The winter season is generally associated with different themes and environments. Some associate winter with coziness, holidays, festive decorations, and new beginnings. Others may think of less “pleasant” things to do with winter, such as cold weather, grey and short days, less sunlight, and more of rainy/snowy days.
Since winter is probably one of the busiest and possibly the coldest times, some people may not feel inspired to be creative with their outfits. People tend to choose achromatic colour palettes that lean towards black, grey and white when discussing winter wardrobes. Sometimes, colours like cream, beige, blue/denim or other dark colours are also used. These palettes are usually called “basic” or “classic” palettes. Creating a winter capsule wardrobe may be a solution for some people—a method where one does not have to spend too much time thinking but grabs and gets on with their day.
What is a Winter Capsule Wardrobe 2024, and how do you create it?
This post will look at how to master and integrate the winter capsule wardrobe into our wardrobe lives. Use this post as a winter capsule wardrobe checklist to see what gaps in your capsule you may have.
A winter capsule wardrobe, like any other seasonal wardrobe, contains a certain number of clothing items and responds to its owner’s different needs. The garment pieces are selected based on their quality, versatility, and colour so they can work together in various combinations throughout the season.
Creating a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
To analyse and identify needs and possible style gaps, when creating a winter capsule, a few points that should be thought of are:
- Budget Constraints: Building a capsule wardrobe, especially for a specific season like winter, can require an upfront investment. Quality winter clothing tends to come with a higher price tag due to the materials used and the level of insulation needed. Managing your budget while still prioritising quality pieces can be challenging. In my opinion, the best thing is to buy “classic” good quality pieces during a winter sale at the end of the season. But then you have to make sure you purchase an item that would suit your wardrobe colour scheme and your personal colouring and be an “essential item”, like jeans/pants or a wool/cashmere sweater, blazer or a coat/puffer.
- Seasonal Trends vs. Timeless Pieces: Incorporating trendy winter items into your capsule wardrobe can be tempting, but balancing these with timeless pieces that will last beyond the current season is crucial. When you meet someone, you look at their portrait zone, i.e. chest level and up. This means that if you would like to incorporate some of the trendy pieces in your look, these can be a trendy coloured top/shirt or, most likely, accessories like a scarf, sunglasses or jewellery. Striking the right balance between seasonal trends and classic staples can be your go-to solution.
- Climate Variability: The winter climate can vary significantly depending on your location, ranging from mild and rainy to cold and snowy. Adapting your capsule wardrobe to suit your specific climate while addressing the potential for unexpected weather changes is vital.
- Balancing Warmth with Style: Finding fashionable and functional pieces for the winter months can be tricky. It’s essential to balance staying warm and looking stylish without sacrificing one for the other.
- Storage Space Constraints: Winter clothing often requires more storage space due to heavier fabrics and bulkier items like coats and sweaters. This can pose a challenge if you need more closet space or are trying to downsize your wardrobe.
However, the size of your winter wardrobe might vary depending on individual needs or lifestyle choices; some people may require more options, while others prefer fewer items. The key elements include classic, layered clothes (like sweaters, basic tees, and tanks), suitable footwear for warmer weather, and essential accessories to complement various outfits.
When creating a capsule wardrobe, I like to follow the steps below to analyze and identify the needs and the possible style gaps. In this post, I talk more in-depth about these steps. Here I will recap them:
- Analyse your Lifestyle Categories
- Choose your style or define your “Uniform.”
- Wear colours that compliment your skin tone
- Organise and declutter your Closet
- Make a clothing shopping list
Winter Capsule Building Blocks
Like any other capsule wardrobe, the best way to start thinking about your winter capsule wardrobe is to evaluate your life’s categories and lifestyle. How many days a week do you spend at a designated workplace? Do you work from home, or is it 50/50? What sort of attire does your job require you to wear? How does your “free time” look? What are your leisure activities?
It is fair to say that any capsule wardrobe is an investment. Therefore, checking the composition of a garment is essential to ensure that the items you buy will serve you for at least two years. Garments made with natural and good-quality fabric like cotton, viscose, silk, merino, and cashmere would be a great investment and the building blocks of your winter capsule wardrobe.
