How to Make a Capsule Wardrobe for Winter

Capsule wardrobes are becoming increasingly popular. They have everything you need for each season and don’t require a massive budget. If you’re wondering how to make a capsule wardrobe for winter, these tips will help you get started. Once you collect all of your essential wardrobe staples, you’ll feel more prepared for all of your favorite wintertime activities.

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is made up of a limited number of pieces that you can mix and match to create different outfit combinations. The goal is to have high quality, staple pieces that go with everything. With a capsule wardrobe, you don’t have to shop as much or overfill your closet, because you can make countless outfits with a smaller selection of clothes.

Why Is a Capsule Wardrobe Perfect for Winter?

Winter is one of the best seasons for a capsule wardrobe. Layering is key in making the most of your closet, and cold weather is the ideal time for it. You can really play around with pair basic t-shirts or blouses with sweaters, cardigans, scarves and outwear. The same cardigan and t-shirt combo can be turned into three different outfits by alternating between blue jeans, black pants or a skirt. Even something simple like adding tights or tall socks can make an old outfit look new again.

What You Need in a Winter Capsule Wardrobe

If you want to create a capsule wardrobe for winter, start by taking inventory of what you already have. Then, use this list to determine what pieces you can add to make your closet complete.

1. Vary Your Staple Sweaters

Sweaters are the first thing most people think of when they imagine winter outfits. You may love a good chunky knit sweater, but try to have some more variety in the thickness of your sweaters. Think about how you can layer sweaters over other tops or under jackets. Instead of wearing a chunky statement sweater on its own every day, having simple options can allow you to mix and match. Here are options to have:

• Thick knits. On the coldest days, thick sweaters will be the best choice. Have two or three made of high quality fibers and in colors you love.
• Light-weight pullovers. A lighter sweater will layer more comfortably under a jacket or over a button-down without overheating. To match well with other pieces, consider one black sweater and one in white or another neutral.
• Cardigans. Cardigans are another option for layering. One or two in neutral colors will be enough.

2. Find High-Quality Jackets

For capsule wardrobes, pick one or two high-quality jackets. If you live in a colder climate, make sure to have a heavy, practical winter coat that will hold up in freezing temperatures and snow. For the second coat, consider one that can be styled for nicer occasions. That could be a peacoat to wear over a formal dress, or a leather jacket to wear on a date night. While the first coat should be sensible, the second one can be more fun and true to your personal style.

3. Include Cold Weather Accessories

Outfits won’t feel complete without accessories. The nice thing about winter is the accessories are not just stylish, but they’re also practical. Have one or two of the following to keep you warm and complete your outfits:

• Gloves. One simple, warm pair will do the trick.
• Scarves. Consider one neutral color and one fun option, like plaid or multi-colored.
• Hats. One or two in neutral colors will match any outfit.
• Tights. Buy a multi-pack at the beginning of the season, as they are likely to rip.
• Socks. Having varying lenghts in neutral colors can add an extra element to an outfit.
• Belts. One black and one brown should cover any occasion.

4. Keep Shoe Options to a Minimum

It can be tempting to buy the latest trendy shoe every year, but you really don’t need more than a few options. Start by thinking about what kind of shoes best fit your lifestyle. Here are some options to consider:

• Sneakers. Excluding gym shoes, have one good pair of sneakers for everyday wear, like Converse.
• Boots. A pair of black boots and a pair of brown boots will go with any outfit. Pick the height and heel size that works best with your wardrobe.
• Snow boots. If you live in a snowy area, these are a must.
• Flats. Any flat shoe of your choosing, such as loafers or ballet flats, will work for the office or another setting where you can’t wear sneakers.
• Heels, if necessary. If you work in a business setting, you may need a couple pairs of heels for the office. If they’re not required in your office, make do with your boots, flats or sneakers, and only buy a pair of winter-appropriate heels if you might wear them for formal occasions.

5. Have a Few Bottoms

When it comes to pants and skirts, be sure to have some variety between casual and dressy. Bottoms are usually not the focal point of an outfit, so you can get away with wearing the same pants multiple days of the week. The key is to have options that can either dress up or dress down an outfit. These are some key pieces:

• Blue jeans. In a capsule wardrobe, you really only need one good pair. If you wear them daily, you may opt for two in different shades or cuts.
• Dress pants. If you wear business clothes daily, consider two or three pairs of slacks in varying neutral colors. These can also be worn on nights out or more formal occasions.
• Skirts. Skirts may not be practical most days in the winter, so keep them to a minimum. A long black skirt can work for the office or nice events, while a denim skirt can be styled casually with tights.

6. Collect Basic Tops

A selection of basic shirts will round out your capsule wardrobe. They can be worn under sweaters when you need extra warmth, or styled under an open cardigan or jacket. Consider these options with varying sleeve lengths and collars.

• Plain t-shirts. White or black t-shirts will go with any sweater, either visible under a cardigan or hidden just for an added layer in the cold. If all of your caridgans are neutral colors, you can also throw in a different colored t-shirt, like red or blue.
• Long sleeved and/or turtleneck t-shirts. Another layering option, a long sleeved t-shirt is a practical piece. Similarly, a white or black turtleneck can be styled on its own or add an extra detail when worn under a sweater.
• Button-down shirts. These can be dressed up for the office or worn casually with jeans. They can also be layered with the collar popping out under a sweater, or on top of a t-shirt.
• Blouses. A nice blouse or two can round out your top collection to be styled for the office or a fancy occasion. While layering tops should be mostly neutral, incorporate colorful or patterned blouses for a pop of color in your wardrobe.

Make a Capsule Wardrobe for Winter

Anyone can learn how to make a capsule wardrobe for winter and tailor it to their style preferences. Keep in mind you should only buy what you need. If you work from home, for example, you may not need dress pants or office-appropriate shoes. On the flip side, a corporate worker may want to swap out more casual pieces for business attire — replace a cardigan with a blazer, for instance.

There’s no magic number for how many pieces you should have in a capsule wardrobe. Instead, focus on curating clothes that can be mixed and matched, creating endless combinations for the perfect winter wardrobe.

Originally Published 11/20/2021 – Updated 11/27/2024