Winter capsule wardrobe
Thirty-three pieces built on layering, warm fabrics and one or two hard-working coats.
Key points
- Layer: thermal, knit, coat.
- Wool can be aired, not washed, between wears.
- Two or three coats do most of the visible work.
Winter capsules work on layering: a few warm base pieces, knits that go over everything, and one or two coats that do most of the visible work.
Fabrics that earn their place
- Wool and merino: warm, breathable and can be aired rather than washed after each wear.
- Heavier cotton (flannel, cord, denim) for bottoms and shirts.
- Thermal base layers under everyday clothes make thin pieces work in the cold.
The 33 pieces
| Group | Pieces |
|---|---|
| Tops (10) | 3 long-sleeve tees or thermals, 2 shirts (one flannel), 3 knits, 1 roll neck, 1 cardigan |
| Bottoms (6) | 2 jeans, 2 wool or heavier trousers, cord trousers, knit or wool skirt |
| Dresses (2) | knit dress, one dressier dress |
| Outerwear (5) | wool coat, puffer or parka, blazer, rain shell, overshirt |
| Shoes (5) | waterproof boots, chelsea or ankle boots, trainers, loafers, a dressier pair |
| Accessories (5) | wool scarf, hat, gloves, belt, everyday bag |
Outfit ideas
- Roll neck, wool trousers, chelsea boots, wool coat
- Flannel shirt, jeans, cardigan, waterproof boots, parka
- Knit dress, tights, ankle boots, scarf, wool coat
- Thermal, knit, cord trousers, trainers, puffer
- Shirt, fine knit, wool trousers, loafers, blazer
Care in winter
- Air wool overnight instead of washing; brush coats after wet days.
- Waterproof leather boots at the start of the season.
- Store knits folded, not hung, to keep their shape.
See also the seasonal capsules guide for switching between seasons.
