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BUILDING A WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE

When autumn begins to blend into winter, there’s a slight shift in our wardrobes. The gauges of knitwear get heavier, the oversized scarves become a daily demand and the ‘big coat’ returns. Enter the need for winter outfits that are easy to pull together, yet remain effortlessly stylish. That’s where a capsule wardrobe steps in.

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WHAT IS A CAPSULE WARDROBE?

Focussed on quality over quantity, a capsule wardrobe is a well-considered, smaller collection of clothing, footwear and accessories that can be worn in several different ways, for every occasion.

These wardrobes often feature ‘invest now, love forever’ styles that are crafted from quality fabrics that have been designed to last. The overall aim for having a capsule wardrobe is that once you have one, you can always add to it, but you’ll never need to start from scratch again.

HOW TO BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE

If you’re looking to create a winter capsule, the place to start is with your current wardrobe. Take time to highlight any staple pieces such as quality knits and tops, that you always lean on, and then donate the ones that haven’t seen the light of day in a while.

Once you know what you’re already working with, then you can consider the colour palette. The obvious colours for creating a capsule are neutrals - think black, browns, creams, navy, tans - as they go with everything and are truly timeless. But it’s also important to remember that a capsule wardrobe must work with your lifestyle and you should not neglect your own individual style. If you love colours or prints, then introduce a few accents into the mix.

When it comes to searching for new pieces to sit in your capsule wardrobe, be prepared for it to take a little while and require some investment. You’ll be thankful in the long-run as it’s key for building a long-lasting wardrobe that stands the test of time. Try to avoid trend-led styles and air on the side of timeless. Timeless shapes, necklines, colours, fits and designs.

Opt for higher gauge knitwear, 100% wools, cottons and cashmere jumpers (or at least high content) and look for those finer details such as quality trims and seams.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
OF A CAPSULE WARDROBE?

There’s a reason why capsule wardrobes have become ever more popular, as owning one comes with many benefits to both you, and the environment.

1. TIME SAVING

Having a refined collection of styles reduces the amount of time you spend putting an outfit together, as you now have a collection of clothes that naturally work with one another.

2. SPACE SAVING

Your wardrobe will no longer look overwhelmed or chaotic as there will be fewer pieces on the rail. You’ll have had a good clear out of unworn items and the result will be a simplistic and clutter-free space.

3. SAVES MONEY

While starting a capsule wardrobe can require some investment at the beginning, in the long run it will save you money. The clothing is better quality so won’t need to be replaced as often.

4. PROMOTES SLOW FASHION

By choosing timelessness over trends, you’ll be doing your part for the environment by moving away from ‘fast fashion’. When refining your wardrobe initially, you’ll have passed-on any unwanted items which reduces the amount going to landfill and encourages the pre-loved fashion movement.

WINTER OUTFITS FOR WOMEN

Having your capsule wardrobe will make the process of putting together winter outfit ideas easier, giving you more time to actually enjoy the season. When adding additional items on top of your basics, consider their end use and how often you’ll wear them. A women’s crew neck jumper can be worn multiple ways and layered-up, so it’s worth, over time, having a few of those on hand.

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You won’t always want to wear knits, instead preferring a more relaxed and comfy alternative that can be worn indoors as well as out. So, one reliable half zip sweatshirt or fleece jacket is a must. Go for an oversized fit to level-up the comfort and allow room for layers too.

With the winter season playing host to the likes of Christmas, New Year’s Eve and all the parties these occasions might bring, welcoming in a few pieces that are easy to dress up or down is a great idea. A pair of women’s corduroy trousers is the perfect example. A wide leg is a stylish choice but select a fit that feels timeless to you, and a richer colour (such as brown or burgundy) that is seasonally relevant. Adding one, or a few, blouses into the capsule speaks to this day-to-night dressing too. Opt for one plain style that can sit back with anything in your wardrobe, and one playful or embellished blouse that might be more party-worthy.

Your capsule doesn’t just exist inside your bedroom wardrobe, it extends to the coat and shoe rack too. A ladies’ winter coat is an obvious addition and it’s always worth investing in a quality one now, to avoid having to repurchase another next year. Look for a longline style to ensure ultimate coverage in cold weather, and then decide what you need out of your coat. A wool coat will automatically tick the style box, while a padded coat will have the edge when it comes to practicality. If your budget allows, then having one of each style will ensure you’re covered for every eventuality.

Finally, footwear. Winter lends itself to those trusty leather boots we all know and love. They return every autumn and winter, making them a true wardrobe staple. Having one pair in black and the other in a rich chestnut or tan colour will guarantee you have footwear that complements all outfits. And not forgetting those wellies. They might not be the first thing you introduce into your capsule wardrobe, but they certainly deserve a space - and believe it or not, they can look stylish too.

MENS WINTER OUTFITS

As with all wardrobes, they should always cater to a lifestyle, and might even be divided into two - work and play. The former being dominated by more formal shirts and slim fit chino trousers and the latter more of those time-off pieces. Softer fabrics such as cottons, cashmeres and lambswool very much have a place in men’s style for winter. A men’s crew neck jumper in any of these compositions will add an enduring and much-needed hardy touch to his wardrobe. When it comes to the bottom half, jeans are of course amongst the line-up of styles, but for a winter capsule in particular, there’s nothing better than a pair of cord trousers. Combining style with practicality, they are what will set his look apart in the season.

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When building men’s outfits for winter,‘basics’ such as t-shirts and a quarter zip jumper play a key part. With the likelihood that these will remain in the wardrobe from one season to the next, it’s always worth investing well in the staples. Bringing in neutral t-shirts, as well as several coloured or striped options, means they can be layered, mixed and matched. While classic Oxford shirts are often reserved for formal occasions, his laid-back capsule wardrobe should still include some shirts - of the checked variety. Men’s checked shirts are truly timeless as they can be dressed up or down.

Lastly, winter is where attention turns to the colder weather and when a coat becomes necessary. Even if he’s reluctant to admit it. A men’s fleece gilet, regardless of the season, is always a wardrobe essential. In the winter it acts as another shield to the cold, while in the spring months when worn over a t-shirt it performs the job of a lighter layer. When choosing a men’s winter coat consideration should be paid to its hardwearing nature and final use. Someone who is regularly venturing outdoors will require an all-singing-all-dancing waterproof coat, while a lighter, commuter-style jacket, that is still warm but less bulky, is great for on the go.