We all know the feeling. You open your closet and are overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Or, you have nothing to wear even though your closet is crammed full of clothes. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. The key is to choose quality over quantity; a few well-chosen items will last longer and go further than a closet full of cheap, fast fashion. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also have an easier time getting dressed in the morning! And your personal style can be expressed more succinctly without the constant treadmill of trends that you don’t actually even like.
Capsule wardrobes are not devoid of style or trends, they are just more targeted in their approach and shoot for longevity and personalization over constantly evolving head-to-toe looks.
Capsule wardrobes can be tailored to any season or style, but today we’re going to focus on how to build a winter capsule wardrobe.
How to Start a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
First, take inventory of what you already have. Go through your entire closet, piece by piece, and decide what you want to keep and what you can get rid of. If you’re having trouble making decisions, ask yourself a few key questions:
- Do I love this item?
- Does it fit well?
- Is it flattering?
- Is it comfortable?
- Does it fit my moral standards for fashion? (optional, but encouraged)
- Does it fit my lifestyle needs? ( If you live in a snowy climate, you need pair of winter waterproof boots)
- Is it in good condition?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s time for that item to find a new home. Once you’ve pared down your wardrobe to only the essentials, it’s time to start shopping for key pieces to round out your capsule.
Start with the Basics
Every capsule wardrobe should begin with the staples—the pieces that can be mixed and matched to create countless outfit options. For winter, I recommend starting with a great pair of jeans, a tailored blazer, a cozy sweater, and a classic white shirt. Once you have your basics covered, you can start adding in other pieces to reflect your personal style.
Stick to a Color Palette
When put together thoughtfully, clothing items in the same color family can create a cohesive look. This is especially important in winter when layering is key. For example, if you choose black, white, and grey as your main colors, you can easily mix and match different items to create an outfit that looks intentional and put-together.
Now black and gray may not be “your” colors. This is why I recommend determining your seasonal color palette for the colors that harmonize most easily with your skin’s undertone. And then develop a wardrobe color palette to keep in mind when you examine your closet and buy any additional pieces.
Understanding your colors and color tones can also help you build a non-neutral wardrobe that still feels flexible, versatile, and chic.
Incorporate Trends Sparingly and Strategically
Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it will stand the test of time (or even make it through the season!). When adding new pieces to your winter capsule wardrobe, be mindful of trends—choose items that reflect current trends but that also fit within your overall aesthetic. This way, you can incorporate new trends each season without completely overhauling your entire wardrobe (and spending tons of money in the process).
Often times a piece doesn’t “go out of style” it is just styled differently. So keep an eye on how you see a classic item styled each season. Using these styling tweaks can make a capsule wardrobe staple feel fresh each season.
I personally like to add 2-3 pieces each season that speak to “new trends” but have some style longevity. It satisfies my fashion world hunger but doesn’t throw off my wardrobe balance or blow my style/clothing budget.
Choose Versatile Pieces
One of the main benefits of having a capsule wardrobe is that it helps simplify getting dressed each day—no more standing in front of your closet wondering what to wear! To achieve this goal, it’s important to choose clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways. For example, opt for a knit dress that can be worn on its own or layered under a sweater, shacket, or button-down shirt. The same goes for choosing bottoms—look for items like denim skirts or black jeans that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Keep your Closet Inventory Seasonal
When winter rolls around you shouldn’t be staring at your shorts and swimsuits. That only creates closet overwhelm. Instead, put any spring or summer pieces into storage (or a separate section of your closet), and vet any fall pieces that can carry over into winter. Being able to visually see all of your options will help you build outfits more easily and get more creative with your wardrobe. You can also try capsule wardrobe clustering for more versatility, which I go over in this video.
Evaluate any Wardrobe Gaps
Each season comes a set of new lifestyle and weather needs. So it helps to keep a list of wardrobe gaps, so you shop more strategically.
What do I Need in my Winter Capsule Wardrobe?
Every capsule wardrobe needs a great pair of jeans. Look for a style that flatters your figure and can be dressed up or down as needed.
Invest in a high-quality coat or jacket that will keep you warm all winter long. Oversized styles are currently trending, but make sure the proportion works for your body type before you commit!
Boots are essential for surviving winter weather while still looking chic. Choose a timeless style that will last for years to come rather than following passing trends. Make sure they are comfortable and fit your exact location weather needs.
And in my humble opinion, no winter capsule is complete without some cozy sweaters. I prefer to add a neutral color sweater like black, white, cream, or gray that will match everything else in your closet. But a great intarsia or colorful sweater can add a lot of depth to your closet as well. Just look at style icon Jane Birkin and her love of a chic knit pieces. Watch the sweater materials and aim for quality. Textures like cashmere or wool will help you stay warm all season long.
