If you’re looking to build a winter capsule wardrobe, look no further. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it.

With a few key pieces, you can easily put together a versatile and stylish winter wardrobe that will take you through the season with ease. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of what to look for when shopping for your winter wardrobe essentials.

So, let’s get started!

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How To Create The Perfect Winter Capsule Wardrobe: Essential Pieces You’ll Need

It’s that time of year again! It’s time to break out the sweaters, jackets, and scarves and say goodbye to bare legs and open-toed shoes.

(ok, if you live in a cold climate like I do, you had to say goodbye to open-toe shoes a few months ago!)

To help you shop for your winter outfits, we’ve put together this Winter capsule wardrobe shopping guide. This is a perfect way to make sure you have everything you need (and nothing you don’t) for the colder months.

How do you start a winter capsule wardrobe?

I love winter, the cozy evenings, the Christmas lights, and hot chocolate.

But my wardrobe used to feel a little lackluster at this time of year. But everything changed once I started shopping just 4 times a year, and building seasonal capsule wardrobes.

Check out my Fall capsule wardrobe and Summer capsule wardrobe, for example!

The great thing about a capsule wardrobe is that it can be tailored to your own personal style. You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe, just a few key pieces that will work together.

To start creating your own winter capsule wardrobe, first, take a look at your current wardrobe and make a list of the items you already have that you love to wear. 

Then, take a look at what you need to add to create stylish and practical outfits for the colder months.

Here are a few tips for creating the perfect winter capsule wardrobe:

• Stick to a neutral color palette.
• Invest in quality pieces that will last.
• Keep your wardrobe concise – fewer than 40 items are ideal.
• Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
• Consider your lifestyle when selecting your clothing items.
• Get creative with your styling and don’t be afraid to experiment!

Essential pieces you’ll need for your winter capsule wardrobe

So what should be in a winter capsule wardrobe?

Because the temperatures have dropped doesn’t mean your style has to suffer.

With a few key pieces, you can create a stylish and practical capsule wardrobe that will see you through the winter months in both comfort and style.

So, without further ado, here are the essential pieces you’ll need to create the perfect winter capsule wardrobe today.

1. A Cozy Coat 

When it comes to coats, there are two things you should look for: warmth and style.

A coat is one of the first things people see when they look at you, so it’s important to choose one that makes a good impression.

But it’s also important to find a coat that will keep you warm during the cold winter months.

A good coat is essential to any winter wardrobe. Invest in a quality coat that will keep you warm and also look stylish. 

You may only need one coat if you live in a warmer climate but if you live in a colder weather, you may want to invest in a few different coats (a heavy-duty one for really cold days, a lighter one for milder days, etc.).

The best way to find a coat that hits both those marks is to choose one made from wool.

Wool coats are not only stylish, but they’re also incredibly warm. or cashmere, as these will keep you warm without making you sweat.

And if you choose a neutral color, it will go with everything in your capsule wardrobe. 

When choosing a coat, also look for one that is both stylish and practical. I love the ReWool coat!

2. Comfortable Pants

Jeans, leggings, and corduroys are all great pant options for winter.

Jeans are one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe, so it’s important to have a good pair that fits well and is comfortable to wear. 

The best type of jeans for a winter capsule wardrobe is a pair with some stretch so they’re comfortable to sit in all day long.

This brand offers awesome denim too.

Choose pants made from warm materials like wool or flannel, and don’t forget to experiment with different colors and styles! 

3. Cozy sweaters 

A sweater is essential for layering on cold days. When choosing a sweater, pick one made from natural fibers like wool or cashmere. 

These materials will keep you warm without making you sweat like synthetic fibers. 

Chunky knit sweaters are also a great choice for winter, as they add an extra layer of warmth.

One essential piece for your winter capsule wardrobe is a knit cardigan. A cardigan is the perfect layering piece and can be worn over everything from a sundress to a t-shirt and jeans. Plus, there are endless style options when it comes to cardigans. 

From cropped to oversized, there’s a knit cardigan for everyone. 

Here are some inspirations on how to style your cardigan.

How to style a Cropped Cardigan 

A cropped cardigan is the perfect way to show off your waistline without sacrificing warmth. Pairing a cropped cardigan with high-waisted jeans is a great way to achieve an hourglass silhouette.

If you’re looking for a more casual look, try pairing your cropped cardigan with mom jeans and sneakers.

Pair your cropped cardigan with a bodycon dress and heels for a night out on the town. 

How To Style An Oversized Cardigan 

An oversized cardigan is ideal for those days when you want to be comfortable but still look put-together.

Pair your oversized cardigan with leggings and ankle boots to achieve an effortless look and If you’re feeling daring, try wearing your oversized cardigan as a dress! 

