Winter makes us fashion-forward folk put in the work. It's the time of year when dressing truly straddles the line between being a science and an art. On one hand you're balancing proportions with cosy cardigans and jumpers, and on the other, you're calculating the probability of it raining and whether or not it's worth the risk to wear suede. Indeed, it's mental gymnastics, but with a winter capsule wardrobe you cut out quite a lot of stress.
In fact, having a family of classic and simple items sorted in your wardrobe make dressing for winter much more enjoyable. Whilst summer may be my favourite season overall, winter has undoubtedly become my favourite to dress for thanks to the formulaic nature of a capsule collection. There's a thrill that comes with finding the perfect boot-and-bag combination and I have (unofficially) become the world's biggest collector of warm coats. Dressing has become fun again, even if it's unbelievably cold outside.
If you're at a loss and less-than-impressed with your current lineup, a winter capsule will streamline your morning and make you feel confident that every outfit you pull out will be a good one. This year, there are a few new faces that have made the cut for inclusion in our capsules, such as burgundy loafers and brown suede bags. Don't worry, there are also a handful of classics still present, like wool coats and silk blouses, but a sprinkle of freshness too to help bring your looks into 2024. Get started on compiling your own wintery collection with inspiration from our favourite fashion folk, below.
Shop the Perfect Winter 2024 Capsule Wardrobe:
1. A Scarf Coat
Style Notes: As far as fashion "inventions" go, I'd say the scarf jacket has been one of the best to appear from the last few years. It just makes sense, combining two winter staples into one very chic piece. There are many variations to choose from, including Toteme's original contrast-stitch version that spurred the trend to Julie Sergent Ferreri's more minimalist, all-grey approach. Regardless what you fancy, they all look amazing, truly making them a capsule staple.
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The scarf coat that started it all.
This shorter scarf provides a unique look.
You can take off the scarf on this coat for a different look.
COS has nailed it with this leather-trimmed style this winter.
2. Indigo Jeans
Style Notes: The deepest blue jeans have been everywhere this year and to say I'm obsessed is an understatement. Now that I know how to style them, I don't think I can go back to mid or light blue. The near-black shade makes denim look infinitely more polished and sophisticated—something Kim Turkington's impeccable outfit has nailed.
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A silhouette that will never feel dated.
Perfect paired with boots, loafers or trainers.
We've tried these and can confirm they are just as good in real life as they are on site.
Barrel jeans are such a fresh shape that makes seasonal dressing feel a little more interesting.
3. Knitted Midi Dress
Style Notes: You're not beholden to solely trousers come wintertime, but it's admittedly harder to stay warm when you're in a dress. That's where cosy knit renditions become important wardrobe staples. Abisola Omole makes a case for neutral-coloured knit dresses, especially in earthy tones like cream, which work so well in winter. Take a page from her book and wear a cosy turtleneck jumper over top too.
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Style with a long wool coat or a relaxed leather jacket.
Add tights for cold winter days.
One of the trendiest colours this season.
I love the chunky cable knit of this style.
4. Brown Suede Bag
Style Notes: The slouchy suede bag has cemented itself as one of 2024's most trendy handbags and whilst they come in plenty of colours, one shade has become increasingly more popular than the rest. Brown suede is everywhere this season, and Jessica Skye's minimally chic outfit shows how much structure and subtle colour these accessories bring to the table.
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Such a timeless shape.
For when you need to carry all of your essentials—and plenty more.
A very cool structured take on the brown suede bag.
Reformation is killing it with its bag collection right now. Case in point, this tote.
5. Silk Blouse
Style Notes: When you're piled up under knits and wool coats, the sheen of silk really pops out from a winter outfit. It's the perfect thing to wear to dinner or spaces where you'll spend time indoors because in instantly elevates an outfit the minute heavy winter puffers come off. Learn from Dawn Tan's elegant look and pair it over top of a sheer skirt and add silver cuffs.
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A staple piece.
A silky finish without the price.
This printed silk top is perfect for party season (and beyond).
There are so many ways you could style this.
6. Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: You have loafers and ankle boots, but now that the cold weather has emerged, it's time for shoes with more coverage. A taller boot provides plenty of sartorial opportunities throughout the season, whether you pair it with slim-fit trousers or wear them under a knit midi dress. I love how Danielle Oreoluwa Jinadu interprets knee-high boots for winter, pairing them with an all-grey look.
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Black boots will be an eternal winter capsule staple.
A burgundy spin on patent finish boots.
The slouchy shaft and kitten heel are very modern.
Easy to walk in? Tick. Timeless? Tick. A great price? Tick. These boots have it all!
7. Cashmere Knit
Style Notes: Cashmere comes with two benefits: it looks undeniably luxe and it gives you a layer of warmth that polyester and cotton tops can't always provide. Cashmere knitwear is everywhere this season and in a much larger range of budgets than ever, from high-street shops to designer brands offering various silhouettes in the material. Monikh Dale's long cashmere jumper is a perfect pairing with looser flare trousers and a brown suede bag—another winter icon.
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Neutrals like grey are must-haves for a winter capsule.
Proof that you can stay warm and stylish.
Cashmere is also lush in cardigan form.
You can always rely on M&S for great cashmere pieces.
8. Burgundy Loafers
Style Notes: Some looks and accessories appear year after year—loafers being one of them. They may be timeless, but if you're keen to find a way to switch things up, burgundy loafers are it. Ingrid Edvinsen shows the perfect example of how to get this look right by pairing her deep red slip-ons with a tonal brown outfit, blending the season's most pertinent colours.
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The epitome of a classic style.
These stand out thanks to their hardware.
A thicker sole always catches my eye.
If you're looking to invest in a pair of loafers, Gucci always gets them right.
9. A Wool Coat
Style Notes: There are few items I can say I come back to year after year, but a wool coat is one of them. They're a pivotal piece for your wardrobe that keeps you cosy (and hides my not-so-great outfit days), but equally they're one winter capsule piece that can complete an outfit too. As Taffy Msipa proves, a long wool coat is the finishing touch for polished winter outfits.
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I've had this coat for three years now, and I wear it nearly every day during the winter.
Just stunning.
This will go with nearly any outfit.
A highly coveted investment that'll be with you for many winters to come.
