Building the perfect winter capsule wardrobe: all the cold weather essentials you need

As the colder months set in, building a winter capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to simplify your daily dressing routine while staying stylish and warm. A capsule wardrobe focuses on versatile, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits with minimal effort. Not only does this make getting dressed easier, but it also helps you invest in high-quality essentials that will last for many winters to come. Let’s take a look at how to create a chic and functional winter capsule wardrobe that will keep you polished and cozy all season long.

How many pieces should be in a winter capsule wardrobe?

Somewhere around 20 to 30 pieces, including your outerwear, sweaters, tops, pants, dresses and footwear should see you through the whole winter. Take a look below at the capsule wardrobe we’ve put together, which features four of everything, plus accessories.

How do you start a winter capsule wardrobe?

Start with what you already have and go from there. Evaluate what you have in your closet. Then, think about the quality basics you need and what you could add to elevate your existing looks.

You’ll find plenty of tips on building a capsule wardrobe in our article – the ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works for you. Take a look. There are step-by-step tips to follow to create a stylish capsule wardrobe for any season.

Starting with neutrals and then adding colors you love is a great way to think about a capsule wardrobe for winter. Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) starts with navy, and then adds brighter blue.

Get her look with this similar sweater, pants, sneakers, handbag and scarf.

How to build a stylish winter wardrobe?

One of the best ways to build your winter wardrobe is not to go out and buy full outfits but to build up your wardrobe with quality pieces that go together year by year. That way, you’ll have a winter wardrobe with longevity.

How to prepare your wardrobe for winter?

Gradually change your outfits with the changing weather. Think about adding layers, switching lighter fabrics for warmer materials, and swapping your shoes for boots.

Winter capsule wardrobe

Let’s move onto an example winter capsule wardrobe from which you can create many different outfits.

Tops for winter

When it comes to your tops, you’ll want to look for longer sleeves to make sure you’re winter-appropriate. Choose shirts you can layer under or over your other tops. Turtlenecks are also great to wear alone or as underlayers, and a dressier long-sleeved top will ensure you can take your outfit from day to night.

Open Edit Stripe Button-Up Shirt – Lauren Ralph Lauren Jersey Turtleneck Top – Reformation Elio Off the Shoulder Knit Top – FRAME Heritage Denim Shirt

Reformation Elio Off the Shoulder Knit Top – Nordstrom Leather Pencil Skirt – Dolce Vita B.NTCD Sneakers – Kate Spade New York Deco Pebbled Leather Shoulder Bag – st. Moran Freshwater Pearl Station Necklace

sweaters

Of course, sweaters really come into their own in winter. Choose a combination of different necklines and lighter or chunkier sweaters to alter your look depending on how casual or formal you want to be.

Caslon Cashmere V-Neck Sweater – MANGO Combined High Collar Sweater – MANGO Ribbed Zip Sweater – Zella Faux Shearling Funnel Neck Pullover

Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) chooses a sweater dress and knee-high boots. She adds cheerful ‘clashing’ pops of color with her pink coat and contrasting bag.

Check out this similar coat, sweater (another option here), skirt, boots and bag.

Jackets and coats

Choose outerwear to suit your lifestyle and the weather. You’ll usually need a combination of different coats. More formal options will take you to work and dinner, while warmer, long coats will keep you cozy. Shorter styles are perfect for transitional weather. Opting for at least one coat that makes a real statement with the color or print is a great way to update your winter outfits.

FARM Rio Helen Sculpted Fleece Wrap Coat – Via Spiga Belted Wool Blend Coat with Faux Fur Trim – Zella Quilted Packable Jacket – Sanctuary Kayla Quilted 700 Fill Power Down Coat

Via Spiga Belted Wool Blend Coat with Faux Fur Trim – MANGO Combined High Collar Sweater – Zella Live In High Waist Leggings – PUMA Palermo Vintage Sneakers – Kurt Geiger London Extra Small Southbank Tweed Tote – Kendra Scott Elle Faceted Drop Earrings

Jeans and pants

Choose full-length jeans and pants that you can wear with your boots and sneakers. A pair of leggings is also always useful, either to wear alone with tunic sweaters or as an extra layer when it gets really cold.

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – FRAME Jet Set Slim Palazzo Pull-On Jeans – MANGO Studded Parachute Pants – Zella Live In High Waist Leggings

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) opts for on-trend jeans and a stand-up collar coat.

Steal her look with this similar jacket (another option here), jeans, booties and handbag.

Dresses and skirts

Dresses and skirts can be just as practical (and stylish) in winter as in other seasons. Just choose longer sleeves and warmer materials. A sweater dress, shirtdress, and skirts in more robust materials like leather and corduroy will give you lots of choices. Wear with your tights or leggings and boots.

Treasure & Bond Directional Rib Long Sleeve Cotton Blend Knit Dress – COS Abstract Shirt Dress – Lauren Ralph Lauren Front Slit Denim Midi Skirt – Nordstrom Leather Pencil Skirt

Treasure & Bond Directional Rib Long Sleeve Cotton Blend Knit Dress – Eileen Fisher Paziz Stretch Knit Boots – Kurt Geiger London Extra Small Southbank Tweed Tote – Nordstrom Cashmere & Silk Wrap – Nordstrom Cashmere Lined Leather Touchscreen Gloves

Shoes and boots

It’s time to put away open-toe shoes for the year and, instead, choose boots, sneakers, and closed-toe styles that will keep you warm. Choose ankle boots and knee-high boots and sneakers that you can wear when the weather cools down. If you have a variety of flat and low heels, you’ll be comfy and warm.

Earth Cinto Platform Wedge Bootie – Eileen Fisher Paziz Stretch Knit Boots – Dolce Vita B.NTCD Sneakers – PUMA Palermo Vintage Sneakers

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for a striking color block dress and teams with white boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (other options here and here), boots, earrings and bag.

Winter accessories

Accessories really come into their own in winter. Opt for bags that will go with the other shades in your capsule wardrobe, warm scarves and gloves. A hat is also essential to stop heat from escaping. You can also alter the look of your outfit with your jewelry.

Kate Spade New York Deco Pebbled Leather Shoulder Bag – HYER GOODS Upcycled Leather Convertible Bucket Bag – Kurt Geiger London Extra Small Southbank Tweed Tote – st. Moran Freshwater Pearl Station Necklace – Jennifer Zeuner Cooper Textured Drop Earrings – Kendra Scott Elle Faceted Drop Earrings – Nordstrom Cashmere & Silk Wrap – Nordstrom Cashmere Lined Leather Touchscreen Gloves – Lauren Ralph Lauren Fuzzy Cable Knit Beret

Sanctuary Kayla Quilted 700 Fill Power Down Coat – Lauren Ralph Lauren Jersey Turtleneck Top – FRAME Jet Set Slim Palazzo Pull-On Jeans – Earth Cinto Platform Wedge Bootie – HYER GOODS Upcycled Leather Convertible Bucket Bag – Jennifer Zeuner Cooper Textured Drop Earrings –

Your winter outfits together in one capsule

Take a look below at the clothes, shoes and accessories from above. You can create so many outfits from these by switching around the individual pieces.

shop the best pieces for winter:

Continue reading:

1. Fall winter 2024 fashion trends – and how to wear them
2. The best winter coats for women this season and how to choose a coat
3. The best winter boots for women: stylish winter boots that you can’t wait to wear

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Feature image by Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle

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