14 Winter Clothing Staples For Women
When building a winter capsule wardrobe there are 14 clothing staples every woman needs to stay chic and warm.
Growing up on the east coast where winters were cold, taught me how to dress so that I could stay warm. Being stylish in winter while staying warm took learning some fashion tricks and tips. It is a skill in my opinion to be warm and look chic in the winter months.
In StyleCaster, Leah Bourne and Bella Gerard write, “Just because it’s freezing out, doesn’t mean we have to collectively resign ourselves to giving up on style—it just means we all have to think a bit more creatively when getting dressed in the morning.” And I totally agree.
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The 14 Wardrobe Essentials For Winter
Winter Capsule Wardrobe | Video
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?
Wikipedia defines a Capsule Wardrobe as, “a collection of clothing that is composed of interchangeable items only, to maximize the number of outfits that can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. Simply put, a Capsule Wardrobe is made up of the items in your wardrobe that are elevated basics that easily mix and match. These pieces are classic and don’t go out of style. Having a Capsule Wardrobe sets the foundation for your closet.
To learn the closet essentials I recommend every woman should own all year round grab my free Capsule Wardrobe Checklist. This guide is an outline of how I work with my personal styling clients. Once you download the checklist, print it out, bring it into your closet, check off the items you have, and make a shopping list for the items that you’re missing. Once you have all these items in your wardrobe I believe you will have no problem getting dressed no matter where you’re going or what the weather is.
The 14 Wardrobe Essentials For Winter
1. A chunky knit sweater.
A versatile essential wardrobe piece I recommend getting is a chunky knit sweater in a neutral color with some texture. You can wear it with jeans and ankle booties. You can wear it with a long midi skirt and over-the-knee boots for warmth. It even works over a dress. There are so many options for how to style it. Having a chunky knit sweater in a neutral color gives you so many outfit options.
2. A great pair of jeans in a medium to dark blue wash.
I love a straight leg high-waisted pair of jeans with a raw hem. Jeans are so versatile you can wear them with so many different things and for all seasons. A medium to dark blue wash can be worn during the day but also in the evening for a night out. That’s why a great pair of jeans is a must-have in a capsule wardrobe.
3. Thermals.
Bourne and Gerard write, “The key is to find items you can layer discretely under trendier pieces, so you stay warm and still look cute.” When I used to live on the east coast, I used to wear thermals all the time under my clothes in the winter. I recommend having some good thermals if you’re in colder climates. The brand that I love for thermals is Patagonia. They make a great lightweight thermal that regulates your heat. It’s so easy to wear under sweaters for that extra layer. There is a long sleeve crew neck version and also a legging option. Thermals are definite winter capsule wardrobe essentials.
4. A fitted black and/or ivory turtleneck.
Vince makes a fitted cotton one that is great for layering. You can wear them under sweaters and dresses or you can wear them on their own. I recommend having a slim-fitting thin one for your winter capsule wardrobe as using it as a base for your outfits.
5. A classic wool coat.
A great outer layer like a wool coat with pockets that hits at the knee or slightly longer is a must-have winter staple. Make sure it’s lined for warmth. Investing in a well-made classic wool coat in a neutral color is a staple for your winter wardrobe.
The thing about a capsule wardrobe that I want you to understand is that these are investment pieces. Most of my capsule wardrobe items have been in my closet for years. They’re well-made, classic, and in neutral colors so they last for years. When you’re building a capsule wardrobe for the winter or an all-year-round capsule wardrobe, I recommend that these are the pieces you spend more on. You’ll have them for years and you can get the ones that you absolutely love.
6. Over-the-knee boots.
They don’t have to be over-the-knee boots, yours could be tall boots that go just below the knee. It really is preference but I suggest boots that are higher than an ankle boot. I think ankle booties are great for spring and fall but an over-the-knee or tall boot works best for a winter staple. Boots provide an extra layer of warmth. Look for a pair that is weatherproof.
If you are only going to have one pair of over-the-knee boots, I suggest getting them in black. I suggest getting a flat boot because they’re more versatile. 40+Style writes, “I recommend opting for a flat or low-heeled boot in shades and materials you feel comfortable wearing. Get a chic and trendy look by either wearing the pair with matching pants or making a skirt or dress more weather appropriate by pairing a skinnier shaft boot to cover more leg”.
7. The black puffer coat.
It doesn’t have to be black but again I think a black puffer coat will give you the most versatility. Mine is from Canada Goose. I’ve had it for almost seven years and it’s held up great. I can throw it in the wash and dry it on a clothing rack. I’ll even wear it when it’s not super cold because it helps regulate body heat but it’s also great for cold days. Mine hits at the knee and I like that length because it provides you with more warmth. A great black puffer coat is definitely worth the investment. I have gotten so much use out of mine.
There are so many options for great puffer coats that don’t have a high price tag but are still good quality. The North Face makes some great ones and if you want to avoid down feathers, there is a brand called Save The Duck that makes down-free puffer jackets.
8. A neutral warm scarf.
A winter white, camel, gray, or black scarf is a winter essential. I also love doing scarves as pops of colors because I think of a scarf as an accessory but for your capsule winter wardrobe, you want a neutral. You always want to start with a neutral for your staple wardrobe items, whether it’s a scarf, a jacket, or a boot. Neutral colors in classic styles last forever and that way you always have what you need when you’re getting dressed. Once you have all your closet staples in your capsule collection then branch out and get some other items like interesting patterns or colors. But having your basics in neutral colors will help you get dressed easily.
9. Elevated leggings.
Your elevated leggings don’t have to be faux leather but they should be dressier than your basic cotton leggings. They can also be real leather if you prefer but these give more warmth since they’re thicker than your basic cotton pair. Elevated leggings are easy to style with a chunky sweater. You can also wear them with a longer sweater and over-the-knee boots, or a blouse and cardigan.
10. A sweater dress.
An essential sweater dress doesn’t have to be a turtleneck but that is my preference. I like to wear a sweater dress with opaque tights and over-the-knee boots. You can wear your thermals under your sweater dresses or under your sweaters not just for that extra layer, but also if your knit is itchy.
11. The classic cardigan.
The classic cardigan in a neutral color like black and/or ivory is my next winter capsule wardrobe essential. I love a longer shawl collar cardigan that’s open (without buttons). It’s versatile and easy to style over dresses and blouses. I’ll even wear it over my sweater dress. A classic cardigan is an all-year-round clothing staple.
12. A leather or faux leather black pencil skirt.
Especially in winter months when you want to look chic but you want to be warm, a leather pencil skirt looks great with opaque tights, a turtleneck, and over-the-knee boots. It also works with a chunky knit as well for a more relaxed look. A black pencil skirt is essential for winter not only for warmth but because you can wear it to work and you can wear it to dinner. You can easily dress it up or down.
13. The black classic blazer.
Another must-have that made the list but that I also recommend having for an all-year capsule collection is a classic black blazer. I love wearing it over a silk blouse, a t-shirt, or a sweater. You can style it with a skirt, jeans, or faux leather leggings. It’s one of the most versatile pieces in a woman’s closet.
14. A cute winter hat.
I love having a little pom on my hat for that added little something. A cute winter hat is great if you’re having a bad hair day or it’s a really cold day outside. You can wear it and be warm but still, look chic.
40+Style writes, “During winter, quite a bit of your body’s heat can be lost by not protecting your head. A hat is absolutely essential when the temperatures get really low.”
Winter Capsule Wardrobe | Video
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