10 Staple Items That Build The Perfect Winter Capsule Wardrobe

by Sara Wennerstrom / Feb 23, 2023

Remember the pile of fur jackets, metallic tights, and printed knit sweaters sitting in your drawer? Your winter clothes might be sitting in a bin waiting to make their snow day debut, but you can look at that pile and still think you have nothing to wear. There’s a good chance that it’s because none of it is cohesive – among the chunky green sweaters and tinsel-y dresses, the choices are enough to overwhelm you instead of inspiring you.

 

This season, declutter your closet (and your mind) by building a winter capsule wardrobe with just a few key pieces.

 

What is a capsule wardrobe?

 

A capsule wardrobe is a limited collection of pieces that can be combined in many ways to make new outfits. While they are intended to last from season to season, a winter capsule wardrobe focuses on pieces perfect for layering, as well as a few cold-weather add-ons.

 

Pieces in a winter capsule wardrobe are typically staples or essential items that can be remixed and reimagined. The colors aren’t too bright or loud. The styles are not too trendy. The patterns, when present, are subdued and classic. This ensures the pieces won’t go out of style from season to season.

 

10 essentials for your winter capsule wardrobe

 

A capsule wardrobe includes basic layering tees and button-downs among other mix-and-match garments. But a winter capsule wardrobe takes it a step further, adding in pieces that keep in warmth. The principle is the same, however: These pieces can be dressed up or down and paired any which way to match any occasion. These 10 items form the cornerstone of your winter capsule wardrobe.

 

  1. Turtleneck

This classic winter essential is the perfect building block for a capsule wardrobe because it’s so easy to layer. Add a sweater underneath, pair it with a dress, or rock it with a blazer and jeans – this practical and polished piece can be worn in so many ways. Once the weather warms up a bit, your turtleneck can be worn by itself, paired with a plaid skirt and sheer tights for a great ready-for-work look. Look for turtlenecks in a neutral color like black, navy, or white. You can opt for a bodysuit version of this layering piece, too.

 

woman wearing casual outfit with designer shoulder bag

 

  1. A cozy sweater

Chic yet warm, a knit sweater gets you through the chill of blustery, snowy days. Choose between a crew neck for a classic look or opt for a V-neck – choose whichever one you’ll wear more often. A neutral tone like gray or black pairs well with anything else in your capsule wardrobe, and can be layered with other clothing to create new looks.

 

  1. Straight leg denim

Although denim will always be in style, there are certain styles that work better as cold-weather staples than others. Skip the distressed jeans — they’re quite