Winter is the season of cozy layers, hot cocoa, and—let’s face it—closets stuffed with bulky sweaters you forgot you owned. Enter the winter capsule wardrobe: a streamlined, intentional collection of pieces that mix, match, and make dressing for frigid weather a cinch.
“Streamlining your closet with a capsule wardrobe means fewer pieces but more style options,” explains stylist Sonja Christansen, fashion expert for Losano. “By curating a collection of versatile, high-quality essentials, you'll find it much easier to get dressed. Think of it as having a reliable, mix-and-match set of pieces that work together—saving you time without sacrificing style.”
Whether you’re a proud minimalist or just curious about the hype of the capsule wardrobe concept, we’re showing you how to curate a streamlined winter wardrobe that’s chic and functional.
- Sonja Christansen, a stylist and fashion expert for Losano
- Anna Lavo, a celebrity wardrobe stylist
What Is a Winter Capsule Wardrobe?
Not to be confused with a base wardrobe, a winter capsule wardrobe collection is a small, curated collection of cold-weather pieces that are easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.
“Your wardrobe will naturally shift throughout the year, but winter is the season when the weather has the most influence on what you wear and one of my favorite seasons for styling outfits,” notes celebrity wardrobe stylist Anna Lavo. “This is because you can use a layering technique, which gives an elevated look to your outfit instantly.”
She adds that by narrowing your winter wardrobe, you’re actually able to define and understand your style more which makes getting dressed quicker and easier. Plus, you always feel like you have something great to put on, as every single item hanging in your closet is something you love.
11 Core Essentials for a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
The size of a capsule wardrobe varies from person to person, but generally is between 10 to 20 pieces that are cohesive. The goal is to ensure every piece can be worn or layered with everything else, providing you with countless outfit options.
If you are just starting to build your winter capsule wardrobe from scratch, Christansen and Lavo recommend starting with the following pieces:
- Well-tailored wool coat that adds polish to any outfit
- Structured blazer for effortless layering
- Cashmere sweater(s) in neutral shades for a touch of luxury and warmth. (crewnecks, turtlenecks, and V-necks are classic choices)
- Chunky knit sweater(s) or cardigan(s)
- Long-sleeve versatile dress that seamlessly transitions from day to night
- Tailored trousers for a chic, refined silhouette.
- A pair of high-quality black leggings and/or tights
- High waisted straight leg wool pants/trousers
- Dark-wash, high-waisted, straight-leg jeans
- Classic knee-high leather boots that stand the test of time.
- Leather or suede ankle boots in a neutral color
As with anything related to personal style, your collection may look slightly different from this, but this stylist-approved winter capsule wardrobe list is a great starting point you can build from.
“When you know how to mix and match all these items with each other for your body type and height, you will have no problem with styling up to 10 outfits,” Lavo says. That’ll keep you on a nice, versatile rotation well into late winter and early spring.
Optional Winter Capsule Items Items You Can Include
If you want to expand your capsule wardrobe to include some additional items, Christansen and Lavo suggest adding some outerwear items and accessories that build on what you already own. This includes things like leather gloves in neutral hues, sunglasses, a belt, and a cashmere scarf and/or beanie.
“To keep your capsule wardrobe fresh, integrate seasonal trends through accessories and pops of color,” Christansen suggests. “Think statement scarves and jewelry. This way, you stay current without overhauling your entire wardrobe each year.”
You can also add some fun items into the mix, like a puffer coat, sunglasses, handbags, hair accessories, jewelry, a silk or jean skirt, fashion sneakers, or loafers.
Tips on Building Your Winter Capsule Collection
Keep the following advice in mind when buying garments and accessories for your winter capsule wardrobe.
Pay Attention to Quality
Unless you’re purchasing a trend piece, opt for items that are high quality.
“I always give an example of a basic white tee,” Lavo says. “I recommend spending $85 and more on it, and it will last you a few years compared to if you spend $20 for a T-shirt made of synthetic material and change it every season.”
When it comes to fabrics, look for heavier materials that signal quality—thick wool, sturdy denim, and fine cashmere. Also pay close attention to construction details like double or French stitching, which indicate durability and craftsmanship.
Invest in Versatile Outerwear
Outerwear is the cornerstone of a winter wardrobe, so choose pieces that combine function and style. A tailored wool coat or a high-quality parka can elevate any outfit while keeping you warm. Stick to classic silhouettes that pair well with multiple looks, such as trench coats, pea coats, or quilted puffers in neutral shades.
Opt for Neutrals and Timeless Colors
Opt for neutral colors like black, navy, beige, and gray as your foundational base. “These shades are easy to mix and match, making your wardrobe more versatile,” Christansen says. Pops of color are best reserved for trendier pieces that lean into the zeitgeist. However, rich berry shades or jewel tones can work beautifully from season to season.
