Winter Capsule Wardrobe: Simplify Your Wardrobe to Save You Time & Money
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If you’re like most women who like to look presentable every day, you’ve probably felt overwhelmed by getting dressed, and you’re not alone. One study found that the average woman spends over 100 hours deciding what to wear yearly!
At the end of last year, I create a Plus Size Fall Capsule Wardrobe blog post to help you simplify your daily routine. Today I have my Plus Size Winter Capsule Wardrobe! A winter season capsule wardrobe can be the perfect solution for busy ladies who want to look their best without spending hours shopping or picking out outfits.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the following:
- Explain the concept of a capsule wardrobe and its benefits
- Outline what outfits go in a winter capsule wardrobe
- Share how many pieces are typically in a winter capsule wardrobe
- Offer tips on how to put together a winter capsule wardrobe
- Encouragement to create your winter capsule wardrobe
What is a winter capsule wardrobe?
A winter capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits in the colder months. Choosing versatile pieces that work well together is the key to a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe can be a great way to save money and space and simplify getting dressed each day.
When creating a winter capsule wardrobe, you’ll undoubtedly include some of the same items from your plus-size fall capsule wardrobe, but we’ll be tweaking it a bit for colder temperatures and icy, wet weather.
What are the benefits of a capsule wardrobe?
The benefits of a winter capsule wardrobe are saving money, space and time. Plus, abandoning fast fashion leaves a smaller carbon footprint on the Earth.
Save Money
There are many benefits to having a capsule wardrobe. One advantage is that it can save you money. When you have a limited number of items, you are less likely to buy or make unnecessary purchases. You are also more likely to take better care of the pieces you have.
Saves Space in Your Home
Another benefit of a capsule wardrobe is that it takes up less space. If you live in a small apartment or travel often, you know how important it is to be able to pack light. You can easily fit everything into one suitcase or carry-on bag with a capsule wardrobe.
It Saves You Time!
Finally, a capsule wardrobe can help simplify your life. If you have fewer clothes, you will spend less time deciding what to wear daily. This can give you more time to focus on things like your job or hobbies.
What should be in a winter capsule wardrobe?
Your wardrobe should be as unique as your life! Depending on how much “professional” style clothing is needed, add or remove options that complement the rest of your lifestyle – from loungewear and athleticwear for leisure activities to all-important work clothes for success. Make sure it fits perfectly with everything about YOU!
If you are considering creating a capsule wardrobe, start by taking inventory of your clothing. See if any items could be versatile and work with multiple outfits. Then slowly add new pieces as needed. Choose quality over quantity; it’s better to have a few well-made items you love.
Winter capsule wardrobe essentials can be mixed and matched to create various looks. The key is to choose versatile pieces you can wear in multiple ways. Sticking with mostly neutrals and adding a pop of color is a great way to do this. For example, a bright-pink blazer looks great dressed up or down, and it can be worn with jeans, t-shirts and leggings to make several different outfits.
You’ll also want to consider your work commute and exercise regime. While I didn’t include a list of my favorite exercise pieces or loungewear (because they don’t change by season for me personally), you might want to consider if you’ll need warmer gear, thicker socks or a lounging hoodie.
Additionally, add the things you really love to wear. If you love tall boots, a shearling coat and a turtleneck top, they should be on your list of items. Use mine as a guide! Without further ado, here’s my list!
My Winter Wardrobe Capsule List
As a plus size fashion blogger, every link is to a plus size option. However, most pieces are also available in straight sizes and this winter capsule wardrobe works for any size.
8 Tops
- Basic Short-Sleeve White Tee
- Basic Short-Sleeve Black Tee
- Knit Camisole
- Cardigan
- Blazer
- Oversized Sweater
- Long-sleeve black bodysuit
- Dressy Top
5 Bottoms
1 Dress
- White Sneakers
- Brown or Black Chelsea Boots
- Ankle Boots with a Heel
- Water-proof boots
- Neutral Loafer
Accessories
How many pieces are in a winter capsule wardrobe?
