How to create the perfect winter capsule wardrobe to keep you cozy and chic in colder weather

Cozy, comfy and chic – the perfect winter capsule wardrobe should ensure you stay warm AND stylish throughout the winter months.

This year, more than any other, you’re likely to be at home more than before, so the winter capsule below features plenty of warm and comfortable loungewear. But you’ll also find a mixture of smart casual and outdoorsy wear in case you do manage to meet friends and family, you happen to be back in the office, or you’re heading out for some exercise.

How this winter capsule has been inspired by current trends

I’d never suggest that anyone should be a slave to fashion. You should always wear what you love and what flatters your body shape rather than what happens to be making its way down the runways in any particular season.

However, having said that, you can still be influenced by what’s on trend and adapt it to your own style and tastes.

I’ve been inspired by the strong colors, animal prints and asymmetry from the winter and fall catwalks and have mixed up these trends with timeless clothes, shoes and accessories that you can wear this winter and for many more.

Choosing your own winter capsule

So how exactly do you start to put together a winter capsule wardrobe? You’ll find some good overall advice in the ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe.

You can also read about my thinking process when putting together a capsule wardrobe for winter.

Start with what is in your wardrobe

You don’t have to start completely from scratch each season when putting together a capsule wardrobe (unless you want to, of course). You’re likely to already have plenty in your closet that you want to use – such as your jeans, for example.

Fonda (above) wears a pair of classic skinny jeans with her tan moto jacket and matching boots.

Recreate her outfit with this similar red tunic, moto jacket, jeans, shoes, backpack and scarf.

Think about what the season holds for you

Will this winter be different from usual? Are you mainly at home? Will you be able to attend any festive events? Do you plan to be outdoors? Think about the practicalities and you’ll be sure to get more wear out of your capsule.

Jona (above) chooses a utility jacket and a Gucci crossbody bag.

Recreate her look with this similar turtleneck top, jacket, pants, boots, fedora and sunglasses.

Fill in the gaps

Now that you’ve thought about what you already have, and what you need, you can make yourself a list of what you need or want. For example, do you want a fabulous new winter coat, some new scarves to add color to your outfits, or a new pair of winter boots?

Silvana (above) wears a long, winter coat and adds a pair of eye-catching boots.

Check out this similar sweater, coat, skirt, tights, boots, crossbody bag and hat.

Have some fun with texture

Winter can be a lovely time to really think about not just the shapes of your clothes, but also the textures. Think about soft, warm fabrics such as cashmere or rich, opulent fabrics, such as velvet.

Michelle (above) chooses a soft, cozy sweater with her leopard print pants.

Steal her look with this similar cashmere sweater, pants and lace-up boots.

Flatter your figure

No matter what the season, you’ll want to dress to flatter your body shape. For most women, that will mean avoiding very chunky, boxy sweater styles, which can add unwanted width.

Patricia (above) opts for slimline jeans and tucks her sweater in.

Check out this similar shirt, coat, jeans, boots, belt, handbag, scarf and sunglasses.

What to include in your winter capsule

Now that you’re thinking about what you might like to wear this winter, take a look below as some tops, coats, pants, dresses, shoes and accessories that you will want to include.

Tops for your winter capsule

Jenny (above) chooses a neutral cardigan with her raw-hem crop flare jeans and tan boots.

Here is a cardigan from BB Dakota that you can wear with this similar pair of bootcut jeans and booties.

Below, I’ve included a white shirt, which is useful for any season, a colorful sweater, a cropped cardigan and a tunic-style top you can wear with leggings.

Club Monaco dolman sleeve silk top – Ming Wang layered tunic sweater – Halogen crewneck cashmere sweater – YEMAK button down knit cardigan sweater

Coats and cardigans

There really are some beautiful coats in stores at the moment. You can also layer with cardigans if the weather isn’t very cold. Long, streamlined cardigans can have a slimming, elongating effect.

Clare (above) keeps her look beautifully pared back with a long, open gray coat. She adds interest with a red Gucci crossbody bag and buckled boots.

Complete her outfit with this similar turtleneck sweater, coat, jeans and booties.

Below are some of the options you could choose. If it’s particularly chilly where you are, a puffer style will keep you warm. Plaid and cape styles are also particularly on trend.

Also, take a look at how to choose a coat.

Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan – Halogen plaid trench coat – Ellen Tracy quilted collar wool blend cape – The North Face water repellent hooded park

Jeans and pants for your winter wardrobe

Suzie (above) teams a checked scarf with a neutral outfit and buckle boots.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, pants, booties, scarf and sunglasses.

Mavi Jeans crop bootcut jeans – Ashlee knit leggings – Halogen tie waist houndstooth pants – UGG wide leg lounge pants

A pair of jeans is a closet staple for winter. Choose your favorite style. I’d also add a pair of leggings for wearing under longer sweaters and tunics, or for lounging at home. If you want to add an on-trend element, a pair of plaid pants could be a good choice.

Look out for double knit or fleece-lined leggings to make sure you stay warm enough.

I’ve also included a pair of lounge pants that you could wear at home, or just as easily pop on a pair of sneakers for running errands.

Dresses and skirts

You may be more likely to favor pants and jeans during the winter months. However, you can make sure you stay warm enough in dresses and skirts by adding tights or leggings or choosing knitted styles such as a sweater dress.

Beth (above) opts for double knitwear by layering her cardigan over her sweater dress.

Here is a similar sweater dress, cardigan and sneakers that you can check out to recreate her look.

Eileen Fisher t-shirt dress – Eliza J fit & flare sweater dress – Lyssé handkerchief hem midi skirt – Halogen pleated midi skirt

Shoes and boots

Unless you want cold toes, it’s probably time to put away your summer sandals. Instead, choose stylish boots, closed toe shoes and high-top sneakers.

Jas (above) chooses a beautiful pair of burgundy boots to go with her neutral outfit.

Check out this similar dress, coat, tall boots and sunglasses.

ZAC Zac Posen skimmier flat – VANELi bootie – Børn knee high boot – PAIGE snake embossed mid top sneaker

Accessories for winter

While at other times of year, accessories tend to be more decorative than functional (with the exception of sunglasses and big summer hats of course), during winter, your accessories are necessary to keep you warm.

However, just because they are functional, that doesn’t mean your accessories can’t also be fabulous. You can add color and warmth to your winter capsule wardrobe.

Lou (above) matches her hat to her sweater and wears a star print scarf for extra warmth and style.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, jeans, boots, scarf and beanie.

Longchamp tote – rag & bone wallet on a chain – Brahmin croc embossed crossbody bag – Nordstrom cashmere & silk wrap – Halogen ribbed cashmere beanie – Kendra Scott long pendant necklace – Monica Vinader drop earrings – PINCTROT plaid scarf – Isotoner driving gloves

Now, let’s take a look at many of the clothes and accessories used above together in one winter capsule. You will see that you could easily mix and match the items to create many different looks throughout the winter season.

Continue reading:

1. The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Capsule Wardrobe That Works For You
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 Clare

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