Also, don’t forget about the cherry on the sundae! Accessories are the perfect way to add personality to your outfit without going overboard. Play with different scarves, hats, and jewelry to find combinations that work for you. These accessories make the outfit feel complete, and uniquely you. They can spice up a basic look, or add some trendiness to your aesthetic.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start mixing and matching! Experiment with different combinations until you find what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to get creative; capsule wardrobes are all about personal style.
Keep in mind your lifestyle needs when you evaluate the Winter Capsule Wardrobe Checklist below. This checklist is just to get your creative inspiration going and to help you start examining your closet for potential wardrobe gaps or wardrobe balance issues.
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Winter Capsule Wardrobe 2023
Exciting news, everyone! The winter capsule for 2022 is finally here! However, before we get too ahead of ourselves, I need to give a brief explanation. Most people reading this will already have similar items in their closets from previous years, so there’s no need to buy all new pieces.
A capsule wardrobe is a mix of timeless, basic pieces that flatter your figure and can be transitional between seasons and years.
If you take a look at this capsule wardrobe, you’ll probably notice one or two items that you’re missing from your own closet. Additionally, there are also a few “trendier” pieces included that might be fashionable to wear this year. But only you can do the deciphering which piece you might need to add, or which piece is a skip.
I love experimenting with new trends while staying true to my personal style and integrating a sturdy set of foundational fashion pieces that make up the heart of my capsule wardrobe. So, when you’re thinking about your own style goals, don’t be afraid to mix things up!
Pro-Tip: There’s no need to buy all new clothes every time a trend comes along. You can stay fashion-forward by learning the latest styling methods and experimenting with different combinations (especially if you prefer a classic or minimalist look).
Shop my Winter Capsule Wardrobe Picks:
How many pieces should be in my winter capsule wardrobe?
Ultimately, you can decide how many pieces to include in your winter capsule wardrobe. But generally speaking, most people aim for a versatile selection of about 20-30 different items.
This may sound like a lot of clothing, but it’s important to keep in mind that every piece is meant to complement one another and be versatile enough. Also, winter usually has a slightly larger capsule because warmth, weather, and layering are important style aspects that cause a few more additional staple pieces.
What is not included in a capsule wardrobe?
As a general rule, any item that is worn only once or so a year (like a costume or special occasion wear) does not belong in your capsule wardrobe. You’re free to include a few pieces like this if you want to make the capsule more fashionable and fun, but be sure to keep it small and don’t buy too many “extras”. This would be bought with the understanding it may not transition to the following season or year.
Similarly, some items are not included in the base capsule. Items like loungewear, athleticwear, pajamas, underwear and foundation garments are left out on purpose. These pieces are crucial to most people’s wardrobes but don’t require the mix-and-match quality that your capsule wardrobe staples will have. Because they are essentials, they are assumed to be in your closet year-round.
Winter Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Some of these items in the capsule might look familiar if you saw the Fall Capsule wardrobe or even the one I made last winter. The point is to have a wardrobe that will last for more than one season. However pieces sell out or become unavailable, so just because an item has been replaced does not mean your entire winter wardrobe needs to be brand new.
Also, this is a comprehensive list, so be sure to consider your own lifestyle needs before adding any new items.
- Wool Coat
- Puffer Coat
- Shearling Coat or Faux Fur Coat ( I prefer diversifying with a shorter hem coat here)
- Puffer Vest
- Blazer
- Turtleneck (jersey knit)
- Heavy knit sweater
- Cashmere sweater
- Half-zip or pullover sweater
- Sweatshirt
- Boyfriend Shirt (or men’s button-up)
- Blouse
- Bodysuit
- Trendy Top (of your choice)
- Long Sleeve Knit Dress
- Basic Dress/Transitional
- Straight-leg Jean
- Wide-leg Trouser
- Leggings or Knit pants
- Leather Pants
- Knit Skirt
- Slim Jean
- Winter Boots
- Heeled Boots
- Classic Sneaker
- Pump
Optional:
- Shacket
- Flannel
- Slip Skirt
- Knee-High Boots
- Loafer
Accessories
- Casual Tote
- Handbag
- Everyday Earring
- Hat: Beanie/Beret etc
- Scarf
- Fleece-lined Tights
- Tech-friendly Gloves
Winter Capsule Wardrobe 2022/2023 + Outfit Guide
Let’s break down the pieces in this winter capsule for outfit flexibility and lifestyle needs. If you want to see how I would style these pieces or get your outfit’s inspiration juices flowing, check out my free 40+ Winter Capsule Outfit Guide below.
