It’s been a while since I’ve done a proper capsule wardrobe.

And I miss it.

I miss the structure.

I miss the focus.

I miss the ease.

Not to be all philosophical but I have felt like a ship untethered to the shore for the past 6 months, in more ways than one. But especially in terms of my wardrobe.

I have been venturing away from my “personal style” to try new things. While it was a fun distraction from everything that’s been going on, I didn’t really like a lot of those things. All I really did was waste money.

To get back on track, in terms of both my personal style as well as my budget, I am implementing a winter capsule wardrobe.

This capsule will run from 1/11 – 3/20. It will end on the first day of spring, at which point I will switch over to a spring capsule wardrobe.

I have settled on 35 items for this capsule. There are presently 29 items in the capsule. I am holding 6 spaces for any clothing items that I find and absolutely love or items that I make over the next few months.

The capsule will exclude shoes, coats and accessories. We get pretty cold winters and I like to have flexibility depending on the weather. And I usually just wear a few of the same accessories every day.

If you are interested in trying a capsule wardrobe but are unsure of how to start, check out this post.

How did I choose the items for my winter capsule wardrobe?

I always begin selecting items for my capsule wardrobe by choosing my favorite pieces. These are the items that I know I will be excited to wear over and over. Then I build the rest of the capsule around that.

✨ For me, the first section that I dive into is the dress section. I just love the comfort and versatility of a dress. I love layering a sweater over a dress to make it look like a skirt. This is probably why I only own a few skirts!

✨ Sweaters are my next favorite section to choose from. I pick the ones that make me feel the happiest first. Then I fill in with good layering pieces, like a lightweight wool turtleneck.

✨ Trousers/pants are next. During winter, I want them to be able to be worn under pants for extra warmth. But I also want them to look good with the other items in the capsule. They need to be functional and comfortable!

✨ Once I have chosen from these categories, I start pulling filler pieces such as tops, shirts, vests, jumpsuits or skirts. These are the smaller and less worn sections in my wardrobe so I leave these to the end.

My Capsule Wardrobe Items

Dresses:

Top (l-r): Mansur Gavriel Blue Dress (secondhand); Tomas Maier Denim Dress/Duster (secondhand); Burberry Floral Dress (secondhand); Merchant & Mills Ellis Dress Pattern made with Plaid Flannel Fabric.

Bottom (l-r): Co. Brown Dress (secondhand); Tradlands Black Nova Dress (gifted); LL Bean Black Sweater Dress (vintage); Lara Krude White Dress (secondhand).

Sweaters:

Top (l-r): Eileen Fisher Ivory Cashmere Sweater (old); Eileen Fisher Renew Oatmeal Cashmere Sweater (secondhand, gifted); Eileen Fisher Brown Cashmere Sweater (gifted), Everlane Wool Sweater (secondhand); J.Crew Navy Wool Sweater (secondhand).

Bottom (l-r): Vince Grey Wool Turtleneck (secondhand); Poetry Grey Wool Cropped Sweater (secondhand); Black Wool Sweater (vintage); L’envers Gaby Cardigan (gifted).

Trousers/Pants:

Top (l-r): Current/Elliott Khaki Pants (secondhand); Eileen Fisher Renew Brown Pants (secondhand, gifted); Sew Liberated Arenite Pants made with Caramel Silk Noil Fabric.

Bottom (l-r): Old Navy Leopard Print Pants (secondhand); Black Wool Trousers (secondhand); Agolde Black Jeans (secondhand).

Other:

Top (l-r): Sag Harbour Tan Wool Blazer (vintage); Outer Known Blanket Shirt (gifted from a friend); Everlane Black Bodysuit (old).

Bottom (l-r): Eileen Fisher Renew Green Wool Vest (secondhand, gifted); Elizabeth Suzann Black Silk Jumpsuit (old); Black Suede Skirt (vintage).

* I have listed the items brands for your information. Some of the above mentioned brands are fast fashion and I would recommend that you find similar items secondhand.

It is always my hope that you look at my posts as a source of inspiration for your own wardrobe and that you find new ideas. I will never encourage you to shop. It is my hope that we can all become more intentional with our wardrobes so that we consume less. I apply this statement to my own wardrobe as well.

About this selection of clothes:

✨ The majority of these items (20) are secondhand, either from local or online sources – 69% – of these:

• 14 were purchased – 48.3%
• 3 were previously gifted – 10.3%
• 3 are vintage – 10.3%

✨ 2 are handmade – 7%

✨ 4 are new and were gifted- 14%

✨ The rest are old items that I purchased new but are no longer available – 10%

As I mentioned above, there are only 29 items presented in this post. The remaining 6 spots will be filled with items that I find and love. Or things that I make over the next few months. I have no plans to go shopping and I tend to make items slowly so 6 spaces will be lots.

To make sure that you see how I’m styling this capsule wardrobe over the next few months, follow me on Instagram (@uncomplicatedspaces). I post (almost) daily outfit pics!

Until next time,

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