How to Build a Winter Capsule Wardrobe in 2024
Save time and money with this wardrobe trend that actually involves cutting down on your clothes, not buying more.
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In the depths of winter, getting out of bed, let alone choosing an outfit, can seem like the hardest thing you’ve ever done. OK, we know we’re being dramatic but those icy mornings never get easier.
This is where a winter capsule wardrobe comes in. Essentially, a capsule wardrobe means that all of your pieces work together so you can effortlessly mix and match your items. This way, with only a small number of pieces you can create multiple outfits. And yes, this takes the hassle out of getting dressed because no matter what you pick, your clothes will match. That’s a fashion hack if I ever saw one.
“The idea is that a capsule wardrobe is about investing in key pieces, which are the foundation or building blocks of your wardrobe,” Fifi Milne, personal shopper, former fashion editor at Vogue and Instyle and current editor of The FiFi Report tells news.com.au checkout.
“Spend money on those as they are the things you will wear often and therefore get great cost per wear,” she explains.
For more winter dressing inspiration, I’ve broken down five pieces below that I think are absolutely essential to keep you looking your best in the winter months.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST JEANS
Jeans are the building blocks of almost all winter outfits so you want to make sure you invest in a quality pair that will see you through any occasion. While the current trend is geared towards wide and straight legs, as we all know, fashion is circular so keep your skinnies in your wardrobe because it won’t be long til you’re bringing them back out.
Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans in Jazz Pop, $111.96 (down from $159.95) at Myer
If you’re after high-rise, straight-leg jeans but don’t want to stray too far from a skinny or slim leg, these are a great beginner option. One of Levi’s best-selling pairs, once you try these it will be hard to wear anything else.
Assembly Label Vintage Straight Jeans, $120 at THE ICONIC
A slightly looser straight leg than the Levi’s Ribcage, if you’re already fully on board with wider leg jeans then this is the way to go. Crafted from rigid no-stretch denim and featuring a high-waisted cut, these jeans are not only on trend but also super flattering.
Cotton On Original Straight Jeans, $59.99 at THE ICONIC
Wanting a more affordable pair? This option from Cotton On has great reviews on Google with shoppers saying they are “very impressed” and love the “flattering fit around (the) hips and butt with a relaxed fit on (the) legs”.
BEST KNIT
A jumper in winter is almost too obvious to even write about. But that’s why it absolutely has to be part of this list. And while we love our comfy sweats for at home or the gym, there is something about an understated, stylish knit that we love. Whether paired by itself with jeans or under a coat on a colder day, a trusty knit won’t let you down no matter the temp.
100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $129.90 at Uniqlo
If, like me, you love cashmere but don’t want to drop $500 on a jumper then this Uniqlo one is definitely the way to go. Made from 100 per cent cashmere, it’s super cosy and warm and is available in 14 colours. For a capsule wardrobe, opt for a more neutral colourway that you can be sure will go with everything.
Atmos&Here Teo High Neck Wool Blend Knit Jumper, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
A black jumper is a winter must-have and this one from THE ICONIC’s in-house brand, Atmos&Here, ticks all our boxes. A relaxed fit, knit fabric, and in a turtleneck sweater style, what more could you ask for?
Chunky panelled wool jumper, $225 at COS
COS is one of my go-to retailers for winter clothes. It’s so reliable in terms of quality plus I know it will have on-trend pieces too. This chunky beige jumper is no exception. Made from recycled wool, it has a weighty feel to keep you warm in the cold and is crafted in a combination of racked rib and half-cardigan for added textural interest.
BEST WINTER BOOTS
While sneakers can be worn in both summer and winter, when it comes to boots they are a true winter staple. Whether you’re a fan of the knee-high or the ankle, sleek or chunky, the world is your oyster when it comes to boot styles. I’d recommend choosing a leather pair which can be more expensive but they will last way longer than a non-leather option. Similarly, while I’d say try to avoid anything overly trendy, more important I’d try to pick a pair that you can see yourself wearing for years to come because the leather will definitely last so you want something you’ll still like down the track.
Aere Square Toe Leather Ankle Boots, $165 (down from $220) at THE ICONIC
Another easy to throw on boot, these shoes work well with all winter outfits from jeans and pants to dresses and skirts, you won’t even have to think about it when it comes to getting dressed. They’re also made from leather, feature a square toe and a 6cm heel.
Fantasy Black Venice Calf Boots, $399.95 at Tony Bianco
If you’ve been on social media at all in the past few years, you would have seen these boots from Tony Bianco. Made from premium black leather, features include an hourglass-shaped heel, an extended square toe and a chic knee-high length.
R.M. Williams Comfort Lady Yearling Boots, $649 at THE ICONIC
If you’re looking for boots that will last forever, it’s hard to go past R.M. Williams. The iconic Australian brand has been making quality boots since 1932 and shoppers are still just as obsessed now as they were then. These ones are made with a rubber outsole for extra comfort and grip as well as a small 4.5cm block heel for a slight feminine twist on the classic men’s boot.
