Dressing from a winter capsule wardrobe can help make your mornings quicker—especially when you're getting ready without much light on those dark winter mornings. Because sometimes the more options we have, the harder the decision can be, which is why building a capsule wardrobe for any time of year is something that the fashion pros swear by.
The key to creating your winter capsule wardrobe is to focus on core classics that you will return to time and time again. These are fashion fail-safes—pieces that will forever be stylish and can easily be mixed and matched with more trend-led pieces for a fresh update each season. On those ‘nothing to wear’ days, you will always have these pieces to fall back on.
And remember they are investment pieces, so it’s worth buying good quality clothes that will last from one year to the next. Stick to classic colours too, all of a similar palette to make it easier to coordinate. Doing this can help establish a signature style that could work for a work capsule wardrobe too. We’d recommend starting with neutral colours rather than bold hues but if you love colour then go for it. You know what suits you!
Feeling stuck on where to start? Contributing fashion expert, Charlie Bell, alongside our in-house fashion editor Aleesha Badkar have put together nine staple pieces that can establish a foundation for a chic winter wardrobe...
Nine pieces to create a chic winter capsule wardrobe
1. The Camel Coat
A coat is a worthy investment so opt for something timeless that you can wear for many winters to come. You can’t get more classic than a camel coat, guaranteed to smarten up any look.
There are of course many different styles of camel coat that can work for the winter, but we like this belted number that creates a flattering silhouette while the longline style adds an elegant finish to the look. Throw on over anything, from dresses to jeans for a polished, pulled-together getup.
2. The Straight Leg Jean
While there will always be a place for skinny jeans (and obvs the comfiest of them all—jeggings) in our hearts, there’s a new favourite jean in town. The straight-leg jean is just as versatile as it’s skinnier sister but a lot more forgiving—our new denim default. And with its vintage aesthetic, it will give any outfit a cool rock’n’roll edge. Up the ante and pair with leather accessories.
These Levi's staples feature a flattering high-rise fit and are available in a range of sizes. They also come in six different colors so you can pick out whichever one suits your wardrobe best—or just stock up on all of them for different occasions!
3. The Black Ankle Boot
Every woman needs a pair of chunky ankle boots in their shoe-drobe and black is guaranteed to go with everything. Toughen up floaty dresses and skirts or wear with jeans and a knit for a cosy winter look.
These boots come with edgy chunky soles that will ride out the winter months sturdily and a good ankle height to keep you warm and stop air getting to the legs.
4. The Knitted Dress
The colder weather doesn’t mean you have to ditch the dresses. A knitted dress is the perfect compromise, keeping you cosy and sleek.
The straight hem and dropped shoulders on this beauty give it a casual but stylish spin. Team with tights and heeled boots to take your look from desk to dinner.
5.The Chain Necklace
Nothing completes an outfit more than some dreamy jewels and a simple gold chain necklace is a timeless classic that will add interest to the simplest of looks. Jazz up a simple knit or tee with this understated gem from one of our best sustainable jewelry brands.
For an more modern look, you could even give the layering trend a go by styling this with other necklaces—like a thin chain or a simple pendant from one of your favorite affordable jewelry brands. Finish off with a pair of huggie earrings for that extra street-style edge.
6. The Midi Skirt
Add a feminine spin to your look with a satin midi skirt—a wardrobe winner that works just as well in winter as it does summer.
If you like, you could add interest and opt for a timeless print that will never go out of style, such as leopard. But we love a plain sleek satin that can be treated as a neutral and will easily slot into your wardrobe. Team with a turtleneck and chunky boots.
7. The Turtleneck Knit
A fitted turtleneck is the ultimate layering piece—a must-have during the colder months.
Go for a finer knit, rather than chunky and wear under a printed dress for extra warmth in the evenings or layer under a blazer with jeans for an effortless off-duty look.
8. The Jogger
Thanks to our more permanent work-from-home lifestyle, the humble jogger has now cemented itself firmly in our closets.
To keep up your work motivation, keep it smart like this polished pair. Soft and stylish, you can dress it up with heels and a blouse when you return to the office.
9. The Cream Knit
A knit jumper is a strong addition to your winter wardrobe. Stay classic in a neutral shade like white, cream, ecru or even beige and you can throw on over anything for extra warmth.
This one has a relaxed fit which is ideal for layering and the turtle-knit fit adds comfort for that oh-so-snug feeling.
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