Winter has finally arrived in Eastern Pennsylvania, which means it’s time for a winter capsule wardrobe. We had a very mild fall, which was great, especially for gathering outdoors with family, but I’m ready to pull out my cozy sweaters and thick socks. I’m actually writing this on the eve of a forecasted snowstorm, so I may get to put my snow boots to the test very soon!
After practicing Project 333 through October, November, and December, I’ve learned a lot about building and styling a minimalist wardrobe so here are my tips to build a capsule wardrobe.
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How To Build A Winter Capsule Wadrobe
Building a winter capsule wardrobe can seem daunting. The weather may change 20 degrees in a few days or even in the same day. Winter brings not only cold temperatures but snow, sleet, and ice. How can you narrow down your clothing choices while contending with this type of weather? The answer: LAYERS!
My suggestion for a winter capsule wardrobe is don’t get stuck on a specific number of pieces. If you decide to choose exactly 20 items you may be left without a pair of gloves or a hat, and nobody wants that when it’s below freezing! The key is to not go overboard on your “additional” items, or maybe extend your number a bit to allow for accessories.
Creating A Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Decide what types of clothes you need for your lifestyle and climate. If you’re one of the many people still working from home, choose soft, comfortable clothes. Ensure you can still look presentable in case your boss wants to do a quick video conference. Sweaters and leggings are great for this. Business up top and cozy on the bottom! If you’re going in to the office on a regular basis, consider what the temperature is inside and dress accordingly while allowing for layers when you’re outside.
Shoes are extremely important in a winter capsule wardrobe. If you live in an area that deals with any kind of winter precipitation, you need boots. But they don’t need to be ugly! Waterproof boots come in all kinds of styles and colors. Make sure you have a few with good tread on the bottom. The last thing you need is to slip on the ice!
Tops
- Long-sleeved tops in neutral colors – examples: long-sleeve t-shirt | turtleneck top | long-sleeve bodysuit | long-sleeve shirt
- Solid color long-sleeve tops – examples: long-sleeve t-shirt | long-sleeve t-shirt
- Patterned long-sleeve tops – examples: long-sleeve striped t-shirt | long-sleeved printed t-shirt | long-sleeve striped t-shirt | plaid shirt
- Sweaters and/or sweatshirts in neutral colors – examples: chunky knit turtleneck sweater | crew-neck sweater | sherpa pullover
- Solid colored sweater or sweatshirt – examples: pullover sweatshirt | cable-knit sweater | sweater with buttons
- Patterned sweater or sweatshirt – examples: faux shearling pullover | | crew-neck tie-dye sweatshirt
- Cardigans (or blazers) in neutral colors – examples: soft cardigan with pockets | long-line cardigan | sherpa cardigan
Read more: Closet Basics 101
Outerwear
- Neutral colored vest – examples: super soft sherpa vest | puffer vest
- Zip-up sweater/hoodie/jacket – examples: sweater jacket (very warm) | zip-up hoodie | button-front cardigan with pockets
- Puffer coat/parka – examples: long puffer jacket | short puffer jacket | parka | down coat
- Wool coat – examples: peacoat | hooded wool coat
Read more: How To Stay Warm and Stylish This Winter
Bottoms
- Jeans – examples: fleece-lined jeans (so cozy!) | skinny jeans | straight-leg jeans | bootcut jeans
- Black jeans or trousers – examples: stretchy jeans | joggers | pull-on pants
- Gray joggers or trousers – examples: joggers | stretchy pants | gray jeans
- Black leggings – examples: fleece-lined leggings | soft leggings | leggings
- Colored or patterned bottoms – examples: burgundy joggers | Burgundy pants
If you need more business casual bottoms, try a dress or skirt with fleece-lined tights.
Read more: 4 Ways To Wear Olive Green Pants
Shoes
- Waterproof boots with good tread in a neutral color – examples: snow boots | waterproof boots (these would be good if you don’t get a lot of snow)
- Black, gray, or brown riding boots – examples: waterproof boots | riding boots
- Ankle boots (waterproof optional) – examples: black ankle boots | waterproof boots
- Sneakers (waterproof optional) – examples: slip-on sneakers | waterproof sneakers | soft sneakers
- Another pair of boots or sneakers in a different color or have a pattern – examples: leopard print boots | snake-skin print boots | patterned rain boots
If you’re working from home you can probably get away with slippers around the house and just have a couple pairs of boots for when you need to brave the elements. If you are going in to an office, consider taking your work shoes with you in your bag and wearing boots to and from the office. That way you won’t risk slipping and falling when you walk from your car to the building.
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Accessories
- 1 neutral scarf – examples: knit infinity scarf | scarf + hat set
- 1 or 2 colored or patterned scarves – examples: blanket scarf | soft scarf
- A few pairs of earrings and necklaces – examples: pendant necklace | statement necklace | pendant necklace with tassel | crawler earrings | double hoop earrings | square stud statement earrings
- Gloves – examples: knit gloves | anti-slip gloves | fleece-lined gloves
- Hat or earmuffs – examples: knit beanie | hat + gloves set | ear warmer headband | behind-the-head earmuffs | fuzzy earmuffs
I, personally, don’t wear many necklaces or dangly earrings in the winter. They either get in the way of my scarf or they’re just plain cold on my skin! This is when I like to have some statement stud earrings.
Read more: Easy Style Tips To Elevate Any Outfit
Make A Winter Capsule Wardrobe That Is Yours
Remember, YOU are the one wearing these clothes, so make them yours. I provided many examples of items you can include in your winter capsule wardrobe, but if they don’t feel like you, you will hate getting dressed. If you’re struggling with your style, read my blog post on how I found my personal style by wearing only the clothes I love.
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