Every time the cold weather comes around I find myself reaching for the same things in my closet. I’d say it’s the one season where I have a good capsule wardrobe of the essentials and have finally mastered layering. Since we don’t have a long winter season in the south, my winter wardrobe is definitely minimal, but it gets the job done. Now if only I can apply that to the rest of the year because I tend to go overboard in the spring and summer.
There are certain winter wardrobe essentials that I just love to bring out year after year. Cozy scarves like this White + Warren cashmere one (it is SO cozy) to my go-to chunky turtleneck. And of course, fun coats to brighten up dreary winter days. Every winter, these pieces help me feel put together and warm. A win-win! This is one of those winter outfits I tend to have on repeat. Having classic winter favorites will allow you to get tons of use out of them year after year.
To ensure you have all the things to finish off winter strong and stylish, here are a few of my favorite essentials to have for a complete winter capsule wardrobe. Winter fashion doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. A few essentials to get you through that cold season will have a big impact on being toasty warm and stylish.
Winter Wardrobe Classics
Cozy Sweaters
I did this BIG post on all the best sweaters for fall and winter here. But hands down, finding a great turtleneck that’s super warm is key for when I dress for winter weather. For added warmth, I like to add a thin long sleeve tee underneath. Makes a HUGE difference in staying warm and toasty! Having a great collection of sweaters makes a huge difference in your winter wardrobe-essentials. For classics, stick to solid colors, as well as fits and silhouettes that you truly love and feel your best in. They’ll last you years. There are definitely popular or traditional styles and prints when it comes to winter sweaters, so stick to your personal style to ensure you invest in pieces you’ll wear forever.
Quality Scarf
A big cozy scarf that’s made of quality material like cashmere to me is 100% worth the investment. They’re insanely luxurious and can be worn as a pashmina to weddings and events. And they’re great as a travel wrap. I can’t recommend this White + Warren one enough that I’m wearing. Yes, it is pricey, but it is SO worth it. Makes for a great gift too. Scarves help to keep your neck and ears nice and warm which really can make or break your mood if you’re stuck outside in the bitter cold. Grab a scarf in a classic color that works with your closet’s current color palette. For me, that is a good gray scarf. But classic black works well too, or a great earthy tone like burgundy or olive if you’re more into those hues.
PS Check out 4 ways to tie and knot one of these for any occasion.
Flattering Coat
When you find a good coat, it can truly last you YEARS and stand the test of time. This is great since they can be a big investment sometimes. A good winter coat should be flattering for your shape, warm and also work with most of your wardrobe. From the office to cocktails, to just casual day to day looks. A good neutral color is a great idea too to ensure you don’t get sick of it. Plus, one that can work for many occasions is always ideal. I like a good plaid coat for the season and then always having a solid color that you can get a lot of use out of is perfection. I’m also a big fan of a puffer jacket to stay extra warm.
Winter Boots
Nothing is more miserable than having cold feet. Warm winter boots make all the difference in staying warm. I vote for waterproof ones so you don’t have to worry about them. Tons of great styles to choose from that don’t look like a snow boot either which is my favorite winter style tip. There’s no need for a hideous snow boot unless you live somewhere with tons and tons of snow. And for added warmth, try a waterproof knee-high boot. I like to wear a good knee high boot over my skinny jeans because it helps to keep out that wind. It’ll help to keep your legs even warmer!
Gloves
I think one of the most overlooked winter accessories especially for folks who don’t live in truly freezing climates, are gloves. I wear mine often even here in Atlanta because it makes such a difference in my body temperature. Whether you just go super basic in a knit glove or upgrade to something a bit more luxurious like a leather glove, either way, this is a winter staple I would not take for granted! And with this being such an easy and affordable accessory, it’s a no-brainer to me to have a few options to pull from.
