardrobe back in the spring or fall with me, you may already own some of these neutral pieces. Which is great! That’s exactly the beauty of creating and using a capsule wardrobe.
SOURCES: puffer coat | sweater dress | tall boots | puff crossbody bag | huggie earrings | layering necklaces |
The absolute key to making your winter capsule wardrobe work is to make sure that the capsule wardrobe basics are based in a neutral color palette and versatile.
This means they can be paired with different pieces to make up completely different looks that will work for any event or occasion that might come your way.
Let’s start with 10 basic pieces which are basically the foundation of your winter wardrobe capsule:
SOURCES: turtle-neck long sleeve | luxe sweatshirt | square-neck top | cashmere crewneck | cotton button-up | wool coat | black jean | vintage jean | thermal leggings | puffer coat |
Neutral Pieces Honorable Mentions:
Square Neck Top– This top is a great base layer for layering now in the winter months or wearing alone in the summer.
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater– Every wardrobe needs a classic cashmere sweater. It’s an investment piece that just never goes out of style.
Thermal Leggings– I’m a huge leggings lover so switching to thermal leggings in the winter is a must to keep those legs nice and toasty!
Classic Wool Coat– Another item that is an investment for sure, but never goes out of style. And wool is all about warmth, which makes it the perfect go-to for stylish outer layers!
Fashionable Winter Essentials
Now if you’re worried that you can no longer buy trendy pieces, that’s totally not the case!
You don’t have to completely forego trend pieces and forever live wearing a sweater and skinny jeans. It just means that when you do purchase trendier pieces, you know they’ll have a place in your wardrobe and they will get worn!
So now let’s build on our quality basics and add in 11 new statement pieces for those cold winter days ahead!
Here are my favorite winter capsule wardrobe essentials to stay cozy and fashionable.
SOURCES: turtle-neck sweater | striped sweater | half-zip sweatshirt | half-zip sweater | notch-neck sweater | teddy sherpa lady jacket | wide sweatpant | cream jean | wide-leg jean | drape pant | sweater dress |
New Winter Pieces Honorable Mentions:
Striped Sweater– Can’t go wrong with a cozy, fun striped oversized sweater. This one is very affordable as well!
Teddy Sherpa Lady Jacket– A cozy jacket that you can easily dress up or down. This neutral black color will compliment everything you own!
Half-Zip Sweater– This is a great option for days when you want to look pulled together with minimal effort. Goes great with any color jeans or leggings.
Sweater Dress– This item is great for days when you need a dresser look but still want to stay comfortable and warm. Pair with ankle boots or knee-high boots for a classic look you’ll love!
Winter Accessories
Now that we have our basic neutral pieces and our new winter pieces. Now it’s time to add 15 fun accessories. Don’t forget, those little details matter!
SOURCES: bucket bag | sunglasses | two-tone flat | layering necklace | chelsea boot | puff crossbody bag | leather boots | calf socks | hoop earrings | huggie earrings | weatherproof boot | beanie | brown ankle boot | black belt | sneaker |
Winter Accessories Honorable Mentions:
Chelsea Boots: Own these and have already been wearing them a ton this winter. Super comfy and go with everything!
Puff Crossbody Bag: I just got this bag right before Christmas (the last one in the store!) and I love it. Such a great bag for dressing up or down.
Layering Necklace: This is an item I really want to add to my wardrobe. It’s a classic layering set that’s perfect for everyday.
Waterproof Boot: I’ve had a pair of waterproof Sorel boots for years. Still look brand new and have been such a great winter staple!
Winter Outfit Ideas You’ll Love
Now, this is where the whole capsule wardrobe gets to be so much fun!
Let’s put these items together and create a ton of different outfits. Here’s 12 different winter styles you can combine for fabulous casual looks!
So many easy and quick options for the colder months ahead!
This is why investing in a capsule wardrobe will save you money and lots of time. No more wondering what you can wear and frantically searching your closet for an outfit!
You can be dressed and ready to walk out the door in just a few minutes. And you will feel confident in what you’re wearing because all the pieces are items you love – with a classic style that never looks dated!
Just so you know, the swapping to a capsule wardrobe isn’t going to happen overnight. I know for me personally, it’s going to require more thought, less impulse purchases, and just a little bit more strategy.
But over time, I’m confident my closet will turn into something that represents me and feels so good to be wearing! And I hope you discover that too.
