Just In: The Formula for a Truly Easy Winter Capsule Wardrobe
I'm going to make a bold claim: By creating a winter capsule wardrobe, I have genuinely managed to cut my time of getting ready in the mornings to just 30 minutes. This is great for many obvious reasons, one of which is that I can maximise my time in a warm bed.
Whether you're staying home, heading to an office or simply running out to do your errands, there are a few key elements a winter look needs in order to be both warm and practical. However, I hear you ask, can you still look good at the same time? Well, I’m here to tell you the answer is yes! And to prove this, I've narrowed down my winter wardrobe to just eight key pieces that I wear on repeat and that I know will keep me warm whatever the elements throw at me.
Want to know what they are? Keep scrolling to see how to re-create a high-performing winter wardrobe that’ll make your life (and morning routine) so much easier.
Winter 2024 Capsule Wardrobe - the Items You Need For the Season:
1. Cashmere Roll-Neck
Style Notes: A cashmere roll-neck is the ultimate versatile winter staple. Wear it under a dress, coat, knit vest or alone alongside a pleated midi skirt.
Shop the Staple:
When it comes to finding cashmere on the high-street, Uniqlo is a great place to start.
2. A Bright Knit
Style Notes: While you might want to stick with neutrals for all your other pieces, when it comes to chunky knits, you can afford to go for a bold hue. Try red (the colour of the season), lilac or green to give your outfit a bit of life. Pro tip: If you get too warm, take it off and layer it over your coat like a scarf.
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3. Loafer
Style Notes: Loafers are a shoe style that will never date, whether you style them for work, days out or more formal events. Evidently, influencers also agree.
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4. Knit Dress
Style Notes: Winter doesn't mean you need to cast aside dresses. We recommend investing in knit dresses that will keep you cosy without compromising on the style factor.
Shop the Staple:
There's nothing not to like about this dress.
5. Classic Camel Coat
Style Notes: Consider this your biggest purchase. A winter coat that you love can be worn for almost six months of the year (which is incredible for cost per wear when you think about it). They don't come more versatile than camel.
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6. Chunky Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Shoes need to do these three things in the winter: keep your feet warm, keep you from slipping and withstand the grim and slush. These tread-sole boots have got you.
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7. Midi Skirt
Style Notes: Midi skirts are just as essential for winter as they are for the warmer months. Opt for silky slip styles or leather options that work best with knitwear layered on top.
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8. Puffer Coat
Style Notes: A puffer coat is a practical winter essential, especially when many of us might still be keen to socialise alfresco. Wear alongside chunky boots and a beanie for a cosy winter look.
Shop the Staple:
You'll be grateful for this cosy puffer when the temperatures drop even further.
9. Dark Wash Denim
Style Notes: Classic blue jeans will never date, but for a more versatile style that will pair with all of the colours in your wardrobe, opt for a deeper wash like black or dark blue denim.
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10. Crossbody Bag
Style Notes: How can you resist the versatility of a crossbody bag? From popular high-street picks like COS to the luxury Loewe puzzle, this style is so easy to take from day to night.
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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.