I won’t go over every item from the above list but let’s break down some of the bigger winter wardrobe necessities and see how to pick the right one for YOU!
Wool Coat
A staple in any winter wardrobe, the wool coat is a must-have item for keeping warm and looking stylish all season long. This classic piece comes in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to pair with almost any look. Whether you’re pairing it with your favorite jeans or layering it over your knit dress, the wool coat is sure to become a favorite in your winter wardrobe.
Not to mention, this coat looks polished and put together no matter what you’re wearing underneath it. You can actually be warm and stylish.
Trends for coats this year range from loose and oversized to fitted, so deciding on your silhouette will be dependent on your personal style goals.
I love this wrap wool coat for its versatility to do both. Belt it and have a chic sophisticated element to your look. Or leave it undone for a more easy-going french girl look.
Puffer Coat
A key item for keeping you warm and cozy, the puffer coat is another must-have piece for any winter capsule wardrobe.
Now, why do you need a puffer coat and a wool coat? Well, if you get a lot of snow or adverse weather conditions, the warmth and waterproof aspect of the puffer coat can be essential.
Now, because of the weather conditions in my city, I prefer for both of these coats to be longer, to keep the wind at bay. However, if your winters are more temperate, then adding a shorter puffer coat might make more sense.
Keep in mind the design details of your puffer coat as well. As you can see above both coats are “puffer” by design, but they have drastically different aesthetic values.
One coat has a more minimalist, luxury aesthetic and would be more suited for a puffer “work” coat or going out coat. While the other is a bit more athletic or outdoorsy.
When building your capsule wardrobe you really need a strong understanding of your lifestyle needs and authentic personal style. If you’re struggling with honing these down, check out my Craft the Closet of Your Dreams Playbook, here.
Faux Fur Coat or Shorter Coat
Again, your capsule wardrobe should speak to you and not include an overwhelming amount of purchases each season. But, if you’re looking for a nice addition to your coat options, or the previous two examples don’t fit your style, a shearling coat or faux fur coat may be a nice addition.
Shearling coats are exceptionally warm and look put-together enough to use as a going-to-work coat, but also casual enough for a weekend out with your kiddos or friends.
Puffer Vest
This is a great option for more temperate weather climates or places that require extra layers throughout the day.
I like a more relaxed “fuller” puffer vest look, that leans a bit less athletic. The larger space between the seams creates a cozy, minimalist aesthetic. Whereas a smaller-channel, thinner puffer vest can lean more towards function.
Blazer
Now every capsule may not need a blazer, but personally, I find them one of my favorite layering pieces (and I work from home).
A blazer can add a little bit of polish to your outfit, and also help keep you warm throughout the day. When you choose a blazer that really speaks to your personal style you’ll find it transitions easily to the upcoming season, and adds a “finished” touch to your outfit.
Things to examine to see if a blazer works for your winter capsule wardrobe?
- Can you think of 5 different outfits to wear it with?
- Do you like fitted, relaxed, sleek, or oversized fit?
- Do you want a sharply tailored and lined blazer? Or an unlined, softer blazer look?
- Does your lifestyle require a blazer or benefit from one? ( brunches, work events, or anywhere can a polished look would be ideal)
- Does this blazer flatter my body shape?
Turtleneck
It’s one of my go-to staples every fall and winter for a chic outfit base. I always find myself layering turtlenecks under pieces, or using one to get a sleek, polished vibe.
Because this winter wardrobe staple has been vetted over the past couple of years and has proven to be a smart and reliable fashion choice for me, I have three go-to jersey turtlenecks in my wardrobe.
If you like adding a bit of color to your wardrobe, a turtleneck can also be a great way to do that and not throw off a neutral wardrobe base.
(However- remember that wardrobes don’t have to be neutral as long as they speak to your personal style, work with your lifestyle, and have a cohesive feel/tone throughout).
Sweaters
Sweaters are always fundamental in my fall and winter capsule wardrobes. They are cozy, easy to throw on, and work in a colder climates easily. Plus they can mix and match easily with all of my capsule wardrobe bottoms.
I like to have a variety of textures and weights in my wardrobe to provide more unique outfit pairings. So I’ve found my base sweater needs to be one heavy knit sweater, one fine gauge sweater or cashmere sweater, and one pull-over or half zip sweater.
Not sure what sweater styles you actually like versus what ones you are being “influenced” to buy? Try building a personal style map, which I go over in this video. It can help set the tone and personal style preferences you actually love, which can help you choose which sweater will get the most wear and fit your authentic self.
