Winter is the season for cozy layers and staying warm and dry. It’s the easiest time to get into a style rut, and it’s completely understandable! We know that my winter uniform is a sweater plus pants. To keep it from feeling too stale, I have options in different colors and weights to mix and match to my heart’s content, while always feeling comfortable.

Because they tend to need the most washing, tops are where I’d recommend investing in the most options. (I stretch my wash cycles by wearing Numi layers with all of my tops, but especially sweaters!) For sweaters, I’d recommend picking a few neutrals, a color or two, even something statement if that works for you. To have a few other options, select a few print or solid tees (both turtlenecks in my case) and blouses. I have a total of 12 tops.

7 sweaters (cream, camel, black chunky turtleneck, lime, purple, mint, striped).
2 turtlenecks (black, floral).
3 tops (floral shirt, paisley shirt, pleated blouse).

For bottoms, I picked six pairs of neutral pants, three pairs of colorful pants, a patterned jean, and two skirts (one basic, one statement). There’s a mix of leggings, denim, and trousers. Again, my total is 12.

2 leggings (black, taupe).
4 pants (black, taupe, green, plum).
2 cords (grey, yellow).
2 jeans (blue, abstract).
2 skirts (black leather, sweater).

When it comes to shoes, there are certain bases you need to cover, and some I recommend keeping in mind. A casual ankle boot that works in winter weather. A dressy ankle boot for when you feel like being fancier. Over the knee boots, from flat to high heel, can work with leggings, skirts and dresses, and can be casual or dressy. I like a light neutral ankle bootie for when I’m not wearing black or want contrast. Keep a pair of flats or a similar shoe on hand for the occasional wearable weather (or to carry with you and switch to from your winter boots!). I chose 7 relatively basic pairs of shoes.

Black ankle boots
Black heeled booties
Black OTK boots
Off-white booties
Black flats
White sneakers
Silver sneakers

Other pieces you might want to include are layers (that would go under your winter coat, or instead of, on mild days) or dresses (just in cases). I have 6 pieces.

4 layers (red puffer, yellow suede, white moto, mushroom cardigan).
2 dresses (camel sweater, floral shirtdress).

Here are 35 of the outfits that I can make from the 37 pieces I made into my capsule!

It’s on the larger side for a capsule, and one definitely doesn’t have to be this big to be very versatile and successful. There are three tops I didn’t style at all, and so many combinations with the other pieces that I didn’t do. There were just so many options, and I only have so much time and brain space! If I tried, I could probably come up with three months of different outfits. By the time you wore them all, it’ll be spring again!

Even if you took this as a template and trimmed it to suit your preferences, needs and closet space, with a bit of preparation and planning, you can have a very functional wardrobe without going overboard.

Need any help? Call me.

Winter Capsule Wardrobe