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How To Build A Winter Capsule Wardrobe

December 10, 2017

By:

Erin Schrader

Ahh, the beloved capsule wardrobe is back. You may recall when we put together a fall capsule wardrobe and you all loved it so much, we thought we would do it again! With a new season in full swing, it’s time to transition out of lighter layers and get a little heavier with things…something about those negative temperatures and inches upon inches of snow. The good news is, creating a winter capsule wardrobe is super easy and can easily be done with items already hanging in your closet!

If you aren’t familiar with what a capsule wardrobe is, I’ll quickly explain – a capsule wardrobe is where you take several pieces (15-20) that all work together within your wardrobe to interchange and get creative with. The point behind a capsule wardrobe is to minimize the number of items you have on hand while maximizing the number of ways you can wear each piece. From a creativity standpoint, it’s awesome – a capsule wardrobe will force you to be more intentional about making sure all items work together in multiple ways, which really will make you feel like you have a closet full of options with just a few pieces! This not only creates a lot less headache and time in the morning when deciding what to wear but also saves you money as well. I think we can agree that we like saving on all of the above.

This time around we went with a black and gray color trend with pops of leopard, green and burgundy. All winter appropriate while still adding an element of fun and super easy to mix and match. For this capsule, we included one basic tee, two button-up tops, two sweaters, one dressier top, one dress, two pairs of pants, one pair of leggings, one jacket, one scarf, one handbag and three pairs of shoes. With just these 16 items we were able to come up with 25+ different looks for both work and play. Curious what pieces we chose for our capsule? Here you have em’!

  • Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee – These are my favorite basic and layering long sleeve tees. Mostly because the price is insane [$15 or under] and also because of how soft and comfortable they are. The length is perfection [bonus – you can order in petite, regular or tall] and they have a ton of color options! I went with the trusted black and white stripe because just about anything goes with that color combo. This top is super cute alone, under a sweater, with a scarf, with leggings or jeans! I find these to run true to size and I order in small.
  • American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt – These are my favorite plaid flannels on the planet! If you haven’t tried one yet, you must. They are called Ahh-mazingly soft for a reason, they are just that! I would recommend sizing up on these, I wear in small but could almost do a medium. Also a great price point [currently under $25] and available in a variety of colors. We went with the cream color for this capsule!
  • 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt – The search for the perfect denim shirt is officially over! This baby is the perfect shade of denim, fits great and can be worn a million different ways! I like that it is a little lighter for the fact that most of my denim jeans are darker so it’s easily to wear together. I find these true to size and wear in small. Also on sale right now!
  • Ribbed Choker Top – This is a similar version to the one in the photos [currently sold out], however you will still get the same look and use out of the one linked! I love the look that the choker tops offer – a tad bit more fun and sexy for nights out than a regular crewneck shirt! Again, great alone or underneath sweaters, with leggings or jeans!
  • Raglan Cable Knit Sweater – No winter capsule would be complete without a go-to basic cable knit sweater. These sweaters from GAP are nice and warm and come in a variety of colors. I would size up on these. I am wearing in small but could almost do a medium for length! On sale right now as well. We chose the heather gray for this capsule.
  • Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan – It wouldn’t be a complete capsule without a cardigan! My love for these tie sleeve cardigans runs deep [more colors available here]. We went with the green ponderosa to add a pop of color into the capsule [bonus, the green is on sale!] and I ordered in XS petite for 5’4. I would size down in these!
  • Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress – If you are in need of a great basic black dress for winter, look no further! For under $30, you can’t beat this one! This is most definitely a work appropriate dress but can also be dressed down as well. True to size, I wear this in small.
  • Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans – Adding a basic pair of really comfortable jeans into your capsule wardrobe is an absolute must. I went with these jeans as they are just that, super comfortable, and I love the darker wash on these! I would recommend sizing down on these!
  • Old Navy Rockstar Pull-On Leggings, Gray – This is a similar pair compared to what I am wearing here [mine are from American Eagle and currently out of stock] however, if I know anything about the pull-on leggings at Old Navy is that they are awesome. Gray is a great color to add into your winter capsule wardrobe as so much will go with them!
  • Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings – Yes, yes and yes! These leggings truly are incredible. Super flattering, super comfortable, hold you in at all of the right places, offer the perfect amount of pizazz to any outfit and can easily be dressed up or down as you’ll see below! I would size up on these, I wear them in small!
  • Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot – For our basic boot, we went with these as they are a nice streamlined and classic look that are super easy to pair with anything. I love that they aren’t bulky and look just as good with leggings as they do with jeans! I find them to run true to size.
  • SOREL – Joan Of Arctic Wedge Mid Women’s Waterproof Boots – I couldn’t create a capsule wardrobe without including my favorite pair of Sorel boots! I would highly recommend having a pair of waterproof boots in your winter wardrobe as you will most likely be making your way through snow at some point during the next several months. The pair I am wearing in these photos are the kettle major color. I do find them to run true to size!
  • Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes – The perfect pump! I have owned these for years in the classic black and they remain my constant go-to for a closed toe heel. They are so comfortable and stay in great shape for a long time! I love the leopard print on these and the pop of fun they bring to any look! I find them true to size.
  • Women’s Larry Levine Faux Fur Trim Hooded Jacket – Because having a winter coat is a must in the winter [especially if you live in the great state of Indiana like I do] we chose this baby! Plenty warm and looks great for work or play. I am wearing in the eggplant color which you’ll see below. I would size down if in between, I ordered in small but would prefer it in XS.
  • Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag – When creating a capsule wardrobe, finding items that are reversible are key! This bag can either be solid black or this fun leopard print that I am loving! Depending on the outfit, flip it inside out and you’re ready to roll! Plenty big to hold everything you need this winter season!
  • Mix No. 6 Women’s Cozy Infinity Scarf – This one is very similar to the one you’ll see below [mine is BP brand from Nordstrom but currently sold out]. Infinity scarves remain my favorite because they are so easy to wear, just wrap and go! The black/red color combo paired perfectly with the other pieces in this capsule!
  • Women’s Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks – These aren’t technically a part of the capsule, but I thought I would mention as you will see them paired with the Sorel boots. Having an incredibly soft and warm pair of cozy socks is a must for the winter and I highly, highly recommend these!
  • Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace – Last but not least, incorporate a few pieces of your favorite jewelry and you’re ready to roll! I love the ease and look of tassel necklaces! This a great option for under $30!