Sweatshirt
This might fall into the loungewear category so you have to be more intentional when adding this piece to your “capsule wardrobe”. If you like being relaxed and comfortable then adding in a “cute” sweatshirt that moves past pure function is a great piece.
We all have those grubby or unflattering hoodies or sweatshirts looming in the back of our closets. But we want this sweatshirt to speak to our personal styles and be an option for going out outfits.
I personally love this sweatshirt and wear it often. It’s easy to throw on and still have my outfit feel intentional.
Notice how the theme of the sweatshirt directly links to things I KNOW I love? When you get to the root of your preferences, loves, and interests it can have a direct link to your self-identity. And what is personal style? An expression of your true self. Developing this is a great way to ditch the imitation, and influenced style cycle, and move on to your own evolution of style voice.
If you’re stuck, ask yourself to examine why you are drawn to this sweatshirt. If the answer is, well it looks good on “-insert cool person here-“, it might not be a winner capsule purchase.
Jeans
I like to have two main pairs of jeans that I know work with my style, fit comfortably, and flatter my body shape.
If you audit your wear frequency, you’ll probably get a good idea of which jean silhouettes work best for you personally. (and maybe buy more of those ;)).
For me, it’s Levi’s 501. I wear them with everything and they work with almost all of the tops in my winter wardrobe.
And a great pair of bootcut or wide-leg jeans.
These allow my wardrobe a lot of flexibility, and they can both span my fashion lifestyle needs. My straight-leg jeans are go-to options for daytime and more casual outings or days at home. And the bootcut or wide-leg jeans look great with heeled boots and allow them to transition easily to more evening events.
Your “Extra” Pant
These can be leather pants, these can be corduroys, or any pants that might not fit the traditional capsule wardrobe mold.
I find it helpful to stick with a more streamlined or conventional silhouette and allow the fabric or texture to be the interesting feature. I find straight-leg-leather pants add a bit of edge or texture depth to my outfits without being outside my personal style map. They also mix and match with my other staples, which makes them a strong capsule wardrobe candidate despite not being a “traditional basic”.
Knit Dress
I love a great knit dress for winter. It makes me feel attractive but also not freeze my butt off, and fits most going-out events seamlessly. Plus depending on the silhouette, they can usually be dressed down for the daytime. Above are two chic knit dresses (with varying price points).
Basic Dress/ Transitional Dress
Now you may be thinking a short sleeveless dress for winter, you’re crazy! But I love taking a basic, transitional dress and making it work for all seasons. I love this comfortable knit dress and find with a few easy layering pieces and tights it can be a chic option for winter.
Accessories
If you feel like your outfits never feel polished or “finished” you’re probably not putting enough strategy or thought into your accessories.
Accessories are the “happy birthday” message on a cake. They show the intention behind the entire outfit.
Now, to simplify your options a bit I like to have the following in my winter capsule wardrobe accessories:
Chic, but warm hat – This can be a beanie, a beret, or even ear muffs. Just make sure it harmonizes nicely with your outerwear and keeps you warm!
Scarf: Personally, I love a warm statement scarf. It adds drama to an outfit without making the outfit “too much” for an average weekday.
Go-to or “everyday” Earring: Knowing what type of earrings you can regularly wear and throw on for more polished presentation will drastically improve your morning dressing routine.
Tech-Friendly Gloves: If you have to pull off your gloves every time your phone buzzes, it’s probably not a great lifestyle match.
Shoes for Winter Capsule Wardrobe
I like to have 3-5 pairs of shoes that I know work with the majority of my clothes and can be worn multiple times a week. 3 of these pairs of shoes are shoes that transition past winter; they would include my classic sneaker, my mid-heel pump, and my loafers.
For winter specifically, I add in a mid-heel boot, and a waterproof or “winter boot”.
Next is a mid-heel pump. They are great for a night out or for a business meeting with some cute trousers and a blazer. For this season, I’m seeing a resurgence of slingback pumps, so you might consider this classic “trend”.
I always have my go-to classic sneakers that transition to almost every season with me. I find them an easy way to be comfortable but still have a fashion point of view.
Finally, my favorite loafers. They give me the comfort of flats but still look smart enough to wear in most situations. I can easily pair them with skirts, pants, or dresses!
Need some inspiration on how to tie all these pieces together? Check out my winter capsule wardrobe outfit guide below:
As you can see, a winter capsule wardrobe is all about having the right pieces that work together and make creating stylish, polished looks easy. So don’t be afraid to mix it up, experiment with different styles and silhouettes, and have fun.
We want to simplify our closets so that we actually know what we have (and where it is!). This allows true authentic style and appreciation of fashion every day (not just on those special occasions).
Now, go enjoy those snowy days while still looking fabulous!