BEST LONG SLEEVE TEE
Another self-explanatory inclusion, a long-sleeve tee is a winter ride-or-die. Wear underneath a knit for extra layers when you know you’re going to be outside for a long time or just simply under a coat on your way to work. I personally love a ribbed or knit tee for extra warmth and style too.
Australian Cotton Long Sleeve Rib Layering T-shirt, $10 (down from $18) at Target
When it comes to basics, Target is your one-stop shop. This long-sleeve tee is made from a stretchy, cotton fabric with an all-over ribbed design.
Atmos&Here Bianca Ribbed Detailed Top, $29.99 at THE ICONIC
If you want something with a bit more character to it than a plain old tee, the ruffled detailing on the hem and sleeves of this top are sure to satisfy. Similarly made from a stretch rib material, it’s not only fun in design but comfy too.
C&M CAMILLA AND MARC Saint Long Sleeve Top, $150 at THE ICONIC
Similar to the others but a little bit more premium, this C&M CAMILLA AND MARC is also super versatile. Wear it on its own or as a layer for an elevated take on the classic long sleeve tee.
BEST WINTER COAT
We may live in Australia but that doesn’t mean you can forgo a winter coat, especially if you commute to work early in the morning and late at night. So easy to throw on over the top of any winter outfit, a quality coat will automatically make you feel a bit more put together. Plus, the best part about living in Australia is that while you need a coat to keep you warm it doesn’t have to be a super thick long-style puffer coat like our friends in much colder climates. Instead, our tip would be to opt for a woollen, or woollen-like, coat in a chic neutral colourway.
Atmos&Here Callie Herringbone Coat, $149.99 at THE ICONIC
This Atmos&Here coat is proof you don’t need to spend a small fortune on a winter jacket. Crafted in a lightweight wool blend, it features a double-breasted design and sits just above the knee. Plus the herringbone colourway is just that little bit different from the usual black.
Cotton On Harrison Coat, $149.99 at THE ICONIC
If you’re after a classic longline black coat then look no further. This one from Cotton On is not only at an affordable price point for a coat but also has that effortless cool-girl appeal. *adds to cart immediately*
Country Road Double-breasted Soft Coat in Fawn, $499 at Myer
Another timeless option is this oversized wool coat from Country Road. Available in four colours including this classic fawn colour, this is a coat we know you’ll turn to time and time again.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you create the best capsule wardrobe for your needs and budget, we asked Fifi Milne, personal shopper and editor of The FiFi Report, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a winter capsule wardrobe. FiFi is a former fashion editor and stylist and now runs the successful blog The FiFi Report as well as an Instagram where she gives guidance on building a minimal, chic and elegant wardrobe. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best products from premium to budget to help you find the best winter wardrobe essentials. We also included pieces from our own wardrobe that we’ve loved and worn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I START A WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE?
FiFi says to think about your lifestyle and the clothes you need and wear every day.
“Is it a formal corporate world you work in or do you live on a farm or work from home?” FiFi notes.
“Make a list of the key pieces you wear, the pieces you reach for every day. The pieces you ALWAYS feel good in. Then whittle it down to about 8 key pieces.”
WHAT DO I NEED IN A WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE?
According to FiFi, for most people, a winter capsule wardrobe consists of a trench, jeans, a few cream knits, a striped tee, a blouse or white shirt and a blazer.
For a cold-weather accessory, she says you need a sleek pair of loafers, sneakers, knee-high boots and kitten heels plus a chic tan leather bag or two.
Potential extras include a knit dress, pleather pants or slouchy chinos.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE?
“It means you have a more pulled-together and thought-out wardrobe,” says FiFi. “Which in turn means you have versatile pieces you can wear again and again in different ways.
This essentially means you can get dressed easily and effortlessly and always look great. According to Fifi, “When you plan your wardrobe and think about what you buy (a conscious consumer!) you don’t waste money buying silly spontaneous things that don’t work together as one cohesive look.
“It’s better for your wallet and better for the planet. Buy fewer better things.”
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I’M MISSING IN MY WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE?
“Look at your lifestyle and then think about what you need,” Fifi recommends.
“If you’re out and about at events every night you’ll need pieces to suit those occasions. If you’re a stay-at-home mum then invest in key casual pieces you can wear again and again.”
HOW CAN I WEAR TREND PIECES AND STILL HAVE A WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE?
Interestingly, Fifi says that your capsule wardrobe should be trend pieces. She says that you need to update all your classics into new modern shapes.
Her philosophy?
“You can’t wear classics forever as they date: the cut, the shape, the armhole, lapel, collar and the style of the shoulder: it all changes!
“So a trench, jeans, black pants, white tee, white shirt, blazer and a little black dress ALL change their shape over the years.
“You need to update: That’s if you want to look chic and modern.
“The good news: if you invest early in new shapes and trends you will get seasons of wear.”
IF YOU PERSONALLY HAD ONLY TO HAVE FIVE TYPES OF CLOTHING ITEMS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Fifi’s top five items include a trench coat, a camel blazer, leather baggy pants, a slouchy cream sweater and a shoulder pad white tee.
For shoes, she would pick a white shoe from flats to heels to sneakers.
“It’s my uniform (nothing wrong with that: means you know your style) and I always love wearing those pieces,” she says.
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