Winter Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

No matter how big your wardrobe is everyone has those days where we just can’t figure out what to wear. That’s why having a capsule wardrobe comes in to save a bad outfit day. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile wardrobe pieces that you love. It includes all the pieces needed to easily mix and match to create outfits. Capsule wardrobe pieces will last you for years but certain items are needed for each season. In order to create your own functional and stylish wardrobe I am sharing a winter capsule wardrobe checklist.

A capsule wardrobe is not about trendy items. It is one that is more classic and fit your style through time. While I like seeing the current trends every season, the older I get the less I am tempted to follow all of them. Having a capsule wardrobe means having a great wardrobe already and are able to a trend or two each season if I want. It’s up to you in how much outside of the capsule wardrobe that you add! When you love your wardrobe and have the pieces to create outfits you also love, you’ll be less tempted to buy new items.

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Winter Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a great wardrobe. What I spend on certain items varies greatly. I did a post here on the best items to invest in (see post) and many of those items are part of this seasonal capsule wardrobe checklist. In the picture above I put together a sample capsule wardrobe based on the times listed below.

Denim

Denim is the first item I wrote down when I was putting together this list. It doesn’t need much of an explanation why. The two types of jeans I would recommend are a pair of black and indigo in a straight or skinny leg. These are reliable, classic styles. Great denim will elevate casual items and can dress down nicer items. See my full denim guide here.

Black Leggings

Basic black leggings are for more than lounging. They can be part of so many outfits, casual or dressy. While they don’t have to be faux leather, they are my favorite. I love how they look stylish but still feel just like regular leggings. Look for a quality thick legging that holds it’s shape and has a high waist. These are my favorite!

Pants

Beyond jeans or leggings, think about a pair of straight leg wool or dress pants. These aren’t the “work” pants from the 80’s power suit. They are a chic option and can be worn outside the office without looking like you came from work. While you don’t have to do ankle length, it is one of the easiest because you can pair any shoe height with it. Plus who doesn’t love showing off their shoes?

Sweaters

Needless to say that sweaters are crucial to a winter capsule wardrobe. I suggest a chunky knit, long cardigan and crewneck sweater. A chunky knit can layer over items or work for itself. Long cardigans work well with dresses, pants and especially leggings. Crewneck sweaters are so classic and easy to wear. They work over and under other blouses or jackets.

Blazer

A blazer is one of my favorite wardrobe pieces. For the Fall & Winter I would suggest a quality blazer in a neutral pattern. Whether it’s plaid, hounds tooth or pin striped a pattern adds a lot of style and interest to outfits. It’s also less harsh than all black one. Blazers can go with jeans a t-shirt, blouses and wool pants, sweater dresses, etc. Basically blazers can go with everything else in your wardrobe! They instantly dress up any item. When buying one, you have a lot of options. If you need to dress up more, I would suggest a classic cut blazer. For a more casual look you can get one that is longer and a bit oversized for the “boyfriend” look. If you love them and wear them often this is a place where you can have a few of them in your wardrobe.

For the ultimate custom blazer check out this post.

Blouses

There are tons of great blouse options. When building a great Winter capsule wardrobe, I would focus on finding a few versatile ones. A silk blouse, a detailed or dressy blouse and a button down are a great place to start. There are endless possibilities for all of these pieces. Think about making one worthy for date night and the others being more versatile. This covers your bases and has you ready for any occasion. A unique sleeve or beautiful neckline keep blouses from being boring.

T-Shirts

Quality t- shirts are vital to a capsule wardrobe. They can be the best thing to grab when you need an outfit idea. A short sleeve white t-shirt is an absolute must. Focus on finding shirts that fit you well and aren’t see through. Depending on how much you like to wear them I would suggest a few of both long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts in neutral colors. If you wear t-shirts fairly often this is a great place to add some color to your capsule wardrobe if you want to.

