How to dress this winter, and stay warm, too.
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This post is all about how to make a winter capsule wardrobe.
For many of us, winter is a time for staying in and staying warm. When it comes to fashion, style often suffers in favor of warmth.
But it doesn’t always have to be this way. There are many cute winter clothing pieces to choose from, that give you a bit of style while keeping you warm.
This post is all about stylish winter clothing picks to make a winter capsule wardrobe.
You can use these pieces to build a great winter capsule wardrobe filled with clothing staples that you’ll love to wear from year to year.
In addition, as you learn how to make a winter capsule wardrobe, you’ll discover how clothes can be worn from season to season—like a great pair of jeans or a sweater that helps you stay warm during the transition periods from winter to spring or fall to winter.
In general, a capsule wardrobe is supposed to consist of about 30 to 36 pieces that you use to make your outfits. But I believe in making a capsule wardrobe that fits your lifestyle.
I often vary the number of pieces, depending on what I am doing that season, but I love the idea of having a great basic wardrobe that serves my needs each season. When a capsule wardrobe works for me, I find that I am less likely to feel as though I have nothing to wear.
Winter can be a hard season to dress well in, since the focus is often on warmth over style. But these winter capsule wardrobe ideas can help you to be stylish, warm, and well-dressed this season.
Here are some ideas of what clothing to wear for great winter outfits, based on a winter capsule wardrobe.
Winter Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Here are some of the items that I’m checking off my list for creating a winter capsule wardrobe that will carry me through to spring.
- Sweaters (5) — Knit sweaters in cream and one other neutral color for everyday wear, plus two cozy sweatshirts for weekend wear and for running errands (these can also be part of a matching set). A turtleneck sweater is also great to have for winter, and the look is very on trend this winter.
- Cardigans (1) — One button up cardigan to wear for casual work outfits or weekend outfits. Wear with skirts and boots.
- Button Up Shirts / Blouses (2) — One white button up top to wear with jeans or under blazers, and one button up blouse to wear with jeans and blazers for a more feminine look.
- Long Sleeved Tops (1) — One favorite long sleeved tee to wear under blazers or with jeans.
- Sweater Dress (1) — The sweater dress is the perfect basic winter dress.
- Blazer (1) — One blazer in a neutral winter color that goes with everything.
- Long Sleeved Blouses (2) — A pretty, long sleeved blouse can brighten up any winter outfit, or add interest. Wear a camisole underneath for more warmth.
- Denim Jeans (3) — I live in jeans, so I usually rotate through a few pairs each season. For winter, medium wash, dark wash, and off white jeans are favorites. Straight leg and wide leg jeans are especially popular this winter.
- Trousers (2) — A great pair of trousers is perfect for work or for occasions when you need to dress up. One pair of long, black trousers and a pair of cropped trousers are my go-to looks for winter.
- Skirts (1) — A thick, textured skirt is perfect for creating unique winter looks. Wear skirts with tights and boots for extra warmth in winter.
- Boots (3) — One pair of knee high boots, one pair of black ankle boots, and a pair of brown ankle boots in suede or another interesting fabric, color, or texture. I wear boots with everything in winter, from jeans and trousers to dresses.
- Shoes (2) — One pair of loafers to wear with pants and skirts when I don’t feel like wearing boots or heels. One pair of classic style sneakers to wear with jeans, and to tone down dressier outfits.
These basics are accented by fashion jewelry and handbags, winter accessories, and a coat, to complete each look. Keep scrolling for more winter capsule wardrobe ideas and the best winter outfits that are easy to style.
2023 Winter Capsule Wardrobe | Cute Winter Outfits Ideas
Here are a few basic clothing pieces to have for a winter capsule wardrobe.
Basic Winter Clothing
1—Sweaters
Sweaters are the foundation of a winter wardrobe. Sweaters in neutral colors can go with almost anything, giving you plenty of flexibility for winter outfits to wear.
2—Cardigans
I love the look of a button up cardigan, especially with a skirt and boots for winter. Large buttons are especially trendy, and they add so much interest to your outfits.
3—Button Up Shirts
Button up shirts are a wardrobe essential no matter the season. Choose a few solid or neutral colors to have as basics (pale pink, light blue, and white are classic colors to choose for button up shirts).
Button up shirts in silky fabrics and colorful prints are perfect for pairing with blazers.
4—Long Sleeved Tops
Long-sleeved tops are a basic essential for the winter wardrobe. Layer long-sleeves tees under sweaters and sweatshirts for an extra layer of warmth.
5—Blazer
A stylish blazer is a must have for any season. During winter, dress your blazer up with a blouse or sweater for the office, or dress it down with a long-sleeved tee for more casual occasions.
6—Long-Sleeved Blouses
Long-sleeved blouses are great for styling with blazers and cardigans.
7—Denim Jeans
A pair each of dark wash, medium wash, and black denim jeans offer plenty of looks for many occasions. Off-white or winter white jeans are perfect for brightening up the winter wardrobe.
8—Trousers
Cropped trousers add an updated look to your winter work outfits. Style trousers with boots for a great winter look that keeps you warm.
