The 7 Piece Winter Capsule Wardrobe: What To Wear This Winter

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It certainly does seem like less is so much more. While a minimalist wardrobe has been gaining traction for a while, it seems the trend has recently gained steam and is here to stay.

If decision fatigue and feeling overwhelmed by the variety of clothing choices are a natural occurrence, a capsule wardrobe may be in your future.

The concept of curating a capsule wardrobe is nothing new, but the idea of trimming a closet to the bare essentials feels refreshing.

Winter is the season when the weather dictates the essentials for this time of year. 

Winter Capsule Wardrobe

High-quality pieces are the key to choosing winter essentials. Building winter wardrobe essentials that are timeless, will streamline the process of what to wear year after year.

Start with a roster of reliable and classic pieces that will be your go-to options – such as a wool coat and black boots.

Afterwards, introduce other items – such as an oversized scarf and tote bag – that can be swapped out season after season.

Scroll below for seven key pieces for a winter capsule wardrobe. 

1. Leather Pants

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Instagram @pollysayer

The concept of curating a capsule wardrobe is nothing new, but now more than ever, the notion of having a reliable collection of items seems timely.

Leather pants prove to be a versatile piece capable of pairing back with almost any style, and are an integral part of winter dressing.

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Instagram @hildasigurdsson

The perfect time for leather are the winter months – and these pants are edgier than typical black pants can be worn with almost any shoe – providing the silhouette works.

2. Long Coat

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Instagram @natali_nata

Not only is it practical for inclement weather, but a longline heavy coat is a true wardrobe classic that will never go out of style.

A merino wool or cashmere coat is a great investment that will remain in your closet for years. The longer and more oversized the coat, the better.

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Instagram @fakerstrom

Stick to neutral colors – camel, black or chocolate brown will always be a part of a timeless color palette. 

3. Oversized Sweater

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Instagram @cocobeautea

As the season’s temperatures continue to drop, now’s the time to hit refresh on your approach to getting dressed. The easiest way to refresh your winter outfits are with cozy sweaters.

While a neutral-colored jumper will always be a capsule necessity, a striped knit provides a pop of color on those dreary days. 

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Instagram @kayla_seah

The physical embodiment of cozy weekends near a fireplace during the depths of winter are the clothing equivalent of mohair sweaters.

Winter is full of many cozy indulgences, but nothing quite surpasses supremely soft mohair sweaters. It is winter fashion at its finest. 

4. Puffer Jacket

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Instagram @lissyroddyy

Shivering the very second you step outside? During those very cold days, you just want the warmest coat you can get your hands on – enter the puffer coat.

More than just a seasonal staple, the puffer jacket has cemented its status as a perennial fashion favorite,  evolving with different silhouettes each passing year.

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Instagram @eviwave

With a myriad of styles to choose from, the hunt for the perfect puffer can seem daunting.

Stick to black or brown shades, and choose an oversized fit to fit bulky sweaters underneath the coat for the colder months. 

5. Trousers

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Instagram @ooliviamiller

Craft a capsule wardrobe, regardless of the season, filled with timeless pieces you’ll gladly wear over and over again. 

Trousers are not only a failsafe office essential – they’re a capsule wardrobe necessity.

Select wide-leg pants that pool to the ground and coordinate with classics, such as a cashmere sweater and maxi coat, in more neutral tones.

Finish off with ankle boots or a Chelsea boot. 

The best part, wear these trousers as part of a summer capsule wardrobe. A tank top or simple white t-shirt finish off the minimalist style. 

6. Wide Leg Jeans

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Instagram @valerie.kei

Lean towards a pair of jeans that aren’t too trend-focused. A good quality pair of jeans have always stood up to the test of time.

There are few jean silhouettes out there as comfortable as ones as wide-leg jeans.

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Instagram @darjabarannik

They have a fit similar to that of a wide-leg trouser, but also the effortless appeal of blue jeans.

7. Combat Boots

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Instagram @looxlikecarrie

Equal parts practical and stylish, they are sure to add polish to dresses, skirts and denim-alike.

The best combat boots are comfortable, provide traction for those slick sidewalks, and are downright stylish.  

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Instagram @malwinaobrzut

These textured ankle boots have a rubber tread sole, perfect for those slippery days in the winter.