Our Stories
How to Build a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
With the change of seasons, it's the perfect time to start thinking about building a winter capsule wardrobe.
Bringing together classic silhouettes, quality fabrications and a timeless colour palette, a strong capsule wardrobe is curated with longevity in mind, allowing it to be enjoyed for years to come.
While the aim is to simplify your outfitting, a good capsule wardrobe embraces the style of the wearer, taking into account your lifestyle and personal preferences.
To help curate a wardrobe that lasts, we've created a guide to perfect your winter capsule wardrobe.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
Think of a capsule wardrobe as the foundations or building blocks of your outfits—the essential pieces you reach for time and time again. Embracing a less-is-more approach, the aim of a capsule wardrobe is to create a streamlined edit of your favourite pieces that can live on season to season.
For some, that might mean favouring muted tones and neutral pieces, while for others it could be about embracing bold colour. The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that it's unique to your personal style, with one golden rule: Quality over quantity.
By investing in fewer pieces that are designed to last, you're able to reduce clutter while also making more mindful purchases.
How to build a capsule wardrobe
A few simple steps will help guide you in creating a capsule wardrobe that lasts.
First, consider your personal style. Create a moodboard of outfits you like, then think about what ties them together—do you favour oversized silhouettes or slim-fitting cuts? Do you lean towards neutrals or bold colours? Establishing some ground rules at the beginning will help to reduce impulse purchases that don't fit with your overall aesthetic later.
Next, take stock of your existing wardrobe—there's no need to start from scratch. What pieces are you reaching for and what do you feel is missing? From there, you can start to think about the items you want to add, keep or donate.
Once you've organised your current wardrobe, you're ready to start building. Read on to discover our edit of six essential items to find in every winter capsule.
The Classic Coat
The hardest working piece in any winter wardrobe, a well-crafted coat is something that will stay with you forever, and should feel relevant season after season. Since it's an investment piece, we recommend opting for a classic silhouette in a subdued tone that won't date quickly. Instead, you can add colour into your look with smaller, seasonal styles like shoes, bags and accessories.
When choosing a coat, take note of the fabric composition. Natural fibres such as wool will guarantee warmth and comfort, while ensuring your coat stands the test of time. Try to opt for pure wool or wool blends for a design that doesn't compromise on quality.
Shop coats
The Cashmere Knit
When deciding on knitwear for your winter wardrobe, there are many fibres, textures and silhouettes to choose from. Investing in a luxurious fibre like cashmere has many benefits—it's known for its soft yet lightweight properties, and is a delicate yet durable fibre, making it perfect for capsule dressing. Opting for a roll neck or high mock neck knit means it can layer seamlessly under blazers, coats and cardigans, too.
Extend the life of your knitwear pieces by always following the care instructions, and store flat to prevent them from stretching out of shape. Knitwear is delicate in nature, and may pill over time. You can always invest in a knitwear comb to reduce pilling as it occurs.
Shop knits
The Pencil Skirt
A signature style perfect for the working week, a pencil skirt helps to create an elegant look that can transition from workdays to evenings with ease. With a variety of fabrications and colours to choose from, consider the occasion you'll get the most wear out of yours. You might prefer a black pencil skirt for days in the office, or a denim style for more relaxed wear on weekends. Opt for a minimal design for a silhouette that can be enjoyed this winter and beyond.
Shop skirts
The Cardigan
A winter wardrobe basic, a cardigan is a simple way to incorporate colour and texture into your outfits. The perfect in-between layer, a lightweight cardigan sits neatly under outerwear, while adding extra warmth to cool winter days. Alternatively, it can be worn as a knit jumper or unbuttoned for more relaxed looks. When choosing a cardigan, opt for a wool blend for a layer that's light yet warm, and consider brushed yarns to add texture and interest to your wardrobe.
Shop cardigans
The Scarf
Ideal for adding an element of texture, a scarf is the perfect blend of form and function. Use it to complement the tones of your outfit, or introduce new colours and fabrics. When it comes to length, choosing a longer design will give you more freedom to experiment—simply loop the scarf to add volume and warmth on the shoulders, or leave it unwrapped to elongate your winter look. To maximise versatility, go for a two-tone scarf and create multiple looks.
Shop scarves
The Winter Boot
Embracing colour and trend through footwear is a simple way to keep your wardrobe updated. A winter boot adds polish and interest to a look, and arguably gets the most wear out of any winter capsule item. When experimenting with colour or texture, opt for a simple silhouette such as a tall boot for a timeless investment. Choosing a quality material such as leather will ensure your footwear lasts—to extend the life of your pieces even longer, make sure you purchase a care kit or leather conditioner.
Shop boots