Add tights, booties, or thigh-high boots, and you’re good to go. 

How To Style A Button-Down Cardigan 

A button-down cardigan is perfect for achieving that “I’m put together, but I didn’t try too hard” look.

For a casual office-appropriate outfit, pair your button-down cardigan with slacks or a skirt and loafers.

If you’re looking for something slightly more formal, try pairing your button-down cardigan with wide-leg trousers and heels. And for a weekend-appropriate outfit, pair your button-down cardigan with distressed jeans and sneakers. 

How to style a knit Pullover

A good knit pullover is absolutely essential for any winter capsule wardrobe. Not only are they comfortable and practical, but you can style them in various ways to create different looks.

Pair your knit pullover with jeans and sneakers for a casual everyday look. Or, try pairing it with black pants and heels for something a little more put-together. Either way, you’ll stay warm and look great.

And again, neutral colors like black, white, and gray will give you the most versatility when creating different looks with your capsule wardrobe items. 

4. Versatile Dresses and skirts

Dresses and skirts can totally be worn in winter! Simply pair them with tights or leggings and a coat or sweater on top.

A dress is a perfect item to throw on when you need to head out the door in a hurry but still want to look put together. 

Look for a dress made from a thick fabric like wool, so it will keep you warm in the winter months. 

This merino wool turtle neck sweater dress checks all boxes.

Also, make sure it’s not too short. The best option is a dress that hits at or below the knee. That is the most flattering and versatile length.

5 . Boots 

Boots are essential for function and style during the winter months. 

A good pair of boots not only keeps your feet warm but can also add a touch of style to your outfit.

If you live in a warmer climate, you may only need one pair of boots. But if you live in a colder climate, you may want to invest in a few different pairs (a waterproof pair for snowy days, a dressier pair for going out, etc.).

When choosing boots, ensure they’re comfortable enough to walk (or even run) in and stylish enough to dress up or down.

You should also Look for boots with chunky heels so they won’t sink into snow or get stuck in rain puddles, and make sure they have good traction on the bottom so you won’t slip on ice patches.

When choosing a pair of boots, make sure to pick a style that will go with various looks. 

Black is always a good choice, but brown can also be versatile. If you want something a little more fun, try a pair with embellishments or in a bright color.

 These ankle boots are super cool! 

6. A Quality Scarf 

A wool or cashmere scarf is an incredibly versatile accessory.

Scarves come in all different colors and patterns, so choose one that compliments the other items in your capsule wardrobe well. 

I love this neutral scarf.

7 . Gloves

No winter capsule wardrobe would be complete without gloves! Not only do gloves keep your hands warm on cold days, but they also add an extra bit of polish to any outfit. 

When choosing gloves, make sure they’re made from a warm material like wool or leather, and try to find ones that hit at least mid-way up your forearm. 

That way, they’ll keep your arms warm too!  

8. Turtle necks

Turtle necks are the perfect item to layer under sweaters and jackets. They keep you warm without adding bulk, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. 

Plus, they’re versatile enough to wear with jeans or dress pants. A turtle neck is a good investment if you’re looking for a timeless piece that will never go out of style.

How To Style A Turtle Neck 

There are endless ways to style a turtle neck. If you want to keep it simple, pair it with jeans and a sweater. 

Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try layering it under a blazer or jacket.

You can also wear it on its own as a top.

9. Long-sleeved top

A long-sleeved top is a must-have for any winter capsule wardrobe. It’s versatile and comfortable.

I like to keep a few long-sleeved tops in my closet in different colors and styles so I always have something to reach for when I need it. 

10. Crossbody / tote bag

A crossbody/tote bag is the perfect addition to your winter capsule wardrobe! Not only is it stylish and chic, but it’s also practical and functional.

The best thing about a crossbody bag is that it frees up your hands, which is essential when you’re dealing with gloves, hats, and scarves in the winter.

Plus, it’s small enough to tuck under your arm when you’re not using it so you don’t have to worry about it getting in the way.

Trust us, your winter style will thank you for investing in a great crossbody bag! 

Tips to Create A Winter Capsule Wardrobe

Start with the basics.

Every winter capsule wardrobe needs a few key pieces to serve as the foundation.

A good coat is essential, as are a pair of boots, a hat, and a scarf. Once you have these basics in place, you can start to build your wardrobe around them. 

Think about layering.

When it comes to winter fashion, layering is key. Not only does it allow you to mix and match different pieces, but it also allows you to stay warm without sacrificing style.

Start with a base layer like a turtleneck or thermal shirt, then add a sweater or cardigan on top. Top it off with your coat, scarf, and hat, and you’re good to go! 

Incorporate some color.

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your clothes have to be drab and boring.

Add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe with a bright scarf or hat, or try a pair of patterned leggings under your jeans or skirts. 

