With the turn of each season comes a wave of new fashion trends that can be almost dizzying to keep up with. As the trend cycle continues to move faster than ever, many are turning to a capsule wardrobe to remain stylish without succumbing to one-wear splurges and flash fads.
With winter comes more layering and a more curated approach to styling, so where does one start when creating a winter capsule wardrobe? For Viktoria & Woods’ Margie Woods it all begins with a great coat.
“I work from the outer layer in, a really significant coat is a must,” Margie tells ELLE Australia.
“When I say significant I mean either really beautifully tailored with a sharp shoulder, or something in a premium fabrication that holds its shape and makes you feel strong and in control.”
For Breeana Smith, Co-Founder at L’idée Woman, said coat comes in the form of a ‘90s Matrix-esque longline leather number.
“In winter, I tend to wear only black or grey. I find a good quality longline leather jacket polishes and refines any look, even if you’re racing out to the supermarket in a tracksuit,” Breeana says.
Designer and founder of eponymous label, Courtney Zheng, agrees.
“A leather or shearling jacket or coat can make you look sophisticated, even if you’re wearing activewear or a tracksuit underneath.”
Once you’ve found the right coat to form the cornerstone of your winter capsule wardrobe, you need to ace your base.
“I would say a pantsuit that can be dressed up or down (I’m specifically referring to a trainer and cap), tanks that fit you really well in quantities of two or three, and black turtlenecks in equal measure,” Margie explains.
For Alina Barlow, Founder of Alinka Fine Jewellery, a Katie Holmes–inspired sultry cardi is also an essential to fight the chill while looking chic.
“I am currently into low V-neck cardigans, from Khaite to Scanlan Theodore, there is nothing better for me right now; I feel sexy, warm, and stylish wearing them. Not to mention, they go with almost every piece of my winter wardrobe from skinny pants, to wide leg jeans, to long or short skirts.”
For Henne co-founder, Nadia Bartel, it’s the cardigan’s versatility that has seen it become one of this season’s must-haves and a capsule wardrobe hero.
“A fluffy cardigan is essential; It can be worn as a top, draped over your shoulders, or layered over a baby tee for added warmth and style,” she tells us.
“A good pair of black loafers is crucial, too. They are classic, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.”
How To Build A Capsule Wardrobe In Australia?
Starting a capsule wardrobe is about laying the right foundations and securing some key staple pieces for yourself.
Dissh Creative Lead & Designer, Ellen Stone recommends “A good quality t-shirt for layering, a classic knitted sweater, blue jeans, a skort, and a tailored trouser.”
How Do You Make A Capsule Wardrobe Feel On-Trend?
Giving your capsule wardrobe an update each season is as simple as investing in key accessories. From jewellery to shoes, this is your space to play with trends and breathe new life into your treasured staples.
“Accessories have the power to completely change the look,” Ellen tells us. “Play with gold or silver chunky jewellery, add stockings to elevate a shorter hemline, and trade ballet flats for slingbacks for day to night dressing.”
Leaning into layering (easily done in the winter) and creating interesting new combinations can also make a loved item feel fresh.
“Layering is a key technique I use to reinvent my pieces; I love the look of a shirt peeking out from under a jumper or the cozy appeal of a fluffy scarf adding depth to an outfit,” Nadia says.
What To Buy For A Winter Capsule Wardrobe
01
Bardot, Vegan Leather Trench Coat
$109 (ususally $229) at The Iconic
A fitted leather trench delivers on luxury and drama and looks as elegant worn with relaxed jeans as it does with a mini-skirt and boots. This chocolate-y vegan leather option from Bardot looks far more expensive than it is.
Key features:
- Outer: 100% polyurethane
- Main: 55% polyester, 45% cotton
- Lining: 97% polyester, 3% elastane
- Length: 120cm
02
Henne, Valentina Jean
$229 at Henne
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a perfect pair of jeans and the Henne, Valentina is universally loved. The straight leg, high waisted silhouette is classic and flattering and the new dark indigo colourway can be easily dressed up or down.
Key features:
- High rise straight leg
- 100% cotton
- 5 button closure
- 5 pocket design
- Matte silver hardware
- Also available in: light wash, indigo, indigo wash, white and black wash
03
Cos, Pleated Barrel-Leg Pants
$225 at COS
There’s nothing chicer than a pleated pant worn with a loafer and this barrel leg style pair from COS are perfect for winter. Whether worn with a oversized shirt, tight baby tee or turtleneck you can do no wrong in these.
Key features:
- Button and zip closures
- Wool blend
- Also available in brown
04
Scanlan and Theodore, Loafer 2.5
$650 at Scanlan and Theodore
A sleek interpretation on the trending loafer this elegant take on the classic style is truly timeless and will look chic paired with anything. Even better? The supple double leather lining makes these loafers comfortable from first wear, no painful breaking in time to factor in.
Key features:
- Round toe
- Low stacked heel
- Italian cow leather
- Leather lining
- Also available in: brown
05
Kivari, Remi Denim Vest
$249 at Kivari
A shirt waistcoat is an endlessly versatile wardrobe piece that will make adding a point of interest to your look easy. This oversized waistcoat from Kivari plays with classic and unexpected details. Featuring iconic gold hardware it also has a playful band collar and is cinched at the back from a structured silhouette. Throw it over a turtleneck winter then wear it solo or open over a singlet in summer.
Key Features:
- 100% cotton
- Exposed button fly with signature logo buttons
- Split opening
- Leather logo patch
- Front patch pockets
06
Viktoria & Woods, Hart Merino Cardigan
$390 at Viktoria & Woods
This chic cropped option from Viktoria & Wood is the quintessential winter cardigan complete with relaxed fit, round collar and ribbed hem and sleeves. Snuggle up in at home or throw on as you skip out the door, it’s pure comfort.
Key Features:
- Available in eight colours
- 100% Merino Wool
- Knitted in Melbourne
Related article:
- Where To Shop For Your Office Capsule Wardrobe
- 5 Must-Have Pieces For A Capsule Collection That’s Anything But Boring
- How To Wear Your Favourite Dresses In The Depths Of Winter
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