Each capsule should have a balanced mix of “basic” or core and feature items. Core garments have good-quality trims, good-quality fabric, and a modern silhouette. They have no decor, patterns, or complex design. “Feature” items, on the other hand, have an interesting silhouette, print, or colour feature. The 2 main requirements for any capsule are usually multifunctionality and easily compatible garments.
A capsule wardrobe generally consists of neutral colours like grey, beige, denim blue, navy, brown, and black. But even then, these colours can be either cool or warm-toned. Therefore, you should base your choice on the shade of your skin tone.
Usually, an outfit grows from its roots. In our case, the roots are the bottoms. Therefore, I will start building this winter capsule wardrobe from the bottoms.
Bottoms
JEANS
I think straight-fitted jeans would be most compatible with many fashion styles. However, it is fair to say that your “basic” everyday jeans will depend greatly on your body shape. The colour palette could vary depending on your “winter season.” If it is relevantly warm (the temps don’t go below 0 much), you could possibly choose colours like light grey and light blue for your “casual” capsule or dark cool-coloured navy, grey, and black for your “work” capsule. I would probably go for a darker colour for a colder winter season.
- Column Jeans by COS
- Symmetry Jeans by COS
- Vintage Straight Jean in Nougat by Assembly Label
- Vintage Straight Jean in Dark Stone by Assembly Label
TROUSERS
Plain, straight, dressy trousers are a great addition to any capsule wardrobe. The colours can range from black to dark and light grey through to beige, cream, or white, as well as cool or warm navy. An appropriate length and width of trousers that will go well with a small heel and sneakers will make this item versatile. Ensure the side pockets or the pleat details are not stretched out when worn. You can always dress up or down pants like these, making it possible to be ready for a casual lunch or a work meeting.
- Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Pants in Grey by Cos
- Milton Wool Pant in Black by Perri Cutten
- Straight Cut Herringbone Trousers by Zara
- Milton Wool Pant in Navy by Perri Cutten
JOGGERS
Whether you choose Joggers or Titghts, these two are another part of a winter capsule wardrobe. Talking about comfort and still looking sharp. If preferring joggers, choosing a straight silhouette will allow you to create a vertical in your outfit, making you appear taller and slimmer.
You can create an outfit by combining joggers with a T-shirt in a traditional casual-sport style. However, you can also create an outfit in a chic-sport style by combining joggers, a shirt, and a blazer.
- Terry Wide Leg Trackpant in Champagne Beige by Seed Heritage
- Rosie Fleece Track Pant by Assembly Label
- Sportswear in Sandy Pink by Adidas
- Heritage Terry Trackpant in Midnight Sky
SKIRTS
Pencil skirts are another staple in a capsule wardrobe. However, depending on your climate and lifestyle, you might opt out; nevertheless, they are a great option. Choosing a midi or, rather, maxi length gives a great vertical line of colour and, therefore, a proportionate look to your outfit.
- Maxi Trouser Skirt in Truffle by Saba
- Column Maxi Skirt in Black by COS
- Midi Box Pleat Skirt by Zara
- Sequinned Knit Midi Skirt by Zara
Tops and T-shirts
Usually, It is good to remember that there should be three top garments per bottom one. This way, you will always have variety and versatility in your wardrobe. Depending on your skin tone, your capsule colours would be either cool or warm-toned.
T-SHIRTS AND SINGLETS
When it comes to T-shirts and singlets, I like to break the above suggestion and think that the more, the better.
I am always picky about sleeve length in short-sleeved t-shirts and tops. The sleeve can either make it or break it; in this case, it could break your upper arm’s proportion. Wrongly chosen sleeve length can make your upper look fuller than it is, which sometimes is not an appealing look.
To put it short, the sleeve should end at the slimmest point of the upper arm or the arm in general. Therefore, if the sleeve finishes just above the elbow or at the elbow crease, this length always gives an arm a better look.
If you have naturally slim athletic arms, you are lucky that your sleeve can finish at any point; you might not even need a sleeve.