Accessorize!

Winter is the perfect time to break out the accessories. Gloves, earmuffs, and necklaces can all add a personality to your look while keeping you warm. 

So don’t be afraid to experiment with different accessories until you find the ones you love.

How to mix and match pieces from your winter capsule wardrobe? 

Looking for inspiration to mix and match your winter capsule outfits? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Consider these winter-style outfit formulas as your cheat sheet to nailing cold-weather dressing easily.

These looks would also give you an idea of what pieces you need for your capsule wardrobe.

The All-Black Ensemble:

 There’s nothing chicer than an all-black outfit in the wintertime

You can never go wrong with the classic black turtleneck and black jeans!

The Winter Whites Look:

 Winter whites are always a good idea no matter the occasion.

Pair your whites with some black strappy heels and hoop earrings to make the outfit look more modern (and less like you’re headed to a tennis match). 

The Oversized Coat, Hoodie & Jeans Combo:

An oversized coat looks great when paired with jeans, a hoodie, sunglasses, and gold hoop earrings. Not only is it insanely flattering, but it also keeps you warm.

The Textured Sweater & Faux leather Pants Combo: 

This outfit formula is both chic and comfortable a rare combination for cold-weather dressing! 

Consider pairing your sweater with some faux leather pants to keep the overall look from appearing too bulky. You can also add a pop of color to your shoes or handbag to add visual interest.

The Cozy Cable Knit Sweater: 

There’s nothing cozier than a cable knit sweater in the wintertime! To dress it up for evening events or date night, consider pairing it with some velvet pants or a sequined skirt!

You can also add some fun accessories like statement earrings or a colorful scarf to really make the outfit pop! 

The Oversized Sweater + Skinny Jeans Combo: 

This is my go-to winter outfit. It’s comfortable, flattering, and easy to put together. Plus, it’s perfect for those days when you don’t want to deal with the hassle of many layers. 

To get the look, pair an oversized sweater with a pair of skinny jeans and some booties or sneakers. Add a scarf and hat for extra warmth, and you’re good to go!

The Statement Coat: 

When it comes to outerwear, I like to make a statement! After all, your coat is one of the first things people see when they look at you, so why not make it count?

My favorite way to make a statement with my coat is to choose one with an interesting print or color.

That way, I still look stylish even if I’m just wearing jeans and a t-shirt underneath. 

So if you’re looking for winter-style inspiration, consider investing in a statement coat!

The Layered Look: 

This is another excellent option for when you need to be out and about in the cold weather.

Layering allows you to mix and match different pieces to create a unique look that’s also functional. 

And the best part is that you can always take layers off if you get too warm! To get the layered look, start with a base layer like a t-shirt or tank top. Then add a sweater or button-up shirt over the top.

Finally, top it off with a jacket or coat. If you want to go all out, accessorize with a scarf, hat, and gloves! 

Top Tips for Mixing and Matching Your Winter Capsule Wardrobe

Stick to a color palette.

One of the easiest ways to mix and match pieces from your capsule wardrobe is to stick to a cohesive color palette.

This doesn’t mean that everything has to be the same color, but try to choose colors that complement each other. For example, if you have a black sweater, you could pair it with blue jeans and a brown scarf. 

Invest in basics. 

A good winter capsule wardrobe should include some key basics that can be mixed and matched with other pieces. 

These basics might include a black turtleneck, a white button-down shirt, a pair of dark-wash jeans, etc. 

Once you have these staples in your closet, you’ll be surprised at how many different outfit combinations you can create! 

Get creative with layers. 

One of the best things about winter fashion is that you can get away with layering clothes to create unique looks. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations!

For example, try pairing a dress with a turtleneck underneath and some leggings and boots on top, Or layer a chunky sweater over a collared shirt. 

The possibilities are endless! 

Accessorize

Another easy way to mix and match pieces from your winter capsule wardrobe is to accessorize wisely.

 A great scarf or piece of jewelry can completely transform an outfit! So if you’re ever feeling stuck, reach for your favorite accessories and see how they can breathe new life into your clothes. 

Don’t be afraid to repeat outfits.

Finally, don’t stress too much if you find yourself wearing the same outfit more than once throughout the season.

With a few simple tweaks (like switching up your accessories or layering different pieces), you can make each outfit look completely different from the first time. 

Now that you have an idea of what pieces you need for your winter capsule wardrobe, it’s time to start planning your outfits! 

Conclusion: How To Create The Perfect Winter Capsule Wardrobe: essential pieces you’ll need

Creating the perfect winter capsule wardrobe is all about selecting the right pieces.

Look for items that are versatile and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.

Choose a color palette that complements your skin tone and makes you feel confident. And don’t forget the accessories!

They can make all the difference in pulling your look together.