The Ultimate Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Here in California, women’s winter essentials reflect a need for layers that can weather unpredictable temperatures while maintaining the Golden State’s signature casual-chic aesthetic. Here are our stylists’ top suggestions for a winter capsule wardrobe that will give you hundreds of possible outfits—more than enough to see you through several winters!
Set Your Base With All-Purpose Bottoms
Like the frame of a picture, your pants should provide a base that highlights the colors and textures of whatever you wear on top. For your winter capsule wardrobe, start with a pair of jeans in a medium or dark wash and add two pairs of colored pants so that you’re covered for a variety of occasions. Your denim jeans will provide the right look for everyday wear to more formal events, while your colored jogger pants, straight-leg crop pants, or leggings will keep you comfortable at home or out and about.
Stay Nice and Warm With Long-Sleeve Tops
With varying winter temperatures, you need to be prepared for any weather with the most important women’s winter essentials: two long-sleeve tops and two button-down shirts that you can wear as standalone or layer under a sweater.
For maximum versatility in your winter capsule wardrobe, we recommend going for bright print tops that feature fun stripes or animal prints. When the sky is grey and the rain is pouring down, you’ll appreciate the splash of color.
Cozy Up With Sweatshirts and Sweaters
On those days when all you want to do is curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book, a fluffy jersey-knit sweater is an absolute must-have. Ensure that your winter capsule wardrobe is ready for changes in weather by including at least three different sweater styles:
- A striped sweater to pull over your top or shirt
- A turtleneck top for warming your neck on the coldest of days
- A long-sleeve cardigan for texture and contrast
To create a casual “peek-a-boo” effect with the collar of your shirt, we suggest wearing this piece underneath a sweater or cardigan. Turtlenecks are best combined with a long sleeve sweatshirt that sits flat underneath the outer layer.
Put on Style With a Textured Jacket
For especially cool weather or when you want to show off your flair for style, we recommend including a couple of jackets in your winter capsule wardrobe for layering over your sweatshirt or turtleneck. A smart blazer looks stunning over a fluffy turtleneck, providing a delicious contrast in color as well as texture. A shorter crop jacket can slip over a crew neck sweatshirt for a laid-back, desert-inspired look with just a bit more warmth where you need it.
Complete Your Outfit With a Pair of Boots (or Two)
The final addition to your winter capsule wardrobe should be a couple of pairs of boots that are comfortable as well as warm. Flat or low-heel ankle boots are our choice for days that you’ll be constantly on the go, while a pair of knee-highs provides an easy way to up-style skinny jeans when you’re heading out to dinner.
Style VH Women's Winter Essentials Your Way
Need more inspiration? Head over to our lookbook and find the outfits you love the most. Most importantly, be sure to take a pic of your winter capsule wardrobe once it’s done and post it on Instagram with the tag #VHMYWAY so that other Velvet Heart customers can see how you’re getting your California-chic on in the winter!
