Ever since becoming a mom, I have become more drawn to simplifying my wardrobe. It helps to add some ease to my busy mornings and certainly cuts down on the getting ready time.
I’ve found having specific items in my closet, especially when getting dressed in the winter has been so helpful. Here are my tips for building a winter capsule wardrobe, what to buy and the best places to shop!
READ ON FOR THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO BUILD A WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE. WHERE TO SHOP AND WHAT YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY.
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What is a capsule wardrobe?
First of all, a capsule wardrobe is not overly complicated! It’s basically a curated selection of clothing to help streamline your wardrobe. You’ll want pieces that are easy to pair together so that when you look in your closet, you’ll easily be able to select an outfit and look chic.
Having a capsule wardrobe also helps you figure out the things you don’t need in your closet anymore so it’s also a great time to do a closet clean out and donate items that you aren’t and won’t be wearing.
What do I need for a winter capsule wardrobe?
You don’t need to buy anything. Like I said, this is also a great excuse to go through your closet and you can see what you currently have in your closet that will work for your capsule wardrobe.
WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
As a general list, here’s a great list to start with for your Winter Capsule Wardrobe essentials:
- Tops – stick to thinner fabrics that you can layer
- Sweaters – a few sweaters in neutral colors, but don’t be afraid of patterns if you are a fan of patterns, this is where to include them!
- Coats + outerwear layers – this is where you might want to invest in a coat that will last you for years.
- Bottoms – a good pair of well fitting jeans will go a long way! Get some leggings and joggers to round out your wardrobe.
- Dresses – Not super necessary but on occasion you may need a dress so to have a few options is a good thing to have.
- Shoes – Boots and sneakers in neutral colors so that you can mix and match with all your outfits
- Accessories – this is where you don’t need to buy anything! Go through your jewelry box and find delicate, easy to wear pieces and keep them in a jewelry tray that you can easily get to.
- Bags – A good quality leather tote bag and a crossbody bag are great essentials to have for your wardrobe.
WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE GUIDE
I put together a guide below, but I want to reiterate that this is simply a guide.
Under each piece I wrote a general description like “solid neutral” instead of “camel cable knit sweater ,” so that you are able to adapt any of the colors/styles to what fits you best!
And of course, if you are in a cooler climate choose warmer styles or a warmer climate choose lighter styles.
By using items you already have in your closet and if needed investing in a few pieces to complete your wardrobe, you’ll be ready to go for winter dressing and the amount of outfit options you have might surprise you.
#1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 | #11 | #12 | #13 | #14 | #15 | #16 | #17 | #18 | #19 | #20 | #21 | #22 | #23 | #24 | #25 | #26 | #27 | #28 | #29 | #30 | #31 | #32
Take your time to figure out what you need for your capsule wardrobe, not every piece I mentioned above is necessary, it’s just a good place to start and you can even use it as a checklist as you build out your wardrobe.
TOPS
I gravitate toward neutral tops with feminine details. A striped tee and classic bodysuit are must have basics and then it’s great to have some other options that can be dressed up or down like a wrap top or floral printed blouse.
SWEATERS
Sweaters are the best part about winter dressing! I like to choose a variety of solid/colorful/textutred/printed to mix it up.
COATS/WARMER LAYERS
Layer it on! Cold weather calls for warm layers and you can’t go wrong with a classic puffer, trendy blazer and cozy cardigan.
BOTTOMS AND DRESSES
The 3 must have bottoms in my opinion are a good pair of jeans, faux leather leggings and comfy joggers.
For dresses, a classic sweater dress and also a more flattering/fitted style are both great to have. Wearing dresses in the winter is definitely do-able, I promise you, with the right layering, you won’t freeze!
SHOES AND ACCESSORIES
#21 | #22 | #23 | #24 | #25 | #26 | #27 | #28 | #29 | #30 | #31 | #32
The fun part! Complete your outfits with neutral accessories. Dainty jewelry that can be layered or worn alone, a cute bag and cozy scarf, and the appropriate shoes are all you need for warm weather style.
Where to shop for your Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Because you do want these pieces to last for awhile, fast fashion may not be your best bet as you’ll want to find some good quality pieces. Here are some suggestions on where to start, but again, shop your closet first and don’t feel rushed to buy everything at once!
Nordstrom – Specifically, Caslon and Halogen. These brands are actually Nordstrom owned labels which means that they are designed and produced in house. I find that they are really well priced and made to last.
Everlane – They carry my favorite jeans but also have a great sweaters and leggings. Everlane focuses on making wardrobe essentials using their own ethical factories with low markups. It basically means we get the quality without the added price!
LOFT – This is my go to for work or professional wardrobe staples. I find that sizing is always consistent (true to size) and I find it especially great that they carry almost everything in petite sizing, especially their pants.
Amazon – Amazon also has many in-house labels with great styles that are high quality and affordable. Check out Daily Ritual for cozy essentials, Lark & Ro. for work wear and Cable Stitch for cardigans and sweaters.
Cozy and Simple Winter Outfit ideas
Here are a few ideas for you to start with! You can take any of these pieces and make so many cute outfits with them!
Keep things simple and cozy and you’ll be comfy (and chic) all winter long!
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9 SUPER EASY WAYS TO WEAR DRESSES IN THE WINTER AND NOT FREEZE
