Winter Capsule Wardrobe

At the start of the year I asked for your requests on style content, and capsule wardrobes were a crowd favorite. This winter capsule wardrobe I created from a few years ago is still relevant, and aside from a few minor updates, this captures my favorites for winter. I’ve added more thoughts on that below, along with my main essentials for a winter capsule wardrobe. In Vermont, our winter is long, so winter fashion is a pretty big part of my wardrobe. Getting dressed in the winter and I guess more importantly, loving my winter wardrobe is so important, because it’s one of the things that gets me through the cold dark days of the season. It’s a time to be cozy. Layering is essential. It’s entirely possible to thrive in winter, even outdoors, as long as you’ve got the right clothing. So here are my top picks to stay cozy and feel chic all winter long.

Winter Capsule Wardrobe

In general I look for a few key things in my winter wardrobe essentials. It needs to be comfortable, practical, wearable, stylish, and durable. It’s a long winter here in Vermont and I definitely put my clothing to the test. I tend to focus on the things that make it easy for me to get dressed (they go with a variety of pieces) and are easy to care for (no dry cleaning). I do have a steamer which makes things a bit easier on that front (you can hand wash most sweaters if need be)!

A Winter Capsule Wardrobe has to be warm, durable, and obviously stylish. It’s also important to capture your own personal style. While I personally tend to lean towards neutrals, that might not work for you, and that’s ok! You can take this list and make it work for your lifestyle and wardrobe. If you love color, embrace that. At the end of the day personal style is all about wearing what makes you feel good.

Capsule Wardrobe Essentials: Winter Edition

cozy Sweater

I love a cozy sweater in an easy neutral color for winter. This beige knit from Sezane is one of those versatile pieces that’s light but warm and easy to layer. Pair it with a long sleeve button down or turtleneck to stay warm. It looks really chic under a blazer too.

Thermal Leggings

These fleece lined thermal leggings from Athleta are my go to for the cold winter months. They’re thick enough to wear as pants but also great as a base layer for snowboarding and skiing.

Long Sleeve Turtleneck

This long sleeve turtleneck is absolutely perfect for a winter capsule wardrobe. It’s super light and thin which makes it perfect for layering under sweaters and blazers. Stripes are always a great option too.

Chelsea Boots

A classic pair of chelsea boots is a great style to have for everyday wear in the winter. This pair from Toms is waterproof and has a lugged sole for added traction and comfort. These booties from Dolce Vita are also great for wet weather.

Cashmere Beanie

I live in White & Warren’s cashmere beanies all winter long. They’re super soft and warm and look so chic. A neutral color is great to mix in with your wardrobe but I have a red cashmere beanie that adds a wonderful pop of color to my winter outfits.

Double Breasted Blazer

Sezane makes two double breasted blazers that I love for the winter months. The Michele jacket, especially in navy is so gorgeous and easy to wear a ton of ways. The Christie jacket is another favorite in a double breasted suiting style. Blazers are a great way to instantly elevate an outfit whether it’s for work or casual with jeans.

sweater Dress

A cozy sweater dress is a great option to stay warm and comfortable on chilly winter days. This long sleeve maxi style is great for staying warm and chic.

Turtleneck Sweater

This turtleneck sweater from Faherty is one of my favorites. With the rib detailing and organic cotton fabric it’s incredibly soft and luxurious feeling. This turtleneck sweater is fitted with a ruffle neck detail and slight balloon sleeve. It’s a feminine and chic option to stay warm during the winter months and it’s light enough to layer if need be.

Corduroy Pants

I love corduroy pants for fall and winter. They keep me warm and comfy on frigid days and I like wearing them with booties or clogs. This pair from Alex Mill is a great straight leg style with a slightly cropped hem which makes them ideal for wearing with booties.

Puffer Coat

A super stylish take on the puffy coat, this style from L.L. Bean has a slightly fitted elastic waist for cinching and comes in a few great colors. For a shorter and stylish alternative this slightly shiny puffy coat is chic and cute.

Wool CoaT

This is one of those investment pieces you’ll have for a lifetime. If you like a wrap coat in a longer length this style from Sezane is perfect. For something slightly more tailored and a bit shorter this wool coat is incredibly chic and versatile.

Snow boots

These snow boots from Sorel are also in my round-up of the best winter boots. I recommend going a half size up. They’re super comfy and feel like the perfect combination of a sneaker and a boot. For heavy snow days my go to is the Ugg Adirondack boots.

black midi dress

This stretchy black midi dress is perfect to wear to an event or to the office. It’s chic and comfortable in a knit fabric with a wrap waist style. Perfect for layering in the winter under a blazer or wear a thin turtleneck underneath. It’s super versatile for casual or dressy occasions.

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6 Winter Wardrobe Capsule Outfits

Wool Coat & Corduroys

Pair a wool coat with a knit sweater and corduroys, I love the combo of navy and camel in the outfit below.
Outfit details: Similar wool coat, similar sweater, similar corduroys

Puffer Coat & Fisherman Sweater

Pair a short puffer coat with an oversized sweater in similar shades for a chic and cozy style. I love different shades of green especially with the pop of stripes in the turtleneck.
Outfit details: Similar puffer coat, fisherman sweater, similar turtleneck

wool pants and cardigan sweater with wool jacket

I wear some version of this outfit a ton during the winter. The photo below is from the fall, but in the winter months I’ll swap the suede booties for waterproof boots.
Outfit details:  Tank Top, Button Down Shirt, Basile Cardigan, Wool coat, Matthew Pants

wide leg jeans with knit sweater and wool coat

Another combo I love for winter because it’s so chic and totally versatile. Switch it up by cuffing the wide leg jeans and wearing them with a lugsole boot.
Outfit details: Mederick coat (fits tts/slightly big), Ponnie Blouse, Louise Jumper (fits tts), Serge Trousers (fits tts, long inseam), Clark Bag, Jules Boots

insulated coat, striped shirt and straight leg jeans

I love light neutrals together especially in winter. A light gray coat looks beautiful with a creamy knit sweater and jeans.
Outfit details: LL BEAN SHERPA LINED PARKA, SAINT JAMES BRETON, AG ISABELLE JEANS, DR MARTENS LINED BOOTS, W+W BEANIE

all white outfit with red beanie

What’s better than an all white outfit for winter? Add a pop of color with a bright beanie and play with texture like a cable knit sweater and shearling booties.
Outfit details: Sezane Jacket (fits tts), Everlane Straight Leg Pants (fit tts), Marc Fisher Izzie Lugsole Boots, Sezane Sweater, Similar Striped Turtleneck, White & Warren Cashmere Beanie, L.L. Bean Mittens, Sezane Crossbody Bag

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The Fall Capsule Wardrobe

I launched the fall capsule in early September and there’s lots of great pieces that work well into winter. You can check it out here and see how I’ve styled different pieces here.

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The Main Capsule Wardrobe

I launched my first and main capsule in February of this year. This was meant to be a broader capsule of pieces that for the most part can be worn year round. A lot of them are also great paired with items from the winter capsule. You can check it out here.