Every year, when the holiday season rolls around, flashy new pieces try to catch our attention. Sequins, sparkles, and shine galore are around every corner! And while these might be the perfect pieces for your next holiday party, there’s much more to winter style than cocktail party attire. When the parties quiet down and you’re ready to get back to basics, these are the 11 wardrobe essentials you should make sure you have in your wardrobe to create chic women’s winter outfits.
1. A Wool Coat
j.crew
Car Coat in Italian Boiled Wool
If you live in a cold winter climate, a wool coat should top the list of your winter wardrobe essentials! It’s a piece that’s as practical as it is classic and chic. The thick wool will keep you plenty warm throughout the coldest months of the year, while the timeless design elevates any of your women’s winter outfits.
Of course, not all wool coats are created equal. If you want a coat with a high percentage of real wool, it’s probably going to end up being more of an investment piece and cost a little bit more. If that’s the case, stick with a neutral color and a classic design – this will ensure it’s a piece you reach for again and again year after year. Plus, a neutral color is easy to pair with your other wardrobe staples.
A wool blend is also an option – it might have other fabric types mixed in with wool, but will probably end up costing much less. If you want to have a few options on hand in different colors and patterns, this would be the way to go!
heels | pants | jacket | coat | earrings | bag
2. Knee-High Boots
nordstrom
Gisella Knee High Boot
If ankle boots are the shoe of the fall, knee-high boots might just take over that role when winter comes around! Although ankle boots are still a great shoe to have in your winter capsule wardrobe, a taller, knee-high pair might come in handy even more.
When you’re styling outfits for frigid temperatures, knee-high boots provide much more coverage on your legs – especially if you’re wearing mini or midi skirts. Plus, knee-high boots are also the perfect style to pair with your leggings, tights, and skinny jeans.
boots | coat | sweater | leggings | bag | earrings
3. A Thick Cardigan
everlane
The Crew Cardigan in Alpaca
Although light cardigans are the ideal layer for temperate spring and fall weather, you’re going to want something a little more substantial for winter’s weather. I’m a self-described cardigan addict, and I love switching to my cozier sweaters when the temperature starts to drop. I like to wear a layer underneath too, so that I don’t end up having to wash my sweaters as much – it helps to preserve their lifespans, especially when it comes to more delicate fabrics like cashmere.
For a casual chic look to grab coffee on the weekend with friends, pair a thick cardigan with a white button-down shirt, a navy mini skirt, and knee-high boots.
boots | skirt | bag | cardigan | shirt | earrings
4. A Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
j.crew
Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt
We’re always writing about the importance of having a quality white t-shirt in your capsule wardrobe… but in the wintertime, you might want to add a long-sleeved version to your shopping list if you don’t already own one!
Long-sleeved t-shirts are a great layering staple if you plan on wearing any sweaters with an itch factor – I love my Sézane sweaters, but a lot of the time I end up wearing a long-sleeved shirt underneath for additional comfort! They also look great on their own. A long-sleeved white tee and classic denim is the perfect outfit formula for an off-duty model look. All you have to do is add a coat and a pair of boots, and you’re set to go!
shoes | pants | shirt | sweater | baseball cap | earrings | bag
5. A Black Skirt
j.crew
New Gwyneth Slip Skirt in Viscose Charmeuse
A black skirt is one of those classic winter wardrobe staples that you’ll probably find yourself reaching for more than you thought you might! There are so many ways to style it – whether you’re dressing for work, date night, or brunch. It pairs well with everything from a t-shirt and sneakers to cap-toed flats and a chic sweater. Whether you want to elevate a casual look or complement an elegant one, a black slip skirt has your back!
flats | skirt | sweater | shirt | earrings | bag
6. A Sweater Dress
gap
CashSoft Relaxed Turtleneck Sweater Mini Dress
A sweater dress is the perfect piece to wear on busy mornings. When you’re already trying to rush out the door to work, school drop-off, etc., a sweater dress is a grab-and-go piece that’s a whole outfit in one. No more running around trying to find a pair of clean jeans and an ironed shirt! Throw on a sweater dress and you instantly look more put-together. Then all you need to do is add a pair of tall boots to keep your legs warm, and a cozy wrap coat that elevates your whole look.