When it comes to capsule wardrobes, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The number of pieces in your winter capsule wardrobe will depend on various factors, including your climate, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
If you live in a colder climate, you’ll likely need more pieces in your capsule wardrobe to keep you warm and stylish all season long. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three layers (a base layer, a mid-layer, and an outer layer) for every outfit. For example, pair a long-sleeved tee with a cozy sweater and a waterproof jacket. On milder days, eliminate a layer!
Your lifestyle will also influence how many pieces you need in your winter capsule wardrobe. You can get away with fewer pieces if you have a more casual lifestyle. But if you have a busy social calendar or you tend to dress up for work, you’ll need more options to keep your outfits looking fresh.
Finally, it’s essential to consider your style when choosing the number of pieces for your winter capsule wardrobe. You can get by with just a few core pieces if you prefer a more minimalistic look. But if you like experimenting with different styles and trends, you’ll need more items to create different looks.
So how many pieces should be in your winter capsule wardrobe?
It varies depending on your unique circumstances, but mine has 28. The typical winter capsule wardrobe will have around 20-30 pieces (including shoes and accessories), so you have enough options to mix and match without feeling overwhelmed by your closet.
How do you put together a winter wardrobe?
When creating a capsule wardrobe, the key is to focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to have a smaller selection of high-quality pieces you love and will often wear than a closet full of clothes you never wear. With that said, here are some tips on how to put together a winter capsule wardrobe:
1. Start with the basics.
Every capsule wardrobe should start with the basics – think tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Once you have these items sorted, you can start thinking about adding more trend-focused pieces.
2. Choose versatile pieces.
When picking items for your capsule wardrobe, choosing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with other things is essential. Stick to neutral colors like black, white, and gray, as these colors are easier to mix and match.
3. Invest in quality pieces.
Since you’ll be wearing your capsule wardrobe items repeatedly, it’s crucial to invest in quality pieces that will last. Look for items made from high-quality materials like wool, cashmere, and leather.
4. Accessorize wisely.
Accessories are a great way to add a touch of personality to your outfit without going overboard. Stick to a few signature accessories that you can mix and match with different outfits, such as a statement necklace or pair of earrings, a scarf or belt, and a couple of rings or bracelets.
5. Edit your capsule wardrobe regularly.
Your taste and style will change over time, so you must edit your capsule wardrobe regularly to ensure it still reflects your style. Regarding your winter capsule wardrobe, make sure your outerwear is still in good condition. Swap your jeans for accessories.
The Do’s & Don’ts of a Winter Capsule Wardrobe
Do’s
- Buy pieces in warmer materials like wool and fleece
- Shop your closet first and see what similar items you can make work
- Think creatively about how you can incorporate your favorite pieces
- Take your time shopping for accessories and timeless pieces
- In preparation for next year, buy winter staples at the end of the season
- Choose colors that you love and match the majority of your items
Don’ts
- Think you need a new complete wardrobe
- Buy things that are fashion trends if you don’t like them
- Buy or keep items that don’t fit your current personal style
Make a Plan
As a plus-size woman, shopping can be fun and exciting when you have the right plan. Take stock of what’s in your wardrobe first – identify basic tops with many different pants and jackets to ensure any outfit looks stylish.
Try selecting neutral colors, so they mix well with virtually anything! Then really let yourself shine by adding accessories; it’s often where most options are available for girls who wear larger sizes. Keep an eye out online or while window shopping – keep track of what styles you love best on your favorite app wishlist feature!
Start Building Your Winter Capsule Wardrobe Today.
If you’re like most people, your wardrobe consists of a hodgepodge of clothes you’ve accumulated over the years. But what if there was a way to streamline your closet and make getting dressed daily a breeze? That’s where the capsule wardrobe comes in.
To help you out, I created this Winter Capsule Wardrobe Checklist that you can download and keep as a guide. Take it to your closet and play around with what you already have. My guess is that you have more than you think and can get started without spending a ton of money.
