Winter 2024 Capsule Wardrobe: 30 Items for a Casual Chic Style

Experiencing my first London winter was a unique blend of chilliness and captivating beauty. The days leading up to Christmas are imbued with enchantment, and coziness takes on a whole new depth of meaning. This year, I’m truly getting a sense of what a’real winter’ feels like, complete with biting cold and the necessity of thermal wear. I’ve also come to realize the importance of a good coat – or better yet, multiple coats to suit varying degrees of cold.

In preparing for these frosty months, I feel well-equipped. My primary motivation in assembling this year’s winter capsule was to ensure warmth. Nevertheless, I am confident that style and warmth can coexist, and thus, I didn’t feel the need to compromise one for the other. One notable difference between this capsule and my previous ones is the absence of blazers. Additionally, I had to reassess my knitwear collection, setting aside my lighter knits for now. These pieces are more suited to my autumn capsule, and I anticipate their return in spring.

Capsule Wardrobe Planning – Finding Inspiration

The focal points of my winter mood board are well-tailored wool coats, oversized knits, and trousers made of wool or corduroy that offer warmth during the chilly days. The dominant color scheme in my wardrobe comprises shades of brown and navy with a dash of vibrant red. My layering strategy for this winter primarily involves accessorizing with scarves and bags, worn atop a bulky coat.

Winter Capsule New Additions

I’ve recently added five new items to my winter capsule, comprising two coats, two knits, and a pair of boots. Initially, I had only brought one wool coat with me to London, intending to purchase another upon arrival.

The two knits I’ve added to my collection are brand new. The navy crewneck knit has been a coveted item since the previous winter, and it’s seen frequent use since its purchase. I’ve set a guideline for myself that each new addition to my wardrobe should supplant an item I no longer wish to keep. Finally, I’ve incorporated a pair of casual lace-up boots into my wardrobe. They’re my go-to for weekend outings, whether we’re travelling or simply strolling in the park. They’re immensely comfortable and perfectly suited for muddy terrain.

Items in The Winter Capsule

Outerwear

This winter, my focus is on cozy coats. I’ve added two wool coats in navy and mink hues, along with a chocolate brown puffer coat to my collection. Each of these coats offers varying levels of thickness and warmth. The puffer coat provides the highest degree of warmth, followed by the 100% wool navy coat and the mink coat made of 65% wool. This allows me to have an array of choices for both cold and extremely cold days.

Tops & Button-ups
Primarily, my tops and button-ups serve as foundational layers beneath heftier knits. Occasionally, I’ll also layer button-ups over a turtleneck. The current capsule features a denim button-up and an olive green silk one. Additionally, I’ve included three turtlenecks in black, beige, and striped designs.

Knitwear
My winter wardrobe boasts an assortment of knits. I’ve increasingly found myself gravitating towards substantial, chunky knits in recent years. This capsule incorporates four basic crewneck knits, a cardigan, two turtleneck knits in brown and beige, and a striped knit. With red being a trending color this season, it was the ideal time to bring my Everlane red cashmere knit out of storage.

Trousers
To ensure warmth this winter, I’ve opted for heavy trousers or thermal leggings. Hence, my capsule includes warm pants such as corduroy and wool trousers. I’ve also selected three pairs of jeans that can accommodate thermals underneath or are crafted from thicker cotton, reducing the need for an extra layer at times.

Shoes
The footwear in my capsule comprises a pair of Converse and three pairs of boots. These include black boots, brown Croc Chelsea boots, and beige lace-up boots.

Outfit Ideas

This is a small selection of the outfit ideas I can create from this capsule. So far, I have been enjoying playing with layers and using my new coats as an extra layer of warmth, which fits harmoniously with my colour palette.

Adapting to the climate in a new country can indeed be a challenge. Yet, the prospect of redefining my wardrobe in a fresh setting fills me with anticipation. This capsule is primarily designed to meet my day-to-day needs and provide warmth throughout the winter. However, it also mirrors my personal style, striking a harmonious balance between functionality and sophistication.