Each January I get the urge to purge my whole wardrobe and start again – which would be a rather expensive exercise. Instead, after much window shopping and searching I have compiled a shortlist of hard-working pieces that supply a welcome refresh to a winter capsule wardrobe, without breaking the bank.
Read on for the ultimate capsule of 7 styling staples to buy now for your winter capsule wardrobe…
Your New Year wardrobe essentials
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The shearling coat
You’ve probably got the puffer and the teddy covered. But have you invested in snuggly shearling? A shearling coat is extremely versatile for a winter capsule wardrobe – that’s why almost all supermodels and fashion editors own one. It treads the line between smart and casual, and importantly they are incredibly warm.
Reserved’s faux taupe iteration will keep you cosy for many seasons to come. Add denim and a knit for an off-duty outfit, or style it up with black leather trousers and heeled boots for an edgier vibe. Throw it on over a knit dress (see the one to buy now below) or wear it with plain black leggings and long boots for an equestrian inspired look. You could even wear it out with a cocktail dress. The possibilities really are endless!
The boyfriend shirt
One thing to nail, if you haven’t already, is the effortless BF shirt look. The aim is to appear as though you have simply swiped your partner’s shirt off the hook and thrown it on with your favourite jeans. In reality, this look is much harder to achieve than you think.
Cue With Nothing Underneath: the Brit brand that has single-handedly changed the women’s shirt scene. Each classic design washes beautifully and all shirts are made specially to sit against the body with just the right amount of space around the bust (a detail you wouldn’t get if you really did just throw your boyfriend’s shirt on). I adore the clean cut Oxford shirt with hunter green stripes. Once you start buying your shirts here, you’ll never go back.
The denim
Sick of wearing ‘jeans and a nice top’? Make getting dressed much simpler by investing in a denim one-piece for your winter capsule wardrobe. This 70s-inspired, cropped sleeved jumpsuit in true blue denim is a worthy wardrobe item to covet. The zip closure keeps it contemporary and it even comes with handy belt loops, so you can accessorise it to your heart’s content. For the current cold weather layer a turtleneck in either black or white underneath – simply style it without in spring.
I would also recommend pairing this boot cut silhouette with a point toe cowboy boot to give the illusion of longer legs. Or simply slip on the following boots for a party-ready look…
White boots
One thing your winter capsule wardrobe most definitely needs this year is a pair of pristine white ankle boots. Think of it as a little update on the black boots you’ve been living in, which will work in the coming months as the temperature rises.
Mango’s block heeled pair are ultra-chic. Try pairing them with black patent leather trousers. Or wear them with cropped jeans for a casual look. The best bit? These pearly beauties go up to a size 9 – tall girls step this way!
The trousers
Wide-leg tailored trousers are the next thing to add to your basket for a winter capsule wardrobe. COS do fantastic designs at well worth it prices – I have my eye on this navy iteration. This pair is made from pure wool which makes them perfect for winter. The longer cut, with front pleats and clever darts at the back create a seriously flattering shape. Plus, they have a concealed, adjustable waist button tab so they can be worn high or low slung – major brownie points. They’re not cheap, but they will absolutely last a lifetime and before you know they will become your new go-to.
Simply style with a crisp plain shirt or t-shirt, a black belt and heels.
The colour pop bag
Bright bags are back again for 2023. If you’re a neutral dresser, adding a colour-pop accessory is the easiest way to elevate an outfit and spice up your look.
& Other Stories is one of my favourite high street haunts for bags that look far more expensive than they are. This tangerine-hued shoulder style in real leather is a steal for £85. The hobo shape makes it spacious – perfect for an umbrella, your makeup bag, purse, perfume and all the rest.
Style it with a greige head-to-toe daytime look or pair it with a knitted black dress and black heeled mules for your next night out.
The jumper (that could also be a dress)
Refreshing your knitwear is a key way to boost your style game in the New Year, as it’s likely the thing you’ve been wearing the most (and it will help keep those heating costs down).
Get two refreshes in one with this oversized, off-shoulder sweater that can double as both a jumper and a dress. This off-white colour will go with all of your existing denim – add chunky boots and the aforementioned shearling coat and you’ll be good to go.
Or simply size up, add sheer tights and long boots for a winning knit dress combination instead.
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