Alright, now that we have all of the pieces that we are working with – here’s a ton of ways we found to style them all together [don’t worry, there are even more options that we didn’t cover due to the length of this post!] Sit back, relax and be amazed at the outfit possibilities from such a small selection of items!

First up – Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee Outfit One [At The Office] – Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Outfit Two [A Day At The Mall] – Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

Outfit Three [Travel Day] – Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Outfit Four [Casual Night Out] – Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // Mix No. 6 Women’s Cozy Infinity Scarf // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings //  Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Outfit Five [Family Christmas Gathering] – Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Old Navy Rockstar Pull-On Leggings, Gray // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

2. American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt
Look One [Day of Errands] – American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Look Two [Dinner And A Movie] – American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Raglan Cable Knit Sweater // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // SOREL – Joan Of Arctic Wedge Mid Women’s Waterproof Boots // Women’s Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks

Look Three [Casual Friday at Work] – American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

Look Four [Cutting Down The Christmas Tree] – American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Mix No. 6 Women’s Cozy Infinity Scarf // SOREL – Joan Of Arctic Wedge Mid Women’s Waterproof Boots // Women’s Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks

3. 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt
Look One [Beer Tasting Tour] – 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // Old Navy Rockstar Pull-On Leggings, Gray // SOREL – Joan Of Arctic Wedge Mid Women’s Waterproof Boots // Women’s Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks

Look Two [Family Gathering] – 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

Look Three [At The Office] – 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress // Mix No. 6 Women’s Cozy Infinity Scarf // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Look Four [Casual Night Out] – 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Look Five [Shopping Day] – 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

4. Ribbed Choker TopLook One [Girls Night Out] – Ribbed Choker Top // Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Look Two [Christmas Dinner Party] – Ribbed Choker Top // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

Look Three [Day Date] – Ribbed Choker Top // Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

5. Raglan Cable Knit Sweater Look One [Dinner And A Movie] – Raglan Cable Knit Sweater // American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // SOREL – Joan Of Arctic Wedge Mid Women’s Waterproof Boots // Women’s Barefoot Dreams Cozychic Socks

Look Two [Christmas Caroling] – Raglan Cable Knit Sweater // American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Larry Levine Faux Fur Trim Hooded Jacket // Old Navy Rockstar Pull-On Leggings, Gray // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Look Three [Casual Friday at the Office] – Raglan Cable Knit Sweater // 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Look Four [Coffee Date] – Raglan Cable Knit Sweater // American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Old Navy Rockstar Pull-On Leggings, Gray // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

6. Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve CardiganLook One [Girls Night Out] – Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Ribbed Choker Top // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Look Two [Family Christmas Gathering]  – Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // Luxe Curved-Hem Crew-Neck Tee// Old Navy Rockstar Pull-On Leggings, Gray // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Look Three [Casual Friday at Work] – Women’s Halogen Lightweight Tie Sleeve Cardigan // American Eagle Outfitters AE Ahh-Mazingly Soft Flannel Boyfriend Shirt // Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Ankle Skimmer Jeans // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag

7. Ponte-Knit Sheath DressLook One [At The Office] – Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress // 1969 Denim Fitted Boyfriend Shirt // Mix No. 6 Women’s Cozy Infinity Scarf // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Look Two [Business Meeting] – Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress // Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes // Merona Women’s Small Reversible Tote Handbag // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

Look Three [Christmas Eve Church Service] – Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Mix No. 6 Women’s Cozy Infinity Scarf // Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

Look Four [Date Night] – Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress // Women’s Spanx Faux Leather Leggings // Sam Edelman – Hazel Women’s Shoes // Chain Tassel Pendant Necklace

And there we have it friends! Your winter wardrobe, done! Hopefully this post was helpful and easily showed how you can take one piece and wear it a plethora of ways! Have you tried a capsule wardrobe before? If so, how did you like it?

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