I’ve been working from a capsule wardrobe for about two years, and I don’t even remember what it means to work from a ‘full wardrobe.’ I’m also never going back to a closet that feels overflowing and disorganized with pieces I rarely wear. A capsule wardrobe is essentially a limited set of thoughtful, interchangeable pieces from which one can build a number of outfits. In this post specifically, I’ll focus on my winter capsule and 10 pieces I love and wear all the time.
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I’ve worked over several seasons to build both a spring/summer capsule as well as a fall/winter capsule. (Aka two capsules: a warm-ish to very warm weather capsule and also a chilly to freezing weather capsule.) I’ve learned that cultivating a capsule takes time and, if one can swing it, investment in some higher-quality pieces that can be worn with regularity.
My style? Neutral, minimal, and casual-chic. I’ve shared images with links that connect to my LikeToKnowIt account below (or specific products). Let me know what you like in the comments!
Here are 10 essential pieces for my (fall into) winter capsule that I love. (Updated September 2023.)
1) Long Camel Wool Coat
Camel coats are SO versatile for cold weather, winter capsules. Style with leggings, jeans, skirts. Chic up with boots and a sweater or style down for a casual look with sneakers and a hoodie. I love this camel coat from Abercrombie Gap Factory, this long topcoat from Gap Factory, and this less expensive option from Amazon.
2) Straight-Leg Jeans
Hi – Millennial here. As part of my capsule-building, I’ve been moving from skinny-leg jeans to straight-leg jeans. These are an investment piece, but I love these Tomcat Distressed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans from Mother Denim.(I’m 5’4, 130 lbs, and purchased a size 28 for a slightly slouchy fit.) This season (fall ’23), it seems that these are out-of-stock in a lot of stores.
Similar options (all SO cute and comfortable) are the High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean from Abercrombie, the AE Strigid Ripped Mom Jean from American Eagle, and finally this more budget friendly pair from Levi’s.
3) Black Leggings
This one might be obvious, but any capsule has to have a great pair of black leggings. I prefer high-rise leggings that hug me in, like Lululemon’s classic Aligns, Athleta’s 7/8 Salutation Stash Tights, or Quince’s much more budget-friendly Ultra-Soft Performance Leggings.
4) Blazer
So I cheated and offered two color options here – black and camel – because they’re similar pieces and both colors are SO gloriously adaptable. Wearers can add a blazer to casual outfits, adding interest, chic-ness, and layers. The blazer pictured below is from a previous season (bohme), but I have and get such great wear out of Quince’s Organic Cotton Knit Blazer, which is half sweater/half blazer. Another great option is the Corduroy One Button Cinched Boyfriend Blazer from Express (more of a praline color) or this slightly oversized blazer from Amazon.
As for black, the Stretch Crepe Open Blazer is a sleek, geometrically interesting staple from Quince that goes with anything.
5) White Sneakers
White sneakers are a winter capsule wardrobe staple. I love this classic Lucky Brand pair as well as these solid white Vans. And a more expensive option are the Vejas, which seem to be everywhere these days.
6) Black Crossbody Bag
I love a smaller, black crossbody with gold embellishments/hardware because of just how many OOTDs it can go with. The real (like real) investment piece is the classy and classic Saint Laurent Toy Loulou Matelassé Leather Crossbody Bag. More budget-friendly options include the Kate Spade Knott Small Crossbody and Quince’s Italian Leather Quilted Crossbody Bag (under $130).
7) Comfortable Oversized Sweater
Every capsule needs at least one (and I’d say at most, three to four) comfy sweaters. In a truly minimalistic capsule, you could get away with one or two (perfect if packing for a trip, too). Here, I’ll offer a few options: this incredibly soft alpaca sweater from Quince (in gray…although if I expand the capsule next year I’ll likely also get black) is a great, interchangeable capsule piece. I also love this wool-blend turtleneck and this standard oversized striped sweater, both from Abercrombie. And this adorable oversized camel option from H&M is a must-have this season.
8) Wide-Leg Jeans or Trousers
I added a pair of high-rise, wide-leg jeans to my winter capsule this season, and I’ve loved them for in-office days and a date night. Highly recommend this timeless pair from Banana – received so many compliments at the office.
A similar option that I’ll add this season (when I’m back from maternity leave!) is this pair of tailored pants from Abercrombie.
9) Booties/Boots
I’d vote for both black and brown booties, each a slightly different style for greater versatility, but if opting for one pair, I’d go with black. I love this classic pair from Madewell, the Western Ankle Boot. You can style these with straight-leg jeans, leggings, or wide-leg jeans. The second pair I’ve added to the capsule are a combat-esque style pair in brown, like the Eastland Brynn Combat Boots available at Nordstrom Rack. The Nisolo Sustainable Women’s All-Weather Amalia Boot, available at Target, are also super cute lace-ups.
10) Oversized Neutral Graphic Tee
An oversized graphic t-shirt is another winter capsule must-have, like this neutral Fleetwood Mac t-shirt from Free People. Or this black Rockies t-shirt from Shein (which was a gift…and a site from which I’m trying to purchase not at all): pair with leggings, straight-leg jeans, blazers, to name a few.
Have you been using a capsule wardrobe? What are your favorite pieces? Please comment your favorites below!
