Winter is probably the most peaceful time of the year. In a world where trends change faster than your morning coffee order, what better time to embrace minimalism than winter?
For beginners, embracing minimalism might feel overwhelming at first. That’s why I have a rule for a minimalist winter capsule wardrobe – it should be easy to build!
A good winter capsule wardrobe should also last you half a decade, if not more! You should be able to look equally stylish every single winter by switching out just a piece or two!
That being said, let’s dive into the art of keeping it chic, cozy, and clutter-free all winter long.
What is a Minimalist winter capsule wardrobe?
Before you begin creating a winter capsule wardrobe, it’s important to know what it is. In most ways, a winter capsule wardrobe is like your regular winter wardrobe but more streamlined and with fewer pieces.
It is a thoughtfully chosen collection of cozy sweaters, classic long coats, and versatile accessories. The pieces in your winter capsule should effortlessly complement each other, creating a variety of stylish outfits with minimal fuss.
How to build a winter capsule wardrobe?
To build a good capsule wardrobe for winter, you can keep a few pieces from your existing closet, add a few warm layering pieces to it, and have versatile accessories at hand. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing this:
Step 1: Assess Your Lifestyle and Needs
Start by evaluating your daily activities, considering work, social events, and leisure. Identify the types of outfits you will need for them.
You can keep a pair of trousers, jeans, and a full-sleeved blouse from your existing wardrobe for work.
For social events, go for a woolen ribbed midi dress. If you prefer skirts over dresses, you can go for a midi skirt or knee-length skirt, depending on how cold it is, and a basic top.
For home/leisure, you can stick to those pair of PJs you’ve probably not given up on since 2019. Ah, and your favorite hoodie, bonus points if it doesn’t belong to you!
Step 2: Define Your Color Palette
Choose a cohesive color palette that reflects your personal style and allows for easy mix-and-match. A safe bet would be a neutral winter capsule wardrobe that will never go out of style.
Neutral tones like black, gray, and camel are timeless and versatile choices for a winter capsule wardrobe.
But you don’t have to shy away from colors. Having a piece or two of your favorite color in there won’t disrupt your capsule wardrobe’s versatility.
Step 3: Identify Key Staple Pieces
Pick a few essential wardrobe staples that will serve as the foundation for your winter capsule.
These will include a long warm coat, a cozy sweater, basic tees, quality denim, versatile boots, and accessories like a scarf and gloves.
Step 4: Invest in the Layers
Since winter weather can vary, prioritize layering pieces to adapt to temperature fluctuations. Cardigans, versatile jackets, and a good woolen coat can provide flexibility.
Step 5: Mix and Match
Edit your existing wardrobe to remove items that don’t align with your winter wardrobe’s aesthetic or functionality.
Keep the basic pieces that can go with most other pieces in your winter capsule. This will help declutter and ensure that each piece serves a purpose.
Step 6: Create Outfit Combinations
Experiment with different outfit combinations. Ensure that each item can be mixed and matched to produce a range of looks.
This will also make it easier to later get dressed when you’re in a hurry.
What should be in a winter capsule wardrobe?
Here are 22 essential pieces you should have in your winter capsule:
Long Wool Coat
A long wool coat will seal the deal for all your polished outfits. It will add that extra layer of warmth if your inner layers aren’t warm enough for that day’s weather.
A belted coat in camel like this one from Saks Fifth Avenue would be a top choice, but I understand the appeal of black, too. If you think black pairs well with the rest of your winter wardrobe, go for it.
Parka
A heavy-duty parka will protect you on the days when the temperature drops really low. Go for a parka filled with down feathers because these tend to be warmer than normal parkas or puffer jackets.
You can go for parkas from The North Face since they are made keeping technical details in mind. Rotate between the parka for utility and the wool coat for a dressy look.
Full Sleeved T-shirts
These will be your basic first layers underneath your shacket, coat or cardigan. A t-shirt or bodysuit in cotton or polyester will do the trick.
You can choose lighter colors like off-white, light grey, or beige to brighten your winter outfits. If T-shirts are too casual, go for a blouse instead for office outfits.
Jumper Vest
A jumper vest is a great staple for formal wear if you’re an office-going person. It acts as a perfect middle layer and goes particularly well with your long-sleeved shirts and turtlenecks.
You can get it in a pattern of your choice, like a cable knit, or go with a plain vest in a neutral color like this one from Open Edit.
Turtleneck
Nothing beats the polished look a turtleneck adds to your outfits. Additional neck warmth? Yes, please! It pairs very well with denim and a long coat. Go for a ribbed design in black, ivory, or grey.
This black turtleneck from Treasure & Bond is a sleek option.
Sweater Dress
If you frequent fancy dinner parties and like to wear dresses, a sweater dress will be a good addition to your winter capsule. It will keep you cozy while making you look appropriately dressed for an evening event.
I love this sweater dress from Charles Henry due to its bodycon style and V-neckline. You can easily dress it up with gold or silver jewelry for a fancy look.
