A Winter Capsule Edit (#009)
staying stylish when it's cold
For my Northern Hemisphere friends, a winter capsule wardrobe - something you could use as a companion to the workwear edit I shared in January. Out of pure habit, I almost always find myself reaching for deeper, moodier tones when there’s a change in weather. My style a reflection of gloomy days, grey skies, and the puddles we are skipping past on the sidewalk.
The colour palette inspired by the poll I did on Instagram, where the colour “green” came out on top. Making do with what I have, I’ve centred this palette around a deep mossy green (though how fun would a vibrant verdant green be?). Pairing it with chocolate brown, and black accessories. If you’re after a slightly brighter winter capsule, then you may like to check out this one I shared last year.
Layering in the winter time is key, but as is having different textures to play with. I think, the perfect opportunity to add in an element of shine (through patent or silk pieces) - there’s a way that these sorts of pieces catch the light which adds a bit of a lightness to your look.
And a reminder that some of the best outfits are often those where you think outside the box. Don’t feel like wearing your sweater as intended? Why not turn it into a makeshift cape? Try a funky little side tuck. Use your favourite knit as a scarf.
Also, knee high boots are a brilliant staple to have . Chic worn with a mini skirt but also hugely practical as they add another layer of warmth to the legs. If you opt for a reasonably slim style, you should be able to wear them with most straight leg trousers, too!
The following ten pieces make up this winter capsule:
4x tops (a lightweight long-sleeve for layering, 2 sweaters, and a blouse)
3x bottoms (a maxi length skirt, a pair of jeans, and a straight leg pant)
1x coat (midi or maxi length)
2x shoes (ankle booties and a knee high boot)
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the ten items
#1 | Oversized mock neck sweater: A great option for those that want the base of their neck covered, but find a turtleneck is just a little bit too much fabric. In a loose style that falls to the hips that is easy to tuck. Pictured: Everlane
Alternatives (priced low to high): Abercrombie&Fitch | Quince | & Other Stories | J.Crew | Jenni Kayne
#2 | Fitted long sleeve top: Think of this as a base layer that looks great when worn on its own, but also functions well under knitwear or shirts. Anything in merino or cotton is ideal as it’ll keep you warm while still being breathable. Pictured: Arket
Alternatives (priced low to high): Kotn | SKIMS | COS | Madewell | Sezane | La Saison Sportive (15% off with mademoiselle15)
#3 | Oversized turtleneck sweater: More exaggerated than the mock neck, this has additional length through the body as well as being cut wider too. Looks very chic when worn with hair up in a bun. Pictured: Grana
Alternatives (priced low to high): Lilysilk | Naadam | Vince | Jenni Kayne | Toteme
#4 | Long sleeve blouse: Take this as your cue to opt for something dramatic. With lace, ruffles, or in my case, wide bell sleeves with a slit at the cuff. Pictured: Ellery (old)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M | A.L.C | COS | Pleats Please Issey Miyake | MMUSOMAXWELL
#5 | Maxi length skirt: You could easily raise the stakes on the formality level by going with a full length trouser skirt, but wool knit skirts, patent, or even a silk maxi will all add in some fun texture to your outfit. Just make sure that the style is easy to move around in - we want to be comfortable when we are all bundled up! Pictured: Quince
Alternatives (priced low to high): DISSH | Vince Camuto | Everlane | Sezane | Ganni
#6 | Straight leg pants: Specifically for the purpose of being able to layer underneath. Outfits tend to be imbued with a lot more volume during winter so this allows us to have balanced proportions that aren’t extreme polar opposites. Pictured: UNIQLO
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M | Mango | DISSH | Everlane | COS
#7 | A pair of jeans: If you want to layer thermals underneath, I recommend going with a straight or wide leg pair. Something full length that you can tuck your boots into. Pictured: Weekday
Alternatives (priced low to high): Assembly Label | & Other Stories | DISSH | Madewell | Loewe
#8 | A midi or maxi length coat: The type of coat you choose will depend on your climate, and what you need to get out of it, but a longer coat being the practical option here. Wrap styles are fun as you can interchange the belt with another style from your own closet. Pictured: The Curated
Alternatives (priced low to high): Mango | Elka Collective | Goelia (25% off with JAMIE25) | By Malene Birger | Facade Pattern
#9 | Ankle booties: Something highly walkable in a neutral colour. You can also play around with texture - mine are knitted, but matte leather, patent/high shine with crinkle. Alternatively if the rest of your capsule is neutral, you could use this as a statement maker piece. Pictured: VIVAIA (15% off with BFMJ)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Sam Edelman | & Other Stories | Sezane | Everlane | Margaux
#10 | Knee high boots: Consider these your secret weapon to helping beat the chill. I’ll usually wear mine with skirts so I can have a seamless line, but they are great under trousers too (especially when layered with thermals!). Pictured: Arket (available in the US here)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Sam Edelman | H&M | Tony Bianco | Stuart Weitzman | Staud
the outfits
the accessories
The cherry on top. Sometimes the defining feature of our outfits. Accessories. One outfit can be transformed into many when you combine styling tips and tricks with different shoes, belts, hats or jewellery.
I tend to prefer a larger bag in the winter, mostly so I can stash an extra sweater, my scarf, hat, gloves etc inside when I’m not wearing them. This one here is from Demellier and it’s ludicrously capacious. I love the little belted detail at the front.
Because less of our skin is on show (well, really none at all!), I feel like this gives us purchase to go bold with accessories. A large, chunky earring is typically my pick, to balance out against oversized knitwear. Also love a bold ring, anything with a gemstone in that carries a bit of weight. My favourites for this sort of thing? Pamela Card (10% off with JAMIELEE10) for her stunning earrings, Adornmonde for their chunky - and weighty - necklaces and earrings, and Mejuri (10% off with this link) for their modern yet elegant designs. Also special mention goes to Karen Walker if you want something more unique.
Final accessories to add in are a great scarf (mine is old Everlane but this one is similar), a range of fun hats (this one is Polene), gloves (mine are my mum’s old pair, but these are STUNNING), and a mix of textured belts to add in extra visual interest (these are from Alexander McQueen and Andersons).