9—Skirts
Long skirts are a favorite look to wear during winter to break up the monotony of denim and pants. Thick knit fabrics, tights, and boots can help to keep you warm. Here are some tips on how to wear skirts during winter.
10—Dresses
The sweater dress is a classic look for winter. Warm, cozy, and comfortable, sweater dresses are a trend that almost never goes out of style.
Winter Foundations
1—Bras
Have a curated selection of bras to wear with your outfits. Whether you choose from t-shirt bras, push-up bras, wire free bras, or bralettes, look for a style and fit that works for you.
2—Underwear
Choose your favorite underwear styles to have on rotation this winter. Styles that provide fuller coverage may add another layer of warmth to what you wear.
3—Thermal or Long Underwear
Thermal tops and bottoms and long underwear are an essential item for staying warm when you live in a cold place.
4—Tights
Thick tights are great for layering under skirts and dresses to help keep you warm when you wear skirts and dresses in winter. Have at least one pair in black (a color that goes with almost everything) and add a few bright or pastel colors that add a pop of color to your favorite outfits.
Winter Accessories
1—Socks
Thick socks are a must have for staying warm in winter. Reinforced boot socks can help to keep your feet comfortable when wearing boots.
2—Jewelry
A small selection of personal or stylish jewelry is always good to have for accessorizing outfits. Statement jewelry, especially bangles, continues to be a big trend. Also big this season: hearts and tropical vibes in winter.
3—Hats
I live in beanie hats during fall and winter (you can roll them up and stash them in all your handbags), but other hat styles are great, too. A winter fedora hat gives you warmth, and style, too.
4—Scarves
Scarves are a winter wardrobe essential. Whether you have one go-to scarf, or several scarves to match different outfits, a winter scarf is a must have for accessorizing winter fashion outfits and for staying warm.
5—Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must have item, even in winter.
6—Handbags
Shearling handbags are a big look for the season, as are top handle totes, pillow bags, and crescent bags. Hobo bags are also in style, a great look that is often in style.
Outerwear
1—Coat
A wool or wool blend coat is a classic style that can take you almost anywhere. It looks great with your weekday work outfits, it helps to pull together casual weekend looks with friends, and it can even be a great look for any semi-formal winter weddings that you may have to go to.
In general, camel color wool coats are perfect for daytime wear, and black wool coats are perfect for evening wear. Wool coats come in a variety of colors, and matching colors or shades to the outfit or occasion can be a great way to elevate your style.
2—Puffer Jacket or Coat
A puffer jacket or coat is a great way to stay warm during winter. This style of coat is my go-to coat for days that are extra cold, slushy, and windy. A fitted puffer coat is a stylish look for winter.
3—Winter Fedora
A fedora hat is perfect for those times when you need a winter hat, but you don’t want to wear a beanie hat.
4—Beanie Hat
An insulated beanie hat is great for keeping your head warm, and you can layer them under your coat hood for even more warmth.
5—Scarf
I’m all about layers for winter, so scarves are a must have for layering with coats, jackets, and blazers. They help to warm up your neck and chest, plus you can use them to make your outfit look more sophisticated.
6—Gloves
I love a pair of winter gloves that keeps your hands warm, while offering some flexibility for doing things that you need to be able to move your hands and fingers freely in order to do (when outside, I’m usually managing several things at once, like jiggling keys or messing with a dog). This style of gloves is great for both warmth and flexibility in winter.
Shoes
1—Boots
Boots are the classic winter shoe, and I almost always have a few pairs in the closet. Classic boots never go out of style, and you can wear them from year to year. My picks are simple: a pair of black boots and a pair of brown boots for everyday wear.
Brown boots are usually paired with more casual outfits (but it depends on how you style them), and they are usually worn during the daytime.
Brown boots and booties are essential for cabincore-style outfits—a popular trend, and they also look great with denim, cotton, wool, and textured fabrics.
Black boots are a must have for more dressy outfits and occasions, but you can style them with casual outfits, too.
A pair of black boots or booties is perfect to style with a cute dress or dark denim jeans and a cute top for date night or an evening out with friends.
A pair of suede boots is chic and perfect for French girl-inspired looks. Wear these with everything, from billowy skirts to trousers for work.
2—Snow Boots
If you live in a place that gets a lot of snow, then snow boots are a must.
3—High Heels
A pair of high heels is good to have for special occasions. A shoe bag makes it easy to carry shoes with you when it’s too cold or wintry outside to wear anything but boots when you travel from place to place.
4—Loafers or Flats
Loafers give you a sophisticated look that is perfect for the office or for weekend wear.
5—Sneakers
A pair of white sneakers in a classic style that goes with everything is a go-to look.
6—Shoe Bag
A shoe bag is great for carrying your “indoor shoes” (like heels or loafers) when the weather is bad and you need to wear a heavier shoe to get to where you are going, or you don’t want to ruin your nice shoes in rain or snow.
7—Boot Tray
A boot tray by the main entry door is a great place to store boots, to prevent tracking snow and winter grime into the home.
This post was all about how to make a winter capsule wardrobe.
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credits
- Photo by Storiès / Unsplash
- Photos used for illustrative purposes only.