Go for a midi-length sweater dress for maximum warmth. If you own a pair of knee-high boots and long-length dresses aren’t your style, go for a knee-length sweater dress instead.
A black sweater dress is a staple, but a dress in burgundy, brown, camel, or any other dark color also works well. This is because you don’t really have to worry about pairing it with another clothing piece.
Plaid Shacket
The reason you should go for a shacket over a jacket – versatility! But not just that, incorporating a plaid patterned shacket will add personality to your winter wardrobe.
For a capsule, we often tend to go for plain pieces. But this might come off as boring, especially if you’re just getting into minimalism. A plaid shacket will offset that.
Opt for a shacket in a thicker, warmer material like fleece or wool or a lightweight one like this from beachlunchlounge.
It will keep you warm when it’s not that cold, and you want to go casual, or you’re just not feeling the long coat.
Knit Cardigan
I’m a fan of knit cardigans because they’re inherently oversized. It adds bulk to your outfit, which makes you look and feel cozy.
You can choose to button it or wear it like a jacket. There is no wrong way to wear a cardigan. A good simple t-shirt underneath, and you’re good to go.
Knitted Sweater
Minimalist or not, no winter wardrobe is complete without a comfy sweater. It is a versatile piece that comes in handy when putting together a last-minute outfit.
A knitted sweater is a great alternative for days when a hoodie might feel too casual, and you want something slightly dressy. I love the ribbing on this cropped sweater from Topshop.
Hoodie
If you love strutting in casuals, a hoodie will probably be your best friend, inside and outside! I love the fade and color of this men’s oversized hoodie from Elwood.
Throw it on with a pair of jeans, and you’re ready to run some errands. It also works as good loungewear because of how comfy it is.
High Waisted Straight Jeans
Adding a pair of straight jeans to your winter wardrobe should be easy. But if you don’t already own them, I highly suggest you get a pair like these faded jeans from AGOLDE. This pair can easily transition through other seasons and is a great staple.
When choosing the wash, you can go with the light wash if the other items in your wardrobe are darker in color. Or you can go with a dark wash if the other items are lighter in color.
Cotton Twill Pants
Cotton Twill pants or utility pants are thick and sturdy. They give your outfit structure. It’s also a good change from the jeans.
If you love the laidback streetwear style, utility pants will be your go-to. I love these ones from Urban Outfitters due to their versatile color and comfy fit.
Woolen Trousers
Whether you’re an office-going person, or you simply like to look dressy and chic, a well-fitting pair of woolen trousers should be in your winter capsule.
If you already have a pair of trousers in your existing wardrobe, you can keep the same one in your winter wardrobe.
High-waisted trousers pair well with a formal blouse or shirt for the office. These pleated woolen pants from COS check all the boxes.
Camel, Beige, or Black trousers tend to go with almost any topwear. So it will be worth investing in trousers in these colors, even for regular wear, regardless of season.
Beanie
A beanie is a great addition to your winter capsule, especially if you suffer from ear sensitivity during cold weather. This functional piece will protect your ears while adding that extra spice to your outfit.
Beanies are no longer only seen as cute. They have been key to a lot of streetwear styles. So whether you’re going for a cozy, cute look or a relaxed street look, a beanie like this one from Madewell is that additional accessory that will pull your outfit together.
Winter Boots
No winter outfit is complete without boots. They can literally make or break your outfit.
This is also the area where things get a bit technical. If you live somewhere it snows, you will need laced boots with a good grip sole like these ones from Sorel.
Besides these, add a pair of shearling Chelsea boots like these ones from Dr. Martens to your winter capsule. I like them due to their vintage style and clean, uncomplicated look.
Ensure that both your boots are waterproof!
Bags
I’m a huge fan of leather totes because of how functional and chic they are. Something about carrying a leather tote makes you look like you have your life together. Check this one out from Cuyana.
On days when you won’t be carrying much stuff, you can easily switch to a sling bag. I love this crossbody bag from kate spade that works well as a sling bag too.
A half-moon crossbody bag like this one from All Saints pairs really well with casual or street-style outfits.
Accessories
The essential accessories to have in your minimalist winter wardrobe are a black leather belt, gold jewelry, particularly golden hoop earrings, a bracelet, and a watch.
You can also keep a pair of warm woolen gloves in gray or black. These come in handy during chilly weather, especially if your hands are prone to dryness.
Winter Capsule Outfit Ideas
Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started with using your winter capsule wardrobe to its full potential.
Conclusion
Building a winter capsule wardrobe is about quality, versatility, and personal expression. I hope these tips simplify your winter dressing routine. Feel free to tailor these pieces to your unique style preferences and lifestyle.
While it might be tempting to incorporate trendy pieces, focusing on timeless, good-quality pieces is worthwhile. You can consider adding a few classic, well-chosen trends to enhance your capsule without overwhelming it.
Is this your first time creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe? What is your go-to winter essential you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments below!