On a night when you have a little bit more time to plan out your ensemble, you can elevate the look of your dress with a few accessories. A bold red lip, gold knot earrings, and a sleek leather bag round out your outfit for the ideal date night look.
boots | bag | lipstick | belt | dress | coat | earrings
7. Trousers
everlane
The Draper Pleated Pant in Buttersmooth
As much as winter’s a great time to keep things cozy and casual with oversized sweaters and leggings, it also provides plenty of opportunities to dress up! Think holiday get-togethers, cocktail parties, and indoor date nights to the ballet or theatre. Plus, if you work in a corporate setting, you might have some big year-end meetings to lead or attend.
A pair of tailored pants or trousers is ideal for the winter months. They’re even sometimes more comfortable than jeans, especially if you go for a wide-leg version. Look instantly more professional and polished when you pair them with a sweater or classic button-down shirt.
shoes | pants | bag | sweater | watch | belt | earrings
8. Straight-Leg Jeans
madewell
The Dean Easy Straight Jean
Straight-leg jeans are a winter capsule superhero. There’s a reason that French women love them so much! They’re a classic silhouette that flatter every body shape, and pair well with a wide range of shoes. When you’re going for a casual chic look, this is the perfect item to start your outfit.
Quality denim does make a difference. In the wintertime, try to go for a wash that’s more of a medium color or dark-wash. Then, make sure that there are no holes or rips, and limited distressing (if any at all). A clean look is usually best if you plan to wear them on casual Friday at the office or on nicer occasions.
Speaking of casual Friday, straight-leg jeans are the perfect style of denim to wear with loafers, a button-down, and a cozy sweater for a chic office look this winter.
shoes | socks | jeans | bag | shirt | sweater | earrings
9. A Turtleneck
everlane
The Luxe Rib Turtleneck
A turtleneck will always make my list of winter essentials! And the good news is that there are plenty of styles to choose from – there are both rollneck and mock neck styles if you find those to be more comfortable or flattering than a full-on turtleneck. The point is having a nice sweater with a high neckline that always looks put-together, whether you’re wearing it with jeans, tailored dress pants, or a skirt.
Thanks to the high collar, you can keep your accessories simple when styling a turtleneck this winter. A pair of stud earrings is all you need to complement your sweater. Add on a few of your other favorite winter essentials like a wool coat, black skirt, tights, and ballet flats for the perfect dinner outfit recipe. If you want to incorporate a little bit more fun and personality in this style, swap out your wool coat for one of your faux fur coats instead!
flats | tights | coat | skirt | bag | sweater | earrings
10. A Warm Scarf
j.crew
Cashmere Wrap
A warm wrap or scarf might not yet have a place in your winter capsule wardrobe, but it definitely deserves a spot there. It’s a versatile piece that you can style in a number of different ways.
For an elegant, classic look, wear it as a shawl layered over a turtleneck and clasp it closed with an ornate brooch or pin. If you want to wear it as a scarf, it’s the perfect piece to warm up a cardigan or layer over a wool coat for a little extra coziness around your neck. And if you’re traveling, this is the ideal piece that you can wear, or use as a blanket or pillow in the car or on a plane!
sweater | scarf | boots | jeans | bag | earrings
11. A White Button-Down
everlane
The Must-Have Shirt in Silky Cotton
A classic white button-down might not seem like the most exciting piece on this list, but what is exciting? Just how many ways you can incorporate it into your classy winter outfits. This might be a workwear staple, but it looks just as good on the weekend with the right styling.
For those who love preppy style, this is a must-have in your winter wardrobe! Layer it under any of your favorite knitwear, and the collar peeking out will make you look more put-together. Plus, it gives your outfit more dimension. You can also wear it on its own, with classic denim for an off-duty model look, in nearly any season.
shirt | vest | jeans | shoes | bag | watch | earrings | necklace
Winter Wardrobe Staples You Don’t Want to Forget About
While there are plenty of shiny new pieces to catch your attention when winter rolls around each year, there’s something to be said about appreciating the quality staples that stand the test of time! After the festive holiday season has come to a close, these wardrobe essentials will have your back through the rest of winter.
Are you all about the timeless must-haves that never go out of style? (Us, too!) Up Next: These Are the 7 Fall Shoes That Can Take You All the Way Through Winter