- Short Sleeve T-shirt by Bassike
- Corset Tee by Camilla and Marc
- Relaxed Short Sleeve Tee in White by Assembly Label
LONG SLEEVE TOPS
Long-sleeved crewneck tops are another great and warm option for your winter capsule wardrobe. When choosing a crewneck, look for a good-quality fabric and sturdy trims that don’t stretch easily when washing and wearing. A more sophisticated alternative to a crewneck is a polo shirt.
- Violet Long Sleeve tee in Black by Assembly Label
- Miana Long Sleeve Tee by Assembly Label
- Stripe Long Sleeve Tee by Assembly Label
MEN’S SHIRT
Oversize shirts have been on trend for a while now. They have become a staple and not going anywhere anytime soon. From experience, men’s shirts always seem to hold up better, last longer, have a sturdier fabric, and overall have a better make. However, if you are petite, you might want to shorten the shirt to keep the height and body proportions.
You can always wear shirts like this as individual items paired with a blazer or layer it with a sweatshirt or a cardigan. Where the sweatshirt and the cardigan are worn around your shoulders.
JUMPERS OR CARDIGANS
A jumper or a cardigan are great layering pieces and are the next block in the winter capsule wardrobe building. To give yourself extra warmth in a cold season, look for a sweater made of merino wool or cashmere mixed with 5% to 15% polyester. While woollen material provides warmth, a bit of polyester keeps the knitwear together and doesn’t allow it to stretch out (to some degree).
Unless you are buying an oversized sweater or a cardigan, I always recommend woollen garments that are one size bigger than your size for a few reasons. Firstly, it looks better when the knitwear hangs on a figure without losing shape and overstretching. Secondly, if you need extra warmth or a pop of colour, wearing knitwear that is a size bigger allows you to wear a T-shirt or a Polo shirt to achieve your desired goals.
- Funnel Neck Knit by Seed Heritage
- Wool Jumper in Navy by COS
- CASHMERE CARDIGAN in Drak Grey by COS
- Crew Neck Knit in Pale Blue by Trenery
A SWEATSHIRT OR A HOODIE
Another great layering piece is a nice, relaxed-fit sweatshirt. It pairs well with jeans for a casual look and wide-leg pants for a polished one. A zip-up sweatshirt or hoodie can help you appear taller and slimmer by providing vertical lines when undone, while a half-zip one can give your neck an elongated and flattering appearance.
Outerwear
BLAZER
A relaxed or regular fit, a single-breasted blazer will always add a note of sophistication to any look. Pair it with a t-shirt, sweatshirt, jeans, or a denim skirt for a sport-casual look, and for a smart-casual look, go with a t-shirt, pants, or a midi skirt. Because blazers can be worn and styled in many ways, I suggest investing in one with a great fabric composition and a colour that suits your personal palette and the palette of your capsule wardrobe.
- Wool Longline Blazerin Grey Melange by SABA
- Wool Pinstripe Jacket by Assembly Label
- Blazer in Good Wool in Shell Blue by Theory
COATS
Midi, single-breasted coats, like blazers, are great for creating polished, elevated, everyday looks. These coats are amazing tools for creating vertical lines in an outfit while elongating the silhouette in general. Choose a coat that has a roomy fit with a relaxed or straight cut to accommodate multiple layers underneath for your warmth and comfort.
- Wool Blend Classic Coat in Midnight Sky by Seed Heritage
- Check Car Coat in Natural Marle by Trenery
- Long Wool Blend Coat in Drak Grey by H&M
- Belted Double-Faced Wool Coat in Black by COS
TRENCH COAT
A trench coat is a versatile addition to your winter capsule wardrobe during late winter or early spring, when the weather becomes milder or if your winter season is generally warm. Depending on the occasion, you can dress the trench coat up or down just like a woollen coat. When choosing a trench, look for a dense fabric with waterproof qualities that will hold the garment’s structure. While knee-length trench coats are gaining popularity, full-length ones are currently on trend and appear to be a lasting style staple.