Dresses

A sweater dress and long-sleeved dress are the best dresses for a Winter capsule wardrobe. If you have a business casual job, focus on the sweater dress being knee or midi length. Either way, pick a fit and style that you love. I suggest something more fitted than oversized. As far as long-sleeved dresses, there are tons of options. I like a print or solid color in a crew neck. Focus on one or two details that show your personal style. Again, if you need to dress up more often for work then I would pick a dress that can be worn to work. If you don’t need it for a business casual environment, then you have more leeway.

Boots

The two pairs of boots to include in the perfect capsule wardrobe would be a pair of knee high heeled boots and a pair of ankle booties. Knee high heeled boots are a classic pair of boots that truly never go out of style. They can make a statement when paired over leggings or denim. For both styles of boots focus on a heel height that you are comfortable in.

Pointy Toe Pumps

A pair of pointy toe pumps truly never go out of style. They will take you to work, date nights, fancy events, etc. For example a pair of jeans and a t-shirt can instantly be sexy with a great pair of pumps! When shopping, find a pair that is comfortable and at a height that you can walk in. Right around 3 inches works for both work and dressy situations. Because pumps are so versatile and classic, this is a shoe that I invest in and am not afraid to spend money on.

Trendy Sneaker

A casual, fashionable sneaker has gone from a trendy piece to a wardrobe staple. Now the right sneaker goes with dresses, jeans and pretty much anything else in your wardrobe. Look for something that has some personality but will go with your sweaters and other tops.

Wool Coat

A beautiful, warm wool coat is more than just a fashion statement, its absolutely necessary with the cool temps! There is a fine line with coats when picking a size. I like to make sure that it fits well and doesn’t look too bulky but want it big enough that I can wear layers under it.

Leather Jacket

My favorite type of jacket is a leather jacket so it has to be included when building a capsule wardrobe. It instantly adds a level of edge and “cool girl” to any outfit. For a leather jacket that stands the test of time, pick one that is simple and doesn’t have a ton of details to it.

Tips on How to Build A Capsule Wardrobe

Stick to a Neutral Color Palette

Neutral colors have the most flexibility and versatility in a wardrobe. Blacks, brown, white, cream, grey and all variations of each are part of a neutral look. Navy and dark greens can also be regarded as neutral. Neutral colors aren’t boring or basic. They guarantee items in the capsule wardrobe can be easily mix and match to create more outfit ideas. This is the key to how a capsule wardrobe works. Also, as you add items to your wardrobe, you’ll know items can mix in as well. It doesn’t mean you can’t have color in your wardrobe.

If you need some color, stick to only one or two colorful items in the capsule wardrobe. You can also use accessories or other items outside the capsule wardrobe as a way to add color.

Focus on Fit

The fit of an item is very important. Fit can be the difference between an item looking good and great. A great fit will also make an item look more expensive. Spend a little more time finding the right item and don’t forget how helpful a tailor can be. The right fit also helps to flatter your body.

“Would I have liked it 3 years ago?”

This is a question I just learned to ask myself when shopping. We’ve all heard to ask ourselves if we would like something a year from now or two or three etc. but what about if you would have liked something in the past? Ask yourself if you would have liked it 3 years ago. This question can help you focus on whether something is really your style or if it is something trendy and new that you want. Capsule wardrobe items are items you will have for the long term, so if you would have liked it in the past chances are you will still like it in the future.

Cater to your Lifestyle

Knowing your own personal style can take not only time but some trial and error. We all have purchased an item or two (or ten) that we just don’t end up wearing or deciding isn’t right for us. Think about your personal style and lifestyle when purchasing each item. For many of the items above I talk about different options based on what works for you. If your job has a business casual dress code, err on the dressy side each of the items above. If you don’t have to dress up as much or don’t like to, then more casual version of each item will work for you.

Make Sure You Love It

While this may seem obvious it is a really important tip. You have to love every piece in your wardrobe, otherwise you won’t wear it! If you are being told to buy or wear an item (even if it is me telling you) but it is not something you like or would want to wear it should not be part of your wardrobe. The key to a perfect capsule wardrobe is loving each piece so you are inspired to create outfits!

Winter Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas

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