- Extra-Long Trench Coat by ZARA
- Wool Longline Trench Coat in Dark Sage by SABA
- Twill Longline Trench in Sepia by Trenery
- Kirby Twill Trench by Assembly Label
Accessories
SHOES
Sneakers
Sneakers are great everyday shoes to wear, and therefore, an excellent addition to any capsule. As with any other everyday shoes, sneakers must be comfortable and an appropriate size for you. Depending on your outfit, your sneakers should be of the right proportions, they shouldn’t be too bulky or too petite. This little detail can make the outfit look cohesive and proportionate (if that is your style goal).
Loafers
If you want to go for a more sophisticated feel, you may want to consider loafers. As with sneakers, comfort, quality, and size are the main attributes you should consider when choosing essential shoes for your winter capsule wardrobe.
Boots
Depending on your lifestyle and needs this item can be optional, but be it a knee boot or an ankle boot with a block heel or possibly flat, they are always an item that can elevate any look and make it extra polished and expensive.
BAGS
Regarding bags, it is hard to pick just one or two. Bags are a part of your outfit; they are highly visible, as, in many cases, they would sit just below your portrait zone. The choice of your bag or bags depends a lot on a person’s needs and lifestyle. Everyone has a different theory regarding accessories for the capsule wardrobe. However, the general recommendations go something like this.
When choosing your next everyday capsule bag or bag, consider the bag’s colour, texture, and shape.
Colour
Neutral colours are obvious choices for everything in your winter capsule wardrobe. However, current trends dictate that the colour of the bag is different from the colour of the outfit. It may repeat the colour of a very small detail of the outfit, but nevertheless, it is different from the main colour component of your outfit.
Unless it is an evening bag, I guess it is fair to say that the least practical colour of the bag is white due to its high probability of showing little imperfections and scratches and, quite frankly, dirt.
Caramel colour, on the other hand, would go well with many items in your capsule wardrobe’s neutral palette. Its’ warm colour accent adds a hint of elegance and sophistication to an outfit.
- Chain Tote by Seed Heritage
- Patent Bag by Brie Leon
- Willow Shoulder Bag by Coach
- Suede Hobo Bag by Assembly Label
- Crossbody Bag by ZARA
- Crossbody Bag by ZARA
- Wisteria Elongated Shoulder Bag by Charles & Keith
- Pia Leather Bag by Assembly Label
Shape
Tote or Shopper Bag
If we talk about the bag’s shape, a shopper or a Tote bag would be an excellent choice for a winter capsule wardrobe. Its ability to fit so many things makes it a stylish accessory and a great everyday bag. What makes it stylish is its size, shape and form. Being a big bag, it keeps everything you need throughout the day and goes well with the oversized outerwear, making them look proportionate. When it comes to its shape, although it has soft lines, it also has a sturdy structure that goes well with the soft, smooth and curved lines of the oversized outfits that are commonly worn.
Crossbody bags
Some people may find a crossbody bag the only bag they need for their winter capsule wardrobe. The only thing you should probably consider when looking for a crossbody bag is the dimensions and “volume” of the bag versus your outfit and your outerwear (not the size but the scale). A common mistake (unless, of course, this is what you want to achieve in your outfit) is to choose the “wrong” size for your crossbody. A big bag would make you appear shorter and disproportionate and a small bag would make you look bigger and wider.
An ideal crossbody bag would have a smooth texture, be finished in one colour, and not have stand-out features like big metal details. It is not too wide in dimensions and is proportionate to your look or your outerwear like a coat, a puffer or a blazer.
Clutch
Some people may not agree, but the bag that I would recommend buying in the colour black is a small bag, like a clutch.
Sometimes, mixing a big black bag into an outfit might make the overall look seem sombre and heavy, especially if the colour black is not part of your personal colour palette. In this case, I would think of a black colour in an outfit as if it were a spice in a dish. Sometimes, a small amount makes a big difference. Additionally, dark colours are often preferred when referring to evening wear, so a small black accent like a clutch bag would always go with an evening colour.
NEXT TO READ:
Find out about 11 exciting winter capsule wardrobe essentials to add to your wardrobe:
11 Versatile Trench Coat Alternatives For 2024/2025
Leave a Reply